Nienix
- March 24, 2023
- HolmCom
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"Nienix is a Sci-Fi Shooter game with physics-based bullet hell combat and action RPG progression. Play single-player, co-op with up to 6 players, or PvP with up to 40 players. Experience an epic journey through procedurally generated galaxies in search of the mythical artifact Nienix, with character progression systems and unique items to suit various playstyles."
Mac OS
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Fun blend of Diablo-style loot mechanics and space shooter gameplay, offering a variety of weapons and ship customization.
- Active developer support with frequent updates and responsiveness to community feedback.
- Engaging co-op gameplay that enhances the experience, allowing for diverse strategies and builds.
- Inventory management can become cumbersome due to the overwhelming amount of loot and lack of effective filtering options.
- Some gameplay mechanics, such as aiming and ship handling, can feel janky and may frustrate players.
- The story and campaign elements are considered weak, with a lack of depth and engaging narrative.
- story70 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally perceived as shallow and lacking depth, with many players expressing a desire for more exploration of the factions and a more engaging narrative. While the storyline is serviceable and spans four acts, it often feels secondary to the gameplay, which focuses on combat and loot collection in a randomly generated environment. Despite its shortcomings, some players appreciate the music and the potential for future updates to enhance the story experience.
“The story is serviceable and there is some really good music in this game (I love Act 4).”
“The story, while unfinished, is serviceable and provides the incentive to carry on with the main mission, though I feel the writing could be improved in certain dialogues.”
“Looking forward to seeing what future updates bring to both the story and gameplay.”
“The story is a bit cringe.”
“The story and content variety are paper thin, but the gameplay loop is very fun, and the customization of builds and loot management are outstanding.”
“While there is a light storyline in the game, the player will spend most of their time flying around, killing random enemies and sorting out loot in a randomly generated environment with a few static locations related to the story.”
- gameplay60 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by deep RPG mechanics, extensive customization options, and a satisfying loot system reminiscent of classic titles like Diablo 2, making it enjoyable for fans of the genre. While the game may lack in story depth and visual appeal, its engaging gameplay loop, quick bug fixes, and active developer support contribute to a promising experience. However, some players noted issues with enemy spawning and weapon skill requirements, suggesting room for improvement in future updates.
“This is a great little game, deep ARPG customization and loot, phenomenal sound design, and satisfying gameplay.”
“The story and content variety are paper thin, but the gameplay loop is very fun, and the customization of builds and loot management are outstanding.”
“Most importantly, the gameplay is fresh; the game goes out of its way to toss new things at you that are not typical for the ARPG genre.”
“General gameplay 3/10”
“Game mechanics 2/10”
“Even if I mentioned all the gameplay ingredients are there for a looter shooter, I'd say it's the sum of the parts together that didn't click with me.”
- graphics24 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players finding them decent and visually appealing for the genre, while others criticize them as barebones or in need of polish. The user interface is particularly noted as problematic, with overlapping text and graphics detracting from the overall experience. Overall, while the graphics may not be groundbreaking, they are considered adequate, though improvements are desired to enhance the game's presentation.
“Graphics and sounds are nice.”
“Gameplay aside, the graphics are very pleasant to look at and leave nothing to be desired for a game of this kind, while the soundtrack contains many great pieces that fit the theme very nicely.”
“If the graphics and low-fi sound design are not already putting you off, you will probably enjoy this game.”
“The UI is an absolute nightmare of overlapping text and graphics.”
“Graphics/art are pretty terrible.”
“In general, I think the game should be polished in all areas, especially graphically, to be more presentable.”
- music22 mentions
- 82 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, featuring a diverse soundtrack that ranges from synthy sci-fi vibes to high BPM techno beats, enhancing the overall experience. While some tracks effectively complement the gameplay and narrative, others may fade into the background typical of space games. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its quality and thematic relevance, particularly in key moments like boss fights and specific acts.
