Infinity Nikki review: Fashion is everything. Even the fish!

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As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for whimsical worlds and a closet full of quirky characters, I found myself drawn to Infinity Nikki like a moth to a flame. Now, I ain’t no fashionista, but this game sure knows how to reel you in with its unique blend of adventure, style, and a dash of absurdity.

One intriguing way to rephrase the given text is: “Infinity Nikki, which appears to have suddenly emerged in mainstream gaming communities, actually boasts a vast fanbase eager to delve into the realm of Miraland since its inception. The ‘Nikki’ series, initially confined to mobile platforms, bears resemblance to a dress-up simulation with visual novel aspects. Over time, this fanbase has grown exponentially, and with Infinity Nikki transitioning to consoles and expanding into an AAA, open-world adventure with extravagant production quality, that fanbase seems poised for significant expansion. I’m excited, as there are thousands of stylish outfits to amass, dozens of quirky and endearing creatures to encounter, and various types of collectible, enchanted currencies to accumulate.

This game stands out remarkably in terms of breadth and size, and though certain aspects may seem familiar, there’s nothing else quite like it available for purchase. Games aimed at audiences beyond the traditional “core” gamers are frequently confined to mobile platforms and considered less legitimate, even though they boast large fanbases and significantly impact the gaming industry as a whole. Infinity Nikki, however, confidently enters the console market, and instead of simply following established console game trends, it incorporates them into its unique identity. It’s as if the Borg from Star Trek were more focused on amassing Sanrio merchandise rather than conquering the universe.

Magical clothes-making, and crafting, and stuff. The usual.

In my earlier review this year, I briefly touched upon the fundamental aspects of Infinity Nikki. This time around, as I delved deeper into the game for a thorough review, I revisited its initial stages with a clearer purpose and a more robust version of the game, comparatively speaking.

In a nutshell, Infinity Nikki is not ashamed to be quirky, so expect an unusual gaming experience where you’ll encounter fluffy dogs with hair braids, fish shaped like designer handbags, and socks disguised as worms! The main objective here isn’t combat or survival, but rather crafting fashionable outfits using recipes that grant new abilities to explore this whimsical world. It’s a blend of games like Fashion Dreamer, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Sonic Frontiers, and Super Mario Odyssey, offering an enjoyable fashion-focused adventure rather than the typical cozy game elements.

More than the sum of its parts

The main devices fueling your adventure are called Whimstars, which are a form of cosmic Stylist power that allows Nikki to tap into the abilities granted to her by the goddess at the start. You can use them to unlock story-relevant clothing recipes, stat bonuses, and more across a large skill tree-like structure. You find them scattered all throughout creation, much like the Moons in Mario Odyssey. They’ll be perched atop tall buildings, hidden in chests, protected by enemies, or locked behind various challenges. Some of those are clearly inspired by the Shrines in Breath of the Wild, but others are as silly as grooming a magical ferret or finding a star-themed object within a given area. No matter where you are, there’s probably a Whimstar hiding just out of view.

Infinity Nikki’s platforming segment is another significant aspect, and the seamless integration of controls, physics, and puzzle mechanics creates large chunks of raw, game-like delight. Expect quirky, fittingly odd sights in the air (yes, a nod to Sonic Frontiers), like cheerful birds holding up bouncy nets as if they were background characters in a Disney song, forced to perform endless work. Yet, they seem to enjoy it! While I used the term “nonsense,” Infinity Nikki’s lore hides an intricate depth that provides rich narrative context for each peculiar encounter you stumble upon. It’s during those instances, as you navigate a meticulously crafted platforming sequence amidst detailed, surprisingly dark lore, that you realize the futility of trying to pinpoint this game’s intended audience. The likely answer? “Forget demographics; we’re just here for a fantastic time.” I can vouch for it.

Full of surprises

Although many of the daily explorations occur in ordinary outdoor settings, Infinity Nikki doesn’t shy away from surprising twists to showcase its financial resources and creative prowess. For instance, a casual walk behind a waterfall might unveil an enchanting power station operated by chatty frogs, where Nikki navigates colossal lily pads with her stylishly quirky electrician skills for significant repairs. Delving into an ancient tower storing people’s wishes unfolds a fantastical void brimming with drifting ruins; Nikki gracefully floats through on a giant origami crane, marveling at the hundreds of wishes carried by air currents while a moving ballad underscores the impossibility and magic of it all. The environments and “dungeons” are real gems due to this world’s unpredictability. You know, except for the clothing-themed flora and fauna!

The obligatory paragraph about ethically dubious money stuff

In simpler terms, you might find it surprising that a game like Infinity Nikki is available for free. However, it’s important to understand that while the initial cost is zero, the game generates revenue through mechanisms such as gacha systems and microtransactions. These elements are supported by various progression systems designed to capture both your time and money, often more so if you don’t make in-app purchases.

Initially, I approached Infinity Nikki without much prior knowledge about it or the fashion game genre in general. However, its unique character instantly made it stand out from other games that share similarities on paper. While there are certainly connections to Genshin Impact and Zelda, for instance, these elements serve to create a distinctive journey with distinct goals and interests.

Right now, you can get your hands on “Infinity Nikki” for personal computers (PC), PlayStation 5, and mobile devices. For this review, I had early access to the PC version, kindly provided by the publisher.

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2024-12-06 17:27