Not the Robots
- December 12, 2013
- 2DArray
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Not the Robots" is a turn-based strategy game where players control a group of humans avoiding detection by robots. Survive in randomly generated levels by using stealth, tools, and the environment to outsmart and evade the robots. With each successful escape, use gained resources to research and discover new items and abilities to increase your chances of survival.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Xbox
Reviews
- Unique gameplay mechanic where players must eat their own cover to progress, adding strategic depth.
- Challenging and engaging stealth gameplay with procedurally generated levels that keep each run fresh.
- Great soundtrack and stylish presentation enhance the overall experience.
- The random nature of enemy movement can lead to frustrating and unfair situations.
- Lack of a clear story or motivation behind the gameplay can make it feel aimless.
- Repetitive gameplay and limited content may lead to a loss of interest after a few hours.
- gameplay63 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a unique blend of stealth and puzzle mechanics, offering a challenging yet engaging experience that emphasizes strategic thinking and adaptability. Players navigate procedurally generated levels while utilizing furniture as both cover and objectives, creating a dynamic environment that encourages calculated risks. While some find the mechanics simple and repetitive, others appreciate the depth and replayability, particularly in the context of its atmospheric presentation and innovative gameplay elements.
“The gameplay is challenging and unique, while the randomly generated levels create a different experience every time you play.”
“Not the robots is a great stealth-roguelike that impresses with its unique gameplay mechanics.”
“This game is a unique experience which hybridizes stealth and tactical/puzzle gameplay to great effect.”
“These things have no tactical value for the gameplay whatsoever; they don't give you choices or make the game interesting.”
“Okay, there's not much to the gameplay; avoid the traps, eat the furniture, and escape the room.”
“Unfortunately in practice, I find that the mechanics can quickly become not only tiresome but even frustrating, and the random level generation can eat a bag of dicks.”
- story43 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its quirky and abstract narrative elements, while others find it weak or confusing. Many reviews highlight the fragmented storytelling delivered through collectibles and voice acting, which can be entertaining but often feels disjointed and lacks depth. Overall, while the story adds some intrigue, it is often overshadowed by gameplay mechanics, leaving players divided on its effectiveness and impact on replay value.
“The music is atmospheric, the story is subtle but fascinating, and the gameplay is engaging with a really good difficulty curve!”
“As the story comes together, it justifies most of the game's arbitrary mechanics and reveals the game world as somewhat dark place.”
“Mysterious laptops provide a gateway to the game's cryptic story of business skullduggery and a strong feeling of conspiracy.”
“The story is pretty much non-existent and the game seems to be more of 'here are a series of levels you can play through.' There isn't any rhyme or reason to the thing.”
“This game makes no sense, I was confused the whole time I played it and it has a terrible storyline to it or from what I saw.”
“There's no story (or I haven't found it yet) or reason why there's a robot eating furniture and there's lasers and sentries trying to stop it.”
- music30 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game has garnered mixed reviews, with some praising it as one of the best soundtracks in gaming, featuring a unique, procedurally generated mix of over 70 tracks that create an atmospheric and engaging experience. However, others found the music to be ominous and unappealing, preferring to play their own tunes instead. Overall, while the soundtrack enhances the gameplay for many, it may not resonate with all players.
“The music samples over 70 songs to produce a unique experience.”
“The music is atmospheric, the story is subtle but fascinating and the gameplay is engaging with a really good difficulty curve!”
“Each level has different music (however slightly different) that is pulled from a pool of 70 looping tracks and put together for your listening pleasure.”
“I came back to it the next day and played it without the depressing, ominous, and unpropitious music (if you can even call it that), and instead played my own music, and I had a blast.”
“The music is god awful.”
“It's hard to tell if I've heard every song available or not, because those 111 hours do encompass many restarts.”
- graphics24 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising their polish and unique art style, which combines a gritty yet childlike cartoon quality. However, some users note issues with camera angles affecting visual clarity and suggest that further optimization is needed. Overall, while the visuals are generally well-received, opinions vary on their impact on gameplay and overall enjoyment.
