Retro Machina

Very underrated isometric zeldavania. Perfect Steam Deck games. Reminds me a lot of Hob.

It's a nice looking handdrawn isometric game that sometimes is very hard to understand based on the visuals. Remote control mechanic is the most interesting thing about it, but the puzzles it is used for end up very simple box + button situations and while you can dominate in combat using hacking, you end up awkwardly fighting the robot you hacked at the end. And if you pick a big one, it just one shots you forcing the combat to start over. Unfortunately the whole thing comes off very slow and a touch clunky with lackluster upgrades. Gave up after finishing the first zone and its lackluster boss.

[i]Retro Machina[/i] is an action/puzzle/exploration game where you're controlling a little robot, unlocking new areas and fighting other bots hell-bent on stopping you. I really liked the art style. It's quite colorful and reminded me a lot of [i]The Jetsons[/i]. The puzzles aren't that hard. Most of the time, you'll need to perform some actions with the help of one or more other robots, which you can control by hacking into them. This is a mechanic commonly used in both puzzles and combat. During combat, though, it can be hard to hack the correct robot and control it at the same time while you're fighting or running from other droids. I generally used it as a way to just "shut down" an enemy, preventing it from targeting me for a while. I liked the puzzles. Here, you really need to think about how to use other bots to help you get past obstacles. Exploration was fine too, though there's a lot of running back and forth. The map certainly helps, but it isn't detailed enough in some situations. Combat is a bit clunky. Many actions, including hacking, have too much downtime, in my opinion. It's more methodical than fast-paced. A game with a heavy focus on combat should be more re…

Retro Machina is an isometric action-adventure that blends exploration, environmental puzzles, and light combat into a cohesive experience defined as much by its atmosphere as its mechanics. Developed by Orbit Studio and published by SuperGG.com, it takes place in a world where humanity has mysteriously vanished, leaving behind a network of robots still dutifully following long-abandoned directives. You control a small service robot that begins to malfunction—an anomaly in a system built on routine—and is subsequently cast out into the wider world. From there, the game unfolds as a quiet journey through a forgotten civilization, where discovery and interpretation take precedence over explicit storytelling. The structure of the game revolves around interconnected areas that gradually open up as new abilities are acquired. Exploration is a constant focus, with environments designed to encourage curiosity through hidden pathways, optional upgrades, and subtle visual cues. While the progression path is ultimately guided, there is enough freedom to make the act of moving through the world feel engaging. At times, however, navigation can become slightly confusing, particularly when back…

A vibrant journey unfolds through a world built with meticulous care, offering a blend of mechanical charm and atmospheric wonder. Every environment feels alive with intricate details, inviting steady exploration through shifting pathways, hidden mechanisms, and beautifully crafted retro futuristic structures. The setting delivers a sense of discovery that remains engaging from start to finish. Puzzle design stands out with clever interactions, smooth progression, and satisfying problem solving moments. Each challenge feels thoughtfully constructed, encouraging curiosity and rewarding experimentation. The balance between exploration, action, and environmental logic creates a rhythm that remains consistently enjoyable. Visual presentation shines with warm colors, expressive lighting, and a distinctive aesthetic that captures both nostalgia and innovation. Musical accompaniment enhances each area with gentle ambience and subtle emotional cues, adding depth to every step of the journey. Overall experience reflects clear passion from the creators, offering a polished adventure filled with charm, creativity, and memorable moments. A strong recommendation goes to anyone seeking a beau…

This is such a beautiful game! Stimulating puzzles but not complicated to the point you get frustrated, beautifully drawn characters and views, and engaging battle scenes. I really enjoy it and love the fact that this has been created by a small studio and not a big corporation. You can feel the 'soul' put in this game. Love love love it. Sorry for the lack of technical gamer details, I don't play a lot or often lol.