Some folks throw themselves into tough games for the thrill or the loot, but I’m just here trying to make it through Awaria for the chance to plant a kiss on a ghost. The brain behind the beloved cult classic Helltaker, Łukasz “Vanripper” Piskorz, is back with another game packed with adorable characters ready to challenge your gaming skills.
Awaria is available for free on both Steam and Itch.io, though getting a smooch from its spectral beauties requires more than just downloading it. Much like Helltaker, Awaria appears straightforward at first glance: you’re a nimble mechanic navigating 2D rooms filled with machines in need of repair. Using the WASD keys, you transport the correct components to each machine. But, of course, it doesn’t stay simple for long. Ghosts soon invade, trying to end your progress, transforming the game into a frantic dodge-fest akin to a bullet-hell shooter.
The task would be a breeze if not for those ghostly ladies determined to zap you. It’s reminiscent of the hectic chaos in Overcooked, where the machines are your demanding customers, constantly in need of attention, and you’re tasked with keeping them happy. And don’t forget, you’re as delicate as a flower; a mere touch from one of these intimidating girls has you collapsing, requiring you to lure the ghosts away while skillfully dodging their assaults. Anyone hardened by the intense boss battles of Undertale will surely excel here. Personally, I might have thrown in the towel if not for the delightful prompt of being “READY TO KISS” at the end of each level.
Victory in Awaria isn’t just about gameplay; it gives you snippets of the ghost girls’ personalities as they react to your charming peck. The first level introduces Zmora, who becomes adorably flustered and mutters threats as though embodying every tsundere trope ever. Cutwire gets close, whispering promises of future betrayal, while Nikita looms over you with teasing remarks. It’s a game with a character for everyone.
Eventually, the ghosts decide teaming up to torment you is wildly entertaining. I wasn’t equipped to handle double trouble and had to call it quits after a few levels. You do have options, though: switch the difficulty to easy for some breathing room, or ramp it up for a more strenuous challenge with stricter time constraints and more frequently malfunctioning machines.
Just like Helltaker, which rewarded players with a secret ending for finding hidden keys, I suspect Awaria holds secrets of its own. The game may have seemed linear with no dialogue choices or alternate paths during my playthrough, but the list of achievements hints that the swiftest players might earn a special reward. The thought is enticing, especially since the game’s pace is addictive. Levels restart quickly, and Mittsies’ pulsating soundtrack hooks you back in time after time.
Each ghostly companion is bound to be someone’s chosen favorite, even if their designs didn’t quite strike a personal chord with me like the demon girls in Helltaker. Perhaps my equivalent of Cerberus is still elusive, and I apologize in advance to my Discord friends who’ll have to hear about nothing else once I find her. Looks like I’ll be letting these ghostly gals boss me around a bit more to discover what else Awaria has in store.
