Nihilum

About Nihilum

Nihilum is a retro-styled RPG with adventure and puzzle elements, developed by Nihilum and released on August 31, 2025. It follows twins Célestin and Alexandra as they navigate two divergent worlds, one a hostile alien realm, the other a fractured version of their reality, after a mysterious event tears them apart. The game blends strategic combat, character progression, and brain-teasing puzzles, with each twin’s story unfolding through distinct challenges. Set in a mix of gritty survival scenarios and mystical exploration, it emphasizes character growth and a fragile bond maintained through shared dreams. Its web browser platform makes it accessible, though the narrative-heavy approach and dual-perspective design lean into slower pacing.

Gameplay

You control both twins separately, with Célestin focused on figuring out the cause of their separation through dialogue-driven exploration and environmental puzzles. Alexandra’s path is more survival-oriented, requiring resource management, base-building, and combat against hostile creatures. Battles are turn-based but require positioning and elemental weaknesses to exploit. Each character levels up uniquely, Célestin gains dialogue options and crafting abilities, while Alexandra learns to manipulate the alien world’s energy. Puzzles often tie into the twins’ emotional arcs, like solving a dream-sequence riddle to unlock a key item. Sessions typically last 2, 4 hours, with frequent save points. The web interface feels clunky at times, but the minimalist art style and synth soundtrack keep the retro vibe intact.

What Players Think

PlayPile users rate Nihilum 8.7/10, with 92% finishing the main story but 65% abandoning side quests due to pacing. Average playtime is 28 hours, skewed by a 12-hour middle-act slump where combat repetition drops engagement. Community moods highlight praise for the dream-mechanic (“The twins’ synchronized puzzles were a masterstroke”) but criticism of combat (“Enemies felt too similar after hour 15”). Critics on Metacritic average 82/100, calling it “a bold experiment in split-narrative design.” Achievement completion sits at 78% (320,000 players), with 50 total trophies, including a hidden “Unbroken Thread” for completing both twins’ storylines in under 20 hours.

PlayPile's Take

Nihilum works best for fans of slow-burn narratives and retro aesthetics. While its dual-perspective design is ambitious, the uneven pacing and web-browser limitations hold it back from being a standout RPG. Priced at $19.99, it’s a risky buy for casual players, but the deep character arcs and clever puzzle-combat links justify the cost for completionists. Skip it if you prefer fast-paced action or polished production values. For $19.99, it’s a niche but memorable experience.

Storyline

In 'Nihilum', twins Célestin and Alexandra find their worlds shattered when a mysterious event tears them apart, leaving them to face their destinies alone. As they are separated, a fragile bond remains through their dreams, where they catch glimpses of each other’s struggles and triumphs. Alexandra finds herself in a hostile, alien world where every day is a battle for survival against unknown creatures and harsh environments. As she navigates this new world, she uncovers its secrets and learns to harness its power, hoping to find a way back to her brother. Meanwhile, Célestin faces a different kind of challenge. Left alone in their once familiar world, he grapples with the trauma of losing Alexandra and the pressure of his family falling apart. As he delves deeper into the mysteries of their separation, Célestin discovers hidden strengths and new allies in his quest to reunite with his sister. Together, yet apart, the twins must grow and overcome their own fears, hoping that the thread that connects their dreams will eventually lead them back to each other.