Artis Impact is a cozy JRPG set in a post-apocalyptic world, developed and published by MAS. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Artis Impact Review Overview
What is Artis Impact?
Artis Impact is a cozy JRPG developed and published by Malaysian-Chinese studio MAS, set in a mysterious post-apocalyptic world. You play as Akane, a sharp-tongued wanderer with a hidden past, joined by her AI companion, Bot. Together, they explore the ruins of a lost world, unravel Akane’s story, and carry out their duties for the enigmatic Lith-Club. Blending wholesome slice-of-life elements—like part-time jobs and home renovations—with classic JRPG staples such as side quests, exploration, and turn-based combat, Artis Impact offers a unique mix of comfort and adventure. The game launches on Steam on August 7, 2025.
Artis Impact features:
⚫︎ JRPG
⚫︎ Pixel Graphics
⚫︎ Fantasy
⚫︎ Turn-Based Combat
⚫︎ Female Protagonist
⚫︎ Casual
⚫︎ Indie
| Digital Storefronts | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
|||||||
| $18.99 |
Artis Impact Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 The Game’s Art Direction Truly Lives Up to Its Name, Impact Charming and Lovable Characters Tons of Side Quests, Side Activities, and Secrets Combat is Simple but Engaging |
Could Use Some QoL Features Story and World Could’ve Been Fleshed Out More |
Artis Impact Overall Score - 86/100
Artis Impact is a visually striking experience—each pixel thoughtfully crafted to breathe life into its post-apocalyptic world. Akane, the sharp-tongued yet lovable protagonist, is a delight to play, joined by a cast of quirky and endearing characters. While the story occasionally stumbles with odd bits of writing, its overall charm shines through. Blending cozy gameplay elements with traditional JRPG mechanics, the game creates a uniquely immersive world you won’t want to leave—and being Akane makes it all the more unforgettable.
Artis Impact Story - 8/10
Imagine if 2B wandered into a cozy, post-apocalyptic world—that’s the vibe Artis Impact captures. Drawing clear inspiration from Nier: Automata, the game trades bleak existentialism for heart, humor, and a delightfully offbeat charm. At the center is Akane, a quirky yet compelling protagonist who leads a vibrant cast through a narrative that balances whimsy with moments of quiet darkness. The story overflows with creative ideas, but not all of them land cleanly. Key mechanics and bits of lore often arrive without context. A glossary or more seamless worldbuilding could have gone a long way in clarifying its vision. Even so, Artis Impact is bursting with personality, and thanks to Akane’s magnetic presence and the game’s heartfelt ambition, it leaves a lasting impression—even when it occasionally gets in its own way.
Artis Impact Gameplay - 8/10
Artis Impact strikes a delightful balance between cozy game vibes and classic JRPG structure. There’s always something to do—whether it’s picking up side quests, stumbling upon activities while exploring, landing a part-time job, or sprucing up your home. The world encourages curiosity and rewards it with charming, laid-back gameplay. The turn-based combat is simple at first glance, but surprisingly layered and well-executed. That said, it's generally on the easier side, and a bit more challenge would’ve added some welcome tension. A few quality-of-life improvements could also help smooth out the experience, but overall, it’s a joy to play whether you’re battling enemies or just living Akane’s day-to-day life.
Artis Impact Visuals - 10/10
Artis Impact is a visual feast, effortlessly fusing vibrant pixel art with a retro comic book flair. The result is a world brimming with style and personality, often resembling a motion comic brought to life. This bold artistic direction doesn’t just set the tone—it enhances everything from combat to storytelling, making each moment feel dynamic and expressive. It’s a uniquely captivating style, and one that deserves to inspire more games in the future.
Artis Impact Audio - 8/10
Artis Impact features a solid audio design with a soundtrack that, while not groundbreaking, complements the game well—especially the combat music, which stands out as a highlight. However, there are moments where the audio direction misses the mark, like cheerful scenes oddly paired with somber tracks, which can undercut the emotional tone. One notable absence is voice acting. Given how witty and charming the writing can be, even a few voice lines or character grunts could have elevated the experience and added more personality to the already lovable cast.
Artis Impact Value for Money - 9/10
Artis Impact offers excellent value for its $19 price tag—you’ll easily get your money’s worth from the visuals alone. On top of that, there’s plenty of fun to be had, with charming side activities, exploration, and cozy JRPG gameplay packed into a beautifully crafted world. That said, it’s definitely on the shorter side, especially for a JRPG. The main story wraps up in around 6 hours, with about 10 hours total if you aim to complete everything. It’s a bit disappointing, only because the world is so intriguing that you’ll want to spend more time in it. Still, those hours are packed with heart, charm, and engaging content. Here’s hoping Artis Impact finds the success it deserves—because with a little more time and support, this world has so much more to give.
