Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Uzumaki: Noroi Simulation flips the script by putting you in control of the Spiral Curse itself, rather than the hapless victims of Kurôzu-Cho. From the moment Uzumaki Sen’nin, the enigmatic Spiral Master, explains your role, you’re immediately tasked with spreading curling insanity across the town. Navigation is handled via a simple but effective overhead map: select a district, unleash your spiral influence, and watch the local population twist into spiral-obsessed chaos.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The core loop centers on exploration and item management. Each location you visit yields unique collectables—spiral amulets, twisted tools, or sinister scrolls—that amplify your power in specific neighborhoods. Deciding which items to deploy and when to use them delves into light strategic planning. Do you infect the bustling shopping district to maximize panic, or sneak into the old hospital wing to trigger a localized spiral horror?

Interactions with townspeople are equally varied. Some characters fall immediately under your spell, their eyes spinning as they beseech you for more spirals. Others resist, triggering short minigames that test timing and pattern recognition. Success means another converted victim and a wider area of spiral corruption, while failure forces you to retreat and regroup, adding a satisfying tension to each encounter.

Graphics

Visually, Noroi Simulation blends cute, cartoonish character models with unsettling spiral motifs etched into every surface. The environments—be it the misty pier, the overgrown shrine grounds, or the claustrophobic alleyways—are rendered in muted tones, allowing the bright, almost neon-like spirals to pop with a disturbing vitality. This contrast evokes the uneasy feeling of a children’s storybook warped by cosmic horror.

Character portraits during dialogue are charmingly stylized but occasionally creep into uncanny valley territory when their spiral-obsessed expressions take hold. Animations are simple yet effective: a slow pan as coils appear on a victim’s skin, or a sudden spiral overlay when your influence peaks. These touches may not push hardware to its limits, but they brilliantly serve the game’s eerie mood.

The user interface is clean and intuitive. A compact mini-map keeps your targets in view, while item icons feature distinct spiral designs so you never have to second-guess what you’re equipping. Even the loading screens introduce subtle spiral patterns, reinforcing the ever-present nature of your curse without ever feeling intrusive.

Story

Drawing inspiration from Junji Ito’s seminal manga, Uzumaki: Noroi Simulation clears a fresh narrative path by granting agency to the curse itself. You’re no longer chasing after Kirie Goshima; instead, you watch her become prey. This role reversal offers a darkly comic twist, as the once-relatable heroine is reduced to another unfortunate in your spiraled web.

The game unfolds through brief cutscenes narrated by the Spiral Master, whose cryptic guidance frames each chapter. These interludes are sparse but effective, lending a sense of ancient, malevolent purpose to your mission. Each location you unlock brings new snippets of lore about Kurôzu-Cho’s spiral obsession, deepening the game world without drowning you in exposition.

Despite its humorous undertones, the story retains moments of genuine horror. Encountering townsfolk whose bodies have contorted into grotesque spiral shapes or discovering a hidden laboratory filled with failed “spiral experiments” injects a classic Ito-style dread. The balance between levity and terror keeps the narrative engaging from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Uzumaki: Noroi Simulation stands out for its originality. Playing as a curse rather than a protagonist shifts the typical horror-game paradigm and offers a fresh perspective on spreading chaos. The pacing feels just right, with each new area introducing mechanics that feel both familiar and surprising.

Replay value is solid, thanks to multiple branching paths and optional targets. Experimenting with different item combinations to see how spiral influence manifests creates a delightful “what if” sensation. The inclusion of a bizarre human/slug hybrid pet in the main menu adds a whimsical side distraction that underscores the game’s offbeat charm.

Though not a technical powerhouse, this title delivers on atmosphere, creativity, and sheer entertainment. For fans of psychological horror with a mischievous twist, Uzumaki: Noroi Simulation is a must-try—just be prepared to embrace the spiral madness yourself.

Retro Replay Score

null/10