Nemesis Board Game Instruction Manual

Introduction to Nemesis

Nemesis is a thrilling 1-5 player space survival board game that immerses players in a science-fiction horror adventure. The game combines elements of cooperation, bluffing, and strategic decision-making. Players awaken from hibernation on a damaged spaceship, facing critical system failures and an unknown threat lurking in the corridors. Your primary objective is to find the damage, repair it, and safely return to Earth, all while navigating the dangers posed by hostile entities and the potential hidden agendas of your fellow crew members.

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, playing, and understanding the intricate mechanics of Nemesis, ensuring a complete and engaging experience.

Figure 1: The Nemesis Board Game box, showcasing the sci-fi horror theme.

Game Components

Before beginning your first game, please verify that all components listed below are present in your box. Familiarizing yourself with these components will aid in setup and gameplay.

• 26 High Quality Miniatures: Representing crew members and various intruder types.
• 300+ Cards: Including Action Cards, Event Cards, Intruder Attack Cards, Contamination Cards, and more.
• 20 Cardboard Room Tiles: Used to construct the ship's layout.
• 200 other components: Various tokens, markers, and dice.
• 1 Two-Sided Cardboard Map: The main game board.
• 2 Plastic Inserts: For organized storage of components.

Figure 2: The back of the Nemesis box, detailing the game's contents and key features.

Figure 3: A comprehensive view of all Nemesis game components, including miniatures, cards, and tiles, laid out for inspection.

Game Setup

Follow these steps to prepare Nemesis for play:

1. Place the Game Board: Unfold the two-sided cardboard map and place it in the center of your playing area.
2. Assemble Room Tiles: Randomly select 20 cardboard room tiles and place them face down around the central board, forming the ship's layout. Ensure the "Hibernatorium" tile is placed in its designated starting position.
3. Character Selection: Each player chooses one of the unique crew members (e.g., Captain, Scientist, Scout, Pilot, Mechanic, Soldier). Take the corresponding character board and miniature.
4. Objective Cards: Each player receives two Objective cards (one Corporate, one Personal). Keep these secret.
5. Prepare Decks: Shuffle all card decks (Action, Event, Intruder Attack, Contamination) and place them in their designated areas on the board or near the playing area.
6. Intruder Bag: Place all Intruder tokens into the Intruder Bag.
7. Place Tokens: Distribute various game tokens (e.g., Noise, Fire, Malfunction) as indicated by the rulebook for starting positions.

Figure 4: An overhead view of the Nemesis game board, showing the interconnected room tiles and pathways.

Figure 5: Detailed view of various room tiles, each with unique functions and symbols.

Figure 6: Examples of character boards (Mechanic, Captain) and the Intruder Board, showing player abilities and intruder weaknesses.

Gameplay Overview

Nemesis is played over a series of rounds, each divided into two main phases: the Player Phase and the Event Phase. The game continues until a specific end condition is met, typically when the ship reaches its destination or all players are eliminated.

Player Phase

During the Player Phase, players take turns performing actions. Each character has unique abilities and a hand of Action Cards that can be used for various tasks, such as:

• Movement: Explore new rooms, but be mindful of creating noise.
• Interaction: Use room-specific abilities (e.g., Command Centre to open/close doors, Generator to trigger self-destruct).
• Combat: Engage with intruders using weapons and character skills. Combat is dice-based and can result in wounds or contamination.
• Searching: Discover useful items like tools, chemicals, or weapons (e.g., Flamethrower) to aid survival.
• Crafting: Combine certain items to create new equipment or antidotes.

A key mechanic is the "Noise" system. Moving through corridors generates noise, which can attract intruders. If too much noise is generated in a single corridor, an intruder encounter is triggered, potentially leading to combat.

Event Phase

After all players have taken their turns, the Event Phase occurs. This phase includes:

• Intruder Attacks: Intruders on the board may attack nearby players.
• Event Cards: A new Event card is drawn, introducing unexpected challenges or opportunities.
• Intruder Bag Development: New Intruder tokens may be added to the bag, increasing the variety and difficulty of encounters.

Objectives and Victory Conditions

Players must complete their secret objective and survive to win. Survival typically involves escaping in an escape pod or entering cryo-sleep if the ship is on course for Earth and its engines are functional. The game features semi-cooperative play, where players must often work together to overcome threats, but individual secret objectives can lead to betrayal and unexpected outcomes.

Care and Storage

To ensure the longevity of your Nemesis board game and its components, please follow these care and storage guidelines:

• Component Handling: Handle all miniatures, cards, and cardboard components with care to prevent bending, tearing, or breakage.
• Storage: Store the game in its original box, utilizing the provided plastic inserts to keep components organized and secure. This prevents damage during storage and transport.
• Environment: Keep the game in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity, which can cause warping or fading.
• Cleaning: If necessary, gently wipe dust from components with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or liquids.
• Miniature Care: Miniatures are delicate. Avoid dropping them or applying excessive force. If any part breaks, model glue can be used for repair.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Nemesis is a game with depth and intricate rules. Here are some common points of clarification and tips for an optimal experience:

• Rulebook Complexity: The rulebook is comprehensive. For initial learning, many players find video tutorials helpful to grasp the core mechanics before diving into the detailed rules.
• Difficulty: The game is designed to be challenging. Expect to lose your first few games. Focus on learning the mechanics and adapting your strategy.
• Noise Management: Minimizing noise is crucial. Careful movement can save you from unexpected intruder encounters.
• Contamination: If you become contaminated, address it quickly. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences, including transformation into an intruder.
• Trust No One (Semi-Coop): In semi-cooperative mode, remember that other players may have objectives that conflict with yours. Strategic communication and careful observation of others' actions are vital.
• Combat Strategy: Combat can be brutal. Consider crafting stronger weapons or finding intruder weaknesses in the Lab to improve your chances.

Product Specifications

Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for the Nemesis Board Game is not provided in the product details. For any inquiries regarding product defects, missing components, or general support, please contact the manufacturer, Rebel Studio, or the distributor, Asmodee, directly through their official websites or customer service channels. Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.