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!
Reviews
- The game features a unique art style and gameplay mechanic that sets it apart from other twin-stick shooters, providing a visually stunning experience.
- The movement system, which restricts players to four directional movement, creates an interesting challenge that encourages strategic shooting and angle calculation.
- The game offers a good variety of enemies and balanced difficulty, making it enjoyable for both casual and dedicated players.
- The gameplay can be repetitive and the music tiresome, leading to a less engaging experience over time.
- There are significant difficulty spikes in certain levels, which can feel unfair and disrupt the overall balance of the game.
- The aiming system can be inaccurate, making it frustrating to hit targets, and the menus and transitions are slow, detracting from the overall flow of the game.
- graphics8 mentions
- 88 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of Bartlow's Dread Machine are widely praised for their unique and gorgeous art style, reminiscent of turn-of-the-twentieth-century Americana and mechanical arcade games. Reviewers highlight the game's fantastic aesthetics, which enhance the overall experience, making it a visually appealing addition to the twin-stick shooter genre.
“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.”
“Pretty fun arcade shooter with excellent aesthetics (if you can vibe with contraptions and historical Americana).”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“Character models are poorly designed and lack detail, making them feel lifeless.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, failing to create an immersive experience.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Bartlow's Dread Machine is characterized by its unique twin-stick shooter mechanics and retro aesthetic, reminiscent of early 20th-century arcade machines. While some players appreciate the engaging action and rich atmosphere, others find the gameplay and music to be repetitive and tiresome. Overall, it offers a blend of enjoyable mechanics and visual appeal, particularly for fans of the genre.
“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'.”
“Fans of serviceable gameplay, who really love games with rich, unique atmospheres should find plenty to enjoy.”
“The art style is nice, but the gameplay and the music are repetitive and tiresome.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it fantastic and among the best in recent years, others describe it as repetitive and tiresome. Overall, it is highlighted as a standout feature by those who appreciate its quality, especially given its connection to previous works by the composer.
“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.”
“The art style is nice, but the gameplay and the music are repetitive and tiresome.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is praised for its affordability, especially when purchased on sale for just $5, contrasting favorably with the high prices and intrusive monetization strategies often found in AAA titles.
“The game feels like a cash grab, with constant prompts to spend more money on in-game purchases.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind a paywall, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra.”
“The monetization strategy is overly aggressive, making it difficult to progress without shelling out real money.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for being rich and unique, appealing to fans who appreciate immersive experiences alongside solid gameplay.
“Fans of serviceable gameplay who truly appreciate games with rich, unique atmospheres will find plenty to enjoy.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the world and making every moment feel significant.”
“The game's environment is beautifully crafted, creating a hauntingly captivating atmosphere that lingers long after you put it down.”
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%
