If you’re in the mood for a delightful card game that trades swords for scrub brushes, Nif Nif could be your perfect escape from the digital grind. Created by Springfox Games, this enchanting roguelike deckbuilder follows a cute piglet on a quest to cleanse a forest overrun by mysterious goo. It’s all about strategic gameplay wrapped in a cozy and comforting atmosphere.
The game immediately captivates with its soft pastel colors and chalk-like art style, creating a peaceful vibe reminiscent of a relaxing spa day. The mechanics are simple: assemble a deck of cleaning-themed cards to clear away the muck from corrupted creatures in the forest. Each playthrough offers choices between battles, shops, or restful campfires, adding an element of strategy to your cleaning adventure.
Before drawing parallels with games like Slay the Spire, let’s talk contrasts—while both belong to the same genre, they offer entirely different experiences. Slay the Spire is the heavyweight champ of deckbuilders—intricate, challenging, and endlessly engaging. Nif Nif, on the other hand, is like the gentle princess of the scene, more interested in tidying up than battling it out. While Slay the Spire keeps tension high with every card draw, Nif Nif emphasizes positive reinforcement and a laid-back ambiance. Instead of focusing on survival through min-maxing, you’re optimizing your cleansing strategy. And just so you know, you’re more likely to complete a run in Nif Nif than in Slay the Spire.
What sets Nif Nif apart is its focus on accessibility. Crafted with neurodivergent players in mind, the game includes thoughtful features like muted default sound and clear transition screens to minimize sensory overload. This makes it an ideal pick for newcomers or anyone seeking a stress-free gaming experience.
However, for seasoned deckbuilder fans, Nif Nif might not delve as deep. You can wrap up a run in about 10 minutes, and the difficulty doesn’t ramp up significantly, which might make things feel repetitive after a while. Although there are unlockables such as new cards and cute hats that enhance gameplay, the core mechanics remain largely static.
The game’s charm is in its straightforwardness. It doesn’t aim to redefine the genre but offers a comforting, compact experience. Introducing a second playable character—a grumpy cat with its own deck—adds some variety, though the main gameplay loop stays constant.
For those hunting for a deep, challenging deckbuilder, Nif Nif might be more of a light snack than a full-course meal. But if you’re after a calming, family-friendly game with lovable characters and a positive theme, it’s a delightful option.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
Ratings
- Tone & Atmosphere: 9/10
- Gameplay Simplicity: 9/10
- Strategic Depth: 6/10
- Replayability: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
Summary
Nif Nif is a cozy and accessible deckbuilder boasting charming visuals and a wholesome vibe. With its short, relaxing runs and adorable characters, it offers a gentle introduction to the genre—perfect for those seeking a low-stress gaming experience.
