NeverAwake

The Steam version was released on September 28, 2022, and the console versions were released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 on January 19, 2023, and the Xbox Series X/Series S version was released on June 29 of the same year. (The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions are available exclusively for download.)

The game uses a "twin stick shooter" control system that assigns movement and attack to the analog stick, and the game design is appealing to shooter beginners and advanced players alike, with a variety of power-ups that can be equipped with items and a short loop to increase replayability.

Set in a girl's nightmares, the game features a dark fantasy-style world view in which enemies are things the girl dislikes, such as vegetables, dogs, and dentists.

From version 1.2.2, trigger accessories in collaboration with 5 indie games have been added.

In addition, a new roguelike mode DLC "FLASH BACK", set in the sequel to the original work, is scheduled to be added in the summer of 2024.

Game system

Side-view, horizontal scroll type, but the scrolling direction is various, such as vertical, diagonal, and reverse scrolling.

The stage is looped at regular intervals, and by defeating enemies, you collect items called "souls" that appear. If you collect 100%, the stage is cleared. When you clear the stage, the accumulated soul money is added to the souls you have acquired.

Basic operation

Operate "Rem" with the left stick, and perform a shot attack in the direction you tilt the right stick. There is also an auto-aim function that automatically attacks in the direction of the enemy.

In addition, you can use the left trigger button (L on Switch) to avoid invincibility dashes,

and the right trigger button (R on Switch) to activate special attacks such as omnidirectional attacks and lasers. However, please note that special attacks can only be used a limited number of times.

Accessories

Power-up items purchased by consuming soul money. There are no power-ups during the stage in this game, and strengthening is done by equipping accessories in the intermission menu.

They are broadly divided into "Trigger Accessories" for special attacks and "Passive Accessories" which have passive effects; only one type of the former can be equipped, while up to the number of slots of the latter.

Character appearances

Rem (Main image right side)

The player character. For some reason, she continues to sleep in a bed in the hospital ward,

fighting enemies in the nightmares that are the setting of this game.

Worlds

It consists of 8 worlds and 10 stages, and you can proceed to the next world by clearing stage 10, where the big boss of each world is located. Both stages 8 and 9 are opened when you clear stage 7, and clearing either one will allow you to go to stage 10, where the big boss awaits.

You can clear the boss by collecting the souls that appear when you deal damage to it, but some bosses can also be defeated directly by dealing a certain amount of damage without collecting the souls. In addition, bosses will revive in a stronger state after a certain amount of time has passed since they were defeated.

When you clear all the stages in each world, the "OMOIDE CHALLENGE" is unlocked, and photos and messages will be added to the "Album" section by clearing missions such as "Collect 100% souls in the first loop" and "Attack and open a wormhole somewhere in the stage."