Tag Archives: cute

video game reviews

Click Mage: The Perfect Chill Resource Management Game

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I was sent a free copy of Click Mage to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Click Mage?

Click Mage is a minimalistic cozy resource management game out now on Steam.

You are a wizard on the verge of greatness, but your experiments send you to a strange world with noway of going back. You must use the islands resources to find build your way back. Use your magic to farm the resources you need, upgrade your skills, and build the tech to make it all work. Do you have what it takes to get home?

Gameplay

The gameplay loop can’t get any more simpler. Players move around the map collecting and refining the resources they need to build new structures, and unlock new abilities and power ups. It is a very laid back and relaxing loop, with a bit of a grind, but nothing unmanageable.

Review

If you are looking for a cozy and chill game to fill your time, it does not get better than Click Mage. I was had my doubts when I first saw how simple the gameplay seemed, but it is engaging enough to be entertaining.

It is a clicker game, so a lot of the systems will feel a bit repetitive. Things like harvesting and refining take a bit of management, and you will be constantly repeating the same type of tasks. There is a bit of a puzzle as you figure out what you need to evolve to the next stage of crafting, but you don’t need a guide to do it efficiently. I found the repetition relaxing and enjoyed the pace and challenge. Other resource management games can feel stressful, so I appreciate the change of pace that is Click Mage.

It is Steam Deck compatible, but I preferred using the keyboard and mouse. It is not unplayable, but it does feel a little awkward.

If you are looking for some chill resource management and don’t mind the repetition, Click Mage is a fantastic addition to any library. It is simple, runs great, and it is not a huge commitment. You can pick up Click Mage for $4.99 on Steam.

video game reviews

Review of Sensei! I Like You So Much! – A Cozy Visual Novel

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I was sent a free copy of Sensei! I Like You So Much! to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Sensei! I Like You So Much!?

Sensei! I Like You So Much! is a slice of life visual novel out now on Steam.

You have always enjoyed writing your fan fiction but never dared to share it with the world. This all changes when a chance encounter with a classmate gives you the push you need to start your writing career. Grow your following as you explore the world for your next story. What stories will your life inspire? Will you find the words that will move the world?

Gameplay

The game is split into a few different parts: customization , exploration, and writing.

Throughout the story, players will unlock new decorations for their room and character’s chibi. Decorations can also be bought with my money they earn from working. These decorations have no impact in the story, but it is a way for players to customize their experience.

The game gives players a finite amount of energy to spend on activities each day. The game does guide players through a few events for the progression of the story, but players can spend their days who they want. Events range from going to work, hanging out with friends, and even going to comicon. These events are slice of life stories that earn players money and materials for their stories.

At the end of the day, players will sit down and write their next fan fiction based on events from that day. Most of the story is prewritten, but players get to choose certain aspects of the story. The story is graded at the end, and the grade impacts the amount of followers gained each day.

Review

The game is still in early access, but it is in a good enough place where I can safely recommend it. Aside from a few translation issues, Sensei! I Like You So Much! is a cute story with fun characters that is worth reading at least once. It has decent pacing with wholesome quirky elements that make it the perfect cozy game for any occasion.

The art in this game is fantastic, especially if you enjoy cute and quirky anime. I was surprised by the amount of customization available. Players can outfit their characters, decorate their room, and even make their own room. The room customization is a lot of fun and I spent way too much time trying to find the right aesthetic that would be conductive to my writing, even though it had no tangible impact on the stories progression.

My favorite aspect of the game is the flavor. I enjoyed the struggle of training to come up with a good story, even though the story is already written, and the stress of planning out my day. Do I want to hang out with my friends or do I want go work to be able to afford that cute thing I want to hang on the wall? This was a constant struggle, but one I was more than happy to have.

Sensei! I Like You So Much! is the cute and cozy game everyone needs in their library. The idea is unique, the story is fun, and the art is fantastic. Check it out on Steam Early Access!

You can pick up Sensei! I Like You So Much! on Steam for $12.99.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

Glitch Hero Review: A Fun Adventure for Kids

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I was sent a free copy of Glitch Hero to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Glitch Hero?

Glitch Hero is a 2D adventure game for kids out now on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.

A strange glitch has trapped Ada’s father inside Codeland and it is up to Ada to rescue him. Luckily, ada is a bright young girl who knows a thing or two about coding. With the power of the Hammer.exe program and her knowledge of arrhythmical and loops, she will solve puzzles, destroy viruses, fix bugs, and save the day.

