When Julian Gollop’s name is attached to a project, expectations are immediately set high. Known as the mind behind X-COM, Gollop has always thrived on blending strategy with inventive twists. Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids doesn’t just carry that DNA—it mutates it into something strange, colorful, and surprisingly charming. Equal parts third-person action and real-time strategy, this is a game that asks you to shoot, build, command, and yes, squish alien brains-in-jars in one energetic package.
It’s a quirky premise with an equally quirky presentation, but does this hybrid actually work? Let’s break down what this comic-book invasion is all about.
A Weird and Wonderful Setup
The premise is pure Saturday morning cartoon: The alien Brainioids have arrived, packing their stolen Brainium crystals into Grav Spheres and plotting Earth’s downfall. Humanity’s only hope is a young inventor named Chip and his robotic cat, Clawz. Together, they lead armies, build bases, and dive into battles against high-ranking Brainioid bosses.
The narrative is lighthearted, full of tongue-in-cheek humor and colorful characters. The comic-book art style reinforces the playful tone, and the collectible comic issues scattered through missions help flesh out the lore. It’s not a game that takes itself too seriously—and that’s a good thing.
Action and Strategy Fused
At its core, Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids tries to be two games at once:
- Third-Person Action: You directly control Chip or Clawz, blasting away enemies, squishing alien brains when they pop loose, and using abilities to hold the line.
- RTS Base Building: You command armies, build structures, unlock towers, and orchestrate large-scale battles from a top-down Command View.
In single-player, you swap between modes as needed, which can be a little jarring at first. But when it clicks, the flow between building, commanding, and shooting feels natural.
The co-op mode is where this fusion shines brightest. One player can focus more on strategy while the other dives into the action, or you can trade roles on the fly. Reviews highlight couch co-op as an absolute highlight, with players comparing it to a mashup of Orcs Must Die and a classic RTS.
Campaign: Humor and Challenge
The story campaign is the main course. Across fast-paced missions, you’re introduced to new Brainioid enemies, structures to build, and goofy side characters. The early missions are relatively easy, giving you time to grasp the mechanics. Later stages ramp up both the enemy swarms and base management demands.
Secrets scattered throughout the levels, including blueprints and rare comics, give you a reason to replay missions. Still, players note that the campaign tops out at around 8–10 hours, with some managing to blitz through it even faster. That short runtime is one of the most common critiques. The experience is polished, but many wish it lasted longer or had skirmish modes to extend its shelf life.
Multiplayer: Potential vs. Reality
On paper, the multiplayer options are impressive:
- 2-player couch co-op for the full campaign.
- PvP modes, including 1v1, 2v2, and even split-screen matches.
- Cross-platform support for both campaign and PvP.
In practice, though, the community is small. Reviews frequently mention struggling to find online matches. Without bots to fill the gaps, PvP feels like wasted potential. Several players pleaded for the addition of skirmish modes with AI opponents, which could extend replayability dramatically.
The Good Stuff
Despite its issues, Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids gets a lot right:
- Unique Hybrid Gameplay: The action/RTS fusion is fun once you get the rhythm, and feels fresh compared to most genre staples.
- Co-op Fun: Couch co-op is especially enjoyable, making it easy to recommend as a weekend game with friends or family.
- Comic-Book Aesthetic: Bright, bold visuals and charming characters keep things light and approachable.
- Replay Hooks: Hunting for secrets and unlocking blueprints encourages experimentation across missions.
- Cross-Platform Support: Friend pass and broad compatibility are generous touches.
The Not-So-Good
But no game is perfect, and this one has some growing pains:
- Short Campaign: Even fans call it too short for a full-priced title.
- Weak PvP Base: With few players and no AI bots, multiplayer longevity is shaky.
- Repetition: The Replikon mechanic, which locks towers until “discovered,” can feel tedious across multiple replays.
- Audio Fatigue: Voice lines and soundtrack loop often, wearing thin over time.
- Underpowered Feel: Some weapons and heroes lack punch, compounded by limited ammo.
Comparisons and Inspirations
Players often compare Chip ‘n Clawz to other hybrids. Orcs Must Die comes up frequently, thanks to the shared DNA of defending against swarms while deploying traps or structures. Others note the influence of Ratchet & Clank in its weapon designs, or even Fortnite in its bright aesthetic. Yet unlike those games, Gollop’s creation leans harder into strategy, keeping that X-COM lineage alive in a more playful package.
Community Impressions
Early adopters are clear: this is a good game with room to grow. Many call it a “hidden gem,” praising how fun it is despite its flaws. Couch co-op fans in particular rate it highly, while competitive players are disappointed by the thin PvP scene.
One reviewer summed it up well: “Think RTS meets Ratchet & Clank with a dash of Orcs Must Die. A creative mix that delivers a lot of fun, especially in co-op. But it needs AI skirmishes for longevity.”
Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids: Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids isn’t a massive, sprawling epic—it’s a mid-sized game with a clever hook. The fusion of action and RTS works, the humor lands more often than not, and the comic-book world is a joy to explore. But the short campaign and lack of multiplayer bots keep it from truly shining as a long-term staple. If you’re looking for something fresh, colorful, and co-op friendly, this is easy to recommend—especially if you have a buddy for couch co-op. If you’re buying solely for PvP, though, you may want to wait for updates or a larger player base. – Obsidian