Nightmare Reaper is a very interesting retro FPS game that immediately shows its inspiration from games like DOOM and Quake. It's very hard to stand out alongside these cult classics, but Nightmare Reaper defies time and provides a retro experience in a modern way.
One of the first things I liked is the menu that looks like an old Game Boy. That retro style immediately gives the game a special charm, making even pausing the game feel fun. The gameplay is incredibly fast and interactive, accompanied by excellent metal music that raises the adrenaline during battles.
Although gameplay is the main focus, I appreciate that the game does have a story and isn't just mindless shooting. The main character is in a hospital and experiences nightmares that are actually levels in the game. A particularly good detail is that the room changes as the story progresses; new drawings appear on the walls and additional details give a sense of time passing. The game rewards players for fully completing a level by granting bonuses at the end for killing all enemies, finding secret map pieces, and completely clearing it. This way, it encourages players to explore every corner of the map and strive to do everything as quickly, accurately, and well as possible.
I also like that the game focuses on precision. Headshots are, as in most games, the main target, and the combo system for multiple kills further motivates a more aggressive play style. A huge plus is the wide variety of weapons, and I must commend the excellent animations and powerful sounds of each of them. I also like that the levels change when you die, so the game doesn't feel repetitive. Each level is different, giving the game excellent replayability, and players can master certain weapons and decide which best suits their play style.
The skill tree is probably one of the most creative aspects of the game. Instead of a regular menu, progression comes through a minigame inspired by games like Super Mario, where you avoid enemies, collect coins, and try to reach the end of the level to unlock a specific skill. That detail adds extra character to the game and makes upgrades much more fun.
All in all, Nightmare Reaper is a fantastic combination of retro FPS action, roguelite systems, and elements of psychological horror.
A copy of the PC version of the game was provided for review purposes by the development studio Blazing Bit Games