Gameplay

Ada can move around the world using her trusty hammer to defend herself against the bugs and viruses that are creating chaos in Codeland. The game plays like a simple top down hack and slash with a few puzzles and an interesting looping mechanic to break up the monotony. Occasionally players will have to create a loop or arrhythmical to solve a puzzle. Players are given a set number of actions (move, turn, attack) and a set number of spaces to move through. Players learn to build a loop as they load up a series of commands to get Ada through a puzzle.

Review

Glitch Hero is an adorable little puzzle game that is fun and wholesome, but it is on the easy side. If you’re looking for a good game for your kids that is inoffensive, fun, and educational, Glitch Hero is a fantastic option. The game has a cute and cozy artstyle, a fun and interesting story, and decent gameplay. The top-down hack-and-slash gameplay is engaging and well-designed. The loop puzzles are interesting and help the game stand out against others in the genre. The game aims to teach kids a fundamental understanding of loops, algorithms, and logic, and I believe it is a successful attempt.

As far as the challenge goes, there are three difficulties geared toward different age groups. While I am sure the intended audience will find the challenge adequate and engaging, veteran gamers will find this game too easy. Veteran players can enjoy the cozy vibe, but the lack of challenge might be the deal breaker. But if you need something for your young kids that is fun and is Steam Deck compatible, check out Glitch Hero.

You can pick up Glitch Hero on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch for $11.99.

video game reviews

Love Too Easily Review: A Cheesy Rom-Com Adventure

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I was sent a free copy of Love Too Easily to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Love Too Easily?

Love too easily is a Korean Rom Com FMV out now on PC via Steam and GOG.

After a night of drinking, Yeonwoo wakes up with a headache and a vague memory of what happened. As she slowly regains consciousness she kisses someone, but she can’t remember who it is. Snippets of last night’s events slowly trickle in, but not enough for a complete story. She must now go out and piece together last night’s events, and hopefully find the love of her life. What will her investigation uncover?

Gameplay

Love Too Easily is an interactive story told through an FMV. Players watch the story unfold and make choices that affect the outcome. There are quick time events to keep players on the their toes, and multiple endings for added replayability. What makes this game unique are the interactive hand drawn mini games that break up the action in meaningful chunks.

Review

Love Too Easily is a fantastic FMV if you enjoy cheesy rom-coms. I loved every minute of it, but it can be a little much for those wanting a more serious narrative. I don’t understand Korean, but the acting seems solid, and there are enough twists to the story to keep things interesting.

The film production is solid, but there are scenes where you can hear an echo. The echo is a little distracting, but it isn’t unwatchable. There are also some cringy moments, but that comes with the secondhand embarrassment of choosing the wrong person and watching Yeonwoo get into an awkward situation.

This game is Steam Deck compatible, and it is a fantastic port. The subtitles are easy to read and everything looks good at the aspect ratio. This is a great portable game because you can sit back and enjoy the story.

One issue I had with the game was that the menu was in Korean at launch. This is an easy fix, but it does mean there will be some initial setup at launch. Another issue I have with this game is that you can’t skip cut scenes after you beat the game. I should be able to skip through scenes I’ve already played through. After two playthroughs, I didn’t have it in me to try again even though I wanted to get the true ending.

If you like interactive fiction and don’t mind the cheesy rom-com tone, check out Love Too Easily. It is a solid story with decent acting. If you don’t believe me, make sure you check out the demo.

You can pick up Love Too Easily on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and GOG for $21.99.

video game reviews

The Smurfs is the Coziest 3D Platformer to Play with Your Kids

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I was sent a free copy of The Smurfs: Dreams to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is The Smurfs: Dreams?

The Smurfs: Dreams is a an adorable 3D platformer out now on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.

Gilgamesh is at it again. He’s put the entire Smurf village into a deep magical sleep, and it is up to you to get them out. Dive into unique themed worlds, fight creative bosses, and solve some basic jumping puzzles. Can you save the village before it is too late?

Gameplay

Players dive into the dreamscape and visit unique worlds themed after different Smurfs. The goal is to collect all the power crystals, beat the final boss, and bring the Smurf back to reality. Players will have to fight monsters, solve jumping puzzles, and gather a few collectables along the way. The game also supports couch co-op for those with friends who wish to not brave it alone!

Does it run on the Steam Deck?

