Awaria: A Free Phantom-Smooching Game from the Creator of Helltaker

While many gamers dive into challenging titles for fame or valuable loot, my goal in Awaria is much simpler—I’m just trying to navigate its world so I can score a ghostly kiss. After the cult success of Helltaker, Łukasz “Vanripper” Piskorz returns with Awaria, a game that cleverly mixes cute characters with gameplay that tests your skills.

Available for free on platforms like Steam and Itch.io, Awaria might not cost you money, but wooing its ghostly gals takes effort. At first glance, its design is simple: you play as a nimble mechanic in a series of 2D rooms, fixing machines with the correct components. Armed with WASD controls, you dart around to keep everything running smoothly. But watch out—ghosts are on the prowl, flipping the game into a bullet-hell shooter as you weave through their attacks.

As straightforward as your mechanical duties may seem, those ethereal women are a real headache. Awaria evokes the frantic pace of Overcooked, with the machines acting like demanding diners waiting for the perfect meal. And while they demand your attention, one touch from these spectral foes leaves your character crumbling, forcing you to strategically guide these ghosts away while dodging their assaults. If you thrived on the challenging boss encounters in Undertale, you’ll feel right at home here. I, however, nearly threw in the towel, but alas, I soldiered on for the satisfying promise of being “READY TO KISS” at the end of each level.

These victorious moments offer charming glimpses into each ghost girl’s personality as you sneak a kiss. First up, we meet Zmora, who quickly turns into a bundle of nerves and vows, “Next time the shields fall, you’ll pay for this,” with an unmistakable tsundere flair. Then there’s Cutwire, who gets cozy with you only to slyly warn of a future betrayal. Nikita looms over, remarking on your small stature, and Awaria ensures there’s a ghost girl for everyone’s taste.

Before long, these ghostly figures find joy in teaming up to make life harder. Juggling two opponents at once? I had to wave the white flag after a few levels! However, you do have options: dial down to “easy” for more resilience or up the ante for a real test against the machines’ relentless march toward disrepair.

Helltaker fans will remember the thrill of discovering hidden keys for a secret ending; I wouldn’t be shocked if Awaria hides its own surprises. So far, no dialogue choices or branching quests have emerged, but the achievement list whispers promises of rewards for the most adept players. The game’s lively nature invites you to push forward. Levels restart instantly, and with Mittsies’ pounding soundtrack, it’s hard to pull away.

Though I haven’t quite fallen for the ghost girls like I did for Helltaker’s demons, each spirit is sure to win a fan. Maybe I haven’t come across Awaria’s answer to Cerberus, but once I do, I’m sure my Discord chats will revolve around nothing else. Until then, it’s back to letting these spectral ladies call the shots—I’ve got more levels to explore!