Awaria is the latest creation by Polish indie developer Vanripper (Łukasz Piskorz), widely recognized for the hit puzzle game Helltaker, which boasts a remarkable 97% positive rating from over 120,000 Steam reviews. Both titles share a top-down pixel art style but offer very different adventures. In Helltaker, players descend into the underworld to assemble a harem of demon girls, while in Awaria, they take on the role of a maintenance worker navigating perilous tunnels to repair generators.
In the tunnels, players must do more than locate faulty generators. They need to diagnose issues, craft the right spare parts and install them before time runs out. The game keeps the pressure high, with hazards like electricity, fire and toxic radiation posing constant threats. Generators must be fixed swiftly or the area will become too dangerous to access.
Awaria has been highly praised on Steam, earning over 2,000 reviews within just three days of its release, 96% of them positive. According to SteamDB, it currently holds the top spot in the "Hot Releases" category. The game’s free-to-play model has likely contributed to its widespread popularity. For those looking to support the solo developer, a DLC is available for $9.99. While it doesn't add in-game content, it includes a digital art book featuring concept art, development insights and a delightful bonus: a traditional Polish Babeczki recipe, a charming treat for fans.