This looks a little small on the Steam Deck, but otherwise works great. The controls are responsive, the words are legible, and the game looks great. This game offers a solid handheld experience, especially if you have little ones to entertain on the road. If you’re looking for a cute, harmless platformer for your Steam Deck, The Smurfs: Dreams is a great place to start.

Review

I had a lot of fun with The Smurfs: Dream. As an old person, I enjoyed the nostalgia and flavor of the game. This game features a fun an imaginative world full of life and color, and I would love to see more. The game runs well, but it is on the easier side. Platforming in this game is basic at best, with a few abilities that make things even easier. Most of the encounters are avoidable. Boss fights are creative, but the stages do not reset after death. You can pick up where you left off at full health. With a bit of effort, you can 100% this game.

That said, this game is a fun and wholesome good time. The Smurfs: Dreams is a game you pick up to play with your kids, or something you get for them to get them started with the genre. Its cute, its safe, its a smurfin good time!

You can pick up The Smurfs: Dreams on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.

video game reviews

You Need to Try CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-

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I was asked to cover the CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- demo on my blog. Since the game isn’t finished yet, I will be more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest impressions of the game.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-?

CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- is an action RPG coming soon to Steam.

Socrates is a combat robot ready to fend off an invasion from the Hateful Fruit Company. Just as Socrates is about to go online, Coneru appears, fusing with the android. Both beings must now join forces and fight together to defend Shinjuku City from destruction. Will their power be enough to drive away the hostile alien threat?

Gameplay

CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- is an action roguelike with a flashy arcade feel. Players move through the city fighting off enemies and searching for check points. Occasionally, players will find new weapons that completely change the combat dynamic. There are four weapons in the demo, and each feels different in both aesthetic and playstyle.

Players have a melee attack and access to Coneru’s ranged attack. The ranged attack changes with the type of weapon Socrates carries. Occasionally, players will find find the RunRun mode, which is like the power star in Mario. Players not only become invisible for the duration of the buff, but gain increased mobility and and destroy anything Coneru touches.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it made me wish I had the OLED version of the Steam Deck. Everything looks great at the native resolution, and the performance is solid. I am planning to only play CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- on the Steam Deck because of how good it feels. There is nothing wrong with the performance on PC, but something about the colors, gameplay, and art style makes it feel better on handheld. This is a very good game to take on the go, or just when you want to chill and play something casual on the couch.

Impressions

I can’t wait for the full release of CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL–. This game has cute vibrant art, a fantastic soundtrack, and great mechanics. I love the world, the flavor, and the wacky arcade vibe it captures flawlessly. My only complaint is that the demo isn’t the full version. The simple beat-em-up style makes this game the perfect casual experience, but it offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. The RURRUN mode mechanic not only sets this game apart from others in the genre, it gives the game its life. If you’re looking for a new action roguelike platformer, go check out CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-.

You can check out the CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- Demo on Steam now. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!

video game reviews

I Enjoyed My Time During the Infinity Nikki Playtest. Can’t Wait for Release

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I got to play in the Infinity Nikki playtest. I understand the game isn’t fully released and will be a bit more lenient yet honest with my impressions.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Infinity Nikki?

Infinity Nikki is a wholesome fantasy adventure Gotcha game coming to PC, Epic Games, PlayStation, Android, and iOS devices. Make sure you Preregister today!

Nikki finds herself in a magical world where clothes grant its users magical powers. Using the powers of her outfits, she must find whimstars to unlock the power she needs to save this new world. But this journey won’t be easy. Nikki must fight the spreading corruption, solve puzzles, and gather the supplies she needs to make better outfits. Can she fulfill the prophecy written in stone long ago, or will this challenge be too much for Nikki?

Gameplay


Infinity Nikki is a 3D open-world Mario game with a crafting, gathering, and dress-up mechanic. Nikki gets her powers from different outfits players unlock as they play through the story. Based on the playtest, all essential powers can be unlocked without spending any money and with minimal grind. Upgrading Nikki’s powers will take some grinding and any additional skins will cost money.

Players have the freedom to explore the world at their own pace as they play through the story, complete side quests, and farm materials. The world is full of jumping puzzles, monsters to fight, bosses to beat, and things to discover. In the very short week I got to play the game, I felt like I still had more to discover.

