Robotco

Designed by Swedish developer Bambalam, Robotco is a simple, but mostly addictive game. In a retro-modern fashion, Robotco sees you collecting and virtually sorting a new model of robot called Steam Laurie Rev 2. On an ever running mechanical production line, there's one thing for sure; the robot factory never sleeps. Luckily, you've been assigned the task of sorting the new model.

Playing Robotco
The game can be played in two difficulty modes; Normal and Expert, and both of these playing modes have one distinct difference. Enter normal mode and you'll be presented with the factory floor and two robot sorting stations. One in Blue, the other in Red. Whereas in Expert mode (there's no in-between) your presented with a robot docking station in each of the four corners of your screen. With this comes four different coloured docks - and you guessed it, four different coloured versions of Laurie!

See it in Action:

As the level begins, little coloured versions of Steam Laurie Rev 2 will take to the factory floor via the two production ports on the top and bottom of the screen. Using your finger, you can pickup any robot at any time, and place him in a docking station. The aim is to match the colour of Laurie, with the colour of the docking station. Fail to do so, and there will be explosions my friend!

Bonus Points
Here's the fun part. Robotco isn't just a one-touch game. Being a title for iPhone (and iPod touch) the game also incorporates multi-touch. This means you can pickup and drop two or three robots at any one time. Picking up and dropping more than 2 robots generates bonus points - and in some cases can double or even triple your current score!

Visuals and Sounds
It's clear a lot of time has been spent on readying Robotco for market. From the design of Laurie himself, to the surrounding factory floor graphic and great 3D-esque pickup and drop animations. It's all in the details, right? Well if it is, Robotco excels. Bright and inviting, your sure to fall in love with adorable 'Laurie the robot' from the very start.

The way the game has been designed, it has a very retro feel to it. Whether intentional or not, for me personally this game falls into a category which says; "I'm retro, but I'm not that old". It's a newer, cleaner retro. Polished.

As well as boasting great visuals, Robotco is also accompanied by a great soundtrack. With music by electronic pop artist Cukoo, you'll find yourself in an immersive environment. Heck! - You might even find in certain parts of the game, you'll be picking up and dropping the robots in time with the beat - or maybe that's just me .. Hmm.

Future updates
Looking at Robotco's App Store description, Bambalam the creators of the game says the next update will introduce a new feature called 'The Robotco Global League' - and if that's what I think it is, this game is going to rock even more! Global Multiplayer options? - Yes please!

Things I'd still like to see:

- More difficulty options
- Variety of backing tracks
- Variety of backdrops

Overall
What can I say about Robotco? A fun, vibrant title - it's highly polished for a start. Although it's an obviously simple game in it's own right, the simplistic nature makes you want to play it. Considering it's price, it has great replay value. I could see this easily selling for more. Why not let Laurie into your life? I'm pretty sure you won't regret it! :D