Bartlow's Dread Machine
- July 30, 2020
- Beep Games, Inc.
Bartlow’s Dread Machine is very much a steampunk style twin stick shooter by Beep Games. This game boasts both a single player and Couch Co-Op modes.
Get on Steam"Bartlow's Dread Machine" is a dual stick arcade shooter set in the early 1900s, where you must pursue Teddy Roosevelt's kidnappers across various locations using different modes of transportation. The game features six diverse game worlds, a cast of historical characters, and a range of futuristic Edwardian weapons to defeat otherworldly creatures. Your mission: save the Commander in Chief!
PC
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox
Reviews
- The art style is visually stunning and reminiscent of turn-of-the-20th-century aesthetics, making it a unique addition to the twin-stick shooter genre.
- The gameplay offers a fun and engaging experience, especially in co-op mode, with a variety of upgrades, guns, and characters to unlock.
- The game has a charming and creative premise, featuring interesting mechanics and a delightful soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- The game suffers from balancing issues, with some levels being too easy while others are frustratingly difficult, leading to an inconsistent experience.
- Gameplay can feel repetitive and tiresome, with slow menus and screen transitions, as well as aiming difficulties that detract from the overall enjoyment.
- In-game item costs are high, making it challenging for players to afford upgrades, and weapon descriptions can be vague, leading to confusion during gameplay.
- graphics17 mentions
- 88 % positive mentions
- 12 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of Bartlow's Dread Machine are widely praised for their gorgeous Americana art style, reminiscent of early mechanical games and the aesthetic of titles like Bioshock Infinite. Reviewers highlight the unique visual appeal and variety, making it a standout in the twin-stick shooter genre. Overall, the game's graphics are considered fantastic, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment despite some criticisms of repetitive gameplay and music.
“I love a good twin stick shooter, and Bartlow's Dread Machine combines great shoot 'em up action with a thoroughly unique gameplay mechanic, and an amazing aesthetic, hearkening back to turn-of-the-twentieth-century gear and slot-driven arcade machines.”
“A unique addition to any twin-stick shooter fan's library, the art style is gorgeous and there's a surprising amount of variety involved.”
“Fantastic graphics and art style.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 82 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Bartlow's Dread Machine is characterized by its unique twin-stick shooter mechanics and engaging retro aesthetic, reminiscent of early 20th-century arcade machines. While many players appreciate the rich atmosphere and enjoyable action, some find the gameplay and music to be repetitive and in need of polish to fully realize its potential. Overall, it offers a blend of fun mechanics and visual appeal, though it may not satisfy those seeking more variety.
“I love a good twin stick shooter, and Bartlow's Dread Machine combines great shoot 'em up action with a thoroughly unique gameplay mechanic, and an amazing aesthetic, hearkening back to turn-of-the-twentieth-century gear and slot-driven arcade machines.”
“Slide your mechanical hero through brilliant, gorgeous, retro-themed levels to rescue Teddy Roosevelt from the clutches of the 'anarcho-satanists'.”
“All the content is in and the gameplay is enjoyable, but it needs some serious polish to reach its potential.”
“The art style is nice, but the gameplay and the music are repetitive and tiresome.”
- music9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players praise it as fantastic and among the best in years, others find it repetitive and tiresome. Overall, it is noted for its appealing soundtrack, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere.
“Graphics and music are absolutely fantastic.”
“Definitely a hidden gem, the music is amazing, some of the best in years composed by the same guy who made the song in Beep's previous game Voodoo Vince.”
“+appealing soundtrack”
“The art style is nice, but the gameplay and the music are repetitive and tiresome.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is praised for its affordability, especially when purchased on sale for $5, contrasting sharply with the typical $60 AAA titles that often include ads and microtransactions. This pricing strategy is seen as a significant value for players.
“I got it on sale for a song ($5!) which is the steal of a lifetime in a world of $60 AAA titles loaded with ads and microtransactions.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for being rich and unique, appealing to fans who appreciate immersive environments alongside solid gameplay. Overall, it offers a compelling backdrop that enhances the gaming experience.
“Fans of serviceable gameplay, who really love games with rich, unique atmospheres, should find plenty to enjoy.”
Critic Reviews
Bartlow’s Dread Machine Review
Bartlow’s Dread Machine is very much a steampunk style twin stick shooter by Beep Games. This game boasts both a single player and Couch Co-Op modes.
84%Bartlow’s Dread Machine review — Almost well-oiled
A good game that needs some serious work. All the content is in and the gameplay is enjoyable, but it needs some serious polish to reach its potential.
65%Bartlow’s Dread Machine
+Fantastic graphics and art style +Appealing soundtrack +Large variety of customisation and level design +Easy to pick up controls -Bad pacing -Movement issues (Reviewed on Xbox Series S also available on PC and other Xbox One consoles)
80%
