When most people think about deckbuilding titles, roguelite or not, they think of the players as the type to be studious and optimize their builds to make powerful decks that are unstoppable. And they can do so briskly after memorizing the best moves to make as if it were chess.
And so, despite many such titles being appropriate for a younger audience, their target group generally makes up an older, adult population. This is where Nif Nif comes in and aims for a younger and less experienced crowd. From what I’ve played through in their demo, it certainly hits that mark, but is that enough?
To preface, I’d consider myself a veteran to the roguelite deckbuilding genre, but far from an expert. I’ve also spent a fair amount of time with card games such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, Shadowverse, and so on. While not entirely comparable, they share common traits when it comes to considerations on what is “meta” and what isn’t.
These concepts are what make the genre fun, but it’s also a barrier to entry for newer players trying to grasp making the right choices where even making a single mistake means having to restart the run all over. A means of frustration.
Nif Nif alleviates these issues by making a much more accessible game. In its current state, most cards are basic. They either base themselves around doing a set amount of damage to foes or give the player character the means to defend against attacks.
There are a few cards that have combo potential or set up plays later in battle, but it was very easy to understand what something did at first glance and get myself playing at that quick pace I play practically instantly.
It’s relaxing and definitely marks the success of their initial goal of having this be the beginner-friendly title they market themselves to be for children and adults alike. But it’s precisely this that concerns me for the older and more experienced within the audience.
Being a preview build for a title just now getting their Kickstarter campaign going, I understand much of the planned content isn’t here yet. But what do they plan on adding that retains Nif Nif’s identity while still adding in that engaging decision-making I enjoy so much from this genre?
As it currently stands, Nif Nif is firmly in the position that it would be a game I’d purchase for my children (that I don’t have) as a means to get them into the hobby. But it’s not a title I’d pick up for myself since it’d quickly devolve into a click and drag simulator.
Not that this is necessarily a bad thing, as there is the growing trend of “cozy” games these past few years and the game’s art and presentation are a far cry from some of the more harsh games within the genre. So it’s not as if there’s no market for it as is.
However, I believe even young children prefer to be engaged in their gameplay and it’s good practice to give them some challenge to grow and develop. And this isn’t in terms of their skills, but also general things that can be picked up with an interactive medium such as mathematics and planning ahead.
So is Nif Nif a title worth keeping an eye on? Absolutely for parents looking for a good game for their children, but even those veteran players looking for a more casual experience might be able to find a nice charming adventure, depending on how the developers at Springfox Games take things.
This preview build of Nif Nif was provided to us via the Springfox Games. You can find additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy here. You can also check out their Kickstarter campaign here.
