REVIEW / Nif Nif (PC)

If you’re craving a cozy card-slinging adventure that swaps out swords for soap, then Nif Nif might just be your next digital detox. Developed by Springfox Games, this charming roguelike deckbuilder stars an adorable piglet on a mission to cleanse a forest tainted by mysterious goo. It’s a game that wraps strategic gameplay in a warm, fuzzy blanket of wholesome vibes.

From the get-go, Nif Nif enchants with its pastel palette and chalk-like art style, creating a serene atmosphere that’s as soothing as a spa day. The gameplay is straightforward: build a deck of cleaning-themed cards to wash away the muck from corrupted forest creatures. Each run offers branching paths, allowing you to choose between battles, shops, or restful campfires, adding a layer of strategy to your cleansing crusade.

Now, before you start comparing Nif Nif to juggernauts like Slay the Spire, let’s clear the air—these two games may live in the same genre, but they’re vibing on totally different frequencies. Slay the Spire is the towering king of the deckbuilder world—complex, punishing, and endlessly replayable. Nif Nif is more like the charming, non-confrontational little princess who just wants to clean up the mess, not make one. The tension in Slay the Spire is palpable with every draw, while Nif Nif focuses on gentle, positive reinforcement and chill vibes. It’s not about min-maxing to survive—it’s about optimizing your cleansing ratio. Also, there’s a 20% chance that you won’t beat Slay the Spire during your run, but you’ll likely have a 80% chance of completing your run in Nif Nif.

One of the game’s standout features is its accessibility. Designed with neurodivergent players in mind, Nif Nif includes thoughtful touches like muted default audio and clear transition screens to reduce sensory overload. It’s a gentle introduction to the deckbuilding genre, making it ideal for newcomers or those seeking a low-stress gaming experience.

However, seasoned deckbuilder aficionados might find Nif Nif lacking in depth. Runs can be completed in as little as 10 minutes, and as mentioned previously, the difficulty doesn’t scale significantly, potentially leading to a sense of repetitiveness after multiple playthroughs. While there are unlockables like new cards and adorable hats that grant gameplay bonuses, the core mechanics remain relatively unchanged.

The game’s charm lies in its simplicity. It’s not trying to revolutionize the genre but rather offers a comforting, bite-sized experience. The addition of a second playable character, a grumpy cat with a unique deck, provides some variety, but the overall gameplay loop remains consistent.

For those seeking a challenging, deep deckbuilding experience, Nif Nif might feel more like a light snack than a hearty meal. But for players looking for a relaxing, family-friendly game with endearing characters and a positive message, it’s a delightful choice.

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This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.