For fans of both strategic board games and the epic Star Wars universe, Ravensburger’s Star Wars Villainous offers a compelling and immersive experience unlike any other. This game invites players to step into the role of some of the most iconic antagonists from the Star Wars saga. Rather than playing as the heroes, players embrace the dark side, plotting and scheming to achieve their own unique objectives. With its deep strategy, engaging character dynamics, and beautiful components, Star Wars Villainous stands out as a thrilling twist on traditional gameplay within the Villainous series.
What Is Ravensburger Star Wars Villainous?
Origins of the Villainous Franchise
The Villainous board game series by Ravensburger began with Disney Villainous, where players took on the roles of classic Disney villains. The series expanded into Marvel Villainous, and now Star Wars Villainous brings a galactic level of intrigue. Staying true to the series’ format, Star Wars Villainous keeps each character’s objective separate and unique, encouraging players to learn different strategies for each villain.
Game Concept
In Star Wars Villainous, players assume the role of a Star Wars villain and compete to fulfill a personal win condition before their opponents do. The gameplay is asymmetrical, meaning each villain has a different goal, set of cards, and special abilities. The game supports 2 to 4 players and typically takes 45 to 90 minutes per session.
Playable Villains
The base game of Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side includes five memorable Star Wars villains, each with a distinct playstyle:
- Darth Vader Seeks to turn Luke Skywalker to the dark side.
- Kylo Ren Must complete the transformation into the Supreme Leader by destroying the past.
- Asajj Ventress Aims to complete a series of missions for Count Dooku.
- General Grievous Collects lightsabers from defeated Jedi.
- Moff Gideon Strives to capture Grogu for his nefarious experiments.
Each villain brings unique tactics and themes, making replayability one of the strongest aspects of the game. Players need to explore different villains to master their powers and strategize effectively.
How the Game Is Played
Turn Structure
Players move their villain to a new location on their board each turn and perform up to four actions listed in that location. Common actions include gaining credits (the game’s currency), playing cards, defeating heroes, and activating special abilities.
Fate Mechanic
One of the defining mechanics of the Villainous series is the Fate system. When a player uses the Fate action against an opponent, they draw from that villain’s fate deck, which contains heroes, events, and effects designed to thwart the villain’s progress. In Star Wars Villainous, these fate actions can introduce characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi or Yoda, causing disruption and tension as they block vital actions or locations.
Villain Objectives
Unlike traditional board games where everyone competes toward the same goal, each villain has a personal objective. For example, Darth Vader must manipulate and defeat certain characters, while General Grievous must collect a set number of lightsabers. This asymmetrical design ensures every game feels different depending on the combination of villains.
Components and Visuals
Art and Design
Ravensburger has done a remarkable job in designing the game’s aesthetic. The illustrations on the villain and fate cards are stylized and thematic, using a modern artistic approach rather than directly lifting from movie stills. The colors, icons, and card layout make gameplay clear while reinforcing each villain’s identity.
3D Sculpted Movers
One standout feature is the villain movers small, stylized 3D figures representing each character. These are designed not to be direct replicas but rather abstract symbols of the villain’s essence. Darth Vader’s piece, for example, is a sleek black design incorporating elements of his mask and lightsaber.
Game Boards and Cards
Each villain has a personal board representing different locations tied to their story arc, such as Mustafar or the Death Star. Cards include allies, items, and effects that align with their objectives. The game also includes fate decks tailored to each villain, ensuring thematic integrity.
Strategy and Replayability
Learning Curves for Each Villain
Some villains are easier for beginners, while others require deeper understanding and advanced tactics. For example, Moff Gideon has a more complex objective involving multiple steps and card synergies. This range in difficulty allows the game to remain challenging even after multiple plays.
Counterplay and Interaction
The Fate system and player interaction add a significant strategic layer. Choosing when to target another player with a fate card can shift the game’s momentum. Players must balance pursuing their own goals with stopping their opponents.
Endless Variations
With five villains in the base game and the potential for future expansions, the number of matchups and interactions grows exponentially. Playing as Kylo Ren against General Grievous feels vastly different than a duel between Asajj Ventress and Darth Vader. This diversity keeps the game fresh.
Who Will Enjoy Star Wars Villainous?
Fans of Star Wars Lore
The game draws heavily from Star Wars canon, including characters, events, and settings from the prequels, original trilogy, and newer Disney+ shows. Fans will appreciate how each villain’s story is interwoven into the gameplay.
Board Game Enthusiasts
Players who enjoy medium-weight strategy games with asymmetric mechanics will find much to love. While not overly complex, Star Wars Villainous rewards careful planning and offers multiple paths to victory.
Groups That Like Competitive Play
This is not a cooperative experience players are competing directly, sometimes aggressively. The use of fate cards creates a tense atmosphere that can lead to memorable rivalries and dramatic turnarounds.
Ravensburger Star Wars Villainous is a masterfully crafted board game that combines the rich universe of Star Wars with thoughtful strategy and unique gameplay. It honors the legacy of the villains it portrays, giving them depth and purpose through engaging mechanics. With beautiful components, thematic storytelling, and high replay value, this game is a must-have for Star Wars fans and board gamers alike. Whether you’re collecting lightsabers as General Grievous or converting your son to the dark side as Darth Vader, every match brings a new adventure across the galaxy. As the dark side beckons, the only question is: which villain will you become?