Nex Machina (PC) Review

Hit, dodge, and survive.

 Nex Machina is the latest offering from indie developer Housemarque, better known for their work on hits such as the 2008 PSN title Super Stardust HD and PS4 launch exclusive, Resogun. Borrowing inspirations from arcade games of old such as Robotron: 2048 and Smash TV, Nex Machina strives to achieve the same level of success while adding some twists of its own.


STORY- In the spirit of old-school arcade games, Nex Machina is minimalistic on the story. The premise takes place is the distant future where hostile robots are threating humanity. A lone hero journey's to take them on and save any remaining humans along the way. That's pretty much it, while setting sounds interesting, I don't mind as the gameplay definitely compensates. 



GAMEPLAY- Nex Machina is a top-down, twin-stick shooter that requires sharp reflexes. The controls are simple and easy to grasp and there are four difficulty levels to choose from: Rookie, Experienced, Veteran, and Master. Rookie is the default setting as it has unlimited continues and should serve as practice for those uninitiated. There are several game modes: Arcade, Online, Local Co-op, and Single level modes. Arcade has the player journeying through the game's five distinct worlds while getting a high score. Scattered across the levels are tiny green humans and secret areas to uncover, which will add to the game's score. Each world consist of various stages that become gradually difficult as more progress is made. At the end of a level, a boss will be waiting that'll push the player to use all of the skills they have learned so far. They were fun and the likes of the Donkey Kong and Terminator-like bosses were a lot of fun. Online has players playing through arcade mode once again only this time, there are different goals and conditions for beating the levels. Local co-op has two players playing together to beat the game's five levels.

Gameplay is tense with reflex-testing situations

and last minute decisions.

PRESENTATION- Nex Machina looks stunning and sounds great. Using a modified version of Resogun's game engine, Nex Machina's levels are rich in detail and colorful visual effects, which are made even better with the voxel style of the graphics. The synth-wave vibe of the soundtrack compliments the narrative's futuristic setting, with many upbeat and addictive tracks. 

Nex Machina is Housemarque's stylish

game to date.

OVERALL- Nex Machina exceeds expectations with it's challenging gameplay and vibrant visual flair. The addictiveness of the modes will certainly add some replay value. I finished the adventure in an hour and a half to finish the arcade mode, though I later played some of the other mode. Still, $20 for a less than 5 hour experience is on the steep side for some and the best recommendation I can give is that one should wait till it's on sale. Nevertheless, Nex Machina easily reaches the success of the games that inspired it and definitely stands among Housemarque's best games yet.