Bish Bash Bots, developed by CATASTROPHIC_OVERLOAD and published by Firestoke, aims to bring a new twist to the tower defense genre, blending it with brawling action and emphasizing multiplayer action. Set in a cheerful, cartoony future, where robots have turned rogue, the game tasks players with thwarting their rebellion – which we attempted to do on a PlayStation 5.
The game’s premise, presented in a much more lighthearted way than your average Terminator story, infuses something new into the tower defense concept. The Resistors, a team of four young inventors, embark on a journey to reset the rebellious robots and restore order. Each character in the group possesses unique abilities that benefit the entire team, adding a layer of strategy that becomes especially impactful in multiplayer sessions.
As with most tower defense games, deploying turrets strategically is key, and Bish Bash Bots offers a twist by allowing players to physically upgrade them through a hammer mechanic. This tactile approach adds a hands-on sense to the gameplay, and the decision between turret upgrades and new placements keeps the action engaging.
While navigating the levels, players are met with dynamic challenges, from volcanoes to mutant plants, across 32 stages. The game’s visuals exude a charming and colorful aesthetic for its robo-apocalyptic setting, enhancing the overall experience. The adorable yet formidable robot foes add a touch of whimsy in that sense, contrasting their resilience and evil plans.
The addition of hammer-based combat adds an extra layer of dynamism, allowing players to not only fend off enemies but also interact with the environment, creating a satisfying sense of agency that can be missing in regular tower defense games However, in single-player mode, the balancing can feel a bit steep, requiring impeccable timing and resource management as you’re playing. Where the game truly shines is in co-op mode, where coordination and teamwork make for a really fun experience.
The variety of characters and their abilities, combined with a diverse range of turrets and gadgets at your disposal, offers ample room for strategic experimentation when cooperating with others. The level designs showcase creativity as well, with each stage introducing new mechanics and ways to play, ensuring that gameplay remains fresh and exciting.
While we ultimately lost interest in the single player mode, Bish Bash Bots thrives in multiplayer settings. Playing with friends, whether locally or online, transforms the experience as this encourages communication and collaboration between players, turning even failed attempts into memorable moments that make you want to strategize and jump back in.
In conclusion, Bish Bash Bots is a standout tower defense game, characterized by its cheerful presentation and innovative gameplay mechanics. While it provides an entertaining solo experience for a while, its true potential is realized in multiplayer mode. With its charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and unique blend of tower defense and brawling action, it’s a lot of fun for fans of the genre wanting to put a social spin on the formula.
Score: 7.6/10
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