If you’re in the mood for a cozy card-slinging adventure that trades swords for soap, then Nif Nif by Springfox Games might just be your ideal digital escape. In this charming roguelike deckbuilder, you play as an adorable piglet on a quest to cleanse a forest tainted by mysterious goo. It’s a game that combines strategic gameplay with heartwarming vibes.
From the start, Nif Nif captivates with its pastel colors and chalk-like art style, creating an atmosphere as calming as a spa day. The gameplay is straightforward: you build a deck of cleaning-themed cards to wash away the muck from corrupted forest creatures. With branching paths on each run, you can choose battles, shops, or restful campfires, adding a strategic layer to your mission.
Now, before you draw parallels between Nif Nif and big hitters like Slay the Spire, let’s clarify—though they share a genre, these games have very different vibes. Slay the Spire is a heavyweight in the deckbuilder world—complex, harsh, and endlessly replayable. In contrast, Nif Nif is the charming, non-confrontational princess content with cleaning up rather than creating chaos. Where Slay the Spire keeps you on edge with every card draw, Nif Nif offers gentle, positive reinforcement and chill vibes. Here, it’s not about optimizing to survive; it’s about perfecting your cleansing strategy. Plus, while there’s a 20% chance you might not finish Slay the Spire, you’ll probably complete your Nif Nif run 80% of the time.
One standout feature of the game is its accessibility. Thoughtfully designed with neurodivergent players in mind, Nif Nif includes features like muted default audio and clear transition screens to minimize sensory overload. It’s a gentle entry into deckbuilding, perfect for newcomers or those seeking a low-stress experience.
However, veteran deckbuilder fans might find Nif Nif lacking in depth. Runs can take as little as 10 minutes, and the difficulty doesn’t ramp up much, which could lead to repetitiveness after a few playthroughs. Although you can unlock new cards and delightful hats that offer gameplay bonuses, the core mechanics remain fairly unchanged.
The game’s charm lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t aim to revolutionize the genre but offers a comforting, bite-sized experience. The introduction of a second playable character, a grumpy cat with a unique deck, adds some variety, but the main gameplay loop stays consistent.
For those seeking a challenging, deep deckbuilding experience, Nif Nif might feel more like a light snack than a full meal. But for players looking for a relaxing, family-friendly game with endearing characters and a positive message, it’s a wonderful choice.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher. The final score for Nif Nif is 8/10, with particular highlights in tone and atmosphere, as well as gameplay simplicity. It’s a cozy, beginner-friendly deckbuilder with charming visuals and wholesome vibes, making it a delightful introduction to the genre.
