Although Broken Bots may seem like it’s edging on the hint of mediocrity thanks to it’s rather sterile title, it’s genre is a lot more unique than the average titles that crop Playstation Network and Steam nowadays. It’s a mix of a multiplayer brawler and a twinstick shooter, echoing AAA constructs in a much more indie aesthetic. But at the end of the day, does it succeed or fail in an ever evolving market, that constantly spurts out new trends? Here’s our take.
Gameplay:
Broken Bots feels very similar to more well-known twinstick shooters in it’s league, but contrary to what some might think, this level of familiarity helps it in it’s fast atmosphere, and it’s subsequent innovations. An example of this is the effects that occur when you get injured, which involves the screen glitching out with positive or negative consequences. I’m thankful this was included, as it gives Broken Bots that extra gameplay edge it so desperately needs.
Story & Design:
Between the variety of modes, (King of the Hill, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, etc) Broken Bots excels with one thing, that being the amount of distinct scenarios that are the result of being glitched. It feels so emotionally surpassing when you kill another player after being handicapped, and the coop mode increases this tension, and sometimes saltiness. But it never feels unfair with enough practice, which is definitely a strong remark for the game.
Presentation/ Visuals & Audio:
Broken Bots may not be as graphically impressive when compared to the gameplay and mechanics, but what’s hear is decent enough. The glitch effects are neat and took me aback the first time, and some sound design is good during exhilarating battles. I do wish the soundtrack was more original and didn’t just build off of the game’s themes, but this is a very tiny nitpick overall.
Conclusion:
Broken Bots is the next essential Playstation 4 competitive indie game, and I hope it finds an audience. It’s design elements are smart and rival what’s traditionally seen in it’s genre, and just enough content is there that replayability should last a good while. Overall, it’s a pleasant and greatly enjoyable experience.
Broken Bots gets a 9/10 (Very Good)
We’d like to thank Bunnycopter for giving us a code!
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