#neverawake

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Neverawake shakes up the usual STG* conventions with a playful approach to both its world and structure. Sporting a spooky cute aesthetic, it takes the STG convention of "loops"--repeated playthroughs that shake up previous patterns--and builds its core around it. Stages are short and repeatable, and the goal is not to survive them, but to efficiently collect a certain amount of Souls, dropped by destroying enemies or completing objectives within the stage. Stages will loop until the Soul counter is filled, giving you a chance for higher scoring, but making it more difficult to survive each time. Stages are laid out in the format of a horizontal shooter, with an emphasis on environmental interactions that direct the flow of the stage.

Initially confusing, or even alienating, it moves the focus from simple survival to learning each stage. Narrative threads, weapons, and modifiers unlock steadily, smartly bridging the gap between the casual shooter fan and the score chasing veterans. The twin stick controls complement this goal, being familiar to many outside the STG diehards. Loops tie into the narrative too--as your character works to wake up a hospitalized girl, working through worlds constructed of her traumas, warped through the viewpoint of a scared child. Unraveling each world brings you closer to the final confrontation, which reveals the next layer of the narrative--in a second playthrough. 

NeverAwake FLASHBACK, previously announced as downloadable content for NeverAwake, will now launch as a standalone game for PC via Steam this fall, publisher Phoenixx and developer Neotro announced. It will support English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language options.

“What we and Neotro kept hearing from fans was that they loved NeverAwake‘s world and challenges, but wanted more content and replayability,” said developer Hiroshi Sawatari in a press release. “We hope this is a nightmare NeverAwake fans will never want to wake up from!”

Here is an overview of the game, via Phoenixx:

After escaping the ordeals of NeverAwake, protagonist Rem thought she found peace, but her sweet dreams start to turn dark again. Joined by her plushie Gabe-chan, Rem must once again dive deep into her subconscious and fight literal sleep demons to enjoy peace once more. But now, the nightmares keep changing. Flying about procedurally-generated arenas, blasting away twisted versions of youthful fears like terrifying dentist tools, broccoli monsters, and aggressive chihuahua ghouls in 360-degree combat. At the start of each run, combine three weapons and three accessories to optimize Rem’s attacks to collect souls to progress and unlock upgrades. Use Gabe-chan’s special abilities to help turn the tide against the apparitions. Fight through 50 procedurally-generated stages in randomized order, swapping out weapons and abilities as needed. Play through new series of levels each time, or use a simple code to replay a favorite seed of levels. Fight dangerous new bosses, navigate new hazards, in an experience that combines quick pick-up-and-play action while giving NeverAwake veterans new challenges in a familiar environment.

NeverAwake FLASHBACK will also appear at Shooters Fes 2025 on June 15, where Phoenixx and Neotro will share the latest information, game specifications, and more.

Watch a new trailer below.

Announce Trailer

English

Japanese

Twin-stick shoot ’em up NeverAwake will launch for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch on January 19, 2023, listings at Japanese retailers such as Rakuten Books reveal.

In Japan, the PlayStation 4 and Switch versions will be available at retail in 4,180 yen standard and 7,700 yen Premium editions. The latter includes an original soundtrack CD, art book, and magnet hook. The PlayStation 4 physical edition will also include a free upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version.

As previously announced, the PC version will launch via Steam on September 28. It will cost $19.99, with a 15 percent-off launch discount at launch, and support English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language options.

Here is an overview of the game, via publisher Phoenixx:

Discover the grotesque nightmares of a little girl, trapped in her slumber, paralyzed by fear, seemingly never to awake. In the deepest parts of her subconsciousness, she sees Rem, a fierce fighter armed with a demonic, dragon-shaped gun, who fights to conquer the forces trapping her.

Dodge, aim and shoot in 360-degree levels, gather enough power to unleash a wide blast around Rem when surrounded by foes as she drifts through beautiful hand-drawn landscapes of fears and monstrosities of the girl’s nightmares. Annihilate the abominations haunting her waking hours like dentists, angry dogs, and going to school. Other foes represent terrors more familiar to Japanese youth, like the first boss, a radish monster representing the acquired taste of wasabi.

(Oct. 13th)

NeverAwake FLASHBACK will now for PC via Steam on December 10, publisher Phoenixx and developer Neotro announced. It will support English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language options. A demo is now available as part of Steam Next Fest: October 2025 Edition, which runs until October 21.

Here is an overview of the game, via Phoenixx:

About

Here is a new nightmare, reborn as an arcade-like experience. NeverAwake FLASHBACK is an offshoot of the nightmare action shooter NeverAwake. NeverAwake is a nightmarish twin-stick shooter with a unique worldview and original game rules, and was awarded the “Vermilion Gate Award” for the most outstanding work at BitSummit X-Roads in 2022.

New Game Rules! A Reborn Roguelite Shooter Based on the Nightmare World of NeverAwake!

The basic specifications of NeverAwake have been retained, but the style of the game is more like an arcade shooter, where players progress through shuffled stages in a random order, selecting weapons and accessories available between each stage, providing a challenge in a short time. Gabe-chan, an important existence for the main character Rem, will join the game as a partner to protect Rem. And completely new stages and new bosses have been added! Plus, long-awaited new accessories! Combine numerous weapons and accessories to fight off the monsters in your nightmares.

Story

Rem woke up safely from the nightmare. I was feeling better and spending my days with a peaceful mind. But then he realized that he was having nightmares every night again… What could be the cause of the nightmares? Will Rem be able to wake up again from more nightmares?

Key Features

Kick out vegetables, dentists, and other monsters and blow away painful childhood memories!

Unique worldview set in a “girl’s nightmare.”

Beautiful hand-drawn graphics and animation.

Unique game rules, high retryability.

Fast-paced gameplay and powerful boss battles.

Over 80 levels / dozens of tricky bosses.

Numerous weapons and accessories and their combination builds.

High storytelling and multiple endings.

What is NeverAwake? NeverAwake has a unique world view with its high quality hand-drawn graphics and its beautiful animation. The enemies are not demons… but vegetables and dentists that the girl hates. Things and creatures that everyone has had a bad experience with at least once become monsters and attack the main character Rem. Will Rem be able to wake up from his dream again…?

Watch a new trailer below.

Release Date Trailer

English

Japanese

From Gematsu

Publisher Phoenixx and developer Neotro have announced NeverAwake downloadable content “FLASH BACK.” It will launch this summer.

Get the details below.

■ Downloadable Content That Expands the Nightmare World

NeverAwake “FLASH BACK,” a new mode that offers a quick arcade shooter-like challenge! Not only has the game been reborn as a rogue light shooter with a new play feel, but “Gabe-chan,” an important character to the Rem, will be joining the game as a sidekick to protect Rem. In addition, completely new stages and new bosses will be added, as well as long-awaited new accessories!

Story

Rem woke up safely from the nightmare. She was feeling relieved, and was spending her days with a peaceful mind. But then she realized that she was having nightmares every night again… What could be the cause of these nightmares? Will Rem be able to wake up again from more nightmares?

Game Rules Redesigned

Reborn as a rogue light shooting game inspired by the nightmare world of NeverAwake! The basic specifications of NeverAwake have been retained, but the style of the game has been changed to a quick arcade shooter style challenge, in which players progress through shuffled stages in a random order, selecting weapons and accessories available between each stage.

Many New Elements

Gabe-chan joins the game as a sidekick to protect Lem and can now fight together. Completely new stages and bosses, as well as new accessories!

NeverAwake is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer