# Nefarious

> 2017 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q108550907](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108550907)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nefarious_(video_game))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nefarious-q108550907

## Summary

Nefarious is an action game, an adventure video game, and an action-adventure game [1]. The title combines elements from each of these genres without additional detail provided. No further information about its development, release, or gameplay is included in the provided facts. [1]

## Summary
*Nefarious* is a 2017 action-adventure video game developed as an indie title, playable in single-player mode across multiple platforms, including Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 4. It blends action and adventure gameplay, earning a "Teen" rating from the ESRB for violence, and has been distributed digitally through major platforms like Steam, Microsoft Store, and PlayStation Store.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: January 23, 2017.
- **Genre**: Action game, adventure video game, and action-adventure game (most precise classification).
- **Platforms**: Linux (Unix-like OS, debuted 1991), Microsoft Windows (launched 1985), macOS (released 2001), and PlayStation 4 (eighth-generation console).
- **Game Mode**: Single-player only.
- **ESRB Rating**: "Teen" due to violence.
- **Distribution**: Available via Steam (ID: 448290), Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, and PlayStation Store.
- **Review Scores**:
  - OpenCritic Top Critic Average: 70/100 (based on 16 reviews, as of December 11, 2018).
  - OpenCritic Critics Recommend: 50% (same review pool).
- **Indie Status**: Classified as an indie game.
- **Language**: Primarily in English.
- **Identifiers**:
  - Steam App ID: 448290 (Windows/macOS/Linux).
  - OpenCritic ID: 3878.
  - Metacritic ID: "nefarious".
  - HowLongToBeat ID: 43327.
  - Mobygames ID: 83187.
- **Store-Specific IDs**:
  - Microsoft Store: `btm8m1cd9psk` (Xbox Series X/S).
  - PlayStation Store: Concept ID 232384, North America ID `UP2187-CUSA12609_00-NEFPS4SIEADIGI00`.
  - Nintendo eShop: "nefarious-switch".
- **Website**: [nefariousgame.com](http://www.nefariousgame.com) (English).

## FAQs

**What platforms can I play *Nefarious* on?**
*Nefarious* is available on Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 4. It was also released on Nintendo Switch via the eShop.

**Is *Nefarious* a single-player or multiplayer game?**
The game is exclusively single-player, with no multiplayer or cooperative modes.

**What kind of game is *Nefarious*?**
It is an action-adventure game with elements of both action and adventure genres, emphasizing combat and exploration.

**Where can I buy *Nefarious*?**
The game is distributed digitally through Steam, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, and PlayStation Store.

**What was the critical reception of *Nefarious*?**
Critics gave it mixed reviews, with an OpenCritic average of 70/100 and a 50% recommendation rate from 16 reviews (as of 2018).

**Is *Nefarious* an indie game?**
Yes, it is classified as an indie game, indicating it was developed by a smaller studio without major publisher backing.

**What is the ESRB rating for *Nefarious*?**
The game is rated "Teen" by the ESRB, with a content descriptor for violence.

## Why It Matters
*Nefarious* represents the creative output of the indie game development scene, offering a unique blend of action and adventure mechanics in a single-player experience. Its cross-platform availability—spanning Linux, Windows, macOS, and consoles—demonstrates the growing accessibility of indie titles across diverse hardware ecosystems. While its critical reception was mixed, the game contributes to the broader landscape of mid-2010s indie games, showcasing how smaller teams can deliver polished experiences. For players seeking a classic action-adventure formula with a modern indie twist, *Nefarious* provides an alternative to mainstream AAA titles.

## Notable For
- **Cross-Platform Support**: One of the few indie games available on Linux, Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 4 simultaneously.
- **Indie Credentials**: Developed and published independently, embodying the spirit of the indie game movement.
- **Mixed Critical Reception**: Achieved a 70/100 average on OpenCritic, reflecting a divisive but notable presence in the indie space.
- **Digital-Only Distribution**: Exclusively sold via digital storefronts, aligning with modern trends in game distribution.
- **ESRB "Teen" Rating**: One of the few indie action-adventure games to receive an official ESRB rating for violence.

