As a devoted anime girl enthusiast, I had been eagerly following Code Reactors for a long time and didn’t hesitate to grab it on release day. I’m happy to say it did not disappoint. I usually play games in short sessions, but this one had me so engrossed that I finished my entire six-hour first playthrough in a single sitting.

Code Reactors blends 2D action RPG mechanics with roguelike deck-building elements, which results in a simple, but highly engaging combat system. Beyond basic attacks, magic operates through a card-based formula, where spells are acquirable either through purchase or randomized drops. I found it particularly commendable that the game integrates this system into its lore, reinforcing narrative coherence rather than treating it as a mere gameplay contrivance. Moreover, you can obtain an array of artifacts imbued with distinct attributes that add another layer of depth to the gameplay.

However, the truly enriching mechanic that further accretes the combat system appears on the second level in the form of Eve, a mysterious demon girl who’s capable of bolstering the main character, Himari’s combat efficiency. She usually takes the form of magic and does not interfere, but she can materialize and augment Himari’s arcane might when the need arises. In moments of dire necessity, she can transcend even this role, bestowing upon Himari her full potential to enable brief but immensely powerful metamorphoses capable of obliterating even the game’s most tenacious foes.

The gameplay unfolds within various dungeons, each comprising 15 successive floors culminating in a boss encounter. While these dungeons vary in visual presentation, their internal composition remains largely uniform; players must repeatedly traverse identical landscapes and contend with the same adversaries throughout, barring the occasional special floor that offers opportunities for respite. As a consequence, the game risks lapsing into a degree of repetitiveness, despite its sizable selection of usable spells. Ultimately, these spells conform to a familiar paradigm, each utilizing a particular elemental force as a weapon. Nevertheless, it was engaging enough to maintain my enjoyment throughout.

The narrative employs well-worn tropes, including the ever-familiar amnesia-stricken protagonist, yet it still manages to deliver moments of intrigue across its five-chapter arc. Between dungeons, you can explore different cities and engage in interactions with other characters. During these interludes, Eve manifests in human form, accompanying Himari on her stroll (you can even pet her between her horns).

Although the core cast is not particularly layered in terms of characterization, each member possesses a distinct personality, complemented by aesthetically appealing designs. Arisu, the bunny girl, stood out as a personal favorite, and Eve’s design exudes an undeniable cuteness. Himari, the protagonist, is both curvaceous and convincingly battle-ready. On the other hand, the enemy designs verge on the uninspired; most notably, the standard mobs bear an uncanny resemblance to Genshin Impact’s hilichurls. However, the bosses, especially the humanoid ones, demonstrate a markedly higher level of creativity.

I’d be remiss not to highlight the soundtrack, as it significantly elevates the experience. While Code Reactors can at times feel simplistic and repetitive, I would nonetheless recommend it. For me, it provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience, with no glaring flaws to detract from its charm.

Originally posted here:
https://kenrinzero.wordpress.com/2025/03/11/kemonomimi-girls-save-the-world/