Home News Kodansha's MOCHI-O: A Hamster-Themed Shooter Game

Kodansha's MOCHI-O: A Hamster-Themed Shooter Game

by George May 04,2025

Mochi-O is the latest upcoming release from Kodansha Creators' Lab, a new indie games label from the renowned mega manga publisher. While it might be cliché to label creations from Japan as "weird," Mochi-O certainly pushes the boundaries in an intriguing way, inviting players into a unique gaming experience.

So, what's the game all about? Mochi-O is a rail shooter where you take on the role of a hero tasked with defending the world from evil robots. The twist? Your weapon of choice is an adorable hamster named Mochi-O, equipped with an arsenal ranging from rifles to rocket launchers. Yes, you read that right—a gun-happy hamster is your key to saving the world!

But Mochi-O isn't just about blasting robots; it combines elements of a virtual pet game. As you play, you'll raise and bond with Mochi-O, feeding it seeds to increase trust and strength, and unlocking new weapons for it to wield. The game also incorporates roguelike elements, offering random upgrades as you progress through battles, adding a layer of excitement and unpredictability to each playthrough.

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

Developed by the solo creator Zxima, Mochi-O embodies the rough-around-the-edges charm characteristic of indie games. Kodansha Creators' Lab, an extension of the famous manga publisher, is giving indie developers like Zxima the platform they need to gain visibility, and it's exciting to see such innovative projects come to life.

With its quirky tone and retro rail shooter mechanics, Mochi-O is definitely a game to watch. It's set to launch on iOS and Android later this year, so keep an eye out for it. If you're a fan of retro reinventions, you might also be interested in Supercell's upcoming release, Mo.Co, which promises to reinvent the classic monster-hunting genre. Be sure to check out our preview for more details!

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