As a casual gamer, I cherish titles that offer a peaceful escape from daily life. HoloCure: Save the Fans fits the bill perfectly, combining a relaxing vibe with a dash of excitement and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Inspired by classics such as Vampire Survivors and Magic Survival, this unofficial fangame taps into Hololive’s popular vtuber talents to deliver laid-back gameplay wrapped in retro charm. Moreover, it’s free to download from platforms like Itch.io, making it accessible even if you’re on a budget. But is it the ultimate casual game? Let’s dive in and find out.
Simple and Engaging Gameplay
HoloCure focuses on collecting powerful weapons and items, experimenting with character builds, and facing endless waves of fans to climb the leaderboards. If you’ve tried Vampire Survivors, you’ll find the mechanics quite familiar: move around the map, gather glowing pickups, and fend off ever-increasing swarms of enemies. That said, HoloCure adds its own twist by featuring fan-favorite vtuber talents from Hololive—each character brings unique animations and voice clips that make the experience feel personalized.
The simplicity of HoloCure really stands out. The controls are easy to grasp, which is perfect for casual players who don’t want steep learning curves. For example, you only need to use a few keyboard keys or a gamepad to navigate, attack, and activate special abilities. The game eases you into its mechanics without being overwhelming. Early waves of fans give you time to explore basic weapon synergies, while later stages gradually ramp up difficulty. This pacing keeps you engaged without feeling punishing.
As you experiment with different builds—combining melee weapons, ranged attacks, and support items—you’ll discover fun synergies. For instance, pairing a flamethrower upgrade with a homing missile item can clear hordes quickly. Plus, each run feels different because of randomized item drops. This variety ensures that even if you replay the same stage multiple times, you’ll encounter new combinations and strategies.
Nostalgic Vibe and Retro Graphics
One of HoloCure’s strongest aspects is its nostalgic feel. The pixelated graphics and retro aesthetic instantly transport you back to the 90s gaming era. Sprites are designed in charming 16-bit style, complete with vibrant colors and expressive animations. Each vtuber character has a unique sprite sheet, featuring signature outfits and poses that make them instantly recognizable. The animations are smooth, too, whether you’re watching Gawr Gura swing her trident or Mori Calliope slay enemies with her scythe.
Beyond individual sprites, HoloCure’s environments pay homage to classic arcade shooters. Backgrounds range from cozy woodland settings to futuristic cityscapes, complete with simple parallax scrolling that adds depth without distracting from the action. These visual touches keep the gameplay visually delightful. Meanwhile, the soundtrack—an upbeat chiptune score—blends original compositions with remixed Hololive theme songs. This audiophile-friendly approach enhances immersion, making each run feel like a mini-concert.
Unique Characters and Playstyles
HoloCure includes a roster of popular Hololive vtuber talents, and this adds a unique twist that casual players will appreciate. For example, you can unlock characters like Inugami Korone, who specializes in fast melee attacks, or Nakiri Ayame, who summons spectral familiars to aid in battle. Each character feels distinct, offering different abilities and playstyles to cater to various player preferences. Some excel at crowd control with area-of-effect attacks, while others focus on single-target damage with precise strikes.
This diversity ensures there’s always something new to try, keeping the game fresh and entertaining. Moreover, unlockable skins and costumes add another layer of customization. You might discover alternate outfits for Usada Pekora or exclusive color palettes for Houshou Marine. These small cosmetic touches give you goals beyond mere high scores. As you unlock more characters, you’ll also gain access to new starting setups—meaning your starting weapons and stats vary, creating endless replay value.
Some Drawbacks
HoloCure has a lot going for it, but it’s not without flaws. The storyline feels sparse, focusing far more on gameplay than on a deep narrative. You get simple text boxes introducing each stage, but there’s no overarching plot that ties everything together. For players who enjoy immersive stories or character-driven arcs, this lack of narrative depth might be a downside. You’ll find yourself jumping straight into action without much context beyond a brief “stage unlocked” message.
Additionally, the game sometimes suffers from repetitive gameplay loops. Facing endless waves of fans—basically enemy versions of Hololive viewers—can lead to monotony over extended play sessions. While randomized item drops add variety, the core mechanics don’t evolve significantly after the first few hours. That said, occasional special events, such as boss waves featuring giant fan mobs, break up the routine. Still, more variety in enemy types and challenges could improve long-term engagement.
Another minor issue is the lack of a proper tutorial mode. Newcomers may have to rely on online guides or trial and error to understand weapon synergies and character abilities. A brief in-game tutorial or tooltips explaining item effects would help, especially for players unfamiliar with Vampire Survivors–style mechanics. Without this guidance, some newcomers might struggle to optimize their builds early on.
Final Thoughts
HoloCure: Save the Fans may not revolutionize casual gaming, but it offers a charming and enjoyable experience overall. Its strengths lie in nostalgic graphics, easy-to-learn controls, and unique Hololive characters that add personality. The pixel art visuals and chiptune soundtrack fuse perfectly to create a cozy yet exciting atmosphere. However, it does lack a deep storyline and can become repetitive during marathon sessions.
That said, it still serves as a delightful way to unwind and have fun. For casual gamers who appreciate a relaxing yet engaging experience, HoloCure is worth a try. It doesn’t demand hours of dedication—most runs last under 15 minutes—but provides enough entertainment to make your time worthwhile. Plus, being a free fangame, it’s low-risk to add to your Steam or Itch.io collection. If you’re looking for a mix of nostalgia and modern casual gameplay, HoloCure: Save the Fans might be the perfect addition to your library.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
A solid casual game with charming graphics and accessible gameplay. It lacks depth and variety to earn higher marks, but it delivers plenty of fun in short bursts.
Gamer Tip for Beginners
Experiment with different characters and builds to find what suits your playstyle best. This keeps the gameplay fresh and helps you discover powerful combinations. For instance, if you prefer fast-paced melee combat, try Korone’s wolf-themed build early. On the other hand, if you enjoy ranged or magic-based attacks, consider starting with Ayame and focusing on her spectral summons. By exploring each character’s strengths, you’ll unlock potent synergies that make late-game waves much easier.