“The OST stands out, offering everything from more synthy sci-fi vibes to old-school MIDI-inspired tracks or high BPM techno-esque beats.”
“The theme music for Act III's first level is spot on to the game's plot and intent.”
“Gameplay aside, the graphics are very pleasant to look at and leave nothing to be desired for a game of this kind, while the soundtrack contains many great pieces that fit the theme very nicely.”
“The OST stands out, offering everything from synthy sci-fi vibes to old-school MIDI-inspired tracks or high BPM techno-esque beats.”
- grinding10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players report that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, often requiring 35 hours or more to complete the first difficulty, with many feeling that their efforts in acquiring top-tier equipment can feel ultimately futile. The endgame content, reminiscent of Diablo 3's rifts, can be enjoyable for some but may quickly become repetitive and tedious for others, particularly due to the lack of meaningful exploration in the open world. Overall, the grinding experience is polarizing, with opinions varying widely based on individual player preferences.
“After spending tens of hours just grinding for the best mythical/uber equipment to suit my sensor-crit build, all my effort feels completely invalidated now (dropping from 30m dps to 3m dps).”
“Depending on a player's preferences, this type of content may either be fun or quickly turn into a 'repetitive, boring, and grindy' experience.”
“The dungeons are quite tedious, and as far as I can see, there's not much meaning to wander the open spaces.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game is generally considered to have high replayability, with many users noting its endless potential for replay and active developer support. However, some reviews suggest a mixed experience, with one rating it as low as 3/10 for replay value. Overall, the community engagement and gameplay variety contribute positively to its replayability.
“There is loads of replay value, and the devs are active with the community!”
“Presumably endlessly replayable.”
“Replayability 3/10”
“Replayability 3/10”
“It feels way more playable compared to Drox.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is considered somewhat lacking, with users noting it feels barebones in terms of graphics and overall design. However, recent updates, including a loot filter system based on player feedback, have improved performance, particularly in cooperative play, making the experience more rewarding despite its initial shortcomings. Overall, players find the game worth the investment despite these optimization issues.
“He added an entire loot filter system based on feedback and actively tweaked it on player feedback so that it's rewarding and saves time, also improves performance in co-op.”
“I can choose to stay as a small fighter, focusing on boosting my ship's performance and playing this like a bullet hell. I can steadily get bigger and bigger ships until the fighters I used go up against are tiny blips on my screen that is filled with mayhem from my own fleet of summoned ships fighting the enemy and my automated turrets firing in all directions, or I could aim for somewhere in the middle.”
“I think it's well worth the time and money, despite it being a bit barebones in terms of graphics, optimization, and game design. It's still worth a good try.”
“I think it was worth the time/money, despite it being a bit barebones in terms of graphics, optimization, and game design. It's still worth a good try.”
“He added an entire loot filter system based on feedback and actively tweaked it based on player input so that it's rewarding and saves time, also improving performance in co-op.”
“The game struggles with optimization, especially when there are too many elements on screen, leading to noticeable frame drops and a less enjoyable experience.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it amusing and lighthearted, making it a fun experience for short play sessions with friends. It draws comparisons to Borderlands, but is appreciated for its more relaxed approach to storytelling and humor, allowing for creative gameplay without heavy-handed themes. Overall, it offers a comedic and enjoyable atmosphere, particularly during boss encounters.
“Pretty funny to just face melt bosses at times.”
“Funny little game for 1-2 evenings with some friends.”
“It is like Borderlands with top-down spaceships, but without the forced narrative and humor that can be off-putting, while allowing you to mod and craft your gear however you want.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report a high level of stability, with no crashes or glitches experienced during gameplay.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its engaging spaceship mechanics and impressive sound design, contributing to an overall immersive experience.
“Cool spaceship mechanics, nice sound, and an overall great atmosphere.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is largely negative, with users expressing frustration and disappointment regarding its current state, particularly in relation to object coalitions and ship manageability. This dissatisfaction suggests that players feel a lack of engagement and investment in the game until significant improvements are made.
