Villainy (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Villainy is a board game released in 2014 that caters to 2-4 players. Designed by Jay Stephens and featuring artwork by Mayfair Games, Villainy falls under the comic book/strip category. The game revolves around players taking on the roles of comic book villains, completing contracts, rolling dice, engaging in open drafting, and utilizing variable player powers to outwit their opponents.

Game Components of Villainy

Game board

Player boards

Cards (contracts, villainy, powers)

Dice

Tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Villainy

Place the game board in the center of the playing area.

Each player selects a villain character and takes the corresponding player board, cards, and tokens.

Shuffle the contract cards and place them face down on the designated area on the game board.

Set aside the villainy cards, powers cards, and tokens within reach of all players.

Determine the first player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns moving around the game board, completing contracts, acquiring resources, and strategizing to become the most notorious villain. The game objective is to accumulate the most points by fulfilling contracts, utilizing powers, and outmaneuvering opponents.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging theme and artwork

Strategic gameplay with variable player powers

Replayability with different villains and contract combinations

Cons:

Lengthy runtime of 90 minutes may be too long for some players

Luck-based elements with dice rolling may frustrate some gamers

Personal Thoughts on Villainy

Villainy is a solid board game that offers a unique and immersive experience for players looking to delve into the world of comic book villains. The game components are well-made, and the theme is executed effectively. However, the game’s lengthy runtime and reliance on luck-based mechanics may not appeal to all players. In terms of pricing and availability, Villainy can be found both used and new, with alternatives like “Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate” and “Gloomhaven” offering similar gameplay experiences. Ultimately, Villainy is worth a try for those interested in the genre, but may not be suitable for those looking for a quick and light game.

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