“The graphics are outstanding, especially at the performance, with the gameplay and default controls being fantastic.”
“It plays smoothly, sounds great, and its visuals have a very gritty yet childlike cartoon quality to them that makes it that much more enjoyable to roll around in.”
“Graphics are polished and look really funky, conjuring up thoughts of a 21st-century version of Berserk.”
“Nonetheless, there may be some further graphic optimization needed.”
“Some might find the graphics perhaps a little subpar, but for the stealthy type of game it is, I find the graphics and sound quite well done.”
“The graphics are poor considering that it's a pretty recent game.”
- replayability15 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it highly replayable due to procedural level generation and evolving gameplay elements, others feel it loses interest after unlocking all content. Many appreciate the randomization and variety that keep the experience fresh, but some note that once the story is fully explored, the appeal diminishes. Overall, it offers significant replay value for those who enjoy dynamic gameplay and varied challenges.
“Maximum replay value because it continues to evolve the more you play it.”
“It's highly replayable, and fun no matter what your playstyle.”
“With almost infinite replayability, super speedy playthroughs, and an interesting storyline to boot, you'd be crazy not to pick it up!”
“It sort of lacks replay value after you unlock everything, but will keep you entertained until then, and I've never quite played anything like it.”
“I think the idea was that the random generation was going to make it replayable, but I just don't see that happening.”
“The visuals are decent and, of course, this is not where the game gets its charm and replayability, but it did put a bit of a damper on the whole experience.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its clever and humorous concept, particularly the absurdity of a robot sneaking around to eat office furniture, which adds a unique charm to the roguelike experience. Players appreciate the witty audio logs and story segments that enhance the overall comedic tone, making it a recommended choice for fans of stealth and dark humor. Overall, the humor is seen as a significant motivator for engagement and enjoyment in the game.
“I'm not much of a stealth game player, but the roguelike style plus the humor hidden in the audio logs is great motivation to put some hours into this title.”
“I recommend this game to anyone who likes strategy games or who finds a robot sneaking around office buildings just to eat furniture absolutely hilarious (because I certainly do).”
“It's got a great sense of humor about it, and an overall very slick fit & finish.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its ability to create tension and engagement, with elements like ominous music and a colorful yet eerie environment that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the subtle storytelling and the noir mystery feel, which contribute to a captivating and immersive atmosphere that keeps them on edge throughout the gameplay.
“The music is atmospheric, the story is subtle but fascinating, and the gameplay is engaging with a really good difficulty curve!”
“The style and atmosphere is excellent; they hit the noir mystery feel from the start and stuck with it.”
“It sounds boring, but just like the music, it fulfills two requirements: it creates an ominous and tense atmosphere which works incredibly well in the game’s favor, and it’s pretty much as unintrusive as physically possible.”
“This also reminds me of Receiver thematically, with the dark, mysterious atmosphere and unusual story background.”
“It's completely optional and out of the way - in fact, you'll need to put some effort into putting it all together - but it completely changes the atmosphere of the game.”
- optimization5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's performance and stability are praised, with outstanding graphics and effective gameplay mechanics. However, some users suggest that further graphic optimization could enhance the experience. The leveling system, which rewards players based on their performance after death, adds an engaging layer to the gameplay.
“First off, the graphics are outstanding, especially at the performance, with the gameplay and default controls being fantastic.”
“Very pleased with the performance and stability of the game.”
“Nonetheless, there may be some further graphic optimization needed.”
“First off, the game has a leveling system, in which you gain experience each time you die, based on your performance in the previous playthrough.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, leading to a decline in enjoyment after an initial fun experience. The repetitive nature of the grinding, combined with mediocre controls, contributes to a sense of pointlessness.
“For some reason, I thought this was going to be fun, but it's just pointless and tedious.”
“The game was fun for a few minutes, but it eventually became tedious, and the controls are frustrating at times and mediocre at best.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is subtly integrated through humorous advertisements and storyline clips, enhancing the overall experience without being intrusive. Players appreciate the clever use of in-game content to hint at the narrative, suggesting a thoughtful approach to monetization that complements gameplay.
