Robots are awesome, aren't they? And I'm not just saying that because I have foreknowledge of an impending mechanical uprising and am trying to ingratiate myself to our future cold, unfeeling rulers. Nosir! It's because when robots are around, it's almost impossible to predict what sort of game you're going to get out of them. This week's Vault cracks open on three wildly different bot-themed titles who only have two things in common... greatness and some fine lookin' chassis.
- Bureau of Steam Engineering - Robots are smart. So if you pick up a Zachtronics game, you'd better be packing some serious mental processor power. This logic puzzle looks simple, but with the goal of properly building a series of robots complete with valves, power, pipes, and other parts so they function as they should, it definitely ain't easy. Don't let the fact that they call games like this "games for engineers" scare you off, however, since the crafting and planning put into each stage is both remarkable and exceptionally satisfying to solve. Besides, let's be honest... this is about the closest most of us are ever going to get to being Grant Imahara.
- Give Up, Robot - Robots are tenacious. You'll have to be too if you want to survive this challenging, punishing grappling-based platformer by Matt Thorson. Fast-paced, flashy, and frenetic, your goal is to guide your robot through a series of psychedelic hazards while being constantly berated by a computer that doesn't seem to think much of you. You'll definitely have to be quick on the keyboard if you want to survive, and players who enjoy more casual (and less rage inducing) platformers might wind up twitching uncontrollably after a few minutes, but the unique design combined with its fantastic gameplay makes this a welcome treat for the more fail-friendly gamers in the crowd.
- Robot Dinosaurs That Shoot Beams When They Roar - Robots are... uh... somethin'. Alright. We'll be honest. This hilarious shooter is not what you'd call "serious gaming" by any stretch, except perhaps with a maniacal grin and the biggest air-quotes imaginable, but darned if it isn't entertaining as all get out. You control one of two dino-robots from outerspace on the hunt for... er... dinoforce, who also blast laser beams from their mouths when they roar. Literally, since firing your laser unleashes a bizarre vocal shout that peters down ridiculously the more your power dwindles. It's simple, it's strange, and if you want something fun and funny with extremely limited replay value, you should definitely check it out.
While we welcome any comments about this weekly feature here, we do ask that if you need any help with the individual games, please post your questions on that game's review page. Well, what are you waiting for? Get out there and rediscover some awesome!
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