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"Kodansha Launches MOCHI-O: A Unique Hamster Shooter Game"

Authore: LucasUpdate:May 13,2025

Kodansha Creators' Lab is bringing something unique to the table with their upcoming indie release, Mochi-O. While it's a bit cliché to label Japanese creations as "weird," Mochi-O's concept definitely stands out in a delightful way. This rail shooter game tasks players with defending the world from evil robots, but here's the twist: your weapon is an adorable, gun-wielding hamster!

In Mochi-O, you'll engage in high-octane battles, obliterating enemy robots with your hamster's arsenal, which ranges from rifles to rocket launchers. But it's not just about the shooting; the game also incorporates virtual pet elements. Players can nurture Mochi-O, the titular hamster, by feeding it seeds to boost its strength and deepen your bond. As you progress, you'll unlock new weapons and enjoy roguelike elements that offer random upgrades, adding layers of excitement and unpredictability to each playthrough.

Developed by the solo creator Zxima, Mochi-O embodies the charm of indie games with its rough-around-the-edges aesthetic. It's inspiring to see Kodansha Creators' Lab, an extension of the renowned manga publisher, providing a platform for indie developers like Zxima to gain more visibility. With its quirky tone and retro rail shooter mechanics, Mochi-O is poised to capture the curiosity of gamers.

A pixellated interface showing someone flicking a sunflower seed to a waiting hamster with its mouth open

Keep your eyes peeled for Mochi-O, as it's set to launch on iOS and Android later this year. If you're intrigued by retro reinventions, don't miss out on our preview of Supercell's upcoming release, Mo.Co, which promises to revitalize the classic monster-hunting genre.