In this NeverAwake review, we will explore a unique and captivating twin-stick shooter game that takes players on a journey through a girl’s nightmarish dreams.
Released on September 28, 2022, by developer Neotro Inc. and published by Phoenixx Inc., this game is available on various platforms, including Steam, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X.
We’ll delve into the captivating world of NeverAwake, a dream sequence that’s likely to stick with you forever.
NeverAwake review: It’s a nightmare you will surely enjoy
If I were to use one word to describe my personal experience playing NeverAwake, I would say it was refreshing.
You control the protagonist Rem, as she battles a bizarre array of enemies, from vegetables to dentists and even school friends. These monsters are manifestations of her fears and dislikes, that create a unique and surreal world.
Jumping into NeverAwake, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I assumed it would be a conventional shoot ’em up with a few jump scares to keep my heart racing.
However, I was in for a pleasant surprise. Instead of a typical twin-stick shooter, I found a game that challenged my strategic thinking, offering much more than mindless shooting. It’s not just about mowing down enemies. It’s about selecting the right special attacks and accessories at each stage.
In NeverAwake, your mission is to confront nightmarish creatures that originate from Rem’s everyday life, that is, things she despises. These disturbing yet creatively hand-drawn graphics, paired with incredible animations, give life to the game.
Each stage is teeming with these loathsome creatures. Your objective is to collect souls and achieve a 100% completion rate to successfully finish the stage. If you fall short of souls, the stage will loop, offering a second chance to eliminate the enemies you missed in your initial run.
The game rewards players with soul points after each stage, which can be used to upgrade and customize their character.
This decision-making aspect adds significant replay value because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You have to adapt to the specific challenges of each stage, which keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Visually, NeverAwake is a work of art. From eccentric adversaries like demonic compasses to unhinged guard dogs, the game’s visuals are both captivating and memorable.
The game is divided into seven distinct worlds, each presenting a traumatic encounter. These experiences weave together to form a compelling narrative that delves into real-life issues.
The soundtrack complements the game beautifully, setting the mood without being too overwhelming.
One notable aspect of NeverAwake is its length — it offers a substantial amount of content. Even though it only took me an entire afternoon to finish (around four to five hours) its story mode, there are still plenty of additional bonus stages and challenges that extend the gameplay.
For those who find themselves indulging in hyper-competitive games, NeverAwake provides a refreshing change of pace. It’s a game that will still challenge you and throw you into situations that require quick thinking, but it will give you the time and tools you need to escape a memorable nightmare.
The game combines innovative gameplay mechanics, striking visuals, and an emotionally resonant story, creating an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.
Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just in search of a game that stands above other shoot ’em up titles, Neverawake is a must-play title that will captivate you from start to finish.
NeverAwake is currently available on Steam for US$19.99 with a 9/10 rating. The game is also available digitally for US$24.99 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox Series X.
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