Mech Builder
- July 16, 2024
- Don Pachi
- 3h median play time
"Mech Builder" is a relaxing puzzle game inspired by model building, where you can cut out, assemble, paint, and customize 50+ model kits with complete freedom. Unlock kitbash mode to create your own models and time trial to challenge yourself against the clock. With carefully crafted models and pieces, building takes around 7-9 hours, while time trial takes 2-3 hours. This game offers endless repeatability and creativity in building mechs, waifus, armors, figures, and more.
Reviews
- The game provides a relaxing and satisfying experience for fans of model building, especially those who enjoy Gunpla.
- The kitbash mode allows for creative customization, making it enjoyable to design unique mechs.
- The sound effects and overall aesthetic create a calming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
- The game suffers from a lack of content, with many players feeling there aren't enough mechs or models to build.
- There are significant issues with the use of AI-generated assets, leading to disappointment among players who value original artwork.
- Gameplay mechanics can feel simplistic and repetitive, with some players expressing frustration over the lack of depth and challenge.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Kitbash offers a satisfying and relaxing experience centered around mech construction, though it suffers from a lack of depth, with no new mechanics or difficulty progression introduced. Players have noted issues with the assembly mechanics feeling weightless and the painting options being overly simplistic, while some parts are awkwardly designed, leading to frustration. Despite these drawbacks, the core gameplay loop is generally enjoyable, though overshadowed by concerns about the developer's honesty and the overall polish of the game.
“Kitbash is where about 3 hours of my gameplay time went, trying to design a mech with the pieces available.”
“Although the menus and UI could do with a bit more polish, the core mechanic of constructing the kits is satisfying and relaxing.”
“Amazing gameplay, so very exhilarating, would make all mechs again.”
“Assets generated by AI, one single boring audio track, assembly mechanics that feel empty and weightless compared to Last Call BBS, a combative and dishonest developer, and many, many bugs made this an annoying slog.”
“The painting mechanics are pathetic - you can only apply a single color to one whole piece - and the way many parts of the models are 'cut up' are nonsensical.”
“The difficulty doesn't ramp up, new mechanics are not introduced, new concepts are not explored.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players noting inconsistencies in the design of mechs, particularly regarding anti-aliasing that affects kitbashing. Concerns have been raised about the use of AI-generated artwork, leading to disappointment among those who expected more traditional, cohesive designs. Despite these criticisms, some players still find the graphics enjoyable and the overall experience fun.
“Honestly, I don't care that it's AI artwork; it's still a fun and relaxing game, the best purchase I've made in a while.”
“The designs, as far as I can tell, are made by tracing AI artwork, which is disappointing because I was really hyped for the game.”
“Considering how much effort goes into real mecha artwork.”
“Some of the mechs are drawn differently from others; for example, the armored core mechs have much heavier anti-aliasing, which makes it difficult to aesthetically kitbash them with other lines.”
“The game's mechs certainly aren't designed with kit-bashing in mind, which is surprising considering they appear to be traced-over AI-generated artworks.”
“After building a few models, I felt something was off about the designs and artwork, and a quick look at reviews confirmed my suspicion about AI involvement.”
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently described as calm and relaxing, enhancing the overall experience while allowing players to enjoy their own audio. Many users appreciate the nostalgic sound effects and fitting background music, which contribute to a soothing atmosphere ideal for activities like model building. Overall, the soundtrack complements the gameplay, making it enjoyable and immersive.
“Incredible sound effects and great nostalgic music, really great game that delivers on everything it needs to be!”
“Fun and simple; if you are looking for something relaxing to play while listening to music, podcasts, or videos, this is great for that.”
“The music is relaxing, and the sounds are satisfying.”
“The background music is muted, and I prefer listening to my own music, which takes me back to a simpler time with Gundam kits as a kid.”
“The music is relaxed and fits the theme, making for an enjoyable experience.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, as it involves repetitively snipping and assembling pieces to complete mechs. However, many still enjoy the process, noting that it runs well on the Steam Deck despite the monotony.
“Basically in each level, you tediously snip all of the pieces off of a section, affix them to each other using the included guide, and then do the same thing with each next section until you have a completed mech.”
“Runs great on the Steam Deck... a bit tedious with the snips and a few things, but really enjoyed myself.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story has been criticized for its inconsistency, with users noting that it does not align with previous statements made by the creator on social media.
“This story still does not match what was said on Twitter.”
“His story is not consistent.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express disappointment regarding the emotional impact of the game, indicating a disconnect between their expectations and the experience, which diminishes their enthusiasm for engaging with it further.
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game has been criticized as feeling like a cash grab, which contrasts with expectations for a title that seems to stem from a genuine passion for gunpla kits.
“It really surprised me because you'd think a game like this would be a passion project for someone who really adores Gunpla kits, but unfortunately, it very much feels like a cash grab.”
“The monetization in this game is excessive and detracts from the overall experience.”
“I feel like the game is designed more to extract money from players than to provide a fun and engaging experience.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users generally find humor in the reviews themselves, suggesting that the community's commentary adds an entertaining layer to the overall experience.
- stability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, though some users find certain elements, like the snips, to be a bit tedious. Despite this, players report an enjoyable experience overall.
“Runs great on the Steam Deck; a bit tedious with the snips and a few things, but I really enjoyed myself.”
“The game maintains a solid frame rate throughout, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.”
“I appreciate how stable the game is, with minimal crashes or bugs during my playthrough.”