If we look over the countless mechanical heroes that have come out of TV, films and games, it’s hard to think of a time in entertainment history in which we haven’t been on the edge of our seats cheering for the robotic underdog to come out on top when up against some sort of devastating enemy. Don’t Die, Mr. Robot! DX is the latest title in which we’re once again rooting for the robot to overcome the odds, and whilst it isn’t quite your typical explosive blockbuster experience, there are still plenty of reasons to be on the edge of your seat.
Don’t Die, Mr. Robot! DX – yes that is the full name – is the remastered and remixed version of the arcade classic Don’t Die, Mr. Robot! It’s hardly a big jump but hey it’s new and we’re down for more robot wackiness.
The idea of the game is fairly straightforward. There is no story for players to worry about, instead your biggest – and only – goal is to eat exploding fruit, rack up a score, and try not to die in the process. Whilst it sounds a bit too easy, it’s actually a rather difficult and nerve-racking experience.
The game takes place within a gridded 2D arena with you taking control of Mr. Robot, the 2D square who wants nothing more than to eat to his heart’s content – whilst an electro soundtrack thumps away in the background. Unfortunately, life isn’t so easy for Mr. Robot as ridiculous numbers of enemies, all of which provide a bullet-hell type experience, are ready to step in his way and provide a lethal touch of death if he doesn’t get rid of them first.
Mr. Robot isn’t entirely defenceless though as the fruit he so dearly craves packs a lovely explosive punch that is sure enough to wipe away any enemy in its vicinity. The only problem is the fact that as soon as they are gone, it’s not long before more are filling the screen once more.
Whilst it may not sound all that fun chasing after explosive fruit, it’s fair to say that despite the simplicity, Don’t Die, Mr. Robot! DX has certainly got things right as it’s definitely an enjoyable experience.
What makes things more addictive is the risk/reward mechanic that’s in place. With fruit often placed near encroaching enemies, there is always that feeling that you’ll be able to grab it just before enemies surround you. There are also score bonuses available for scraping against enemies without fully colliding, and for me it was all about playing it safe and using the empty spaces to my advantage where possible. For those who like to try something a little riskier and exciting though, there is definitely fun to be found.
What’s more is that whilst there is no story mode to get involved in, there are still four distinct modes to choose from. These include the Arcade mode which is all about attaining the highest score possible by building score multipliers, destroying enemies and avoiding death, Time Attack which gives players two and a half minutes to get as many points as possible, a Chill Out mode which is a much slower experience with enemies and music slowing down to a much steadier pace, and Remix Mode – the best mode within the game.
See, Remix Mode brings players a selection of difficult challenges to master whilst doing things like limiting movement area or only spawning specific enemies into play to give the player a more difficult experience. Remix does a great job of providing something a little different to the other modes and with Bronze, Silver and Gold trophies attainable for each challenge depending on the score earnt, there is plenty of reason to go back and replay a challenge, especially given you won’t be getting Gold on the first go all too often.
Besides the gameplay, Don’t Die, Mr. Robot! DX doesn’t really have much else going for it. Sure, the visuals are bright and colourful, but with a game that is focused around a 2D arena and an overly basic character, there isn’t really much to the visual side of things besides that.
There is however a shop that players can dive into, with the coins earnt from killing enemies. It is here where things like customisation items for Mr. Robot can be bought alongside Power-Ups that increase speed, power from fruit explosions and a magnet for coins. There are also other rather unique looking characters if you decide you’ve had enough of Mr. Robot.
Overall and despite being highly enjoyable, Don’t Die, Mr. Robot! DX is a slightly repetitive game that will struggle to keep you occupied for days on end. If you like quirky arcade hits that are good for half an hour at a time however then there is no doubt that Don’t Die, Mr Robot! DX is something you should be getting involved with as it is quality in its most simplest form.
Rating: 3.5/5
Massive thanks to: Digerati
Release date: May 2018
Price: £7.19
Formats: Nintendo Switch (Review)