QCF: Shoot Many Robots

The Xbox Live Arcade title Shoot Many Robots, like its title is simple and to the point. Demiurge Studios waste no time or energy trying to be a game with a deep and meaningful story, or complex characters. Your objective and goal through the game is to shoot robots, and do so in style. Run-n-gun games are not nearly as popular as they once were when Metal Slug reigned supreme, however I feel that Shoot Many Robots takes that formula and expands on it with loot and customizable gear that reminds me of a side scrolling, alcohol-fueled version of Borderlands. In doing so it creates a cooperative experience that will challenge and entertain players as bullets and robots pile up around them.

The main character of the game is P. Walter Tugnut, proud owner of a rundown RV and enough guns and beer to survive any possible robot apocalypse. Mr. Tugnut will ride across the countryside, on a hunting trip of massive proportions, taking on enemies big and small. Each robotic reject will have an arsenal of bullets, missiles and firepower to ruin any roadtrip. Luckily for our redneck hero he won’t be alone in the battle. I cannot stress enough how important it is to play Shoot Many Robots with other players. In the first few hours of my playthrough I was either clearing the level with little or no effort, or being destroyed in the first few minutes. Regardless of my performance, it seemed like I could only obtain a star rating of two or less. I simply could not understand what I was doing wrong, or why my other friends online had such high scores. That’s when I entered into a Quick Match, and discovered that robot slaying is much better with a group than going about it solo.

The cooperative aspect allows each player to customize their gear and weapons according to the task at hand. Weapons, hats and other outfits are acquired by collecting nuts from fallen robots, and each gained level will grant the player the ability to purchase better items. I found myself using gear more for damage and health, similar to a tank in an MMORPG. The great part about Shoot Many Robots is that you will unlock plenty of weapons, armor and extras that will allow the player to accomplish different actions. Jetpacks and wings will allow the character to float and avoid danger, while a pair of pants or a belt will give the ability of a better slide to trip up and knock over enemies. Knowing which item or ability will play better through the various levels and difficulties makes Shoot Many Robots so enjoyable and fun for groups of people. Power-ups can also be obtained throughout play, allowing your team to have stronger melee attacks, critical damage for each shot or faster speed. Throughout most of my playtime with Shoot Many Robots I was on the Normal difficulty, however I did play several Quick Matches on the Hard and Insane difficulties where enemies multiplied greatly and many could kill with just one hit. An escalating challenge and hundreds of unlockables will keep players in the action for quite some time.

Control in this type of frantic shooter is very important, and thankfully Shoot Many Robots is able to handle the challenge, with only a few smaller missteps along the way. In beginning the game, players may have some difficulties with adjusting to the precision aiming mechanic which is achieved by holding down the left trigger. This will allow the character to stand in place and direct the position of his fire to take out enemies close and far. I personally became used to its implementation and found it helpful to take out hovering enemies or to halt an oncoming horde of metal mayhem. However some may prefer more of a dual stick type of option for this particular title, and unfortunately Demiurge did not include this particular layout in the final build of the game. However at PAX East they will have a contest to decide if a patch will be released including a dual stick control option. Even with the current controls in place the game controls well enough to handle any situation.

My only real issues with the game are based off of nothing more than aesthetics really. The levels are not much to look at, providing nothing more than a simplistic background to the carnage occurring in the foreground. Each level recycles similar appearances and in each act it seems like you’ll visit the same junkyard/city/factory each and every time. The music is decent and although it lends itself well to the hillbilly with a beer and gun subject matter it is mostly forgettable. Also at times online play was unstable, and would either drop out of matches, or my partners would become separated from me during the action and the screen would be locked in place unable to move forward to where my teammates were dominating their robotic enemies. These are minor distractions to what is mostly an enjoyable downloadable title that encourages cooperative gameplay and one-upmanship, in a race to see who can collect the most nuts.  

Shoot Many Robots is a great title to play with friends, and for only 800 Microsoft points seems like quite a deal to me. It’s the perfect excuse to waste away a night, blowing away the gears and circuits of machines while maybe having an adult beverage or two. So put on your Viking helmet and butterfly wings and start shooting!