Bots Are Stupid

Now and then comes a concept so straightforward yet ingenious that you can quickly wonder why it has not been done before. The ironically named Bots Are Stupid is one of those titles; a 2D platformer where each level is completed by successfully programming the path of a robot. Aspiring coders can rejoice; now there's a game dedicated to their learning potential!

As great as the idea is, there leaves the matter of execution. Bots Are Stupid will need to take care and consideration where players aren't able to control their characters directly. The mechanics could easily be as frustrating as they are impressive. The concept has won us over, so let's so if the game can live up to our self-inflicted expectations.

Platformer 2.0

Bots Are Stupid is a mechanically simple game. You'll see the layout of a level on the screen, and drag-and-drop movement commands to guide them through each obstacle presented. Essentially, you're programming them to accomplish each increasingly tricky level rather than taking direct control, stretching your mind rather than cognitive abilities. Now that's a different kind of platformer.

That unique simple premise allows everyone to get immersed in the game, where the in-game programming language is straightforward to learn, and the objectives are palatable. However, despite the accessible mechanics, getting from one end to another isn't going to be easy. You'll have to execute precise commands for your robot to overcome obstacles like moving platforms, swinging, jumping successfully, and much more.

It's a challenge and a half, but one that proves to be as entertaining as it is frustrating. Every level gets harder to accomplish as you go on, where your natural programming prowess will come into the light as you repeatedly face off with the crazy level design. What adds even more to the madness? Players get a complete-level editor to create ridiculous challenges and share them with friends.

Bots Are Stupid is a great concept done right. It's easy to learn, hard to master, and there's endless entertainment. Yes, the visuals are simple, but the variation in gameplay construed by so little is incredibly impressive. It's a casual platformer that you could pick up and play for five minutes or five hours. We're expecting a rising cult following here!

Good Thing We've Got Enough Robots

Good programming games with well-rounded designs are few and far between, but Bots Are Stupid is undoubtedly one of them. Not since SHENZHEN I/O have we been so enthralled with the prospect of using our brains to accomplish objectives rather than platforming ability. The game has endless potential because they've managed to keep things simple.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A great concept made accessible to the majority of players
• The level editor provides endless content
• Easy to learn mechanics, but hard to master gameplay

Cons:

• Visuals are simplistic