Since time immemorial, mankind has enjoyed smacking the crap out of itself with giant machines. Be it for war or entertainment, blowing things up just seems to be a part of our nature. In the entertainment sector, the Japanese undoubtedly lead the charge with a plethora of mech-based franchises such as Gundam Wing and the classic Neon Genesis Evangelion. Following in that popular vein, game developer Pixonic brings us Walking War Robots, a massively multiplayer online game for iOS which places you in the cockpit of one of those familiar, fearsome, gun-toting war machines.
The first thing that struck me about the game was how quick and simple it was to get set up and playing. No signing in, no email confirmation nonsense; I just downloaded the free app and was promptly busy pumping lead through various heavy metals in literally a matter of seconds. The premise of Walking War Robots is not a unique one by any stretch; you are the unseen pilot of a two legged mech with a variety of weapons at your disposal, charged with eliminating a team of bad bastards in other armoured mechs. But the game is so well designed that the familiarity almost transforms into an advantage; there’s an intuitiveness to the controls and action that feels just like coming home.
The game scores major points by being an online multiplayer package. Few gaming experiences can top the thrill of playing alongside and against actual humans; the current seismic shift across all platforms to this type of playstyle confirms that it’s here to stay and is most definitely the way forward. Walking War Robots has, from my experience, a flawless set up in this regard. I discovered no lag whatsoever, and thoroughly enjoyed playing chaotic six-a-side death matches with fellow pilots. Bullets and missiles flew in all directions, yet somehow the game remained streamlined, with enemies and allies clear to me at all times.
There are eleven types of robot and fourteen different weapon set-ups to choose from, not all of which are available from the start. Some of the more expensive ones looked very ferocious indeed, ‘ferocious’ in this case meaning ‘ridiculously, destructively fun’. Of course it has all the usual add-ons and upgrades that can be acquired for a price, but I really can’t stress enough that this game is extremely entertaining right off the bat, which is more than can be said for some of its competitors. The 3D graphics are a sumptuous treat, while the controls are instinctive and uncluttered. The game doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but in its chosen genre it’s without doubt top of the class. For gamers who are looking for a reliable multiplayer experience with lashings of thrills and fun, they should set their sights on Walking War Robots.
Download Walking War Robots for free on iTunes.
