Mekabolt – PS4 | Review
Mekabolt is the newest release from Ratalaika Games and has you playing as a theme park technician, collecting batteries to bring the parks out of control robots back in line. Fans of Ratalaika Games won’t be disappointed as another platinum trophy will be yours pretty quickly.
The story sees the theme park robots going out of control due to their missing batteries. It’s up to the player to step in as the technician who, over the next 100 levels, will collect all the missing batteries and fix the robots. No other explanation is given so you just have to deal with it and get those batteries.
Once you are up to speed on the story it is time to embark across 4 different areas of the park, each with 25 puzzle levels in them. Each level has a simple task, get to the battery, but in your way will a collection of obstacles; haywire robots, flame cannons and razor sharp spikes to name a few.
You will use your mekabolt, gun, to help you get through each of the levels. Whether this is shooting a robot so you can jump on it to get to new heights, or shooting a cannon to pause it while you get past. Later on in the game you can teleport yourself by shooting certain robots as well. Apart from that, there aren’t many other mechanics to learn in the game and the opening levels remain simple to introduce you to everything.
The challenge in Mekabolt comes from figuring out what you need to do to get the battery in each level. Some levels require you to use the robots to clear a path while others need you to activate spear guns to utilise as an extra climbing aid. Overall though the levels aren’t too difficult. Yes, some will require a bit more thought as you progress, but it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself stuck on anything for too long.
Visually the game is actually rather nice. While not being photorealistic, everything fits with the games unique style. Each robot has its own look, the 4 areas across the park bring a different vibe to their levels and your character looks pretty cool. The level designs are simple but effective. It is clear to see where the hazards are and where you need to go next.
I was hoping as the levels progressed that there might have been some kind of boss level at the end of each of the 4 areas. Something to break up the repetition of completing puzzles over and over, but it never came. Maybe it just wasn’t the games style, but I felt it could have done with a little challenge before moving on to the next area.
From my first trophy to the platinum took me 38 minutes, one of the quicker Ratalaika games I have played I think. Seeing as all you need to do is get to the battery in each level using your mekabolt and jump there isn’t too much else to say on this game.
Final Impressions
By now we all know what you are going to get with a Ratalaika game and Mekabolt maintains that standard. The gameplay is simple and the visuals may not be to everyone’s liking but I had a blast with the game. It is a fun little puzzler that is worth the 40 minutes it will take to complete.
*Code kindly provided by the publisher for review*
Developer: Somepx / Publisher: Ratalaika Games
Release date: 20/08/2019
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch.
Platform Reviewed on: PS4
Pros
- Easy Platinum
- Fun gameplay
Cons
- A bit short
- Can feel repetitive
