Robotry!

This game is made with love and it shows. Big thanks to Lockpickle team. And the game is not only entertaining but also educational, because you need to control two legs with two separate sticks; this breaks your brain at first and makes you use both hemispheres. It is very rewarding to figure that out and feel the progress. I like the pace, there are not too many dialogs, and they are easy to skip. Really gameplay focused. I played about 10 minutes on Steam Deck so far, and I'm getting into it.

Robotry is a distinctive physics-driven platformer developed and published by Lockpickle that immediately separates itself from traditional games in the genre through one simple but bold design decision: there is no jump button. Instead of relying on familiar platforming controls, players guide a small robot by independently manipulating each of its legs, transforming movement itself into the heart of the challenge. What initially feels awkward and unconventional gradually develops into an impressively rewarding gameplay system that celebrates experimentation, persistence, and creativity. Rather than offering fast-paced reflex platforming, Robotry invites players to embrace trial and error while discovering increasingly efficient ways to navigate its imaginative worlds. The game's movement system is its defining achievement. Every obstacle requires players to think differently, using the robot's legs to step, climb, swing, push, and propel themselves across hazardous terrain. Even reaching a nearby ledge can feel like solving a miniature puzzle during the opening hours, but the sense of accomplishment grows alongside the player's improving skill. Instead of punishing failure, Robotry turns every stumble, fall, and accidental flip into an entertaining learning experience. The carefully designed physics create moments that are both challenging and unexpectedly funny, encouraging players to experiment with new techniques instead of relying on repetitive mechanics. The campaign follows a group of optimistic orange astronauts conducting scientific expeditions on a variety of planets, giving players a cheerful backdrop for their robotic adventures. Each location introduces fresh environmental hazards and gameplay ideas that naturally expand on previously learned mechanics. The level design steadily increases in complexity without abandoning accessibility, allowing players to build confidence while constantly encountering new situations that require creative movement. Hidden paths, collectibles, and optional discoveries reward curious players, while the central spaceship hub provides a relaxing space to practice movement skills and interact with the game's playful world between missions. Robotry shines even brighter when played with others. Its local cooperative mode transforms the already entertaining movement system into a source of endless laughter, particularly when multiple players share control of a single robot by operating different legs. Success depends entirely on communication and coordination, often resulting in hilarious failures before everyone finally works together effectively. Alternatively, each participant can control their own robot for a more familiar cooperative experience. This flexibility makes the game suitable for both casual gatherings and players seeking a unique cooperative platforming adventure that stands apart from conventional multiplayer titles. Outside the main campaign, Robotry extends its longevity through several competitive multiplayer activities designed for up to four players. Minigames centered around races, volleyball-inspired matches, collecting gems, and other physics-based contests make excellent use of the deliberately unconventional controls. These modes embrace the unpredictable nature of the movement system, creating chaotic competitions where unexpected mistakes frequently become the funniest moments of the session. Combined with unlockable customization options and collectible secrets scattered throughout the adventure, the game offers plenty of reasons to return even after completing the main story. Artistically, Robotry presents a bright and inviting world filled with colorful environments and expressive animations that perfectly match its lighthearted tone. The charming robot protagonist communicates plenty of personality through movement alone, while the cheerful astronauts and imaginative planetary settings create an atmosphere that remains consistently welcoming. Complementing the visuals is an energetic soundtrack and satisfying sound design that enhance every successful climb, clumsy fall, and physics-driven interaction without becoming repetitive or distracting. Although Robotry's originality is one of its greatest strengths, it also creates the game's biggest barrier. Players accustomed to traditional platformers may struggle with the unusual controls during the early stages, and the lack of immediate precision can occasionally feel frustrating. However, this difficulty is intentional rather than poorly designed. As players gain confidence and understand how the robot's movement works, tasks that once appeared impossible gradually become second nature. This steady progression from confusion to mastery is ultimately one of the game's most satisfying accomplishments and gives every successful maneuver genuine significance. Robotry succeeds because it fully commits to its unconventional vision instead of treating its mechanics as a simple novelty. Every aspect of the experience, from the campaign and puzzles to cooperative play and competitive minigames, revolves around its unique movement system, resulting in a remarkably cohesive and memorable platforming adventure. It offers a refreshing alternative to more traditional games in the genre by rewarding patience, creativity, and teamwork with moments that are equally satisfying and hilarious. Players willing to embrace its learning curve will discover one of the more inventive physics-based platformers available on Steam. Rating: 8/10