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0 Akimbot is 3D Platform Shooter made by the Evil Raptor with their publisher Plaion. Now you may think this game is a homage to Ratchet and Clank, but boy do I have a surprise for you. The team at Evil Raptor are such big fans of Jak and Daxter, that both Akimbot and their previous title Pumpkin Jack were both greatly shaped by it.
Akimbot? More like akimbo with these mouthy robots
Gameplay
Akimbot is set in a sci-fi world where only robots exist. The game starts with our main characters Exe and Shipset under lock and key. Turns out this chaotic duo are being delivered to a mob boss because of the price on their heads. During mid transit, Shipset manages to distract the driver whilst hacking the terminal, causing it to blow up. They crash land on the location known as Data Bay. The entire location is like Fyre Island if it was successful. DJs have their own stage and players are even able to dance when visiting each one. The overarching story is simple: take down Evilware, a former scientist robot, all whilst an intergalactic war rages. Quite simple really step up as heroes and save the galaxy from destruction.
I will tell you right now, do not assume everything you come across in Data Bay is the enemy. Evil Raptor play on your suspicions which I found really funny. Listen out for Shipset ‘s comment on this too. The conversations that happen during the entire journey is like a whole dessert buffet. Honestly, Akimbot is so much better than it’s influence of Jak and Daxter. The character banter is worth playing the game for alone.
Graphics & Audio
The entire layout and design for each level tops the previous one by leaps and bounds. From the UI for hacking segments to the beautifully made cutscenes. Although every character is a machine, they move as fluidly as any human can. The one thing that kept haunting me about this world is that if they’re all machines, what does it mean for them to use ships or other things with AIs? Is there a robot class system? I’m putting too much thought into that honestly.
The voice work used in this game is top notch. It was so immersive I found myself feeling the same annoyance Exe felt whenever Shipset opened their mouth about anything. This is a good thing I promise! The fact that these bots don’t have much on their face to show every expression on their face, means their voices and movement carries the load for them. And yet you can easily tell what facial expression Shipset would have during any conversation. I would not have been surprised if the Evil Raptor had employed top talent for voice work, in fact I’d be more floored if they haven’t!
Lastly, the soundtrack was an absolute banger. No matter the situation, the intensity of the problem at hand was represented very well. Evil Raptor knew when to throw some crazy mixes into this gumbo of a game to make sure everyone is happy.
Longevity
If you’re a completionist, this game has about 10 hours of story game play. You can choose to play the game with the aim of just speed running it, or just sit back, relax and enjoy it. I chose to find every last lost data in each location and enjoyed Shipset’s company. Honestly, Shipset was a mix of Daxter and Claptrap. The best mixture anyone could ask for. And even Exe’s backstory and personality made me want to stick with the game even more.
Interview with a Dev
Just before I got to grips with the game, I got the chance to speak with one of the devs from Evil Raptor which was really cool. Not wanting to take up too much time I spoke with Nico (Spinker) and asked them three questions about Akimbot‘s development.
Q: What inspired Akimbot?
Final Thoughts
Akimbot is the best fix I’ve gotten to fill the void from the last Jak & Daxter or Ratchet and Clank games. From Exe style of destroying other bots, to Shipset crazy antics. These bots are everything to me. With the nice dodging mechanics and the change of pace every level will have you on your toes. Even the hacking mini-games change so much that you’re lucky you get the same one thrice. I can’t wait for the next game Evil Raptor will make with the experience they’ve gained from Akimbot.
I am awarding Akimbot the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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