Review: Nif Nif (PC)

If you’re in the mood for something warm and fuzzy—like, imagine swapping your battle armor for a cozy bathrobe—then Nif Nif might be up your alley. For some reason, this little game from Springfox Games sticks in my head like an unexpected whiff of nostalgia mixed with, I dunno, fresh laundry? Anyway, there’s this cute piglet. She’s on a mission, not to wield a mighty sword, but to tidy up a messy forest overtaken by some sort of weird goo. Yes, goo. It’s oddly charming.

Right from the start, Nif Nif surrounds you with pastel colors and an art style that feels like doodles in the margins of a notebook. Instantly calming. The goal? Build decks of cleaning cards to scrub out messy critters. You get to pick your path—battles, shops, maybe take a breather by a campfire. Strategy’s here, but it’s so wrapped up in soft vibes, it’s almost like choosing between different comfort foods.

Oh, but hey, don’t start putting Nif Nif and Slay the Spire in the same basket. I mean, they’re both deckbuilders, sure, but they’re vibing on different wavelengths, ya know? While Slay the Spire feels like jogging on a treadmill that’s just a bit too fast, Nif Nif… well, it’s more of a leisurely stroll in the park with a hint of lavender in the air. Might sound quirky, but it works.

Now, something you should probably know, Nif Nif aims to be super friendly for neurodivergent folks. Like, the audio doesn’t blast your ears right from the start. It’s considerate, with nice transition screens too. It’s like the game itself is offering you a warm beverage and a cushy seat, inviting you to stay a while without stressing out.

That said, if you’re really into deckbuilders and crave deep, challenging runs, you’d maybe find yourself slightly underwhelmed. I know some runs can be wrapped up in 10 minutes! I mean, where’s the struggle, right? There are some unlockable hats and stuff, but even those don’t shake things up too much. The game thrives on being simple and comforting, not an epic quest.

For those really into games that push the brain into overdrive—to them, Nif Nif might feel like, I don’t know, munching on popcorn when you actually want a three-course meal? But for anyone just wanting to escape into something low-key and pleasing, it’s like sinking into a bubble bath after a long day. It doesn’t break new ground, but sometimes you just want easy pleasure, right?