Nitro Kid (2022)

Nitro Kid offers that slice of synthwave cyberpunk heaven in the form of a turn-based deckbuilding roguelike. It has a solid mechanic and balanced gameplay that proves addicting when you throw the amazing soundtrack into the fray. Although I wish there had been a little more in terms of a storyline — or even just backstory — that’s not a dealbreaker for an otherwise great game. If you’re looking for a fight with plenty of synthwave flair, Nitro Kid is ready to deal you in.

The synthwave soundtrack by Jules Reves is also an engaging accompaniment to the combat, though it does drain enthusiasm after 12 hours on repeat. That estimation can be used to describe the wider game as well; Nitro Kid lacks the just-one-more-run qualities of other roguelites, whether it be a range of exciting progressive unlocks or a surprising gameplay curveball. The runs just quickly begin to bleed into one another. Nitro Kid’s foundational systems are definitely smart, but its emergent delights are slim, making it a tough recommendation when there’s so many fantastic, empowering deckbuilders to play.

If you like roguelike deckbuilders, 80s action movies, and synthwave, Nitro Kid is a banger.

Nitro Kid has potential, but there’s a key factor missing that keeps it from just popping on the screen. The Codex is hilarious and I want to read more, the boss variety is interesting and the concept isn’t bad at all: I like the animation from rescuing the Nitro Kids and from certain enemy attacks. But the repetition and the need to basically luck into a strong route build keep it from being something I want to come back and play again. In a gaming ecosphere that is currently flooded with roguelite deckbuilders, Nitro Kid is barely able to tread water.