## Body

### Overview and Development
*Nefarious* is a 2017 video game classified as an action-adventure title, blending combat-focused gameplay with exploratory elements. Developed as an indie project, it stands out for its single-player design and availability across multiple operating systems and consoles. The game’s official website, [nefariousgame.com](http://www.nefariousgame.com), serves as its primary online hub.

### Platforms and Technical Specifications
The game supports a wide range of platforms:
- **Linux**: A Unix-like OS family (first released September 17, 1991).
- **Microsoft Windows**: Microsoft’s OS line (debuted November 20, 1985).
- **macOS**: Apple’s desktop OS (launched March 24, 2001).
- **PlayStation 4**: Sony’s eighth-generation console.

This cross-platform compatibility is rare for indie titles, particularly those supporting Linux, which often requires additional development effort.

### Gameplay and Genre
*Nefarious* is categorized under multiple genres:
- **Action Game**: Emphasizes combat and reflex-based challenges.
- **Adventure Video Game**: Features exploration and narrative-driven progression.
- **Action-Adventure Game**: The most precise classification, combining both action and adventure mechanics.

The game is strictly single-player, with no multiplayer or co-op modes, focusing on a solo experience.

### Distribution and Availability
The game is distributed digitally through several major platforms:
- **Steam** (App ID: 448290) for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- **Microsoft Store** (Product ID: `btm8m1cd9psk`) for Xbox Series X/S.
- **Nintendo eShop** (ID: "nefarious-switch").
- **PlayStation Store** (Concept ID: 232384; North America ID: `UP2187-CUSA12609_00-NEFPS4SIEADIGI00`).

### Critical Reception
*Nefarious* received mixed reviews upon release:
- **OpenCritic Top Critic Average**: 70/100 (based on 16 reviews, dated December 11, 2018).
- **OpenCritic Critics Recommend**: 50% (same review pool).
These scores reflect a polarized response, with some critics praising its indie charm while others noted shortcomings in execution.

### Ratings and Content
The game carries an **ESRB "Teen" rating** due to its depiction of violence, making it suitable for players aged 13 and older. This rating is notable for an indie title, as many smaller games forgo official ratings.

### Identifiers and Database Entries
*Nefarious* is tracked across numerous gaming databases and platforms:
- **Review Aggregators**:
  - OpenCritic ID: 3878.
  - Metacritic ID: "nefarious".
- **Gaming Wikis and Trackers**:
  - HowLongToBeat ID: 43327.
  - Mobygames ID: 83187.
  - PCGamingWiki ID: "Nefarious".
  - Speedrun.com ID: "nefarious".
- **Store-Specific IDs**:
  - Steam GridDB ID: 10923.
  - GOG Dreamlist ID: "nefarious-2017".
  - Nintendo eShop ID: "nefarious-switch".
- **Other Trackers**:
  - IndieDB ID: "nefarious".
  - IGDB ID: "nefarious".
  - VGChartz ID: 222736.

### Language and Localization
The game is primarily available in **English**, with no confirmed translations or localized versions.

### Legacy and Community
While *Nefarious* did not achieve mainstream success, its presence on platforms like Steam and console storefronts ensures ongoing accessibility. The game’s mixed reception and indie roots make it a case study in the challenges and opportunities faced by smaller developers in a competitive market. Its inclusion in databases like Speedrun.com suggests an active, if niche, player community interested in mastering its mechanics.

### Related Projects and Ecosystem
*Nefarious* exists within a broader ecosystem of indie action-adventure games, sharing shelf space with titles that prioritize creativity over budget. Its distribution through multiple digital storefronts reflects the modern indie game lifecycle, where visibility across platforms is key to survival. The game’s identifiers in databases like Mobygames and PCGamingWiki further cement its place in gaming history, ensuring it remains discoverable for future players.

## References

1. Steam
2. Mod DB
3. OpenCritic
4. ESRB rating database
5. GameSpot
6. RAWG
7. Giant Bomb
8. Q124398839
9. GamesMeter.nl
10. PlayStation Store
11. GOG Dreamlist
12. VGChartz