Mother Machine Review (PC and Steam Deck)
Summary: Mother Machine is a little fun but its repetition is its weakness
3.5
a little fun
Mother Machine is developed by the indie studio Maschinen-Mensch that is an ambitious cooperative multiplayer game that blends platforming, roguelike elements and a quirky sense of humor… thanks to the mysterious “Mother” Machine who is the puppet master of the narrative. The game is set on an alien planet teeming with “creatures” that challenges the player to embark on a series of missions, either solo or with friends, to unravel the mysteries of the titular Mother Machine. For Steam Deck owners, the game plays perfectly on this handheld system as well – no issues at all.
The story of Mother Machine revolves around an artificial intelligence abandoned on a distant planet. Faced with the challenge of solitude and the absence of purpose, this AI devises a solution: creating bioengineered creatures, affectionately referred to as “gremlins,” to care for and guide. These mischievous beings are designed to survive the harsh alien environment and explore its mysterious cave networks, teeming with biodiversity and peculiar life forms. The narrative explores themes of creation, purpose, and the bond between creator and creation, all set against the backdrop of a vibrant and chaotic alien ecosystem.
The gameplay in Mother Machine is built around exploration, platforming and combat. Players navigate procedurally generated levels, tackling challenges and collecting resources to progress the campaign. The movement mechanics are a highlight, offering a satisfying sense of gravity and momentum with every jump and roll. However, the combat system feels underwhelming, relying on repetitive button-mashing and simplistic dodging mechanics. The game introduces a mutation system, allowing players to unlock unique abilities like double-jumps or group heals, adding a layer of customization. Despite these features, the gameplay loop can become monotonous due to a lack of variety in mission objectives and level design.
Another aspect of the gameplay worth noting is the cooperative experience as the game supports up to four players, encouraging teamwork and strategy. The missions, while initially engaging, tend to feel repetitive over time. The procedural generation, intended to enhance replayability, falls short as the differences between levels are often negligible. This lack of diversity in gameplay can make the experience feel stale, especially during extended play sessions. While the game aims to be an endlessly replayable cooperative adventure, it struggles to maintain player interest beyond the initial hours, even with the upgrades. The game does however improve with additional players, however the repetition of the gameplay is its cage.
Graphics & Audio
Visually, Mother Machine is a treat and the art style is reminiscent of claymation, as it brings the alien world to life with vibrant colours and ethereal glows. The adorable gremlin-like characters are endearing, and their animations add a playful charm to the game. The audio design complements the visuals, with an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the sense of exploration. However, the sound effects, particularly during combat, can feel repetitive and lack impact, detracting from the overall immersion.
Final Thoughts?
Mother Machine is a game with a lot of potential but falls short of its lofty ambitions. Its charming visuals and engaging movement mechanics are overshadowed by repetitive gameplay and a lack of variety. While it offers moments of fun, especially in cooperative play, it struggles to sustain long-term interest. For those seeking a light-hearted multiplayer experience, Mother Machine is a more enjoyable experience, however for gaming veterans, it may not hold your attention for long.
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