"PUNIHI LOADER 2" is customizable mecha third-person shooter in which the one-headed mysterious cute creature "Punihi" rides and fights in unique mecha. Customize your mecha by combining over 100 parts. You can also change the clothes of "Punihi". Create your own ultimate mecha.
Players can freely customize their mechas by combining over 100 unique parts across five categories - Body, Left Arm, Right Arm, Legs, and Back Equipment. This allows for a wide range of viable build possibilities, enabling players to create their ultimate, personalized mecha to suit their playstyle. From nimble, high-mobility units to heavy, long-range missile carriers, the diverse array of parts offers a significant depth to the gameplay, allowing players to experiment and find the perfect loadout.
The core gameplay loop revolves around leading a squad of three mechas, including the player's customized unit and two AI-controlled wingmen, in 3v3 arena battles against rival teams. Coordinating the tactics and abilities of the team is crucial, as players must devise the strongest strategies to overcome their opponents. Reviews describe these arena battles as "hardcore" and "without holding back", providing a challenging yet rewarding combat experience that requires precise positioning and maneuvers.
In addition to the arena battles, the game also features a Mission Mode, which tasks players with fighting off waves of enemy units and defeating giant boss encounters. This mode allows players to earn money, which can then be used to purchase new mecha parts and upgrades, further fueling the customization loop and progression system.
Reviews praise the game's smooth and responsive controls, which convey a satisfying sense of weight and heft to the mecha movements. Described as "snappy" and "responsive", particularly on mouse and keyboard setups, the controls allow for precise maneuvers and positioning during combat, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
As players progress through the arena tournaments and mission mode, they unlock new and more powerful mecha parts, incentivizing them to continue customizing and refining their builds. This satisfying loop of tinkering and improving one's mecha, then taking them into battle to test their effectiveness, provides a strong sense of progression and replayability.