The Gotcha mechanic seems to only be tied to fashion. Players can unlock additional outfits by playing the game, but the game will offer seasonal outfits players can pull from. Pulling from these tickets gets players a random item to dress up Nikki like hairstyles, makeup, accessories, and clothes. If you’re someone who wants to keep Nikki dressed in the cutest clothes, be prepared to spend a lot of money.

Impressions

Infinity Nikki was an incredibly cozy experience that I will continue to play on release. The playtest had so much to do, and the grind didn’t feel so bad. I like that the power level isn’t locked behind the gotcha mechanic, but looking cute is going to cost you. You can pull for outfits with the currency you earn for playing the game, but it doesn’t feel like it will be enough to get everything you want from a particular ticket. My issue with the Gotcha mechanic is that there is no option to recolor the items you pull from a ticket without first completing the ticket. This means that getting a particular look can potentially cost hundreds of dollars. I guess Gotcha game has to Gotcha.

Other than that, the game is really enjoyable, even if you don’t put any money into it. Crafting and gathering are soothing, the platforming and puzzles are challenging and rewarding, and the world is fun to explore. The game has very good graphics with a beautiful world, great character design, and some very cute outfits to chase. The story is very cheesy, but I enjoyed it enough to keep playing. The tone and flavor all mesh together to make a very cozy experience that I recommend you try at least once.

Preregistration is still open, so make sure you sign up to unlock some fantastic prizes. Infinity Nikki is planned to released on December 31st, 2024 but no official announcement has been made.

video game reviews

Into the Emberlands is an Adorable Village Management Game

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I was sent a free copy of Into the Emberlands to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Into the Emberlands?

Into the Emberlands is an adorable village management survival game out now on Steam.

A deadly miasma spreads across the Emberlands, consuming all who dare step into its mist. Luckily, the light from the magical lantern at the center of town has the power to repel the mist. Fill your lantern with its magical embers and venture into the mist in search of materials, loot, and new members for your village. Can you find the means to thrive within the encroaching miasma, or will you be lost in its poisonous clouds?

Gameplay

Players will begin their game with a basic village and a few quests to begin their expansion into the miasma. Players then travel through the forest in search of materials, loot, and new villagers. Players can only travel into the forest if they have magical light to guide them. Each step a player takes within the miasma consumes fuel. Players only have a limited amount of fuel for this light, and running out of fuel means death.

Fuel can be replenished by returning to the base, collecting random nodes of embers, or saving a stranded villager. The amount of fuel a player can carry can be upgraded through quests, increasing the number of steps a player can make in the mist, but these upgrades are lost upon death. Make sure you always move carefully, and you are always questing efficiently.

Eventually, the village will become more complex with different helpful buildings, resources, and villagers. The distance that can be traveled will also increase, making the game feel less repetitive.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a solid port. I preferred playing Into the Emberlands on the Steam Deck despite the slight awkwardness. The game runs great, but sometimes the cursor would disappear and other times the camera would be annoying to control. None of these issues made the game unplayable, but they did pop up enough times to be mentioned. Regardless, Into the Emberlands is fun and casual enough to make it the ideal couch or travel game.

Review

Into the Eberlands is a fun new twist to the village management genre. The game runs great, is super adorable, and has a fun yet challenging gameplay loop. Gathering in this game is simple and repetitive, but the ember mechanics make the loop exciting. It is easy to find that you have ventured too far from the village without enough resources to get back. It is also exhilarating to barely make it back to the village after making a series of risky gambles.

It could easily lose days to this game because of how fun, cute, and exciting the loop is. I recommend everyone try at least once.

You can pick up Into the Emberlands on Steam for only $6.59. The game is still in Early Access, but I feel comfortable enough to recommend it. You’ll at the very least get your money’s worth.

video game reviews

Viel of Shadows is a Fantastic Roguelike!

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I was sent a free copy of Viel of Shadows to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Viel of Shadows

Viel of Shadows is a top-down, action-adventure out now on Steam.

Sirene wakes up in a strange forest without her memories. As she tries to make sense of her situation, she is attacked savagely by monsters. Luckily, she is handy with a bow. Now Sirene must fight her way through the forest, collect her memories, and hopefully find a way out. What will her journey uncover? Will she ever get out?

Gameplay

Players control Sirene on her journey to collect her memories. To do so, players must fight their way through seemingly endless waves of monsters. Combat in this game is a top-down twin-stick shooter where death isn’t permanent. As a result, players will grind out the same encounters for levels until they are strong enough to venture deeper into the forest.

