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

Author: Bella May 06,2025

While it may be a bit of a cliché to label creations from Japan as "weird," the upcoming release from Kodansha Creators' Lab, Mochi-O, might just earn that description in the best possible way. This intriguing indie game offers a unique twist that's sure to capture your attention.

So, what's Mochi-O all about? Imagine a rail shooter where your mission is to blast enemy robots to smithereens and save the world from impending doom. Sounds standard, right? Well, not quite. The twist is that your weapon of choice is an adorable hamster named Mochi-O, armed to the teeth with everything from rifles to rocket launchers!

Yes, you read that right. Mochi-O blends the excitement of a rail shooter with the charm of a virtual pet game. As you play, you'll raise Mochi-O, unlocking a variety of new weapons for them to wield. You'll also feed them sunflower seeds to strengthen your bond and boost their abilities. And if that's not enough, the game throws in roguelike elements, offering random upgrades that keep each battle fresh and exciting!

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

Creative Charm: Mochi-O is the brainchild of solo creator Zxima, and it exudes that rough-around-the-edges charm typical of indie releases. As an extension of the renowned manga publisher Kodansha, the Kodansha Creators' Lab is doing a fantastic job of shining a spotlight on indie developers like Zxima.

With its quirky tone and retro rail shooter mechanics, it's no surprise that Mochi-O piques your curiosity. Keep an eye out for its release on iOS and Android later this year!

Speaking of retro reinventions, if you're intrigued by how Mo.Co is reimagining the classic monster-hunting genre, don't miss our upcoming preview!