Review of Akimbot

Initial release date: June 10, 2024

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now

Developer: Evil Raptor

Engine: Unreal Engine 5

Genres: Platform game, Shooter game, Fighting game, Adventure

Publisher: Plaion

Every now and then, a game comes along to remind us how good we had it back in the PS2’s golden age, when super-fun, no-brainer action platformers were in abundance, simple pleasures that did not involve the mortal punishment of Souls-likes, or the overwhelming size and scope of some modern games. That is not to diminish how far we have come: gaming continues to amaze and surprise me with each new breakthrough, but sometimes I just want to play games like AkimBot.

You can’t get away from the influences in this one; much like the recent Turtles game that I looked at, which proudly wore its Hades inspiration on its shell, Akimbot relies heavily on the classic quartet of yore – especially Jak, Daxter, Ratchet, and Clank.

Our heroes in this story are the mismatched robotic duet Exe and Shipset, an odd-couple pairing who begin the game squabbling but gradually develop a wonderful partnership full of genuine laughter. You are quickly immersed in the action as the protagonists escape from a prison ship in a lovely seaside village that resembles something from the Legend of Zelda, if Hyrule were populated entirely by anthropomorphic robots. This part also functions as an introductory tutorial for the game mechanics and weapon loadout.

Akimbot is all about rushing, grappling, wall-running, leaping, melee strikes, and high-speed gunplay. You can attack with a sword in close quarters, and you have a limited number of weapon classes to choose from, including machine guns, rocket launchers, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. You can also purchase special weaponry from merchants and upgrade them with the amusingly titled in-game currency, Botcoins (groan). Specials have a limited use dependent on another collectible, Volts. These are spread after you destroy foes and are essential for replenishing ammunition. There are also collectable hidden things in each stage, as is customary for the genre, which adds another degree of exploration to the gameplay.

In addition to the more traditional platform shooting, Akimbot has some unexpected set-pieces up its sleeve, many of which are definitely inspired by prior classic videogames. There are vehicle ventures, including a terrific dune buggy segment and some cosmic space fighting, as well as a couple pieces that I won’t spoil but will be obvious where they came from. I was also pleasantly surprised to see the inclusion of nightclubs and bars. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, robots know how to party, and even in the first stretch, you’ll come across a lively establishment with a DJ spinning some tunes.

Akimbot looks and sounds fantastic, and the design obviously shows care and attention to detail. A lot of personality and, dare I say it, humanity has been injected into the robot dwellers of its environment, which is pleasingly diversified and has some great lighting effects and textures. It actually feels like someone took a PlayStation 2 period classic and spruced it up for 2024. The voice acting is likewise excellent, with the highlight being our heroes’ evolving connection.

However, Evil Raptors do not always reach the mark. There are a few aspects of the game that I felt monotonous and out of place with the main action, such as an unneeded use of one of my least favorite gaming cliches, stealth. This did not need to be included. The game can also have some technical issues. I was expecting a few teething problems with Steam Deck, which could generally be avoided by fiddling with the settings – but even with a powerful PC, there were issues with truly apparent, terrible lag. Thankfully, this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the game.

It’s encouraging that games like Akimbot are still being developed, as there’s a clear market for well-crafted examples of platforming run and gun action. Younger players will appreciate how simple this is to learn and master, while older heads like me will be brought back to a simpler time when all I had to worry about was how much space remained on an 8mb memory card.

Review Overview

Gameplay – 76%

Controls – 78%

Aesthetics – 80%

Content – 72%

Accessibility – 75%

Value – 74%

Overall Rating – 76%

GOOD!

Summary: “Review of Akimbot” offers a nostalgic throwback to classic arcade-style shooters with a modern twist. The gameplay is fast-paced and enjoyable, though it lacks some depth and variety that could elevate the experience further. The controls are solid, allowing for smooth movement and aiming, though they may take some getting used to for newcomers. Aesthetically, the game is vibrant and engaging, with a retro-inspired art style that appeals to fans of the genre. Content-wise, the game is a bit limited, with a focus on short bursts of action rather than long-term engagement. Despite its shortcomings, Akimbot provides a fun and frenetic experience that will satisfy players looking for a quick and entertaining shooter.