Infinity Nikki: Pretty dresses and money grabs

Infinity Nikki claims to deliver a 3D-platforming focused open world game with a more effeminate spin, all within a completely free title. This promise certainly is enticing, and with ex-The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild designer Kentaro Tominaga helming, Infinity Nikki is positioned to deliver a groundbreaking title in the free-to-play space.

The key point Infinity Nikki’s marketing emphasises is its shift towards a female target audience. Whilst appealing to all, the game is significantly less concerned with the male gaze than many of the other big-name titles adjacent to it. In an industry that oozed out the abominable Stellar Blade earlier this year, it is refreshing to see a release of such notoriety so proudly dedicate itself to actually delivering a genuine experience: one free of hyper-sexualised characters and ‘jiggle physics.’

Steeped in indecipherable jargon, Infinity Nikki’s (largely unskippable) cutscenes are frequent and lengthy

That’s not to say Infinity Nikki is a perfect beacon of body positivity. Every single resident of “Miraland” is extremely tight-waisted and white. Whilst Nikki herself has a few choices available, in all the time I spent exploring the game not once did I encounter a non-playable character (NPC) with a non-white skin tone. This is embarrassing, and one area wherein Infinity Nikki chooses not to innovate upon Genshin Impact, which has previously come under fire for similar whitewashing.

Infinity Nikki cycles through three phases, watching its story unfold, dressing up, and platforming. The first of these three does not impress: Infinity Nikki has one of the worst narratives ever penned. Steeped in indecipherable jargon, Infinity Nikki’s (largely unskippable) cutscenes are frequent and lengthy. This is a game that loves talking your ear off, already assuming you care about its topics of conversation. Nothing of value can be obtained from its drivel. There is no message, no commentary, and no drama. There are stories being told on children’s television that are comparatively works of literature.

I will admit, as a dress-up game Infinity Nikki is wildly successful. This section is the money maker and make money it shall. There are an astounding number of outfits, some of which even unlock new ways to interact with Infinity Nikki’s open world. There is also a stunningly impressive camera mode, with an unparalleled options suite. Everything to create stunning outfits exists within the game, it is the manner of obtaining them which is the issue.

The game’s only concern is maximising the number of pockets to pick

The game is completely free to download, yet it is obviously made with the intention of returning a profit. So, how does it monetize itself? The answer: Infinity Nikki is a gacha game, borrowing from its contemporaries. This means outfits are not simply purchased as additional downloadable content (DLC) and are instead obtained by purchasing chances to potentially obtain any desired garments. These outfits are always broken up into ten or so different items, with many of the fancier items having extremely slim chances of being naturally obtained. All the classic tricks and schemes these games employ to pinch money from its player’s pockets are present. Numerous premium currencies aim to confuse a player on how much money they are actually spending; limited time offers naturally induce FOMO, and each outfit begs them to use their credit card one last time with hopes of completing the outfit. With this combined effort, Nikki will eventually take what is hers.

Infinity Nikki is also certainly a platformer. There are mechanics and levels and jumping; it ticks all the boxes required for the classification. However, throughout the main story and all the side content, not once did I die nor mess up; this game is laughably easy. Accessibility options and easy modes in video games should always be championed, but Infinity Nikki’s can’t be turned off. This is the safest game I have ever played. Deathly afraid of proposing a challenge, worried that it might scare a single individual away, the game’s only concern is maximising the number of pockets to pick.

This platforming simplicity is ‘exhibit A’ of a crime often committed throughout the game. Monetisation poisons all artistic efforts. Any design principle probably includes something that is potentially scary to some potential player and thus is ironed out. Infinity Nikki has been endlessly passed around focus groups to ensure it is profitable, marketable, and artless. Thus, it is impossible to recommend.