Feb 13, 2025
Based on the mobile game Shouri no Megami: NIKKE, this manga is a spin-off of said mobile game and exists in an alternate reality where the fight to reclaim the surface ceases and the characters (NIKKEs) live in relative peace. This manga is very much a slice of life that primarily follows Anne (N102) and the members of Maid For You, Soda, Cocoa, & Ade as they do work for the maid cafe (though Ade's seemingly more of a side character appearing less than Soda & Cocoa). It also includes a lot of guest & reoccurring appearances from other NIKKEs in the universe.
This story is
...
primarily centered around Anne who I’ve found to be one of the more interesting characters of the series in spite of the shortcomings she faces in the mobile game due to her situation. I’m particularly happy to say for those familiar with her that she gets a chance to be more free here. There’s not a lot that needs to be said here with it being a slice of life, we mainly follow Anne & Maid For You around as they do day to day things retaining to the cafe from running it during the day. Sometimes the focus may be serving customers, handling inventory, running into fellow NIKKEs who spice things up with their presence. The game is known for it's inclusion of fanservice and this manga follows suit similarly with there being a lot of eye-catching angles & perspectives. The manga had the chance to take it up a notch and they capitalize on the freedom. Perhaps fanservice is a deterrent for some, but I feel like NIKKE incorporates it well without that being the only takeaway of the series be it in this manga or the game without doing a disservice to the stories it tells.
A lot of characters have shown up in this, but Anne seems to be the one focused on most of everyone even being the feature of the volume cover arts. Without saying too much for those unfamiliar, while she’s more of a tragic figure in the game the problems she have there are expunged here and she’s at peace here getting the chance to be a normal kid her age who views the world positively with a gleam in her eyes and able to foster stable connections with everybody else. It's a fairly basic assessment of her here, but it feels more satisfying having witnessed her tale in the game. Aside from Anne, there's Cocoa who while already being a fun character is at her most fun to watch here and is probably my favorite here being a mix of professionalism & some quirkiness & Soda who is a dedicated and cheerful figure who while clumsy is determined to do her best. There are a number of characters who pop up in this so summarizing them all feels redundant here, but they're a very fun choice of characters that help keep things afloat.
While this isn’t essential reading necessarily for mobile game players it’s a fun what-if situation that puts a spotlight on a mostly less popular bunch. I've enjoyed seeing characters like Guilliotine & Trony get extra chances to be highlighted in a work like this. If you took a liking to or are interested in seeing more of Soda, Cocoa, &/or Anne in particular this manga is right up your alley. This is largely just a fun and casual slice of life story and intentionally isn't trying to be too serious (we get more of that in the game)
If you’re not familiar with this series but enjoy slice of life series that don’t focus heavily on prolonged narratives then I think you’ll like this still.
(Sidenote: I hope Rupee shows up to interact with Anne at some point.)
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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