Nexus Infernum (2019) Board Game

Nexus Infernum is a fantasy board game released in 2019 and designed by Diha and Adam Watts. It falls into the categories of fantasy, fighting, and horror, with gameplay mechanics including dice rolling, set collection, and worker placement. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with a runtime of 45-90 minutes and an age recommendation of 12+.

Game Components of Nexus Infernum

Dice for manifesting energy and summoning skeletons

Skeletal minion tokens

Demon cards for making pacts

Blasphemy point tokens

Portal tokens representing the Nexus Infernum

Energy tokens

Game box with insert (though with some storage issues)

How To Setup Nexus Infernum

To set up Nexus Infernum, players start by placing the portal tokens on the table, each representing a gateway to the realm of darkness. Each player chooses their necromancer and places their starting skeletal minions and energy tokens accordingly. The demon cards and blasphemy point tokens are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn Structure: Each turn involves rolling dice to manifest energy and summon skeletons at random portals.

Summon: Summon a skeleton to a desired portal.

Command: Command a skeleton to a specific portal.

Aggress: Engage in combat with enemy skeletons if desired.

Channel: Channel energy from the portal into your collection.

Upgrades: Spend collected energy to make pacts with demons, earning blasphemy points and upgrades.

Objective: The first player to accumulate 13 blasphemy points becomes the most powerful necromancer.

Player Experience

Nexus Infernum is designed for 2-5 players and typically lasts between 45-90 minutes. The game is light on complexity but rich in theme, making it a fun and dark change of pace from other tabletop games. It is equally enjoyable with two players as it is with a full group of five.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The dark, necromantic theme is well-executed and immersive.

Balanced Gameplay: The game mechanics are balanced, allowing for strategic depth without overwhelming complexity.

Versatile Player Count: Enjoyable with 2-5 players.

Fun Factor: The game is fun and engaging, with a good flow of actions.

Cons

Packaging Issues: The game box and insert design can be inconvenient for storing components.

Card Clarity: Some cards may not be entirely clear in their intentions, requiring rulings during gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Nexus Infernum

Nexus Infernum is ideal for players who enjoy dark fantasy themes and strategic resource management. While it may not be suitable for younger children due to its imagery and vocabulary, it is more akin to fantasy-style demons and necromancy found in games like D&D rather than outright satanic content. For those who appreciate a unique blend of necromancy and strategic gameplay, Nexus Infernum is a compelling choice. However, it is important to note the current packaging issues, which may require some creative storage solutions.

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