Artis Impact Review: A Canvas of Creativity and Charm
First and foremost, a standing ovation is in order for the solo developer, Mas. Creating a game of this caliber alone is nothing short of extraordinary. The world they’ve built is richly detailed, visually stunning, and brimming with imagination—every pixel radiates care and passion. As someone who’s played the game firsthand, I was genuinely blown away. It’s an artistic triumph that speaks volumes about the countless hours poured into perfecting its visual identity.
A Beautiful Apocalypse
Let’s not mince words—Artis Impact is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking and creatively inspired pixel art games ever made. Each sprite is hand-drawn from scratch, and it shows. The visuals feel less like traditional game art and more like animated paintings—meticulously crafted, overflowing with charm, and full of personality.
The game embraces a unique retro comic book aesthetic, often using dynamic paneling and black-and-white sketch cutaways to emphasize emotion or highlight character expressions. These scenes play out like a motion comic, seamlessly integrated into the narrative. It’s a bold stylistic choice that works beautifully, adding both flair and emotional weight to the storytelling.
It takes even simple scenes—like guards interrogating and asking who exactly Akane is—and turns them into something far more dynamic, compelling, and memorable. The game amplifies both the comedic and emotional moments, blending them together in a way that feels seamless and powerful. It creates scenes so engaging, you honestly just can’t look away.
But the artistry doesn’t stop there. The world is packed with fine detail and life—ramen shops, spas, cafés—all animated with love and care. You don’t just walk into a shop; you see your character order at the counter, watch the barista craft your drink, or grab a sandwich mid-adventure. It’s this level of detail that makes exploration feel rewarding and alive. Every location invites curiosity. There’s always a new animation, interaction, or tiny visual detail waiting to be discovered.
Even the combat in Artist Impact is elevated by its stunning art direction. Akane’s fighting style is graceful yet fierce, and the fluid animation captures that perfectly. Whether she’s spinning her sword with effortless style or celebrating a victory with a heartfelt hug for Bot, every movement radiates personality. The art doesn’t just complement the gameplay—it enhances it, injecting energy and charm into every battle.
The UI, with its clean and minimalistic layout, feels like a nostalgic homage to SNES-era RPGs like Final Fantasy and Terranigma. But where those games might feel a bit slow by today’s standards, Artist Impact is anything but. It’s fast, visceral, and visually striking—bringing retro aesthetics into a modern, expressive form.
Speaking of expression, the character designs are absolutely phenomenal. From quirky NPCs like the nervous cashier to the imaginative monster designs, every character feels full of life. But of course, the standout is Akane herself. With her tall frame and striking white hair, it’s easy to draw comparisons to 2B from NieR: Automata. Yet Akane has her own flavor—one moment, she’s slicing through enemies with poise, and the next, she’s all smiles and hugs, radiating warmth and charm.
Adding to the game’s personality are the beautifully hand-drawn sketch panels that appear throughout the story. Rendered in expressive black-and-white linework, these illustrations offer intimate glimpses into the characters’ moods and moments, further deepening their presence.
Mas has built a world that brims with personality and imagination. Every corner of Artist Impact feels intentionally crafted—each illustration pulsing with thought and care. There’s always something new to catch the eye: a sudden animation, an unexpected pop-up, a clever detail hidden in plain sight. It’s a world that invites exploration, not just through gameplay, but through curiosity.
While the written narrative doesn’t always land, the environmental storytelling more than makes up for it. The way characters navigate their surroundings, the layout of each area, and the visual cues embedded throughout the game all speak volumes without a single line of dialogue. From the bustling, neon-lit city streets to the quiet, snow-covered plains—a personal favorite—every location feels alive, distinct, and full of quiet stories.
Subtle touches, like hot springs nestled in the landscape, hint at a culture healing from something deeper, like a world slowly rebuilding itself after hardship. Even the smallest design choices feel deliberate. Akane and her comrades wear sleek black uniforms that immediately convey structure, discipline, and unity.
Akane and Bot Steal the Show
While I do have a few issues with the narrative overall, one area where the story absolutely shines is its characters. From the very beginning, I found myself completely drawn in—not just by the main cast, but even the supporting characters like Commander Nile and Raven, who each brought their own weight and personality to the story.
