Akimbot: A Fun-Filled Action-Platformer with Smooth Combat

A Love Letter to the PlayStation 2 Era

If you’ve been longing for the action-packed days of the PlayStation 2 era, where platforming met intense combat and quirky characters, then Akimbot will feel like a welcome blast from the past. Developed as an engaging action-platformer with a third-person shooter twist, Akimbot delivers a charmingly lighthearted experience that’s packed with robot battles, spacefaring adventures, and plenty of explosive action.

Storyline and Setting

You play as Exe, an outlaw robot who, alongside his trusty sidekick Shipset, is on a mission to save the galaxy from the evil scientist Evilware. The journey kicks off with an exhilarating prison break, setting the tone for a fast-paced adventure through various sci-fi landscapes, brimming with robotic foes and diverse weaponry.

Gameplay: Smooth Controls and Varied Combat

The hallmark of any great platformer is its controls, and Akimbot nails this aspect. Movement and combat feel fluid and responsive, allowing players to dash, jump, grapple, and wall-run seamlessly. Combat is another highlight, as Exe’s arsenal of weapons allows for varied approaches to each battle. From heavy-duty blasters to rapid-fire pistols, the options keep combat fresh and entertaining. While I found myself relying heavily on the sniper rifle – an extremely powerful weapon that often felt like a one-size-fits-all solution – the game encourages experimenting with different weapons for optimal play.

Vehicle control, however, can be a mixed experience. While piloting spaceships and driving vehicles add another layer of fun to the gameplay, some of the vehicle controls felt a little janky at times. This slight issue doesn’t significantly detract from the enjoyment, but it can be noticeable during certain high-speed sections.

Exploration and Puzzles: More Than Just Shooting

While shooting and blasting through robots is a significant part of the game, Akimbot has enough variety to keep you on your toes. Each planet you visit offers distinct atmospheres and terrains, making exploration a visual treat. Furthermore, the game incorporates plenty of puzzles and platforming sequences that break up the action. These puzzles provide a nice change of pace and challenge your problem-solving skills, ensuring that Akimbot is not just about trigger-happy moments but also some thoughtful gameplay.

An Arsenal to Upgrade and Explore

The game’s emphasis on building your character and upgrading your weapons makes for a rewarding experience. Destroying environments and finding hidden crates will net you Botcoins, which can be spent in in-game shops to unlock and mod new weapons. The excitement of discovering and optimizing new equipment encourages a healthy balance of exploration and combat.

Visuals and Style: A Colorful Sci-Fi Universe

Akimbot takes you through a vibrant and colorful universe, reminiscent of classic platformers that featured expansive, visually striking environments. Each level has its own unique look and feel, from spaceports to alien worlds, and the character designs are playful and varied. The game doesn’t shy away from its cartoonish style, which adds to its charm and makes each moment feel lively.

Mini-Games and Lighthearted Fun

Scattered throughout the game are numerous mini-games that add a dash of lightheartedness and provide a break from the main storyline. These mini-games are more than just distractions; they offer fun ways to earn rewards and explore the game’s mechanics in new contexts. This touch of variety enhances the game’s replay value, allowing players to dive into side activities whenever they want a break from the main quest.

An Explosive Ride with a Touch of Nostalgia

Ultimately, Akimbot is a love letter to action-platformers from the PlayStation 2 era, but with a modern twist. The blend of platforming, combat, exploration, and vehicle sequences make it a comprehensive experience, capturing the charm of classic games while offering enough new features to stand out in today’s market.

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Blast Factors (Pros)

• Fluid Combat and Controls: Smooth and responsive controls during combat sequences make the gameplay feel effortless and satisfying.
• Diverse Weapon Arsenal: Numerous weapons to discover and upgrade, allowing for a personalized combat experience.
• Engaging Platforming and Puzzles: Well-designed platforming sections and puzzles break up the action and provide a balanced challenge.
• Charming Visuals and Style: Colorful, varied environments make for an enjoyable sci-fi journey with distinct, memorable levels.
• Fun Mini-Games and Side Content: A variety of mini-games add depth and offer a lighthearted break from the main storyline.

Janky Joints (Cons)

• Vehicle Controls Need Work: Some vehicle sequences feel awkward to control and detract from the smoothness of the overall experience.
• Sniper Rifle Dominance: While the variety of weapons is a strong point, the sniper rifle often feels overpowered, making it the go-to choice for most situations and reducing combat variety.
• Occasional Repetitiveness: While the game tries to vary its content, some combat and platforming sequences can start to feel a bit repetitive over time.