Which is what makes Infinity Nikki’s approach so intriguing. The series began in 2012 with NikkiUp2U and served as a dress-up title. It would evolve, with 2019’s Shining Nikki leaning more into the lore and offering significantly better production values. However, Infinity Nikki is on another level entirely with a full-fledged open world. While some progression mechanics may remain, its adventuring and overall vibe provide a comfier experience than expected, even with some flaws.

"Is it contrived for the town to suffer from a power outage, only for her to suddenly make an electrician outfit to save the day? Yes, but most of Nikki’s problems require multiple outfits to solve."

What kind of flaws? Well, for starters, the story doesn’t put its best foot forward narratively. It begins with Nikki and her sentient cat friend Momo heading to the attic, looking for a dress for the former’s graduation ball. They discover several options, but most notably, a red dress, which comes to life and drags the duo into an unknown world where they meet a mysterious being known as Ena. Thus, they begin their journey to Miraland to find the Miracle Outfits and defeat the Esselings plaguing the land.

There is intriguing lore, such as the Wishing One and his sudden disappearance, leading to the downfall of wishes in society, or how the Stylists came about to use Whim and help those in need. While it initially seems like Nikki is positioned as some chosen one, especially by Dada of the Stylists Guild, the latter is revealed to hype every new Stylist. It’s a welcome subversion of the trope, though it’s not long before Nikki enters the good graces of the townsfolk anyway.

Even with the usual cliches, the plot ventures in some interesting directions after that, like a case surrounding citizens falling into comas after receiving mysterious Wish Bottles from the Shady Wish Envoy. What could have been a dull back and forth of gathering and delivering items instead involves a Style Battle with a gang of evil Stylists and a trip through the underground power system handled by talking frogs called Croakers, dealing with angry Monroefin fish. Granted, I wish some performances (like Nonoy and sometimes Dada) sounded a bit more natural and less stilted in places, but there are some interesting characters to meet.

Throughout the game, you discover outfits granting special powers, from gliding in the air and purifying Esselings to fishing, bug catching, animal grooming, and, well, being an electrician. These manifest via the Infinity Heart provided by Ena and emerge depending on Nikki’s needs. Is it contrived for the town to suffer from a power outage, only for her to suddenly make an electrician outfit to save the day?

Yes, but most of Nikki’s problems require multiple outfits to solve. It’s a testament to the responsiveness of the controls that switching between skills like gliding and purification feels natural and precise. The only exception is charging up a purification shot and aiming with the right stick on PS5 while gliding. It’s often simpler to jump and shoot.

"With how the plot is at times, simply venturing out into the world and exploring it, finding different animals to care for, materials to gather, and locations to scour for Whimstars arguably proves more enjoyable."

Outfits can be upgraded using Whimstars, scattered like it’s a Super Mario title. Some Whimstars are pretty easy to find, simply sitting atop a building or in a spot you need to plunge through to access. Others require light puzzle solving, such as finding a star symbol within the immediate vicinity or collecting a trail of star icons before the time is up.

Nothing too intensive if you’ve dealt with Genshin Impact’s world puzzles, but there are also the Curio Domains. These strange doorways lead to dimensions with mechanics reminding me of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, especially when guiding metal balls into slots, either by manipulating platforms to guide them across or tilting slides at just the right moment to launch them across a chasm.

Again, they’re not too mechanically demanding, though there may be a head-scratcher before you arrive at the solution. However, there are some pretty nifty platforming challenges, such as a towering wall with multiple green and red platforms. The former is safe to traverse, while the latter will cause all the platforms to deactivate, thus causing a restart. When you get close to the wall, all the platforms turn blue – you must effectively memorize their colors beforehand and then platform accordingly to reach the end.

Such puzzles and challenges abound throughout Miraland, and you’ll even discover some mini-games, including one that requires jumping through hoops precisely or another about navigating a paper crane in a pop-up storybook. With how the plot is at times, simply venturing out into the world and exploring it, finding different animals to care for, materials to gather, and locations to scour for Whimstars arguably proves more enjoyable. The environments are aesthetically pleasing throughout, though there is some pretty horrid pop-in on PS5.

"Unlike other gacha games, there’s no real power advantage towards pulling for other outfits on the banners. All abilities are tied to outfits earned in-game, which can evolve to have alternate color schemes and improved functionality."

The atmosphere is pretty relaxed for the most part – even combat isn’t too intensive, with most Esselings falling to a wind projectile or two. However, there are some foreboding locations, like the ruins of the Queen’s Castle which can feel more oppressive, even if they won’t overwhelm you with challenging foes.

