Holo X Break is an action-packed beat 'em up developed by KayAnimate and published by holo Indie. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Holo X Break Review Overview
What is Holo X Break?
In the peaceful confines of hololive HQ in Holo City, the VTuber talents were enjoying a typical day, lounging around and chatting. Suddenly, their peace is shattered when their CEO vanishes without a trace. Soon after, a malevolent group known as holoX, the Secret Society
emerges, proclaiming their sinister ambition to rule the world. Their mission now is rescue the CEO, thwart holoX's nefarious plans, and safeguard the world from their tyranny.
Holo X Break features:
⚫︎ Playable hololive talents with their own unique abilities and super attacks
⚫︎ Arcade-style beat 'em up
⚫︎ Action-packed boss battles against holoX members
⚫︎ Up to 4 Player Local
⚫︎ Remixed Music from popular hololive songs
| Platform | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
|||||
| Free to Play | |||||
Holo X Break Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Solid and Unique Roster Great Fanservice for Fans It’s Free to Play |
No Save Feature Lack of Online Multiplayer |
Holo X Break Overall Score - 78/100
Holo X Break pays homage to the addictive charm of classic arcade beat 'em ups, blending entertainment with a wave of nostalgia. Crafted with passion by devoted hololive fans, its adoration shines through in the form of delightful Easter egg references and a diverse roster of beloved hololive talents, each offering a unique and engaging experience. While there's room for improvement, it remains a solid fun arcade game for both fans and newcomers. And the fact that it's free to play? Just the icing on the cake.
Holo X Break Story - 6/10
True to its arcade beat 'em up inspirations, the game doesn't prioritize an elaborate storyline. Instead, it offers a straightforward narrative centered around the timeless theme of saving the world. And that's perfectly alright because the essence of the game lies in its action-packed gameplay rather than complex storytelling.
Holo X Break Gameplay - 8/10
Holo X Break brings back the nostalgic charm of traditional arcade beat 'em up games, reminiscent of those found in vintage arcades. With its simplicity, addictive gameplay, and accessibility, it's easy to dive right in. The diverse roster of Vtubers offers a refreshing twist in gameplay, each equipped with unique skills and abilities that add replay value to the game. While enjoyable, there's certainly potential for further enhancements and refinements such as a definite need to add online multiplayer.
Holo X Break Visuals - 8/10
The 2D sprites and backgrounds, while not groundbreaking, exude a charming and vibrant appeal. Every Vtuber sprite springs to life on the screen, enriched with Easter eggs and nods to Hololive, providing a delightful surprise for fans. Additionally, the emotes boast adorable and well-crafted artwork, adding to the overall charm of the experience.
Holo X Break Audio - 7/10
This game brings a playful spin to beloved hololive songs, transforming them into delightful 8-bit tunes. Surprisingly, this fusion works pretty well, with a standout remix being Blue Clapper.
However, while the remixes are enjoyable within the game, I wouldn't actively pursue them to listen to outside of gameplay; I much prefer the original songs. They serve better as catchy background melodies than captivating focal points in-game. Occasionally, I find myself humming along to the beat, but beyond that, they don't engage me much further.
Holo X Break Value for Money - 10/10
Even for those who aren't die-hard fans, this game offers hours of free entertainment. But if you're a hololive enthusiast, you're in for a real treat. Plus, the developers have promised ongoing updates, so there's plenty more excitement on the horizon.
Holo X Break Review: A Fun Game for Fans By Fans
Holo X Break, the latest offering from the developers of Holocure, is a labor of love crafted by dedicated fans of hololive, and their passion shines through. Packed with references and charming details, fans should definitely keep their eyes open for all the easter eggs they may find.
For instance, the pause menu mimics a streamer's setup, which is a neat touch. Unlike Holocure, Holo X Break takes a different approach, presenting itself as a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up. While it draws heavily from this genre for inspiration, I find that it leans a bit too heavily on its influences with certain aspects.
While there are a few minor nitpicks I have regarding gameplay, such as occasional wonky controls and moments where the pacing drags, there are two major issues that stand out. Firstly, the absence of online multiplayer feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the game was marketed as such.
Additionally, there needs to be a save feature so that quitting or leaving the game forces players to restart from the beginning, which can be quite inconvenient. Personally, I could overlook the absence of a save feature if online multiplayer were included, as it would add more enjoyment and quicken the pace of completing the game.
Apart from those minor issues, this game offers a truly enjoyable experience reminiscent of the arcade era, evoking the feeling of dropping quarters into a machine and pressing the start button. Players begin by selecting one of four characters: Omaru Polka, Shishiro Botan, Yukihana Lamyu, and Momosuzu Nene. Each character boasts unique playstyles and abilities, making the gameplay surprisingly diverse and engaging.
