Awaria: A Free Ghost-Kissing Game from the Creator of Helltaker

In the world of gaming, some players dive into challenging games for bragging rights or treasure. For me, maneuvering through Awaria is all about surviving long enough to steal a kiss from a ghost. Łukasz “Vanripper” Piskorz, the creative mind behind the fan-favorite Helltaker, has returned, enticing players with more adorable characters while crafting an experience that demands effort.

Awaria is available for free on both Steam and Itch.io, but winning over one of its ethereal ladies isn’t a simple feat. At first glance, Awaria might remind you of Helltaker with its seemingly straightforward gameplay: you’re a nimble little mechanic tasked with fixing machines in confined 2D spaces. Using the WASD keys, you scurry around, delivering the correct parts to the designated machines. But just as you settle into this routine, ghosts invade, intending to eliminate you, transforming the game into a precarious dance reminiscent of a bullet-hell shooter.

The task would be straightforward if not for the spectral women intent on putting you out of commission. Awaria gives off a vibe similar to Overcooked, where malfunctioning machines are akin to demanding patrons that crave the right components. However, unlike Overcooked, you’re a delicate character that falters upon contact with these mischievous ghosts, requiring you to tactically dodge and distract while keeping the machines running. If you’re skilled in the art of Undertale’s boss battles, you’ll thrive. As for me, I might have thrown in the towel if I hadn’t been lured with the reward of being “READY TO KISS” at the end of each level.

These triumphant scenes offer a glimpse into each ghost girl’s personality as they react to a gentle kiss. Meet Zmora in the first level, who blushes profusely yet warns, “Next time the shields fall, you’ll pay for this,” with the classic tsundere vibe. Cutwire teases with promises of betrayal, while Nikita towers over you, remarking on your small stature. Awaria offers something for everyone’s tastes.

As the levels progress, the ghostly girls find enjoyment in working together, doubling the challenge. I couldn’t cope with two at once and admitted defeat after several levels. You have the option to ease the difficulty, allowing a few extra mistakes, or challenge yourself by increasing the difficulty, facing tighter time constraints and relentless machine failures.

Helltaker once rewarded players with a secret ending for locating hidden keys, which leads me to believe Awaria holds undiscovered surprises. Although I didn’t encounter dialogue options or diverging paths during my playthrough, the achievement list hints that skillful players might uncover special recognition. I’m drawn back to explore more, partly because the game is compellingly fast-paced. Restarting is instant, and Mittsies’ energetic soundtrack pulls you back into action.

Even though I haven’t quite connected with the ghost girls’ designs as I did with Helltaker’s demon girls, each has a unique charm that’s bound to win someone over. Perhaps I’ve yet to encounter Awaria’s answer to Cerberus. My apologies to my Discord buddies, who might have to endure yet more chatter about these phantom adventures. I’m ready to let these ghostly ladies call the shots a bit longer to find out more.