NeverAwake is a gem of an indie title. Before I installed this game, I had never heard of it. Consequently, imagine my surprise when I played it from beginning to end in one sitting. Moreover, I was able to return the following day for a unique experience and a different ending. As such, this is an addictive endeavour that offers plenty of unique paths.
Developed by Neotro Inc and published by Phoenixx Inc, this is a twin-stick shooter. What’s more, it has distinct shoot-‘em up elements and a phenomenal and touching story. Additionally, there are branching storylines, masses of levels to explore, and unique character builds that change your tactical approach. Subsequently, this short but sweet game is jam-packed with ideas and content.
NeverAwake tells a surreal tale.
I cherish a slightly unusual game. Thankfully, NeverAwake delivers a strange and surreal tale that is unlike anything I’ve experienced. During each world you visit, you will encounter an array of strange creatures and overpowered bosses. Additionally, each overlord is intrinsically linked to its environment and the emotional state of the protagonist.
The hero is divided into two distinct characters. You control REM, a badass hero that blasts and devours her enemies without hesitation. On the other hand, though, there is a sickly child that is in a coma in a hospital bed. She is the real protagonist, but her story and her emotions are only shown through diary entries and the disgusting creatures that her fear creates.
If you can overcome every level and collect every Soul, you will unshackle the demons that prevent the hero from waking. However, this is easier said than done as the fast-paced action and hard-hitting monsters will stop at nothing to kill REM.
Brilliantly varied gameplay.
The action flows between classic side-scrolling moments to top-to-bottom hellish encounters. This change in perspective was great, as it kept you on your toes. Additionally, this approach pushed the gameplay away from the shoot-‘em up genre. Instead, you must rely on your reactions and accuracy to destroy every creature you face.
The gameplay loop is straightforward to understand. If you can kill every enemy and fill your Soul gauge to 100%, you complete that stage. However, if you are not successful, the stage replays again and you encounter time loops 2, 3, 4, and so forth until you fill that gauge. Annoyingly, every time the stage loops around, the difficulty increases. Subsequently, you will want to collect every Soul as quickly as possible to improve your chances.
REM is armed with a main weapon and a special skill. Furthermore, she can unlock and equip an array of accessories to help her on her way. You may improve your defence or increase your attack power. Alternatively, you may wish to have more Souls per kill or improve the speed and power of your special ability. Whatever character build you choose, you must alter your tactics accordingly.
Bosses and unique challenges.
Unlocking snippets of the protagonist’s story was fantastic. However, much of the juicy information was hidden behind boss battles and an array of unique challenges. Each of these encounters was challenging and required a different character set-up. The burly and cruel overlords were disgustingly brutish and tough to kill. Each one has a unique set of skills that must be studied if you wish to defeat them. However, with a little practice, you’ll overcome each of their attacks and will successfully destroy them.
Yet, the unique challenges aren’t so easy to master. You may be asked to find a black hole that is hidden in a stage. Instead, you may have to run through each game loop multiple times without collecting every Soul. Whichever challenge you face, you must alter your character build to maximise your potential. Moreover, occasionally, you will not have the tools to be successful. If this is the case, you will need to move on and return at a later date.
NeverAwake is a hand-drawn dream.
Fast-paced action and hand-drawn graphics can be messy. However, NeverAwake is exceptional to look at. Thanks to the striking sprites and unusual backdrops, this is a visual treat. Moreover, the insane detail on every boss is fascinating. If you then consider the excellent animation and the never-ending stream of projectiles, you’ll cherish this maddening, but spectacular indie title.
The audio captures the dreamlike theme and the high-energy drama. The soundtrack is a little understated thanks to its airy tones and lack of bass. However, the sound effects make up for this because they are obnoxious and loud. The 2 areas somewhat juxtapose one another. Yet, I liked the surreal undertones and the brutality of every weapon.
Straightforward controls.
NeverAwake could have been awful to play. The fast-paced action and change of gaming angle should have been overwhelming. However, thanks to the responsive and straightforward controls, it was a cinch to pick up. Yet, because there are so many unique character builds to test out, there is still some trial and error to experience. Thankfully, this adds to the fun and I never tired of trying out new things.
This approach enhances replay value and longevity. Alongside this, the interesting additional challenges and the branched storylines will keep you playing. Accordingly, though it can be completed in around 5 hours, you’ll still come back for more even once you’ve finished it.
NeverAwake took me by surprise.
NeverAwake is a surprising indie title that slipped under my radar. As such, I believe that many gamers may ignore this excellent game. However, if you are in the market for a touching and unusual experience, then look no further. Additionally, it looks great and its story is well-delivered and captivating from the off. Accordingly, I loved this game and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you unshackle the girl from her fears? Complete every level and gather every snippet of information to understand exactly what it is that haunts the protagonist.
