Nekobyte

Interesting gamejam style game. Not sure who recorded that gameplay footage on the Steam store but that's not how you are supposed to play, about halfway through I realised you are invincible to enemy attacks while dodging so you are meant to time your dodge dash right when the enemy attacks and get through the screens doing that. Playing agressively it's almost like your attack sound effects sync up with the beats and can be quite satisfying. It's good that there's no lives/score system in the game and you just respawn on the same screen, removes a lot of frustation and really encourages you to try and perfect the dash punch combo for each encounter. Speaking of sounds, the soundtrack is amazing jazz-hop beats and one of the best parts of the game, really like the vibes of the soundtrack alongside the color palette chosen for the stages. Now onto my criticisms - The guy who double attacks with the long hand needs his hitbox tightened up, it's too easy to trigger him from outside of his attack range which makes him a pushover. Not sure why those big red flying crab things exist as they don't seem to pose any threat? Should be an early game enemy rather than late-game. They a…

Nekobyte, developed and published by Blaze Epic, is a small-scale indie action game that blends retro-inspired visuals with a surprisingly deliberate and methodical approach to combat. While it initially appears to be a straightforward side-scrolling brawler, it quickly becomes clear that the game is designed around timing, spacing, and observation rather than fast-paced button mashing. The premise is simple and somewhat quirky, placing players in control of a hoodie-wearing protagonist accompanied by a cat, navigating through a stylized world filled with hostile creatures. Despite its lighthearted visual identity, the gameplay leans toward a more disciplined and occasionally punishing structure. The combat system is the centerpiece of the experience, emphasizing precision over aggression. Each enemy encounter requires attention to patterns, with players needing to carefully time their attacks and dodges to avoid taking damage. This gives the game a rhythm that feels closer to a simplified soulslike than a traditional beat-em-up, where patience is often more effective than rushing in. While this design adds tension and a sense of accomplishment when mastered, it also exposes the l…