Developer: Evil Raptor
Publisher: PLAION
Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
There’s a reason why many of today's gamers are so fond of the action platformers of yesterday. It was an age of heroes from Jak & Daxter to Ratchet and Clank. These were heroes with triumphs and flaws, encapsulated into grand adventures with amazing action and platforming. Many of these games would become franchises that many would gravitate to, with a handful continuing today. To see these adventures on the PS2 was awe-inspiring as the console led to an era of innovation and imagination.
The year is 2024 and the action platformer is nowhere near the size that it once was. It is an era of shooters and competition, as well as a renaissance for indie games. However, within the grand universe of video games these days, there are games that nail the look but forget the feel of a particular type of game. Fortunately, the studio at Evil Raptor Games has nailed the look and feel of a gaming generation with Akimbot. With some attitude, solid action, and great platforming, Akimbot is an interstellar experience, even with a few loose bolts in the armor.
A Long Time Ago but somehow in the Future
Akimbot takes place in a distant galaxy, run entirely by robots. Robots here are lifeforms with their own role and programming. For the mysterious bot, Exe, it’s a bad day as he is hauled away by mob bots. A chance encounter with a vocal, noisy bot, Shipset, happens to help out the mob bots in an explosive escape. Suddenly, the peaceful planet they are on is engulfed in flames by a nefarious army. Evilware is set to destroy everything in existence with the discovery of a time travel device. Recruited by the military the only hope for the fate of the entire universe rests in EXE and Shipset.
As aforementioned, Akimbot is an action platformer. As Exe, players control a robot with quite the attitude. He can jump, vault, and swing from platform to platform. Exe is a secretive bot, however, and he happens to be very good at using a variety of weapons. Players are introduced to the assault rifle, which already packs a punch. Later weapons in the game include dual laser pistols, rocket launchers, sniper rifles, and other weapons. Each level is filled with enemies. Exe has to fight them all to reach the end of the level. Some are airborne and others are heavily mechanized.
Machine Menace
The combat can best be compared to Ratchet and Clank. Running and strafing enemies is the best way to defeat them, but using certain weapons helps alleviate the challenge. The game does have quite the hook. Every step forward is another step towards the next part of the story but also, another group of enemies to conquer. The shooting and action feel refreshing and different, especially in the current video game climate. A good chunk of the fun was not knowing what enemies were coming next.
Akimbot surprises at every turn. At one point, Exe and Shipset are racing down a toxic corridor in an armed buggy. The next, they are in space disabling a battlecruiser. Suddenly, Shipset gets locked in a fight that feels very much like Street Fighter. There are plenty of surprises in Akimbot that are sure to keep players entertained. Visually, the game is sharp with giant planets and interesting environments, especially later in the game. Particle effects and actions are also pleasant to watch and the character designs are neat.
Remember the roots
The team previously worked on Pumpkin Jack, a Halloween-themed platformer. Where that game was a fiendish delight in movement and action, Akimbot is a big step up. Every moment of movement feels spot-on and polished to a sheen. The action is visually satisfying, especially with the impactful weapons. Even the close-range melee attacks are a delight to use on smaller enemies.
Akimbot could have turned into another third-person shooter or action game, but playing it makes me really happy that it is indeed an old-school 3D action platformer. There is simply nothing else quite like them and seeing a modern one go up against a busy gaming season is admirable and respectable, but most importantly, enjoyable.
Errors on the motherboard
There’s a lot of positivity to say about Akimbot. However, when the story is over, it reveals one flaw of the game: Personality. The game features an entire universe of robots and I feel that more personality would have benefited the overall package. Commercials, PSAs, maybe a glimpse of what other robot planets are up to. Were they previously humans? Are they evolved AI? Are they the descendants of NASA space probes? There could've been more to flesh out this particular universe.
Additionally, some may take issue with Exe and Shipset. Shipset comes across as a flying version of Claptrap from Borderlands. Some may have annoyances with his voice and his role. Most of the time, he just floats with Exe as opposed to being resourceful. The chats are humorous, however. Exe kind of comes off as a loner but his actions and personality eventually grew on me. Should that happen, Akimbot can become the foundation of a larger and even better game in the future.
Akimbot is akimbo
Akimbot wears the inspiration on its sleeve and is a love letter to a generation long ago. Its visuals are sharp and the combat is great. A lengthy story makes this an intergalactic adventure worth embarking on. While it needs a little more personality, I look forward to seeing Shipset and Exe again on their next adventure.
AKIMBOT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Akimbot was reviewed on the PS5 thanks to a key generously supplied by Plaion