But without a doubt, the heart and soul of Artist Impact lies in the dynamic duo of Akane and Bot. Their chemistry is electric. Akane is effortlessly charismatic—funny, fierce, and unintentionally hilarious in the best way. Her quips, expressions, and sharp tongue bring so much color to the story, and her banter with Bot feels refreshingly natural, like two old friends who’ve been through everything together. Their dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny, but it also sneaks up on you with genuine emotional depth when the tone shifts. It’s a bond that’s both entertaining and heartfelt.
Exploring Akane’s past was one of the most satisfying arcs in the game. Watching her unravel pieces of her memory, evolve through her interactions—not just with the main cast, but even with random NPCs like a nervous cashier—is where the writing really shines. Her presence lights up every scene she’s in, and there’s always a sense of growth, of something deeper beneath the surface.
What’s especially impressive is how well the game balances its humor with its more serious, emotional moments. It never undercuts itself. And once again, the art style plays a huge role in this—it elevates everything. From the expressive character animations to the detailed comic-style panels, every joke lands harder, every emotional beat hits deeper.
Honestly, Akane might just be one of the best protagonists of the year. Her story is compelling, her personality unforgettable, and her presence magnetic. I genuinely hope we see more of her—whether it’s in a sequel, a DLC, or something entirely new. She deserves it.
A Beautiful Blend of JRPG and Cozy Sim
Artist Impact does an exceptional job blending the heart of a classic JRPG with the laid-back charm of a cozy life sim. It pulls you into a gameplay loop that’s as engaging as it is relaxing—letting you move at your own pace, whether you're uncovering hidden lore, completing heartwarming side quests, or simply enjoying the small details of daily life. At times, it genuinely feels like a slice-of-life comfort anime… set in a post-apocalyptic world.
There’s something so satisfying about decorating your home, taking part-time jobs, enjoying a long bath, or cooking low-stakes meals just because you want to. This is an RPG where you can save the world—then take a nap afterward. And that duality perfectly reflects the protagonist, Akane: chill, curious, and just vibing, even in the end times.
Despite its cozy tone, the gameplay never feels shallow or secondary. In fact, it constantly rewards curiosity. Whether you're wandering into a random building or poking around town, you're likely to stumble upon entire side stories—like the time I found a trapped bot behind a locked door, which spiraled into a heartfelt little quest. These organic discoveries feel special, not scripted. You’re not just checking off objectives; you’re exploring a world that wants you to explore it.
The side quests are surprisingly touching, often centered around helping NPCs in meaningful ways. And once again, the game’s expressive art style enhances every scene, giving emotional weight to even the smallest moments. Whether you’re repairing your house’s power after accidentally blowing a fuse (yes, I did that), managing a pizza shop, or just brewing herbal soup for early-game stat boosts—it all feels rewarding.
Speaking of rewards, the game has a smart, satisfying progression system. You can earn money through part-time jobs, invest in properties for passive income, and raise your stats by eating at different restaurants—some of which give permanent boosts. It’s layered, but never overwhelming. Everything you do has a purpose, even if it’s just for fun.
Uncomplicated, Yet Unmistakably Fun Combat
And of course, we can’t forget the turn-based combat. It’s simple, fast-paced, and refreshingly smooth—designed to be approachable for newcomers while still offering just enough depth to keep genre veterans engaged. Attacks, casting, and skills all flow with a satisfying speed, delivering that modern turn-based feel that so many games strive for but rarely get right.
Progression is equally rewarding. After boss fights, you can upgrade your gear—enhancing Akane’s sword with new traits—or install support chips into Bot, giving him healing abilities or other helpful skills. There’s also a clever hidden proficiency system tied to certain abilities: the more you use a specific skill, the stronger and more efficient it becomes. It encourages experimentation and rewards consistency, adding a subtle layer of progression that feels organic rather than forced.
While the combat is on the easier side—most enemies can be defeated with a mix of random skills and there's no strict elemental weakness system—it never feels dull. A couple of bosses do offer a real challenge, but the real strength of the combat lies in its momentum and charm. It’s not trying to be punishing; it’s trying to be fun—and in that, it fully succeeds. Artist Impact delivers a battle system that feels right at home in a game that values both comfort and creativity.
At its core, Artist Impact is a love letter to both genres it embraces. It respects your time, feeds your curiosity, and makes even the smallest tasks feel meaningful. It’s a game where the joy comes not just from reaching the end, but from savoring the journey along the way.
