Introduction

Do I even need to start this introduction by stating the obvious? Fine—I love anime. If you’ve read any of my reviews—seriously, thank you if you have—you already know how often I talk about my love for the otaku world. That’s why I’m always willing to try anime-inspired games, even though they tend to be either amazing or completely disappointing.

Unfortunately, when developers try to capture that “anime feel,” they usually miss the mark. Developer Crimson Dusk, alongside publisher PLAYISM (GNOSIA, La-Mulana), seems to understand that challenge and set out to do something different with Homura Hime.

This 3D action bullet hell title immediately caught my attention with its trailers. My first thought? This feels heavily inspired by NieR and NieR: Automata, two games I absolutely love. Thanks to PLAYISM for the review copy, I finally got the chance to see if Homura Hime succeeds where many anime-style games fail.

Gameplay

If you’re familiar with NieR: Automata, you already have a general idea of what to expect. Homura Hime is a 3D action/bullet hell hybrid where you control a powerful anime heroine capable of tearing through waves of enemies.

You play as Homura Hime, the “Flame Princess,” a renowned exorcist tasked with eliminating a growing demon threat. Alongside her adorable spirit companion Ann, Hime dives into battle equipped with a wide range of abilities.

Combat is fast, fluid, and extremely satisfying. Hime uses melee attacks, combos, and special abilities while also firing divine projectiles to hit distant enemies or break shields. While the formula itself isn’t new, the execution feels polished and responsive.

Parrying plays a major role in combat and feels fantastic. Clear visual indicators signal when enemies can be parried or dodged, allowing you to chain attacks and counter with precision. Once you get into the rhythm, the combat becomes incredibly engaging.

Boss battles are where the game truly shines. These encounters often feature multiple phases and require careful timing and skill. Some segments transport you into stylized arenas where successful parries lead to powerful finishing moves. These moments are intense and rewarding, and failures almost always felt like my fault rather than the game’s.

Outside of combat, you’ll explore various environments, gather resources, complete side missions, and unlock new abilities. Unfortunately, exploration is one of the weaker aspects of the game—a point I’ll touch on shortly.

Graphics

Visually, Homura Hime comes incredibly close to capturing a true anime aesthetic. Character designs, facial expressions, and cutscenes all feel like they were pulled straight from an anime series.

Every major dialogue scene and cinematic moment impressed me. Unlike many indie titles that attempt an anime style and fall short, Crimson Dusk and PLAYISM clearly put in the effort to get it right.

However, the environments don’t quite match that same level of quality. They aren’t ugly by any means, but compared to the beautifully designed characters and enemies, they feel somewhat underwhelming.

Some areas do stand out visually, but overall, the environments lack the depth and detail seen elsewhere in the game. It’s a noticeable contrast that slightly holds the presentation back.

Sound

The audio in Homura Hime is exceptional, particularly when it comes to voice acting. The game features an impressive cast, including Tomori Kusunoki (Makima from Chainsaw Man) as Hime and Manaka Iwami (Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket) as Ann.

Additional voice talent includes names like Takehito Koyasu and Fairouz Ai, making the cast feel stacked with recognizable performances. Hearing these voices added an extra layer of excitement throughout the experience.

The soundtrack is equally strong. Featuring rock, Japanese-inspired themes, and high-energy battle tracks, the OST enhances every moment of gameplay. The game even recommends playing with headphones—and honestly, it’s great advice.

Story

While Homura Hime excels in many areas, the story is where things slow down slightly. The premise—an exorcist battling demons—is familiar territory for anime fans.

That said, the game still offers engaging moments. Individual character stories and darker narrative elements help keep things interesting. Some dialogue sequences are genuinely entertaining, with moments that made me laugh and even feel emotionally invested.

The story improves as you progress, but it never quite reaches the same heights as the gameplay, visuals, or audio.

Overall Impression

I went into Homura Hime with cautious expectations. After playing countless indie titles that claim to capture an “anime feel,” I’ve become somewhat skeptical of that promise.

However, Crimson Dusk and PLAYISM clearly set out to prove something—and they succeeded. Homura Hime delivers a polished, engaging experience that stands out in a crowded genre.

Even without the marketing push of larger titles, this game deserves attention. It’s a strong reminder that indie developers can absolutely compete when they focus on quality and execution.

Conclusion

Homura Hime is easily one of the best indie games I’ve played this year—and even in the past few years. For its price point, you’re getting a surprisingly deep and polished 3D action experience that feels heavily inspired by NieR: Automata.

If you’re a fan of anime and enjoy fast-paced action games, this is an easy recommendation. Homura Hime proves that anime-inspired games can succeed when developers truly understand the medium.

—Aaron