Of course, one of the biggest aspects of Infinity Nikki is dressing up. You’ll unlock hairstyles, shirts, dresses, shorts, pants, and more while venturing through Miraland (and using Resonance, the game’s gacha system). Each item has different ratings, with some scoring higher on the Cool quotient while others are Sweet or Elegant.

These come into play during Style Battles against other characters, which can net rewards if you’re successful. However, mixing and matching different items together is fun, with an extensive list of available options. You can adjust Nikki’s eye makeup, retina color, and blush on top of multiple accessory types. Saving custom set-ups and switching to them on the fly is also great.

Unlike other gacha games, there’s no real power advantage towards pulling for other outfits on the banners. All abilities are tied to outfits earned in-game, which can evolve to have alternate color schemes and improved functionality. If anything, scoring an outfit with a similar ability is only good if you want a change of clothes when floating through the sky or fishing. Nevertheless, there is an appeal for those wanting fashion-max or simply obtain a desired outfit.

"Those who don’t care about gacha and want to explore a fantasy world with plenty of opportunities to dress up may want to check out Infinity Nikki."

Having to earn nine to ten pieces of that outfit to complete it doesn’t feel great. There are guarantees for higher-rarity clothing depending on the number of pulls, and you can select certain pieces after enough pulls, but it’s still a baffling system, even for the permanent banners. As such, if you’re weak to these kinds of systems, then like other similar games, it’s best to steer clear. At least you can Glow Up every cosmetic in the game to improve their stats (not that the Style Battles are that demanding anyway).

Those who don’t care about gacha and want to explore a fantasy world with plenty of opportunities to dress up may want to check out Infinity Nikki. Even with a less-than-compelling story, graphical issues on PS5 and rudimentary combat, it’s easy to lose yourself in its relaxing atmosphere and numerous customizable outfits.

This game was reviewed on PS5.

Players will receive ten free Resonite Crystals to pull for outfits on the standard banner to celebrate the milestone. You’ll need to unlock the Pear-Pal, which can be done by visiting the Florawish Stylist’s Guild and speaking to Dada at reception. The offer is valid until December 31st, 2024 (11:59 PM server time).

As the latest title in the Nikki series, Infinity Nikki sees Nikki and Momo venturing to Miraland to find the Miracle Outfits. Originally home to the Wishing One, it’s become a realm where wishes don’t inspire as much hope. By collecting Whimstars and materials, Nikki can unlock new outfits and use their abilities to bypass obstacles. Check out the overview trailer here for more details.

🌟🎉Infinity Nikki has reached over 10 million downloads worldwide!🌟🎉
On this whimsical journey, take each step with confidence and embrace the brilliance of every moment. Let’s set forth toward a bright and sparkling future!

Special Bonus [10 Free Draws]!
We’ll send a special… pic.twitter.com/z5UxQ0kWQ5

— Infinity Nikki (@InfinityNikkiEN) December 9, 2024

As revealed in the recent story trailer, wishes thrived in this world thanks to the Wishing One’s power. After their disappearance, wishes no longer carry the same weight, and dark forces want to keep it that way. Nikki seemingly holds the key to helping Miraland flourish again together with its residents, though how she’ll achieve that is unknown.

Unlike previous games, Infinity Nikki offers a massive open world. Nikki can don outfits with various abilities to explore her surroundings, whether double-jumping or gliding. Of course, since this is a dress-up game, several outfits are cosmetic only and allow for showing off one’s style (for a price). Head here for a more extensive overview of the title and what it offers.

Infinity Nikki has officially been released!

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The Coziest Open-World Game
➤ Download Now: https://t.co/BFtU26R4JQ#InfinityNikki pic.twitter.com/2XgsdCMfxD

— Infinity Nikki (@InfinityNikkiEN) December 5, 2024

As it turns out, there used to be an entity named The Wishing One, and wishes were considered good. However, a catastrophe occurred, and wishes became taboo. Enter Nikki about 1000 years later, a person from another world who’s seemingly capable of restoring Miraland to its former prosperity, though mysterious enemies (with fabulous hair) oppose her.

The trailer showcases more of the gameplay and outfits that Nikki can wear, granting her abilities like floating through the sky, shrinking down to use Momo as a mount, and more. Infinity Nikki launches on December 5th for iOS, Android, PS5, and PC. Head here for a detailed overview of what to expect with the gameplay, mechanics, and more.

