Every now and then, a game springs up like that one friend who shows up unannounced and brings back all the good vibes from the PS1 and PS2 glory days. You know the ones—when action platformers ruled the world, and the biggest challenge was deciding which vibrant, whimsical world to dive into next. Remember those times? Before we had to wrestle with the existential dread of Souls-likes or maps so large they could give Google Maps a meltdown? Sometimes, you just want to kick back and play something that doesn’t require a PhD in gaming mechanics.
Enter Akimbot — your new best buddy for a nostalgia trip that’s equal parts silly and super fun. And believe me, silliness is the name of the game!
Initial release date: 10 June 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 5, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Developer: Evil Raptor
Genres: Platform game, Shooter Video Game, Fighting game, Adventure
Publisher: Plaion
Engine: Unreal Engine 5
A Familiar Face
Right from the get-go, Akimbot wears its influences like a flashy badge of honour—kind of like that friend who quotes ‘The Office’ way too often. If you’ve dipped your toes in games like ‘Jak and Daxter’ or ‘Ratchet and Clank’, you’re in for a treat, but this time around, our protagonists are two quirky robots who bicker like they just stepped out of a buddy cop movie that somehow never made it to theatres. Meet Exe and Shipset: this duo kicks off with enough spark to fuel a rocket ship and, as the game progresses, develops a bond as warm and fuzzy as your grandma’s best sweater.
The game kicks off with a dramatic… more like chaotic, escape from a prison ship in a colourful seaside town. Picture Skyrim, but only the first part where you escape because of a dragon, and no there are no dragons… but dinosaurs OMG. The tutorial sneaks in alongside the action, teaching you the ropes while making you feel like a superhero who just discovered their superpowers—or at least a bewildered robot trying to figure out how to bust a move.
Gameplay: A High-Octane Joyride
Now, let’s chat about the gameplay. Akimbot is all about dashing, grappling, wall-running, leaping, and unleashing a hail of gunfire that would make even Arnold Schwarzenegger nod in approval. You’ve got a sword for those close encounters—because nothing screams “futuristic robot” quite like slashing your enemies with a shiny blade.
But wait, there’s more! You also get an impressive arsenal that includes machine guns, rocket launchers, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. And let’s not forget the special weapons you can snag at shops using the delightfully punny currency known as “Botcoins.” Yes, you read that right—Botcoins! It’s as if the developers decided we needed a sprinkle of humour to go along with the explosions. Collecting Botcoins and “Volts” (another clever collectible name) adds an addictive layer to the chaos as you blast your way through hordes of enemies. Volts are crucial for keeping your special weapons loaded—because no one wants to face a boss with nothing but a sword and a hopeful grin.
Surprising Set-Pieces
But hang on, there’s even more! Akimbot doesn’t just stick to the basics; it throws in some surprising set-pieces that will have veteran gamers chuckling with recognition. From dune buggy races that will take you back to your childhood to intergalactic dogfights that would make Star Wars fans proud, there’s enough nostalgia packed into this game to fill an entire museum exhibit.
And here’s a twist that will have you doing a double take: Akimbot features nightclubs and bars! That’s right—robots know how to party! Early on, you’ll stumble into a club where a DJ is spinning tunes, and let me tell you, it’s as surreal as it sounds. Picture Exe and Shipset busting out dance moves while dodging laser beams. It’s a visual feast that reminds you that even in a robot dystopia, everyone needs to let loose occasionally—just be sure to keep the oil off the dance floor!
Visuals and Sound: A Treat for the Eyes and Ears
Now, let’s talk about the eye candy. Akimbot looks and sounds absolutely fantastic, like a well-oiled machine ready to impress. The design team clearly poured their hearts and souls into crafting a world bursting with character and charm. The robot inhabitants have more personality than some of my relatives, and the lighting effects and textures pop like they’ve just chugged a triple espresso.
The voice acting? All I can say is Chef’s kiss! The chemistry between Exe and Shipset is the cherry on top of this robotic sundae. Their witty banter will have you laughing, cringing, and occasionally wishing you had a robot buddy of your own to share in the madness.
The Bumps in the Road
Now, let’s not pretend everything in Akimbot is sunshine and rainbows. Like any good comedy, there are a few low points that feel like finding a hair in your soup. The game occasionally dives into the dreaded stealth sections, which, for me, is like discovering broccoli in a candy bag. Who asked for this? Stealth in a game like Akimbot feels like trying to play hopscotch while wearing clown shoes—awkward, unnecessary, and slightly embarrassing.
And speaking of embarrassing, let’s chat about the technical issues. I braced myself for some hiccups while playing on Steam, and with a decent PC, I encountered noticeable moments where the game felt slow that made me question if I’d somehow time-travelled back to the early 2000s. Thankfully, these moments didn’t derail my overall enjoyment of the game. They were like that one friend who shows up late to the party: annoying, but ultimately forgivable.
A Nostalgic Delight
In a world where games continue to evolve and surprise us, it’s refreshing to see titles like Akimbot still being created. There’s definitely a market for these well-crafted run-and-gun platformers that let players jump right in without needing a degree in rocket science. Younger players will appreciate how easy it is to get the hang of the game, while us older gamers will find ourselves transported back to a simpler time when our biggest worry was how many save slots, we had on our 8MB memory card. Ah, the good old days!
Conclusion: A Game Worth Playing
So, what’s the final verdict on Akimbot? It’s a delightful romp through a colourful, robot-filled world that embraces nostalgia while offering a fresh, comedic twist. With engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and a soundtrack that will have you bobbing your head (robotically, of course), it’s a game well worth your time.
Whether you’re a newcomer hunting for a fun action platformer or an old-timer yearning for a taste of the past, Akimbot serves up the goods. Sure, it has its flaws—stealth sections and technical hiccups—but isn’t that just part of the charm? So, grab your controllers, gear up with your favourite weapons, and get ready to dash, leap, and laugh your way through this hilarious adventure. Keeping in mind that if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that in the world of gaming… sometimes all you need is a little fun—and maybe a disco or two!
Entertainment – 4/5
Action – 3/5
Extra – 3/5
EAX score 3.5/5
Sending some Botcoins to our friends over at PLAION for giving us the chance to save the universe with some time travel in the mix.
