Robots

Oh good, another game that's based on a remarkably average animated movie to expand on the box office revenue. Robots seem like a game that would follow the same formula as 99% of the other movie games. Let's create a platformer with the bare minimum mechanics, tie in the story, and slap a full-price tag on it. They know kids will want to supplement their cinema experience with playable media.

At this point, the best we can hope for is that the game is mildly entertaining, unlike some movie video game disasters that near ruin their franchises for players. We can safely assume that Robots aren't going to be great. Still, there are rare instances where the cinema game genre is palatable. Despite the common preconceptions, it will not stop us from giving this game a whirl.

Mechanical Make-Up

We can say that Robots the movie wasn't fantastic now. It provides a warm story for kids and enough visual flair to keep any curious child interested for the ninety-minute running time. But it's hard to make a decent video game when a film isn't striking all the right chords. That's sadly the case with this title, but that's not to say it's terrible.

The gameplay revolves around the film's protagonist Rodney Copperbottom deciding to live his engineering dream in Robot City. However, he heads there only to find an evil plot afoot at the factory he joined. Robots' main objectives will have you facing machines made to take over the mechanical world and satisfy the dark agenda of overlord Phineas T. Ratchet.

Honestly, the name's in this game make your brain ache, and the dodgy control schematic doesn't help either. Players will face some elementary platforming gameplay with barely responsive controls, making the experience more frustrating. It's decent enough that you will enjoy some of the challenges that come before you, especially some creative puzzles thrown into the mix.

Ultimately, it's a pretty short and straightforward ride to the end with some cringing cutscenes, basic mechanics, and an uninspired storyline. Again, like the film, the visuals will provide just enough of an immersion factor that kids will be entertained throughout gameplay. Maybe that means the Robots game has done enough to justify its sales?

Who Said Robots Couldn't Cry?

Robots is a palatable game, but saying that still isn't much of a benchmark. It's far better than movie titles like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, but not as good as games like Guardians of the Galaxy. So final verdict? It's OK, but you still wouldn't think the game would justify a total AAA title price.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Visuals follow the standards of the film
• Some creative puzzles will entertain
• Children enjoying the movie will like the game

Cons:

• Elementary platforming mechanics that get dull fast
• The storyline isn't too inspired
• The control scheme feels stiff