Platforms: Nintendo Switch (version reviewed),  PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Genre: Tower defence, brawl, action, top-down, robots

In today’s gaming landscape, the concept of merely defending towers has become a thing of the past. Players no longer find satisfaction in staying stationary and warding off enemies at a fixed location. Instead, modern gaming demands dynamic movement and active combat engagement, all while maintaining the crucial task of protecting one’s towers.

This shift in gameplay preferences has not gone unnoticed by indie developer Catastrophic_Overload and publisher Firestoke, who are well aware of these evolving trends. Both have adapted to the changing demands of gamers, creating an engaging experience that combines strategic tower defence with the thrill of an all-out brawling action game called Bish Bash Bots. The game has elements of Overcooked but with a touch of brawl serve in a single game. This begs the question: Is the game doable for solo play? Is it beginner-friendly? Read on to find out.

Protect At All Costs

In the futuristic setting of Bish Bash Bots, machines have cunningly acquired human technology and turned it into a weapon against their creators. The game revolves around a group of unexpected heroes who embark on a journey to reset the rebellious robots and rescue the world from their clutches. your objective is to protect the EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) device from an onslaught of robots while it is in the process of charging up to its maximum capacity. Once the device reaches its full charge, your mission is to strike it to release a powerful wave that will effectively reset the robots, preventing them from launching any further attacks.

That’s not all, the EMP takes a while to generate, so you’ll have to build and upgrade turrets at the given spots, bash robots from coming near to the EMP, collect scraps from the defeated robot to use as resources in building more turrets, gadgets, upgrades, and continuing the cycle until the EMP reaches its maximum capacity. The underlying mechanics of this process remain consistent throughout all levels, although occasional modifications are introduced to increase the level of difficulty compared to previous iterations.

If that isn’t challenging, the game introduces a range of robotic enemies that have the potential to engage in combat with the player. These adversaries come in various forms, with some exhibiting unusually high speeds, others boasting larger-than-average proportions, and still others possessing the ability to forcefully propel the player backwards. Additionally, there are many more types of robots with distinct characteristics and abilities that players will encounter throughout the game.

To effectively counter these robots, it is essential to utilize your unique skills, which vary depending on the character you select from the “Resistors” team. Noah, the leader, possesses superhuman speed, allowing him to swiftly outmanoeuvre the robotic adversaries. Annika, the bomber, specializes in setting up powerful explosive bombs, which can deal significant damage to enemy robots. Sol, the brawler, excels at landing critical hits on the adversaries, incapacitating them more effectively. Lastly, Zola, the inventor, enhances the capabilities of the party members’ gadgets, granting them a greater advantage in combat. For solo play, my choice of character will be Annika, which makes it easier for me to build more explosive attacks. Likewise, my defence will have to be as solid as my attacks. A bar above the screen indicates if it’s time to “Panic” as these enemies come in waves, and oh boy, did I panic.

As the EMP is getting nearer to its full charge, the enemy comes in large numbers and overwhelms the game with chaos. I was compelled to defend the EMP with all my might, persevering until it signalled me to strike and release a powerful wave that halted the swarm of robots. In the first few plays, I failed tremendously but I learned which spot was best for which turrets, and strategically changed my plans until I cleared the level. It was definitely frustrating but it kept me addicted to winning it and miraculously, I did. For someone who barely plays tower defence games, it was challenging but rewarding, to say the least.

The game boasts an impressive array of 8 vivid and dynamic biomes, each brimming with colour and life. Spanning across an extensive 32 levels, players will face a multitude of challenges and dangers unique to each biome. For instance, in the blistering desert biome, players must ensure they stay hydrated while navigating the terrain and constructing turrets, while the lush Jungle is rife with dangerous mutant plant life that must be dealt with to strategically place turrets. However, on some levels, you’ll be given an advantage such as using a crane to lift giant robots or a plant bomb to destroy several enemies at once. Simply say, each level adds a dash of variety that will keep you engaged throughout it.

The game’s appeal lies in its fast-paced levels and the added challenge of enemies converging on the EMP. If you are seeking a challenging experience within a short time frame, Bish Bash Bots is the perfect choice. Additionally, the tutorial is designed to be easily understood, aided by Chip, a robotic character who will guide what to anticipate at each level. Furthermore, upon completing a level, players will unlock new turrets, gadgets, and unique accessories to better equip themselves for the next stage.

Trial & Error

When considering the two questions at hand, it is clear that Bish Bash Bots is best enjoyed through co-op gameplay rather than playing solo. Personally, I have not yet had the opportunity to delve into the multiplayer mode, as my experience with the game predates its official launch. However, based on my understanding of the solo experience, it is certainly not suitable for those who are easily discouraged. To succeed, players must become accustomed to a significant amount of trial and error, repeatedly attempting levels until victory is achieved. While some levels may be more manageable when played solo, others present a formidable level of difficulty.

It is worth noting that the game does not offer various difficulty options, which may dissuade certain players from engaging with it. As for its accessibility to beginners, this largely depends on the individual. If one lacks the patience to repeatedly tackle the same level, they may find it challenging to truly enjoy the experience.

Bish Bash Bots offers an ideal blend of tower defence and action-packed brawling, making it suitable for players of all ages. This game is particularly well-suited for parties, as it allows up to four players to engage in thrilling battles. What sets it apart is that it doesn’t demand any prior experience in either genre. Whether you’re playing on a Nintendo console or any other platform, you can easily pick up the game and enjoy the adrenaline-fueled fun it has to offer. So gather your friends, grab your controllers, and get ready to dash and unleash your inner “Resistors” on those menacing robots.

Pros

• Colourful 3D graphics.
• Each level poses a different type of challenge.
• Fast-paced levels.

Cons

• No difficulty options.
• Challenging single-player experience.

FINAL SCORE: 60/100

Bish Bash Bots was reviewed on Nintendo Switch based on a review copy provided by the publisher. It is slated to be released for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on 19 October 2023.