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If you’re on the hunt for a cozy card game that swaps swords for soap, Nif Nif could be your perfect digital escape. Crafted by Springfox Games, this delightful roguelike deckbuilder features an endearing piglet on a mission to cleanse a forest marred by mysterious goo. It combines strategic gameplay with a warm, wholesome vibe.
From the start, Nif Nif captivates with its soothing pastel colors and chalk-like art style, creating an atmosphere as calming as a spa day. The gameplay is simple yet engaging: create a deck of cleaning-themed cards to clear away the muck from corrupted forest creatures. Each run presents branching paths, allowing choices between battles, shops, or restful campfires, adding strategic depth to your cleansing journey.
Now, before you draw parallels to giants like Slay the Spire, let’s set things straight—though both belong to the same genre, their appeal is quite distinct. Slay the Spire stands as a complex, demanding, and endlessly replayable champion of deckbuilders. In contrast, Nif Nif feels like the charming, gentle princess keen on tidying up rather than making a mess. Where Slay the Spire injects tension with each card draw, Nif Nif offers gentle encouragement and chill vibes. It’s less about surviving through min-maxing and more about optimizing your cleansing efficiency. While there’s a slimmer chance you’ll complete a run in Slay the Spire, Nif Nif lets you finish 80% of your runs, making it approachable for most.
One of Nif Nif’s standout features is its accessibility. With neurodivergent players in mind, it includes thoughtful elements like muted default audio and clear transition screens to minimize sensory overload. This makes it an excellent entry point for newcomers or those looking for a stress-free gaming experience.
However, veteran deckbuilder enthusiasts might crave more complexity. Completing a run can take as little as 10 minutes, and the difficulty doesn’t increase significantly, possibly leading to repetitiveness. There are unlockable elements like new cards and cute hats with bonuses, but the main mechanics remain largely unchanged.
The game’s charm lies in its simplicity. It isn’t out to revolutionize the genre; instead, it aims to provide a comforting, bite-sized experience. The addition of a second playable character—a grumpy cat with its own deck—adds some variety, though the overall gameplay loop stays consistent.
For those in search of a challenging, deep deckbuilding experience, Nif Nif might feel more like a light snack than a hearty meal. But for players seeking a relaxing, family-friendly game with lovable characters and a positive message, it’s a delightful choice.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
Review: Nif Nif
- Tone & Atmosphere: 9/10
- Gameplay Simplicity: 9/10
- Strategic Depth: 6/10
- Replayability: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
Summary:
Nif Nif offers an inviting, beginner-friendly deckbuilder experience with charming visuals and wholesome vibes. Its short, relaxing runs and accessible design make it perfect for players looking for a low-stress game. With adorable characters and gentle gameplay, it serves as a sweet and soothing introduction to the deckbuilding genre.
