As someone who grew up loving retro platformers, from the classic Mega Man series to modern throwbacks like Shovel Knight and Azure Striker Gunvolt, I’m always eager to dive into games that celebrate the 8-bit and 16-bit eras. Flare Nuinui Quest immediately caught my eye with its vibrant pixel art. At first glance, it seemed like an indie homage to the platforming classics I adore.
However, it’s far from just another retro-inspired title. This game is based on Shiranui Flare, a Vtuber from Hololive Production. As someone completely unfamiliar with Hololive, this revelation threw me for a loop. I barely had any idea what Vtubers were, and certainly no idea who Flare was. Also, I had no idea how someone could make a game inspired by the performer.
For those unaware, Hololive Production is a virtual talent agency housing over 90 Virtual YouTubers. As of November 2024, Cover’s group boasts a staggering 90 million YouTube subscribers following its talents. Shiranui Flare is a member of Hololive’s Japanese branch. She’s known for her charismatic streams and distinctive design. This actually makes her an ideal candidate to anchor a retro action game. As part of the Shiraken unit, a collective of Vtuber talents, Flare brings her adventurous and friendly spirit to Flare Nuinui Quest, as do other members of her unit and generation.
Did this bring anyone else up to speed? Despite my research, I still feel like I only loosely understand the concept. Yet, I never really felt my lack of familiarity with her character and lore left me in the dark. The game’s colorful presentation and fun gameplay were more what I’d signed up for anyway.
In Flare Nuinui Quest, evil forces have plunged the world into chaos. Now, it’s up to Flare to save her missing Shiraken comrades. Armed with her twin pistols, Smile and Go, Flare embarks on a classic side-scrolling adventure. You know the drill. There are power-ups, secrets, and challenging bosses ahead. The game features appearances from other Hololive members, some of whom act as allies, while others become formidable bosses. This adds an extra layer of appeal for fans of the company, who will undoubtedly enjoy spotting familiar faces and references.
For newcomers like me, the story is largely inconsequential. It’s a straightforward setup that serves as a vehicle for the gameplay loop. Flare Nuinui Quest delivers a simple, but satisfying retro platformer experience reminiscent of Mega Man. Players progress through levels, dodging enemies and obstacles while blasting away with Flare’s pistols.
What I actually like about Flare Nuinui Quest is how it sticks to its retro roots. There are no Metroidvania mechanics or sprawling maps to navigate. This is a level-based platformer through and through. Flare’s core abilities include a sliding move and a charge shot, much like Mega Man. However, I found it just as easy and efficient to rely on rapid-fire shots for most encounters. The charge shot does become a bit more useful as you acquired new abilities after defeating bosses. These upgrades attempt to add variety to combat and encourage experimentation. But I found mashing the regular shot was still more than sufficient for most situations.
The level design itself is fairly straightforward, with many levels being relatively short and linear. To some this simplicity might make the game accessible and keep the action moving. However, it also means the levels don’t always stand out individually. The emphasis is on clean, functional layouts that guide players from start to finish with very little in the way of surprises or complex platforming sections. For some players, it might come across as overly basic.
Boss fights are usually a major highlight in platformers like this, and Flare Nuinui Quest actually delivers pretty well when it comes to major challenges. Each boss is modeled after a Hololive member. It is certainly a treat for fans of the franchise. Even for someone unfamiliar with the characters, the bosses are pretty well-designed and offer a fair challenge. They strike a great balance between nostalgic simplicity and fun mechanics, making each fight feel rewarding without veering into frustration. For a game of this scale, the effort put into these encounters is actually really welcome.
No retro platformer is complete without a memorable soundtrack, and Flare Nuinui Quest doesn’t disappoint. The game features 8-bit renditions of popular Hololive songs, which is an exciting touch. Even without recognizing the source material, I found the music catchy and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the pixelated visuals and fast-paced gameplay.
The Hololive branding is both a strength and a limitation, however. For fans of Shiranui Flare or the Hololive universe, Flare Nuinui Quest is a delightful celebration of the Vtuber phenomenon, packed with references and cameos. However, for players unfamiliar with Hololive, the game’s identity can feel a bit nebulous. While it stands well enough on its own as a retro platformer, the narrative and character-driven elements might not resonate as strongly with those outside the fandom.
One notable drawback is the game’s brevity. While Flare Nuinui Quest is undeniably fun, it’s also a very short experience. The main campaign takes just a few hours to complete, and can be done in one setting. The inclusion of additional campaigns starring Usada Pekora and Houshou Marine help extend the playtime. But even so, it feels more like a quick diversion than a substantial offering like Shovel Knight.
That said, the game’s low price point makes its short runtime more forgivable. It feels akin to a polished browser game—charming, accessible, and perfect for quick sessions. The added achievements and hidden secrets give completionists a reason to dive back in. However, the core experience is over before you know it.
Flare Nuinui Quest is a charming retro platformer that nails the look and feel of classic 8-bit games. Its simple mechanics, nostalgic design, and catchy soundtrack make it a joy to play, even for those with no knowledge of Hololive or Shiranui Flare. For fans of the Vtuber and the wider Hololive universe, the game is an even bigger treat, filled with familiar characters and references that add depth to the experience. While its short length and fan-service-heavy approach might limit its appeal to some players, the low price and polished gameplay make it an easy recommendation for anyone who loves retro platformers. Flare Nuinui Quest proves that even niche projects can deliver big on charm and fun.
Flare Nuinui Quest is available on PCs via Steam.
Play as Shiranui Flare in this retro action platformer, wielding her dual pistols, as you explore the world on a quest to save your friends! PC version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.
There's a decent, albeit simple platformer hiding underneath the fanservice of Flare NuiNui Quest. If you're a fan of the niche, you'll love this. If not, you may be surprised how easy it is to look past it.
Published: Nov 28, 2024 12:00 pm