Faisal Ghaffar 
Some of cinema’s best villains can be found in a universe far, far away, and Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side doesn’t waste any time in bringing them to life. Its five playable characters (Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, General Grievous, Moff Gideon, and Asajj Requires a thorough knowledge) are just as ferocious on the tabletop as they are on the big screen. The end result is impressive… very impressive.
Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side is not only a strong sequel to one of the best board games in recent years, but it is also a smart update that gives the series new life. While the spinoff has flaws, it is also deserving of standing alongside some of the best Star Wars films.
How does the Game Work?
In Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side, you must assist one of the saga’s antagonists in achieving their objective. Consider it a “what if” scenario: if things go your way, Darth Vader will turn Luke evil and Kylo Ren becoming a master of darkness.
That title is also not an idle threat. While your opponents are plotting their path to victory, you can derail them by having dropped iconic heroes or impacts onto their board. The ‘Fate’ deck is vicious and meticulously rewarding (this is not one of the best cooperative board games by any stretch of the imagination).
This spinoff, like Marvel Villainous before it, adds to the formula with fresh ideas that make it feel distinct. Aside from an updated design that’s more appropriate for the galaxy-spanning series, the addition of vehicles really shakes things up. These are placed at the end of your board in the ‘Deep Space’ slot and serve as reward spaces with special actions. At least as long as they’re allies. There are, after all, enemy vehicles stashed away in the Fate deck.
Is it any Good?
This spinoff, like Marvel Villainous before it, adds to the formula with fresh ideas that make it feel unique. Aside from an updated design that is more appropriate for the galaxy-spanning series, the addition of automobiles shakes things up nicely. These are placed in the ‘Deep Space’ slot at the finish of your deck and serve as bonus spaces with special actions. So long as they’re allies. There are also enemy vehicles hidden from view in the Fate deck.
Especially given how full of fan service the breathtaking artwork used throughout is. The cards and boards are stunning, depicting memorable scenes in a painterly style. Furthermore, these same-themed persona movers are among the best in the franchise. Each one incorporates its inspiration’s lightsaber hilt into the design, and the intentionally worn style with flecks of color injected into the mold pays homage to Star Wars lived-in aesthetic.
Final Words
Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side should re-energize Villainous fans who believe they’ve seen everything the franchise has to offer. This is a breath of fresh air that will make you excited to play again, thanks to smart, well-thought-out additions that build new cogs on the wheel instead of reinventing it.
True, the game isn’t without flaws. If you’re new to the series, I’d recommend starting with the original Villainous (Power of the Dark Side is slightly more complicated than its predecessors). That isn’t to say that newcomers should avoid it; it just takes a little patience. Indeed, persistence will incentivize you with one of the best adult strategy board games available.
