NanoApostle (2024)

NanoApostle is the epitome of a “pretty good” game. Combat is fun, presentation is well handled, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. This is one of those games where it does almost everything it sets out to do well but doesn’t quite reach particularly highs at any point either. It sticks to doing what works but rarely gets aggressive with its ambition or does something to truly go off the rails, falling into few pitfalls but also not being as creative as I would hope for a boss rush game. Nonetheless, I had a fun time playing it from start to finish and can definitely give it a recommendation for people interested in a short but relatively dense little action game.

The game’s last boss may be a little overtuned if you are trying for a no-hit run, which is a platinum requirement, but considering how NanoApostle gets balance patches nearly daily, this might be tweaked in the future. The amount of work that has gone into the game post-release is more than commendable, and shows that the 18Light Game team is not messing around.

While NanoApostle might not be a must-play for everyone, it deserves at least a solid recommendation for players who want a succinct, soulslike package; its short runtime is full of challenging and rewarding boss fights. Plus, I think it would be a great game to take around on the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. If the urge hits for a streamlined, no-frills action game, NanoApostle is worth checking out because it is a fantastic boss rush title.

NanoApostle is a grim and gruesome tale that implores you to dive deeper. The quick and elaborate combat charges your compulsive actions with a sense of fulfillment. The brutal sentiment of the world and state of affairs based on the characters' views are absorbing. The engrossing challenges and fun replay value between strategies with the game's modules will keep you entertained. Great artwork and energetic music help the flow of the game even more. Cramping may occur which may cause some awkward situations when playing this on the Nintendo Switch, but it never cramped my style as I was addicted to the gameplay loop of figuring out these bionic brutes' movesets. NanoApostle is a dynamic and aggressive game that never lets up until the epic conclusion.

Despite NanoApolstle being short and without voice acting or any of the standard cutscenes, it's a delightful game that doesn’t overstay its welcome and does what it does best in the short amount of time it has with us as players.