With
apologies to the song, Ballroom Blitz, but this seemed like a natural …
“And the
droid in the back said
Time to attack and it turned into a RoboBlitz
And the NEOD in the corner said
Bot, I wanna warn ya, it’ll turn into a RoboBlitz”
It is such
an innocuous little title, downloadable and simple in design. A somewhat short
game, RoboBlitz, from Naked Sky Entertainment, is very much a directed
experience. You have a robot named, imagine this, Blitz. He, or it, is on a
space station that suddenly comes under attack from the megaNOED and its
metallic cohorts. The station is disabled and Blitz needs to go from level to
level to power up the big gun to repel the invaders.
Ok, the
story is nothing new, and even the puzzles that this game features are not
overly innovative or fresh. However, RoboBlitz is a wonderful visual treat that
plays very well, has challenge, and is entertaining from the opening sequence.
Built on the
Unreal 3 engine, the game is a lush, three-dimensional romp that is not only a
shooter but also doubles as a game that tests cognitive as well as reflexive
prowess. There are six areas to work through, and up to three challenges on each
level.
The game
also has some moments of obviousness that are a slight grin, certainly, on the
part of the developer. If you want better weapons, you need to collect Upgradium.
The weapons go from the simplistic arm-spinning attacks to jumping and pounding
targets with barrels you have had Blitz pick up, to homing fireworks that hit
targets, zoom them up into the air and destroys them in a shower of sparkling 4th
of July-style fireworks. You do have a voice telling you what you need to do
next. There are plenty of enemies, but not all rely on you using your arsenal of
weapons.
In an early
level, you encounter a NOED that is floating above a bed of molten something
(metal or otherwise). This is blocking the barrels needed to continue to power
up the Space Cannon. You have to destroy the NOED, but it seems to shrug off
your various weapons’ fire. What is needed (yep, hints are available, but can be
disabled) is to pick up the barrels, which explode when in the molten bed, and
then spin throw them to a point beneath the NOED. They go boom and weaken the
NOED.
Although the
levels are arcade-like in design, that does not stop the game from being
mindless. Nope, there are touches of humor sprinkled throughout the game. Leave
Blitz unattended for a few minutes and he will start spinning around to look at
you before finally collapsing in a heap, dead asleep.
Much like
the linearity of the program, how you solve problems is very specific. You must
move this barrel or that, to open up a new area, then go to point B to trigger
the way to the next step. The missions are graded out not only on the kills and
Upgradium you collect but timed as well. But while you do have to solve the
puzzles in a certain manner, some latitude is given to enable you to be a bit
creative in how you accomplish the task.
Tied to the
whole gameplay mechanic is a control scheme that is simple and has a very minor
learning curve. And the game’s physics are top-drawer. You can’t push a heavy
load as well as you can pull it, and environmental elements will play havoc on
navigation at times.
The look of
the game is wonderful. The Unreal 3 engine is wonderfully utilized in this
title, rendering out a game that is, for lack of a better word, gorgeous. And in
the version that GZ received, there was an Unreal 3 editor attached. You can
have a lot of fun with it and even advance the look of Blitz.
The sound is
a solid adjunct to the visuals and help propel the game along.
If there is
a downside to the game, it is the actual game length. The FPS moments are
standard but the real fun of the game comes in exploring the station and
figuring out the puzzles.
Now here is
the real caveat of this title – it retails for $14.95.
Ok, the game
does not break any barriers when it comes to the story or game elements,
particularly the shooter elements, but taken as a whole, this is a wonderful
little game that is worth the price tag and one of the better-looking PC games
to come along in a while.
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Gameplay:
7.8
A minor learning
curve, and some stock FPS elements in a linear game experience, still the game
is easy to jump into and play. The overall length of the game is much too short,
though.
Graphics:
8.8
Some of the
elements are a bit disappointing, like the lava, but this is still a remarkable
visual experience.
Sound:
8.0
Fun, light and a
great support for the visuals
Difficulty: Easy
While the game
requires you to think and then react, there is nothing here that is overly
challenging.
Concept:
7.0
Linear and
nothing too innovative in terms of level designs or the FPS elements, but still
this game does succeed at entertaining.
Overall:
8.3
It’s short, but
it is a delicious bit of eye candy and rather fun to play. The price tag is a
gift for a game that looks like this does. RoboBlitz is easy to play and a
delightful little game. Give props to Naked Sky for a job well done.