Personally, I find Lamyu to be the most enjoyable, with her ability to hurl bottles of sake and summon icy fields to freeze nearby enemies. As you traverse the city, you'll encounter waves of minions to combat. While the combat mechanics are simple, there's surprising depth with options like recruiting allies, utilizing healing items, objects that can be used as melee and throwable weapons, and acquiring equipment that alters your stats. It's a nice touch that the game incorporates RPG elements, such as encountering Nodoka and Kaela after each stage to upgrade equipment or purchase items.
Advancing through each stage involves defeating their respective bosses, and let me tell you, each Holo X member presents a formidable challenge. I've encountered my fair share of difficulty facing them, often resulting in multiple deaths and the need to revisit certain parts of the level to acquire better equipment for the fight.
However, the encounters are incredibly enjoyable and rewarding; not only do they yield a hefty amount of gold, but the battle music also adds to the intensity and engagement of the experience.
In summary, despite being free to play, this game outshines many paid alternatives in terms of pure fun. Whether you're a fan or not, it offers a thoroughly enjoyable experience, particularly when played with friends, ensuring hours of time well spent.
Pros of Holo X Break
| Things Holo X Break Got Right |
|---|
|
Solid and Unique Roster Great Fanservice for Fans It’s Free to Play |
Solid and Unique Roster
Beyond the starting four characters, the game offers unlockable HoloX members, each with their own unique playstyle. I particularly enjoy playing Haiku Koyori, and as a fan, it’s a joy that she's included as a playable character. I look forward to seeing the developers expand the roster further in future updates because there are definitely more Hololive members I’d like to see such as Ollie and Mori.
Great Fanservice for Fans
This game excels in fan service such as incorporating abilities that stay true to the members' lore or featuring numerous references and Easter eggs, there’s a ton of them to keep your eyes for. From charming emotes reflecting each talent's personality to stunning artwork, such as my favorite, Sleepy Pekoro, every detail feels like a heartfelt tribute to these amazing girls. Even the music, which consists of remixes of popular hololive songs, adds to the overall enjoyment to the game.
It’s Free to Play
Given the level of enjoyment and content packed into this game, it wouldn't have been surprising if the developers had decided to charge for it. However, I'm grateful that they chose to create a special experience for the fans and are committed to updating it for them. It's quite rare to encounter a free-to-play game without any microtransactions, making this game even more special in my eyes.
Cons of Holo X Break
| Things That Holo X Break Can Improve |
|---|
|
No Save Feature Lack of Online Multiplayer |
No Save Feature
I understand that the absence of a save feature was intentional, aiming to recreate the arcade gaming experience. However, in my view, some elements are better left in the past. While the lack of a save feature may not pose a significant issue for streaming due to the game's short length, it can be inconvenient for casual play or unexpected interruptions. This inconvenience may become more pronounced with the addition of online multiplayer in the future, as players will need to complete the game in one sitting. Furthermore, if the game crashes, restarting without any saved progress can be disheartening, as all acquired items and equipment are lost, leaving only emotes intact.
Lack of Online Multiplayer
I won't dwell too much on the absence of online multiplayer, especially since remote play is an option and the developers plan to add this feature soon. However, it's puzzling why it wasn't included from day one. It's frustrating that only the host of the remote play session receives unlockables, which can be quite annoying. Hopefully, they will implement this feature promptly.
Is Holo X Break Worth It?
Yes Even if You Aren’t a Fan
Despite my gripes, this game is undeniably a blast, especially when enjoyed with friends. And the good news is, one of those complaints will be addressed soon in an upcoming update. Overall, it's a delightful beat 'em up that's accessible to anyone and offers even more enjoyment for fans of the franchise. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to hololive, it's a fantastic game that could also honestly serve as a great introduction to the world of hololive for those who are interested.
| Platform | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
|||||
| Free to Play | |||||
Holo X Break FAQ
Complete List of Holo X Break Playable Characters
⚫︎ Omaru Polka
⚫︎ Shishiro Botan
⚫︎ Yukihana Lamy
⚫︎ Momosuzu Nene
⚫︎ Hakui Koyori
⚫︎ Kazama Iroha
⚫︎ Sakamata Chloe
⚫︎ Takane Lui
⚫︎ La+ Darkness
Do the Talents Provide Their Voices?
Yes, every Vtuber involved in the game provided their voices in some shape or form.
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Holo X Break Product Information
 |
|
| Title | HOLO X BREAK |
|---|---|
| Release Date | MARCH 30, 2024 |
| Developer | KayAnimate |
| Publisher | holo Indie |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam) |
| Genre | 2D Beat-em Up |
| Number of Players | 1-4 |
| ESRB Rating | Not Rated |
| Official Website | Holo X Break Website |
not a hololive fan, but looks intersting. I'll wait for online multiplayer though