Some QoL Features Would’ve Been Handy
I think Artis Impact could’ve definitely benefited from some quality-of-life features that would’ve made the gameplay feel smoother and more refined. For example, the ability to save anywhere would’ve been a huge help. It’s especially odd that this isn’t included, considering the game is being marketed as a cozy experience—you’d expect something like that to be a no-brainer. Players should be able to pick up and play at their own pace, but instead, you can only save outside the world, which kind of breaks immersion.
A proper map for towns and areas would’ve also been really useful, as would a feature to skip battles against enemies significantly weaker than you. These are pretty common in modern RPGs and cozy games alike, and they go a long way in making gameplay more enjoyable. Even something like being able to sleep and wake up at specific times would’ve been a welcome addition. There are definitely a few things that could be tweaked to make the experience a lot more seamless. The game’s foundation is solid, but these little details would’ve pushed it to the next level.
Story and World Could’ve Been Fleshed Out More
One of Artist Impact’s greatest strengths is just how vibrant and imaginative its world is—but honestly, that’s also one of its biggest weaknesses. The game introduces so many fascinating ideas, locations, and concepts, but often they aren’t fully explained or explored, especially during the early parts of the game.
You’re thrown into the story as Akane with almost no proper introduction—you just wake up, and boom, you’re in this colorful, chaotic world. While I get that the mystery surrounding Akane’s memories is intentional, the lack of explanation about the world itself is more frustrating than intriguing.
The game seems to assume you already understand how things work, what everything is, and why it matters. It ends up feeling like things are being thrown at you just because they’re “cool,” without ever giving enough context to make you care.
For example: What exactly does Akane do? What is her role? What is the Lith-Club, and why should we care about it? These concepts are tossed at the player without even a few lines of in-world explanation, which would’ve gone a long way in grounding the experience.
A simple glossary or codex that updates as you encounter new terms or factions could’ve helped a lot. There were definitely moments where I felt confused about what was going on or why certain events mattered. It’s a shame, because the world is bursting with potential—and while the quirky, fun dialogue keeps things enjoyable, it sometimes feels like the lore is undercooked. Cool ideas are introduced, but not always fully realized or meaningfully integrated into the story.
That said, there is still a fun and compelling narrative underneath it all. But I can’t help but feel like this was a missed opportunity to fully flesh out a world and its inhabitants. With just a bit more attention to worldbuilding and clarity, Artist Impact could’ve been even more powerful.
Is Artis Impact Worth It?
Will Leave a Long Lasting Impact
Artis Impact is undeniably one of the most creative and visually stunning games I’ve played in recent memory. True to its name, it leaves a lasting impression. The pixel art alone makes it worth the price of admission—fluid, imaginative, and absolutely overflowing with charm. It wouldn’t be surprising to see other indie titles draw inspiration from its distinct visual identity; it’s that influential.
What truly sets Artis Impact apart, though, is just how polished and cohesive it feels. In many ways, it’s more refined than some recent AAA releases. Every detail—from the heartfelt writing to the intuitive design—feels carefully considered, resulting in an experience that’s not only beautiful but emotionally resonant. It’s a shining example of what makes indie games so powerful, and it has all the makings of a standout title of the year.
At just $19, you’re getting a rich and unforgettable adventure. Whether you're a fan of cozy games, JRPGs, or simply want something bold and different, Artis Impact effortlessly blends the best of both worlds into something magical.
Here’s hoping we haven’t seen the last of this universe, because Artis Impact absolutely deserves a DLC or a sequel. Mas has created something truly breathtaking with so much more to discover and unpack.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
|||||||
| $18.99 |
Artis Impact FAQ
What Languages Does Artis Impact Support?
⚫︎ English
⚫︎ Simplified Chinese
⚫︎ Traditional Chinese
⚫︎ Korean
⚫︎ Russian
⚫︎ Italian
⚫︎ Ukrainian
⚫︎ Brazilian
⚫︎ Portuguese
⚫︎ Indonesian
Does Artis Impact Contain Multiple Endings?
Yes, the game has 2 endings, to be exact.
Game8 Reviews
You may also like...
Artis Impact Product Information
 |
|
| Title | Artis Impact |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 7, 2025 |
| Developer | Mas |
| Publisher | Mas |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam) |
| Genre | Fantasy, Indie |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | RP |
| Official Website | Artis Impact Website |
