Gods Against Machines
- February 26, 2024
- Cubiscape
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Gods Against Machines" is a roguelite strategy game where players protect their world from destructive machines. Every run is unique with procedurally generated maps and a variety of spells and blessings. Players defend huge crystals, summon buildings for defense, and cast epic spells to rain down destruction on enemy machines. The goal is to save the world from pollution and destruction.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique blend of roguelike and action gameplay, allowing for a variety of builds and strategies with over 60 spells and blessings.
- It provides a satisfying experience of destruction with spectacular spell effects and a casual pace that can be enjoyable for players looking for a less intense challenge.
- The developer is responsive to feedback and regularly updates the game, enhancing the overall experience and addressing player concerns.
- The game can feel unbalanced, with many players finding that the basic spell is often the most effective, leading to a lack of incentive to explore other spells.
- The presence of anti-magic fields can create frustrating moments where players feel locked out of their abilities, hindering gameplay and strategy.
- Some players have reported performance issues, including crashes and FPS drops during hectic moments, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as straightforward and reminiscent of "Vampire Survivors," appealing to those who enjoy its simple loop, though some players find it lacking depth and rewarding upgrades. While the core mechanics are functional and enjoyable, criticisms include uninspired art direction and certain frustrating mechanics, leading to mixed feelings about the overall experience. Despite its flaws, many appreciate the game's value and the gradual introduction of upgrades, especially considering it is a solo developer's first project.
“It is a fairly straightforward and simple game; you either like the gameplay loop or you don't.”
“Good value for the gameplay, with a roadmap up until winter.”
“Excellent job at slowly building layers of upgrades and some mechanics so as not to be overwhelming and not too many.”
“Between obvious AI art, stock GUI scheme (the same one Fractured Online uses), very indistinct art direction, seemingly unsophisticated gameplay, and 'right click for unit info' straight up not working, I fully expected a gaming equivalent of a supermarket hot dog.”
“Also, the mechanic with the building that just doesn't let you cast is just awful.”
“I didn't play for long, but it was long enough to tell I did not want to participate in that gameplay loop.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as simple yet stylish, reminiscent of units from games like Supreme Commander and Planetary Annihilation. While performance is praised, many reviewers feel the visuals are fairly indie and could benefit from more detail and variety, particularly in the map design, which is considered flat and empty. Overall, there is a strong sentiment that improved graphics and additional content could significantly enhance the game's appeal.
“- Man, you got so much potential here. Make this with good graphics and some more content and it would explode on Steam.”
“I'd love a detailed map, good visuals, and more content as well as much more variety in the approaches and differences in the playstyles between gods.”
“The visuals are just okay; the map is a bit too flat and empty, but it's rather big.”
“The graphics are simple but stylish, with the robot enemies looking similar to the units in Supreme Commander or Planetary Annihilation.”
“It's fairly indie and simple; the graphics lack depth and detail.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal, revolving around a conflict between humans attempting to colonize a fantasy planet and a god tasked with defending it. Players seeking a deep narrative will likely be disappointed, as the plot serves more as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a focal point. The experience is more akin to a series of mini-missions typical of real-time strategy games, appealing primarily to those who enjoy such gameplay mechanics.
“The plot is next to non-existent; it's about humans building an interstellar army trying to colonize a fantasy-themed planet, and you are a god protecting the fantasy planet and trying to defeat the human terraformer army.”
“So don't look for much (or any) story in this game.”
“Another negative aspect is that the upgrades are many and with many points that can be distributed, while on the other hand, the upgrade points that are obtained are very few. For someone who likes to unlock as much as possible, it is something that leaves me quite disappointed, between one mission and another.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability due to its extensive variety of spells and blessings, allowing players to experiment with different builds across multiple runs, potentially exceeding 100 hours of gameplay. However, some players feel that the repetitive nature of the gameplay and lack of breaks diminish the overall replay value. Overall, while it may not reach the replayability levels of titles like "Vampire Survivors" or "Slay the Spire," it still provides a fun experience for those who enjoy exploring different strategies.
“The fun of the game is more about trying out all kinds of different builds, as there are 60+ spells and 60+ blessings, while you can only have 5 to 7 spells and 10 or so blessings in one run. That's actually a lot of replayability; not to the level of Vampire Survivors or Slay the Spire, but still, I'd imagine easily 100+ hours.”
“All in all, if you take this game as a semi-action roguelite that plays somewhat like a slower-paced Vampire Survivors in a skin that looks like an RTS, it's quite fun and can have a lot of replayability.”
“The game offers a variety of builds to explore, making each run feel unique and encouraging players to experiment with different combinations of spells and blessings.”
“Don't feel like there's much replayability; I have no reason to play 100 levels again with constant clicking and basically no breaks.”
“The fun of the game is more about trying out all kinds of different builds, as there are 60+ spells and 60+ blessings, while you can only have 5 to 7 spells and 10 or so blessings in one run. That's actually a lot of replayability (not to the level of Vampire Survivors or Slay the Spire, but still I'd imagine easily 100+ hours).”
“I don't feel like there's much replayability; I have no reason to play 100 levels again with constant clicking and basically no breaks.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that grinding experiences vary, with some types of grinding being consistent throughout the game session while others are not.
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered good but somewhat generic, while the graphics performance is praised. Additionally, players appreciate the responsiveness of the developers.
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's graphics performance is highly praised, with users noting it runs smoothly. Additionally, the developers are commended for their responsiveness to feedback, although the music is considered somewhat generic.
“The performance for the graphics is great, and the developers are very responsive.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the absurdity of "kamikaze alligators," which players find hilariously entertaining as they charge at the enemy base with comical intent, leading to frequent laughter. This quirky element adds a unique charm and lightheartedness to the gameplay experience.
“One thing in this game has made me laugh more than any other... 'kamikaze alligators'... watching those little guys waddle at the enemy base at mach 5, with the sole intent to ruin the machines' backyard barbecue, has had me giggling more than a few times.”