When a player levels, they get an experience point to spend on permanent stat boosts, buffs, and abilities. Players can choose from three paths: Damage, Agility, and Precision. Each path feels unique, and players have the freedom to find a path that works best for their playstyle. I am sure there is a correct way to build Sirene, but I liked throwing everything into precision. I’ll definitely be trying the other paths in future playthroughs.

What makes Viel of Shadows is the ever encroaching darkness that follows Sirene. As time passes, the edges of the screen will close in on a player until Sirene is consumed by darkness. The darkness limits a payers field of vision and hinders their effectiveness in combat. A player can mitigate this effect through potions or orbs from random drops. While there is no real time limit to a run, this effect creates the right amount of pressure to keep things tense and exciting.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a fantastic port. The game runs great, looks fine, and the controls feel good. While the aim with my Uhuru Gaming Mouse (or any mouse) was far superior, it was nice to be able to sit back and play something casually. I did notice dying more on the Steam Deck than on PC, but that felt like a skill issue. If you’re looking for games for your Steam Deck, Viel of Shadows is a great option.

Review

I got to try an early demo of Viel of Shadows, and I’ve been excited about the game ever since. The game has a great aesthetic with fantastic pixel art and flavor. The gameplay is repetitive by design, but it doesn’t matter because the game is so much fun. Combat in this game feels smooth, and the leveling system is satisfying. There is a bit of a grind, but it isn’t soul-crushing. I found the repetition soothing and enjoyed watching my progress through the forest. The game is a great casual title with engaging enough gameplay to be worth the money.

You can pick up Viel of Shadows on Steam for only $7.99, and there is a demo available if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

NanoApostle is the Best Boss Rush Game You Haven’t Played Yet

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I was sent a free copy of NanoApostle to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is NanoApostle?

NanoApostle is an adorable 2D sprite boss rush game out now on Steam and Switch.

Deep in a secret underground lab, Anita is born from a series of experiments. Implanted with an advanced weapon system and a sentient nanomechanical entity known as the Apostle, she must fight against a series of powerful bioweapons. Anita needs to find a way out of her prison or risk becoming a weapon herself. Is she strong enough, or will she end up another failed experiment?

Gameplay

NanoApostle is split into two modes. The first is a challenge mode where players must complete certain tasks to earn skill points and upgrade modules. Upgrade modules give Anita passive upgrades to her move set. Players find modules as drops for completing certain tasks and can unlock them as equipment by spending skill points. Each level offers three challenges that scale in difficulty. Players only need to complete the level once for the pass, but completing the higher difficulties grants more skill points to spend. This can be a long grind, but a rewarding one for those who can master the game’s mechanics.

The second mode is the boss rush. Players can queue up for the boss fight at any time. Boss fights are unique, and creative, and challenge a player’s knowledge of the mechanics. Complete mastery of the game’s mechanics, or at least an advanced understanding, is almost a prerequisite. Do not be fooled by the NanoApostle’s cute aesthetic, this game is meant to be hard but rewarding if you stick with it.

Combat is simple. Players have access to a normal, heavy, and ranged attack. It also has a pery and dodge mechanic that keeps things fast and engaging. All monsters and bosses telegraph their attacks clearly, the trick to this game is understanding the timing and reacting efficiently. Players who can parry all attacks, set off proper combos, and utilize the heal mechanic effectively will have a good time. Getting to that point, however, is going to take practice. A lot more than $20 worth.

Review

I love NanoApostle, and recommend it to anyone looking for a new game. This game has an adorable aesthetic that hooked me, and a gameplay loop that made it impossible to put down. This game is hard, and I enjoyed the challenge. I liked how every time I reloaded a level, I got a little farther and got a little better. I’ve come to terms that I’ll never be a pro at this game, but I’ll still be playing it regardless.

The story is a little predictable, but it doesn’t matter because it got my attention. The story is what kept me trying each level again because I needed to know what happened next.

The only complaint I have for this game is that it can get a little repetitive if you aren’t good at it. You’ll have to grind through a lot of the same monsters and bosses until you master the mechanics enough to move forward. It didn’t feel like much of a grind because I could see the progress I was making with each consecutive run. I assume this will be less of an issue for better gamers.

If you’re in the market for a fun, rewarding, and challenging game, you need to get your hands on NanoApostle. This will be the best boss rush game you’ll play all year, and it will possibly end up being a household favorite. It did for me.

You can pick up NanoApostle on Steam and Switch for $19.99.