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Brotato is the type of game that’ll make you scream. This hectic and addictive affair will drive you mad from the moment you switch it on. However, it is this moreish gameplay that makes it so incredible. As such, if you love Vampire Survivors, then I suggest you keep reading.
Developed and published by Blobfish, this is an action rogue-like title. Moreover, this arena-based shooter is fast-paced, aggressive, and tough as hell. On top of this, there are loads of weapons to master, items to purchase, and plenty of potatoes to pick from. Consequently, there are many ways to play it and trial and error will be your best friend.
Brotato has been in Early Access for some time. However, this review coincides with the full game release. Subsequently, the team has added new weapons, characters, items, and bosses to expand your horizons and the challenging gameplay.
What the heck is happening in Brotato?
Unlike Vampire Survivors, Brotato sticks to one arena. Now, you may worry that this is a bad idea. Well, worry not, as it’s utterly fascinating. The refined space creates a manic environment that is filled with projectiles, enemies, and danger. However, as you progress, it is also filled with mines, turrets, drones, and other helpful assets. Accordingly, the unruly nature of the action doesn’t allow you time to think or get bored.
The gameplay loop is easy to understand. You pick from a list of unlocked potato heroes. From here, you are thrust into a deadly arena. You must survive 20 waves of maddening action that progressively get worse. The waves get longer and last no more than 90 seconds. En route, you’ll encounter elite mobs and finally a boss battle. Subsequently, it is no mean feat and finishing the game is not for the faint of heart.
The action was phenomenal, but I was confused by the lack of storytelling. It would have been nice to have an overarching story that defined rivalries or a war between civilisations. However, this wasn’t to be and you are free to create a fitting scenario.
The heroes.
Brotato’s concept remains the same throughout unless you activate the endless mode. Yet, that option is for hardcore gamers and those who are a little sadomasochistic. Where the action alters is your character selection, the weapons you buy, and the items you invest in.
Each potato has a set of skills and strengths and weaknesses. Consequently, there is a hero to match every playstyle. Luckily, any weaknesses can be removed and strengths improved as you level up. By collecting resources, you’ll obtain XP and gold. The XP improves your level and, therefore, your skills. Gold is equally essential, as it is used to buy weapons and items at the start of each wave.
Weapons and items.
Upgrading your hero is the only way you’ll complete the game. As such, levelling up is key, but so are the weapons and items that you buy. Your hero can only wield 6 tools, so choosing the right ones isn’t an easy task. Will you stick to melee weapons but risk close-quarter combat? Or will you arm yourself with lasers, shotguns, and other guns? Whichever you select, they each have pros and cons. Alongside this, there is a tiered weapon system and you can combine equal-tiered weapons to improve your arsenal. Accordingly, there are many tactical layers that must be considered.
To complicate the matter further, the list of items appears endless. These helpful tools change every aspect of the game while strengthening your character. You’ll improve your agility, armour, speed, accuracy, and much more. Alongside this, you can invest in turrets, drones, mines, and so forth. Effectively, the combination of weapons and items creates a super vegetable hero that changes on every playthrough.
Brotato makes potatoes look beautiful.
Vampire Survivors is an exceptional game. Yet, it isn’t that attractive. Yes, I liked its pixelated style, but it won’t be for everyone. Thankfully, Brotato has removed this concern. Not only does it compete with its gameplay, but it looks incredible as well. In fact, the developers have somehow made potatoes look beautiful. Moreover, the varied sprites are great and the refined arena prevents it from becoming overbearing.
The audio, on the other hand, rattles your senses. The aggressive and upbeat soundtrack is punctuated by insane sound effects. The consistent noise gets under your skin and drives you crazy. Yet, this cacophony of noises works perfectly as you slay each creature in sight.
Verified for Steam Deck.
My Steam Deck doesn’t get the use it deserves. Therefore, I’m always on the lookout for verified titles. Fortunately, Brotato works flawlessly and is verified as well. As such, the controls are buttery smooth and easy to understand. Luckily, the same can be said if you play it on your PC. Subsequently, this can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill sets.
The simple gameplay and moreish action ensure that there is both replay value and longevity. Furthermore, the scaling difficulty settings and the endless game mode make it accessible to many gamers. Additionally, the volume of weapons and items and the strengths and weaknesses of each hero create untold gameplay styles.
Brotato lives up to its potential.
This genre is hot property. Consequently, if a developer gets it right, the game will fly off the shelves. Luckily, Brotato is nearly perfect and, as such, it lives up to its potential. My only complaint is that there isn’t enough information to highlight each key component. Moreover, materials and resources are often confused, and this muddies the water. However, this is a minor complaint, and the game is still phenomenal. Accordingly, I adored it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you defeat every boss? Survive each wave, destroy the elite monsters, and slay that gargantuan creature.
