What is it that makes us who we are? Is it our body and how we look, or is it our soul? Whatever the answer, no one wants their identity stolen! How would you feel if your mind was taken and used to entertain an advanced species? Ponder this question no longer as you jump into the action in Clone Drone in the Danger Zone.
Developed and published by Doborog Games, this is a Voxel hack n slash arena brawler. The game takes place in a brutal vision of the future where humans and robots are at war. The synthetic life forms have a desire to see destruction and death and have created a gladiatorial arena to fulfil their desires.
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone surprised me.
As I loaded in, I didn’t have high hopes. The premise looked basic and I have recently enjoyed Paint the Town Red, another Voxel fighting game. But, within ten minutes, I had succumbed to Clone Drone in the Danger Zone’s charms. The brutality of every event is moreish, and the simplicity of the gameplay makes it easy to pick up. I adored cutting off robotic limbs and slicing the metal bodies in two. It’s undeniably violent, fast-paced, hectic, and can be played casually.
The robot overlords transfer human minds into empty exoskeletons. They then force these slaves into a deadly arena battle where they fight overpowered guards and horrendous robotic monsters. You fight for your freedom, and if you die, your remains are cleaned up, and another being is created. It’s cold, callous, and unfair, but with a little practice, you’ll teach your captures a lesson while playing them at their own game.
Loads of modes and tech upgrades.
The simplicity of the gameplay is one thing, but the choice of modes to enjoy is another. Aimed at both the single-player and multiplayer market, it’s thoroughly enjoyable and competitive. With a story to work through, an array of challenges to try, and endless mode to enjoy, there’s plenty to keep you playing. The multiplayer mode is fantastic with strangers and friends! You’ll choose to work together or compete to see who is the best in many events. Battle each other to see who is the last bot standing, or team up and overcome an array of objectives.
Alongside the variety of modes, Doborog Games has treated us to a selection of weapons and tech upgrades. With such a simple premise, this made a relatively basic game that bit more complicated. I loved the selection on offer and laughed as I took my enemies apart. I chuckled as I skewered my foes with a spear, knocked them down with a hammer, sliced them with a sword, or pierced them with an arrow. Each tool offered a different approach to every level, and this was fascinating to experiment with.
You are also treated to more energy cells, the ability to kick, a jetpack, and more. But, here’s the issue! At the start of each chapter, or if you die, your character is reset. Every upgrade goes, and you must begin again. Though this was frustrating, it allowed you to try different combinations that you may have otherwise ignored. I adored the challenge that this created and never tired of this approach.
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone is a colourful Voxel experience.
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone offers exactly what you’d expect from a Voxel game. The blocky imagery and bright colours overload the senses, but yet I loved the spectacle. With OTT robots and absurd weaponry, you’ll be fascinated with how each battle unfolds. You’ll be amused as limbs line the arena floor and your opponents hop on one leg or fall to the ground beheaded. The attention to detail was great, and the variety of environments made every chapter interesting to look at.
The developers tried to lighten the mood while injecting some cold and witty humour into the gameplay. Classic American sports commentary supports every battle and the robots blend callous taunts with hilarious one-liners. The dry humour was a nice break from the high adrenaline and aggressive soundtrack that accompanies each fight. The music was a fine choice and demanded that you kept hacking away at your opponents. The sounds of your sword slicing, hammer thudding, and arrows flying were great. The audio was a pleasant surprise, as I expected a more basic affair. Fans of arena battle games will be pleased with what the developers have presented.
Accurate and easy to learn controls.
The control system is both accurate and interesting to use. The left analogue stick controls the direction of each weapon, allowing you to aim at specific body parts. This was devastating as you sliced off limbs for the amusement of the crowd. Boosting, jumping, and swapping of weapons was just a buttons press away. The whole system is well mapped and responsive to each command. This was lucky, as the action was so hectic that it would have been infuriating if the controls were slow and badly thought out.
Thanks to its varied modes and competitive gameplay, Clone Drone in the Danger Zone is loaded with replay value. You’ll die repeatedly, yet you’ll be desperate to try again. With many upgrades and weapons available, you’ll try out different combinations and this forces you to play uniquely. If the story doesn’t captivate you, maybe the large and challenging achievement list will draw you back in! This isn’t a game for the faint of heart and completionists will have a difficult time finishing it.
Clone Drone in the Danger Zone is a brilliant Voxel title.
Having played and enjoyed Paint the Town Red, I worried another Voxel title would be a step too far. I was wrong, as I instantly fell for its charms. The simplicity of the gameplay and the difficulty of the challenges got under my skin and I couldn’t resist repeatedly trying and failing. The multiplayer option was a great addition, and this added longevity and a competitive edge. Clone Drone in the Danger Zone took me by surprise, in a good way, and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you upgrade your robot to defeat your foes and escape? If you cannot, don’t worry as another robot is waiting to take your place!
