HoloCure, the wildly popular free-to-play roguelite, has once again surged in popularity with its latest Version 0.7 update, introducing a wealth of new content and gameplay features. The game’s success continues to surprise many, given that it’s entirely free.
Originally launched on Steam in August last year, HoloCure takes clear inspiration from the hit Vampire Survivors, with its addictive bullet hell mechanics. Players control a variety of characters with unique abilities, fending off endless waves of enemies while leveling up and selecting randomized upgrades, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.
HoloCure offers a unique twist on the roguelite formula by featuring popular VTuber idols from Hololive. This clever integration helped it become one of SteamDB’s highest-rated titles of 2023, boasting a staggering 99% positive review score from over 32,000 reviews.
Developed by Kay Yu, the former lead animator of River City Girls, HoloCure lets players control various VTuber idols across Hololive’s generations, all while keeping the game free. The recent Version 0.7 update propelled the player count from 3,254 to over 28,590 concurrent users within 24 hours.
HoloCure’s highly anticipated Version 0.7 update is now live, bringing a substantial content boost. This update introduces nine new characters from Hololive JP Gen 3 (Fantasy) such as Usada Pekora, Houshou Marine, Shiranui Flare and Shirogane Noel.
Additionally five members of Gen 4 (Force) were introduced, including Kiryu Coco, Amane Kanata, Tsunomaki Watame, Tokoyami Towa and Himemori Luna as playable characters.
Another exciting feature in HoloCure’s Version 0.7 update is the Fan Letter system, where players can send virtual fan mail using HoloCoins. Doing so boosts a character’s Affection level, unlocking perks such as new outfits and furniture, thereby adding more customization options. This system deepens player interaction with characters and expands the game’s customization elements, making the experience even richer.
The Preparation system in HoloCure’s latest update lets players customize characters before gameplay, offering choices like starter weapons, stat upgrades, and special items to enhance the experience.
However, the real highlights include two new stages, “Fantasy Island” and “Gelora Bung Yagoo (Night)”, expanding the total to nine stages. The Holo House also sees major additions with the Usada Casino and Tower of Suffering. Additionally, the update introduces new weapons, collabs, items, a revamped food system, plus bug fixes and character reworks, greatly enriching gameplay variety.
The Usada Casino in HoloCure’s Holo House is a newly added area where players can gamble HoloCoins in a variety of minigames like slot machines, Blackjack, and Roulette. Unique to this casino, players can actively interact with the games, such as kicking the roulette wheel to stop it early or kicking slot machines for extra coins.
Other minigames include a math quiz shooter, higher-lower challenges, and rock-paper-scissors, offering fun, engaging ways to earn rewards. These playful interactions add a twist to the typical casino experience.
The Usada Casino in HoloCure adds two special minigames using hired workers. The Racing minigame lets players enter workers into four race Cups of varying difficulties. Workers use stamina to run or swim, with options to rest or sprint, aiming for 1st place. Players can upgrade stats with PekoChips.
In the Fight Pit, workers engage in battles across four match tiers. Players can issue commands like Attack or Retreat, based on worker type (Melee, Ranged, Magic), and train them to boost HP and ATK.
For a tougher challenge, the Tower of Suffering offers a multi-floor gauntlet with escalating difficulty, requiring strategic use of skills to progress.
The Tower of Suffering challenges players to reach the highest floor possible for rewards, emphasizing strategy and resource management.
Meanwhile, the Usada Casino offers unique items and cosmetics unlocked by earning Casino Points, adding a fun, risk-reward element to spending in-game currency. This variety has sparked renewed interest, with concurrent players surging from over 2,000 to 20,000 within a day, thanks to support from VTubers especially.
Thanks to developer Kay Yu’s commitment to free fan games, HoloCure – Save the Fans remains accessible to everyone without any cost. Even if you’re not familiar with VTubers, the game offers an enjoyable experience that will scratch that Vampire Survivors itch while also providing hours of additional content perfect for relaxing.
With a packed list of new features, the game is forging its own identity in the genre. Players can now expect more depth, more variety, and plenty of fresh mechanics that push it beyond its humble beginnings. Its mix of addictive gameplay and generous updates ensures players have plenty of reasons to return, making it an outstanding title that does a far better job at entertaining audiences than big budget AAA studios who demand $70 for their progressive propaganda.
Whether you’re a fan of the Vampire Survivors formula, a fan of VTubers or are looking for something with a bit more substance, the 0.7 update has something to offer. It’s clear that HoloCure is no longer just trying to replicate its inspirations but is striving to carve out its own unique niche that makes its players extraordinarily happy.