There will also be other “surprises”, a first look at upcoming launch events, and giveaways for viewers. Perhaps we’ll learn more about the materials that first-time players can avail like free pulls for different banners. Time will tell, so stay tuned for further updates.

Infinity Nikki launches on December 5th for iOS, Android, PS5, and PC. As the latest title in the long-running series, it sees protagonist Nikki and her companion Momo venturing to the mysterious Miraland. The reason behind their arrival is unknown, but by equipping different outfits, Nikki gains abilities like double-jumping, hovering, and even firing wind projectiles to defeat enemies.

Check out some platforming and exploration in some extended gameplay here. You can also learn more about the $9.99 pre-order bundle here.

Official Release Special Program [Set Out to Infinity] Is Going to Start!
Come to join us at the livestream and catch the latest updates on the official release! 📺

Livestream Time: November 29 18:00 （UTC+8）
Livestream Link：https://t.co/3B0IqM3PDq

In the special program, our… pic.twitter.com/vBiXY9cy1I

— Infinity Nikki (@InfinityNikkiEN) November 26, 2024

Infinity Nikki, the latest title in the long-running dress-up series, is free-to-play and takes place in a new open world, Miraland. As Nikki, players explore the world and take on various challenges, exploring the Curio Domain and unlocking outfits with new abilities. Like previous entries, there are gacha mechanics and similar progression systems, with the $9.99 pre-order bundle granting growth, crafting, and pulling materials. Head here for more details.

Stay tuned for more details, and check out the latest overview trailer. You can also read the statement from producer Runhao Yao below, who revealed that the launch date for Infinity Nikki coincides with the launch of the series’ first game, Nikki Up2U: Dressing Story. They also revealed that the team consists of over 1,000 people and that bringing the project to life required “far more complexity in development and management than we ever anticipated.”

A letter to stylists from the producer of the Nikki series.#InfinityNikki #InfinityNikkiOfficialRelease pic.twitter.com/4NCsahHUjh

— Infinity Nikki (@InfinityNikkiEN) November 14, 2024

These include gliding, double-jumping, projectiles, and even diving attacks. Platforming is essential to the experience, especially when navigating the Curio domain with its various machinations and mechanics. However, some outfits perform other functions like catching bugs, grooming animals, and catching fish.

Other activities await, like exploration via the Whimcycle and instances where you directly control Momo. Infinity Nikki is seemingly out on December 4th according to the PlayStation Store, so stay tuned for an official announcement in the coming weeks. Along with PS5, it will also be available for iOS, Android, and PC and has reached 30 million pre-registrations worldwide.

In typical gacha fashion, the bundle contains materials for pulls, upgrading, and crafting. You get three Resonite Crystals to obtain new outfits, 20,000 Bling (the standard currency), 50 Threads of Purity for crafting outfits, and 10 Shiny Bubbles for leveling up Outfits. Two Shining Particles are also provided to upgrade the Eurekas. Though the bundle retails for $9.99, the base game is free.

Infold and Papergames have yet to confirm the release date, but an announcement may be imminent. Stay tuned for further details. Infinity Nikki will launch for PS5, iOS, Android and PC. Similar to past titles in the Nikki series, it features dress-up mechanics and outfits with unique abilities, albeit set in a massive open world. Check out some more extensive gameplay here.

It’s not just about cats, sheep and odd-looking chickens, though. Some creatures, like the massive grounded bird with a crown and buttons for eyes, look downright threatening. Other smaller creatures run around, causing chaos, and a giant bird swoops over fields. The development team hasn’t clarified its purpose, though it could be a flying mount.

Infinity Nikki is in development for PS4, PS5, PC, iOS, and Android. It doesn’t have a release window, but a beta has been announced for Q3 2024. Stay tuned for more details and check out some extensive gameplay from ChinaJoy 2024.

While a dress-up game at its core and the latest in a series that surprisingly began in 2012, Infinity Nikki is also an open-world title. Players can swap dresses with different abilities to complete challenges, as evidenced in the recent gameplay, where utilizing a blue wavy outfit allows for gliding. Another dress can gather wind energy and launch it at foes, making it ideal for combat.

Despite how straightforward combat seems, the environments boast impressive scale and gorgeous aesthetics. At one point, the player must hop on a giant origami crane to safely traverse.

Infinity Nikki is coming to PS5, PS4, PC, and mobile devices. A release date hasn’t been announced, but a beta is coming in Q3 2024. Stay tuned for more updates in the meantime.