Tamashika Review

I’m not usually a lover of weird and experimental games. I find the lack of guidance a little jarring, and I enjoy getting stuck into something with a bit of depth. However, I put this to one side when I was offered Tamashika. This strange experience will be divisive. Its repetitive approach, lack of progression, and abrasive aesthetics won’t be for everyone. Yet, if you like to try something unusual, this will be appealing.

EDGLRD developed this reaction testing FPS experience. It is a single-player game that demands fast reactions and impressive memory recall. Moreover, you’ll master a range of skills as you dodge bullets, slay creatures, and navigate tight, claustrophobic corridors.

Tamashika tells no story.

Tamashika gives you no story and no clues as to what is happening. Instead, it chucks you in at the deep end as you explore a labyrinthine world of vibrant colours, deadly creatures, and mind-bending mechanics. With short bursts of action and plenty to remember, there is lots to keep you busy.

Unlike other Boomer shooters, this one has stripped things back to core fundamentals. The hero is armed with a knife and a gun. Additionally, they can teleport to avoid confrontation. Every skill must be used correctly, as slow reactions or a misplaced button will lead to death. Therefore, you must remember where every creature hides and their intentions. If you cannot, you’ll die and respawn at the nearest checkpoint.

This game design is infuriating but brilliant. It encourages you to become better and more resourceful as the action progresses. Moreover, with a new stage every day, you must wipe the slate clean and master each new challenge.

Take your time.

Patience is a key skill when tackling Tamashika. You can bum-rush every moment, but this will lead to death and failure. Yet, if you take your time and perfect every small element, you’ll progress nicely.

Timing is everything, and one missed block, false shot, or teleporting mistake can be the difference between a loss and victory. Sadly, these fine margins will be too much for some players. The guarantee of failure and the repetitive, albeit fun action will not be enough to keep everyone happy.

Tamashika will hurt your eyes.

When a game comes with a visual warning, you know you are in for a vibrant treat. With sharp, contrasting colours and blocky textures, this hurts your eyes. Additionally, with everything moving at a mile a minute, it is hard to keep up. When you combine this with the high-octane audio and the ear-splitting sound effects, the aesthetics are a little abrasive.

The controls are easy to understand but challenging to master. Timing is key, and poor reactions lead to failure. Therefore, Tamashika isn’t an easy game to play. However, the levels are short and remembering each sequence between checkpoints isn’t impossible. Replay value is limited to shorter 30-minute windows. Yet, the 300-odd procedurally generated levels ensure that you rarely tackle the same stage twice.

Tamashika is unusual and divisive.

Tamashika will appeal to a niche audience. The strange action and weird graphics will not be for everyone. However, if you love unusual games that push your buttons and patience, this will be right up your street. Accordingly, even though it is divisive, I like it, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!