a nifty game

a nifty game

Pixel with Hat · 2017 · Indie, Action, Replay Value, Top-Down, Twin Stick Shooter

PC
3 user reviews67% · 3
Best price
$6.99
lowest tracked $3.49
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Steam
Steam
Standard Edition · Steam
$6.99
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About a nifty game

SUMMARY
‘a NIFTY game’ is a fast paced twin stick shooter reminiscent of old arcade games reinterpreted with voxels. Gather powerups with unique effects and collect better weapons to defeat the ever changing enemies and collect their bits.

BACKGROUND
‘a NIFTY game’ takes place in a simulated world, inhabited by various programs, all competing for resources (bits). Defeat the other programs to gather their bits and increase your own strength. But take care, the system gets corrupted the more programs get forcefully terminated. Can you survive the evolving programs and the increasing corruption of the system long enough to escape the simulation?

KEY FEATURES
‘a NIFTY game’ features many key elements from similar arcade games, with some added twists.

  • Procedurally generated levels
  • Evolving enemies inspired by genetics
  • Combinable powerups
  • Multiple weapons
  • Shader effects inspired by glitches of old technologies (e.g. scanlines)

What Steam players say

Recent verbatim reviews from Steam — separate from playze.io community reviews below.

✦ AI summary

Players appreciate A Nifty Game as a casual, straightforward roguelike shooter with simple mechanics and a satisfying gameplay loop, though opinions differ on its execution. Some find the bite-sized challenges and pattern-based gameplay entertaining and relaxing, while others note the game feels clunky in combat and has been abandoned by its developer, limiting its appeal despite moments of fun. The core concept is praised for its accessibility and ease of pickup, but the simplicity and occasional technical roughness prevent it from standing out in a crowded genre.

Not recommended Jun 3, 2025
A Nifty Game is a light-hearted and charming title that embraces simplicity while adding just enough clever mechanics to keep players entertained. It’s a casual experience that’s easy to pick up and play, making it perfect for short gaming sessions or relaxing downtime. The game revolves around straightforward mechanics that focus on quick thinking and pattern recognition. Levels are designed to be bite-sized challenges that gradually increase in difficulty, offering a smooth learning curve. The controls are intuitive, and the gameplay loop is satisfying, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel. While the concept is simple, A Nifty Game spices things up with some neat twists—unexpected obstacles, timing-based challenges, and little surprises that keep you on your toes. It never feels overly complex, but it manages to stay engaging enough to hold your attention. The graphics are colorful and clean, with a minimalist style that suits the game’s lighthearted tone. The soundtrack is catchy and upbeat, adding a pleasant vibe without being intrusive. Overall, the presentation complements the gameplay nicely. Pros: -Easy to learn, great for casual play -Fun little twists on simple mecha…
5 found this helpful
Recommended Mar 9, 2021
[PLAYED ON REGULAR DIFFICULTY] Just from the brief amount I've played, I'm kinda surprised that this game has been abandoned. So, for those who have stumbled upon this game by accident (maybe your friend had it in their library or you got a coupon for in from badges), here's a quick review for ya. A Nifty Game is a very simple 2D rougelite shooter, similar to "Enter The Gungeon" in overall gameplay. Where it deviates though is through it's simplicity and clunkiness. Encounters are very simple as they only involve dodging and shooting, and you eventually enter an overpowered state depending on how lucky you've gotten during a run. Still, I've found myself enjoying the little spirts of battle in the game, even when the clunkiness started showing up. I'm calling the clunkiness an intended feature of the game, given how it ended. I bring it up since there will be points where you escape from the map or where the visuals will look like they're broken. Still, I found these bits of clunkiness fine and in some aspects enjoyable. The only real problem I have with the game is the music, or lack thereof. The trailer might be chiptune, but all you'll really hear in the game is wind. Still, …
2 found this helpful

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