Introduction

If we go back a few decades to a younger version of myself, you’d find someone who was deeply invested in shoot ’em ups. Titles like Ikaruga, Gradius, and numerous Touhou games filled countless hours of my time. I was never the flawless, no-hit type of player, but I held my own and genuinely loved the genre. Even if my reaction time has slowed slightly with age, I will never turn down the opportunity to dive into a good shump. One such opportunity landed on our table here at SunsetNerdVerse with NeverAwake FLASHBACK.

Acting as a side story to another game developed by Neotro Inc, I hadn’t played the original NeverAwake, but I quickly learned the two share several similarities. Both are shump-style games with twin-stick shooter mechanics that redefine what the genre can be. Is NeverAwake FLASHBACK the title that rekindles my love for the genre, or a reminder that some genres don’t always age alongside the player? Let’s find out in my review of NeverAwake FLASHBACK for PC.

Gameplay

In NeverAwake FLASHBACK, players control Rem, a young girl seemingly trapped in an endless nightmare. This time, however, she isn’t alone. Her stuffed companion Gabe-chan joins her in the fight. Together, they face strange and unsettling foes, and with Rem’s weaponry and Gabe-chan’s abilities, they form a surprisingly powerful duo.

As someone who never played the original NeverAwake, a bit of research revealed that NeverAwake FLASHBACK largely mirrors its predecessor. At its core, this is a twin-stick shooter where players dodge waves of enemies and bullets that flood the screen. One stick controls Rem’s movement, while the other aims her weapon and directs Gabe-chan’s abilities.

Where NeverAwake FLASHBACK sets itself apart is through its inclusion of roguelike elements and expanded mobility options. The objective is straightforward: destroy enemies, collect souls from fallen foes to clear a level, and survive. Before starting a run, players can customize difficulty using a three-letter modifier system and select one of several abilities for Gabe-chan, ranging from explosive attacks to reflective parry shields.

Each of Gabe-chan’s abilities serves a purpose, and notably, Gabe-chan can absorb damage on Rem’s behalf without penalty. This mechanic alone makes NeverAwake FLASHBACK feel more forgiving and strategic than many traditional shumps. Rem herself relies on her firearm, quick dashes, and invincibility frames to escape tight situations. Players can take two hits before losing a life, but careful play is always rewarded.

After completing a level, players choose between two branching paths—one safer with fewer rewards, the other more dangerous but lucrative. This roguelike structure ensures no two runs feel identical, a refreshing change for a genre often defined by rigid stage progression.

If I had one minor gripe, it would be weapon variety. Rem has several gun variants, but I would have loved to see more dramatic differences such as tracking shots or charge beams. This is purely personal preference and doesn’t detract significantly from the experience.

Graphics

Having played several titles from Neotro Inc, it’s clear the studio embraces a strong anime aesthetic, and as an avid anime fan, I consider that a huge plus. NeverAwake FLASHBACK feels like a surreal horror anime come to life. The eerie environments, bizarre nightmare creatures, and unsettling visual motifs create a haunting but captivating experience.

The game boasts impressive enemy variety and visually distinct stages. While I occasionally wished some levels were larger, the claustrophobic design often enhances the nightmare atmosphere. Combined with numerous bosses and varied encounters, the amount of content on offer—especially given the game’s low price—is genuinely impressive.

Sound

A strong OST is essential for a shump, and NeverAwake FLASHBACK delivers in spades. The soundtrack blends eerie, rhythmic, and surprisingly catchy tracks that perfectly complement the on-screen chaos. There were moments I paused gameplay simply to let the music play.

Unlike many twin-stick shooters that rely on a small set of looping tracks, NeverAwake FLASHBACK features a diverse selection of music tailored to specific stages and boss encounters. Every track felt intentional, and not once did I find myself wishing for a change in music.

Story

While the story isn’t the primary focus of NeverAwake FLASHBACK, it provides just enough narrative framing to keep players invested. Rem and her stuffed companion journey through surreal nightmare worlds that blur the line between reality and fear. Multiple endings tied to player performance and objectives add meaningful replayability for those eager to uncover every outcome.

Overall Impression

NeverAwake FLASHBACK arrived as a pleasant surprise and quickly became one of the strongest titles I played toward the end of the year. This is an exceptional blend of shump, twin-stick shooter, and roguelike mechanics that feels fresh and rewarding. I sincerely hope fans of the genre give it the attention it deserves.

Conclusion

As far as twin-stick shump games go, NeverAwake FLASHBACK is outstanding. Its memorable soundtrack, imaginative level design, unsettling enemies, and tight gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre. A bit more variety in weapons and level scale could have pushed it into perfection, but even with those minor shortcomings, NeverAwake FLASHBACK is an easy recommendation. If you love shumps or twin-stick shooters, download and play this one as soon as possible.

—Aaron