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

Some folks throw themselves into tough games for the thrill of victory or the promise of epic loot, but my goal in Awaria is much simpler: I’m just trying to make it through to snatch a kiss from yet another ghost. Created by Łukasz “Vanripper” Piskorz, the developer behind the beloved indie gem Helltaker, Awaria presents a tantalizing challenge paired with a cast of charming ghostly characters that are sure to keep you on your toes.

Awaria is available for free on both Steam and Itch.io, but don’t be fooled; winning a smooch from one of its ghostly heroines isn’t as easy as it sounds. Much like its predecessor, Helltaker, Awaria lures you in with its seemingly straightforward mechanics. You play as a nimble mechanic navigating a series of 2D rooms, each filled with machines desperately in need of repair. Using the WASD keys, you dash around, delivering the correct components to each machine. All seems well until specters appear, and suddenly, you’re weaving through a barrage of attacks reminiscent of a bullet-hell shooter.

It sounds simple enough if it weren’t for those pesky phantoms trying to zap you. Awaria has a vibe similar to Overcooked, where the machines are like hungry patrons waiting for you to serve them the right items. But beware—you’re a delicate figure who collapses upon being touched by the menacing spirits, so you’ll have to pause your repairs to outmaneuver them. If you’re a veteran of Undertale’s intense boss duels, you’ll likely feel right at home. As for me, I’d probably have thrown in the towel if not for each level concluding with an encouraging “READY TO KISS.”

Upon achieving victory, you get an amusing look at the ghost girls’ reactions to your quick peck. There’s Zmora, who appears at the starting level, and her response is all flustered indignation. “Next time the shields fall, you’ll pay for this,” she warns as her tsundere side surfaces. Then there’s Cutwire, who leans in and vows to return with plans to “stab you in the back.” And finally, the towering Nikita, who looks down at you with a haughty air. Awaria serves up a delightful mix of personalities for every taste.

Sooner or later, the ghostly girls team up, finding joy in making your life difficult. Taking on two at once proved too much for me, and I admitted defeat after a few rounds. If you find it too challenging, you can dial down the difficulty to give yourself a better chance, or if you’re feeling adventurous, ramp it up beyond normal and see just how far you can push your limits with tighter time constraints and machines that require constant attention.

Back in Helltaker, uncovering secret endings by finding hidden keys was a treat, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Awaria hides similar surprises. While I didn’t come across dialogue choices or branching paths in my playthrough, the achievement list hints that swift players might uncover something rewarding. The gameplay is incredibly engaging—restarting a level is seamless, and Mittsies’ pulsating soundtrack keeps pulling you right back in.

Ultimately, each ghost girl in Awaria is bound to capture someone’s heart, even if their designs don’t captivate me as immediately as Helltaker’s demon girls did. Maybe I just haven’t stumbled upon Awaria’s equivalent of Cerberus yet. Until then, my Discord pals will have to brace themselves for more updates as I dive back in, letting these spirited ladies lead me through more misadventures!