Biomechanical Toy is a relatively short but action-filled game that will appeal to lovers of retro gaming and slightly unusual experiences. Moreover, it has a dark and eerie edge to its violent platforming gameplay. I admit that I would have missed this if I wasn’t a reviewer, and I think that does it a disservice. It has a unique concept, some excellent moments, and it is a fun but challenging 2D platformer.
This Metroidvania title was developed and published by QUByte Interactive. It is a single-player title that reaches a steady 60 fps. This was impressive as the action is hectic and the game would have been a pig to play if the frame rate were terrible. Its retro design is interesting, and I liked the shortish levels, the enemies on offer, and the tough boss battles.
Biomechanical Toy is a mysterious game.
Much of Biomechanical Toy’s story is a mystery. Yes, it unfolds as you play, but the developer has deliberately held back numerous valuable points to keep you guessing throughout. This may cause frustration, but I like the snippets of lore and information while I pieced together the madness.
You play the role of a mysterious toy-like character in a strange and hostile mechanical world. He has no idea of what is happening, and he must explore his surroundings, find new abilities and items, and defeat everything that stands in his way.
A nice flow.
Although much of Biomechanical Toy lacks originality, I liked the tough boss battles and the key Metroidvania elements. Moving from one area to the next could be frustrating. Platforms that were out of reach, doors that won’t open, and secrets that cannot be revealed. It feels like a nightmare, but that’s the crux of the genre. It rewards players who love to explore and those who can cope with feeling lost.
This game does this aspect extremely well. You are pushed towards different bosses as you try to find new gear and pathways. The bosses never make you feel out of your depth, but you must study their attack patterns and weaknesses if you wish to succeed.
This ability-based progression offers a satisfying, balanced edge that works well with the action. Although I’m not the biggest fan of the genre, I liked the retro design, the flow of the secrets, and the fair but testing encounters with every boss.
Biomechanical Toy is brilliantly retro.
The stage design, pixelated visuals, and sharp colours offer a glimpse into the past. However, it is the smooth 60+ fps, the clever secrets, the huge bosses, and varied enemies that make Biomechanical Toy a brilliantly retro game. Projectiles are tough to avoid, platforms can be unfairly placed, and there is a slight clunkiness that works wonderfully with this game and genre.
The audio leans on the theme to great effect. The sound effects are mechanical in nature, and this offers a cold and sombre edge. However, this is juxtaposed by the atmospheric background music. Although the songs aren’t as memorable as its peers, they do a great job of setting the scene.
Satisfying controls.
A platformer/Metroidvania title needs tight and easy-to-follow controls. Fortunately, this has both, even if there is a little old-school clunkiness. Each new ability is well explained, and memorising each key element was a breeze. Subsequently, Biomechanical Toy is a relatively easy game to pick up and play.
Unlike some of its bigger peers, this game can be completed in around 10 hours. This is much less than expected, but I think the developer got things just right. Had it gone on for much longer, it would have become tedious. Therefore, its replay value and longevity are limited.
Biomechanical Toy is good, but not great.
I enjoyed many aspects of Biomechanical Toy, but it isn’t a headline act like many of its peers. The bosses are challenging, and many elements are well considered. However, it doesn’t offer many new layers, and this was disappointing. However, I think it’s good, and I recommend buying it here! Can you get to the bottom of the mystery? Explore the world, learn new abilities, and see what your foes are hiding.
