Shoot Many Robots

Shoot Many Robots has a lot going for it. It’s a return to the classic platform 2D shooters like Metal Slug with a flashy look and some entertaining gameplay. However, whilst it’s fun to play in short bursts, it won’t keep your attention for too long.

Shoot Many Robots is exactly what it says on the tin. You play an alcoholic red-neck whose predictions of a robot apocalypse have come true and now he is the only man who can stop their domination having stockpiled a large and varied collection of weapons and items over the years. And when I say large I mean a sh*t load. There is a seemingly endless roster of machine guns, shot guns, rifles, rocket launchers and so on as well more wackier ones like Gnome launchers and dangerous pets. You can also collect items along the way which as well as providing your character with more attire, also increase the damage your weapon causes, resistance, allow you to carry more beer (health) or in the case of the jet pack, lets you to hover above the oncoming hordes whilst you mow them down.

Each weapon and item can be unlocked via boxes that fall from certain enemies, and can then be purchased with nuts, the currency of the game. Nuts too fall from your robot foes and the harder the level, the more nuts you receive at the end.

Compared to the huge variety of weapons and items, the different types of enemy to fight is somewhat disappointing. Essentially, there are smaller ones that swarm in large numbers, bigger ones that shoot rockets, flying bots and the occasional boss robots. As you progress further, enemies do change in their look; however they are pretty much the same save more health. Levels too suffer from repetition which a new paint job can’t change. You’ll pretty much always be doing the same thing: progressing through two dimensional environments whilst destroying everything in your path. On your own, this can begin to become a bit dull.

I also had qualms with the button layout on the Xbox controller. For the life of me, I could not understand why the right stick wasn’t used to shoot and the left to move. Instead the left does both making it extremely difficult to aim and shoot unless you hold down the aim button and fire stood still.

However, if you can look past these issues then the game does have potential. When it works, and I mean when it does because matchmaking can be a bit temperamental, the multiplayer side is a blast. Adding three other players to the mix, games become warzones with bullets and explosions covering the screen. Here, high scores will have meaning as you compete with the other players to get more kills but at the same time you need to work together to survive as long as possible. At times it can get a bit hectic and you may lose sight of your character, but the most part, it’s a good laugh and can become quite addictive.

Most surprising though are the graphics. Environments are bright and colourful and the game adopts a cartoon aesthetic which complements the gameplay. The game doesn’t take itself seriously at all and its ridiculousness does win a few laughs.

Overall, Shoot Many Robots is just an arcade game that will keep you entertained for a solid 30 mins when you’re at a loss of what game to play. It’s got the look and the online gameplay can be a lot of fun, when it works. However, if you’re looking for anything with a bit of depth, Shoot Many Robots may not be what you’re looking for.
Bad button layout – right stick is left idly there