Mobuis Machine is a charming 2D metroidvania about an astronaut strayed on a hostile alien planet. After waking up from a terrifying dream, a cosmonaut awakens to find his ship in shambles, as he struggles to repair his ship and get home alive.
Developed by Madruga Works, this 2D animated side scroller has you blasting and building your way off of an alien planet. Despite its , chibi art-style, the tone of this side scroller is definitely more akin to something like a James Cameron horror movie. It's Pixar-like character design is at odds with its darker tone -- and reminds me a bit of the Playstation Vita classic Jetpack Joy Ride.
Gameplay in the Mobius Machine will mostly involve your character's ever-upgradeable blaster. While recent Metroidvania titles have been more melee focused, this title has the athletics of a twin-stick shooter. Aiming your gun with right stick will show the position and arc of your blasts --even being able to shooter through certain walls and trigger destructible. Killing enemies will grant you energy cells, which you can use to refill your health. You will also collect bolts, which can be spent to upgrade your weapons, once you find the right blueprint that can be used at workbenches.
Since your character is in zero gravity, your jumps are very floaty, and its makes traversal very fluid and weighty. The game will start you in large hub world, comprising of 6 zones -- with each one requiring an ability to unlock -- Repair your ship and find your way home.
While Mobius Machine is a fun Metroid Vania, the package as a whole feels a little basic. The shooting mechanics are fun but becomes a bit flat after awhile. While not every title needs to re-ivent the wheel, there are many Metroid Vania's available, many of which provide a deeper and more layered exsperience. Mobuis Machine's presentation and platforming style makes it a surefire winner on a Steam Deck though; An okay time if you are looking to do some subspace platforming and send the machine home.
Comments