Shoot Many Robots Review
A likeable retro throwback to the classic side scrolling action era
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SpectralShock
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Shoot Many Robots is a downloadable title released this week from Demiurge Studios and published by Ubisoft. This is an odd name for sure, but the developers were just being simple in their approach; and thus the name alone shouldn’t turn you off from checking out the game. Because, as a matter of fact, the game is indeed all about shooting robots and it can be quite a good time. Some visual and gameplay quirks only detract a little from this otherwise enjoyable experience.
Right from the start, the game presents no questions about its identity – this is a slightly over-the-top side scrolling shooter, with a focus on throwing as many enemies at you as possible, with a bit of a retro feel thrown in. The plot (or lack thereof), revolves around Walter Tugnut, a hillbilly that lives out of his RV that’s stocked with weapons and ammo. That’s about it for the story – you play as Walter through 5 environment types, which repeat with each level but offer different paths and enemies. The game employs a unique take on difficulty – the harder difficulties actually present new levels to play (instead of just the same levels with more enemies). This may, however, pose a problem for those less skilled who are unable to progress, thus not able to see the rest of the levels.
Levels are either linear paths forward with a few horizontal alternate paths, as in classic games in the genre, or are survival-type where you remain in one area and try to hold out for as long as possible. The game gets progressively more challenging – so playing alone is not a viable option if you wish to avoid frustration and have a chance at seeing all that the game has to offer. There are checkpoints spread sparingly, and they do help on certain levels.
The basics of Shoot Many Robots, then, is to shoot robots. Yeah, it’s a clever game like that. Players can carry only two weapons at a time, a primary weapon with infinite ammo, and a secondary (heavy) weapon with limited ammo. Blasting through robots is as easy as never letting go of the shooting button at first, but later things become rather complicated and almost Contra-like. The game’s goal is to send tons and tons of robots your way, often pausing your progression through the level to present a particularly large amount of bots plus a mini-boss or two to make things interesting.
Both aiming and moving in the game is controlled with the stick, so running backwards while firing isn’t an option. You can, however, go into a crouched position and freely aim around the screen without needlessly running in circles. The controls are responsive and there are no problems taking down airborne as well as ground targets at a wide variety of angles. The enemies themselves pose a threat not only in damage dealt, but their sheer overwhelming numbers. Ground enemies can attack either by melee or with ranged missiles, which can actually be punched back right at them if the timing is right; airborne enemies only possess the ranged attack and are generally less worrisome. Basic bots come at you night and day, becoming progressively more challenging as you progress through the game, while mini-bosses pose an even greater threat. These special robots have a ton more health and often hit much harder. End of levels also feature proper boss fights, which are unique and interesting in their own right, once again reminding players what era Shoot Many Robots got its inspiration from.
Most of the robots you take out drop nuts and bolts. These items are collectible, which act as the game’s currency and also evaluate how well you did on a particular level. Shoot Many Robots employs a star system, so to progress through the campaign you must collect a certain amount of stars for the next area to unlock. The requirements are rather relaxed, so there won’t be a need to go back and replay levels.
Of course, currency would be useless without things to buy. The bolts you collect add up, and can then be used in the game’s store to purchase new weapons and clothing equipment. Since the game has a fairly relaxed style, you won’t find exact stats or details about every gun – rather, the general applicability and effectiveness of each weapon is summarized. Purchasing new weapons is essential to survive, and in general the game’s difficulty curve matches nicely with your shiny new guns. Clothing items can also be upgraded, providing passive or active bonuses – such as extra health or ability to push enemies away.
Most of the store’s items have a set price and are also locked away behind your character’s level – which is based on experience that’s earned playing. There isn’t much more to it though, and your level is just a number used to control weapon unlock progression. You can play to level 50, and there are items that need very high levels to unlock, giving the game quite a lot of longevity and replay value. Some weapons and items are actually found within the levels, either well hidden or just there for the taking to help the players out.
While the game can be played solo, it can be quite difficult. Shoot Many Robots, however, is a very multiplayer-focused game. With up to four players online, you can take on the campaign and enemy waves. Things get more interesting as the game throws more enemies in your path, things become generally more chaotic. Some cooperative gameplay mechanics also exist, like reviving downed teammates or combining weapons – for example using a flamethrower to melt enemies that have been frozen by a freeze gun by a teammate. A local player joining coop is also supported.
Shoot Many Robots is a title that leans towards retro experiences, and the presentation is no different. Most of the country-style soundtrack is minimalistic and often looped in the background, though it’s not that noticeable. The game features a cel-shaded look, akin to Borderlands and Rage. Its characters and animations have a rather cartoony style; though overall it works and looks well enough to cover up the relatively low resolution of textures. Style is evident in the gameplay as well – from weapon names to clothing accessories, bits of humor can be found throughout. Weapons are often described with fictitious stats (+10% patriotism for wielding a shotgun or M4), and clothes can be downright silly – backpack with a baby, space helmet, jetpack, and more. While things do look amusing, it’s important to remember that the function of accessories is much more important for a good time than just absurd looks. Wrong combination of weapons and abilities can leave you struggling to get past some levels.
Shoot Many Robots is a title with a simple premise, and does just what it says in the title. It’s a quirky throwback to the days of side scrolling action, with some amusing if not particularly original style thrown in for good measure. Tight controls and a wealth of weapons and items to unlock, the game is quite replayable. Throw in four player coop, and you’ve got yourself quite a good bang for the buck. If you’ve got an itch for a side scrolling shooter and have some friends ready to join, you can’t go wrong with Shoot Many Robots for the asking price.