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73

MONSTER

Bartlow's Dread Machine

2020
GenresAction, Shooter, Side View Perspective, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer
AvailableSep 29, 2020
PlatformXbox One, PC
DeveloperBeep Games, Inc.
Overview

An artifact from the past returns in Bartlow's Dread Machine, a game from the dawn of the Electric Age. Dread Machine is a dual stick arcade shooter with single player and couch co-op modes, six scintillating game worlds and a cast of improbable monsters and characters.

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Reviews

17 reviews found

84

Impulsegamer

PC

Oct 20, 2020

Overall Bartlow’s is an interesting take on the Twin Stick Shooter genre and one that would be interesting to see how it develops in the future.


83

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Nov 24, 2020

Summary and quote unavailable.


80

SECTOR.sk

Oct 2, 2020

Summary and quote unavailable.


80

Finger Guns

Xbox One

Sep 28, 2020

A fun premise, solid mechanics and excellent presentation mean that Bartlow’s Dread Machine might be my favourite twin-stick shooter since Geometry Wars. Hopefully, it doesn’t get lost in the madness that is the end-year shuffle, as it more than holds its own and deserves an audience. 8/10 Bartlow’s Dread Machine is available now on Xbox One (reviewed on) and PC. Developer: Tribetoy Publisher: Beep Games Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we were provided with a promotional copy of the game.


80

Movies Games and Tech

Feb 14, 2021

Overall, Bartlow’s Dread Machine stands out as an arcade shooter. From the great graphics to the outstanding variety in levels and customisation. Bartlow’s Dread Machine incorporates all of this in a 20th-century feel that not only controls well but makes you feel like an agent of a bygone era. Despite pacing and movement issues, the game stands out amongst its rivals in the arcade shooter genre. It is adding a considerable amount of new to an already saturated genre of games.


80

Video Chums

Xbox One

Oct 14, 2020

If you're a fan of twin-stick shooters and want to enjoy something different then playing Bartlow's Dread Machine is an absolute must.Bartlow's Dread Machine gameplay video → More twin-stick shooters Jet Set Knights Review PlayStation 4 ★★★★☆ You don't see many single-screen 2D action platformer / tower defense hybrids so Jet Set Knights is here to fix that and it's great fun. When we first started playing Jet Set Knights, I was immediately reminded of TowerFall, especially after acquiring the bow power-up as it features a similar visual aesthetic as well as familiar action-packed 2D gameplay.


75

GameOnAUS

Sep 29, 2020

The mechanical amusement element of the game has been beautifully and vividly recreated – it really does feel like the sort of thing one might find in a seaside pier arcade around 1910. You can see the mechanical rigging working on the characters and backdrops, and the characters and enemies are visibly made of tin, with holes and sparks appearing at they take damage. One of the innovations I really liked was the idea the characters are all on tracks, visible on the screen (and keeping with the ‘1900s arcade game’ framing device).


75

Worth Playing

PC

Feb 24, 2021

Bartlow's Dread Machine is a fun time if you can overcome the quirks. The old-time setting works well in delivering some charm, and the shooting is solid. The idea of using rails for movement quickly becomes a novel way to play, and the variety keeps things fresh. Bartlow's Dread Machine is an enjoyable ride if you're a fan of the genre, and it's well worth checking out.


75

DualShockers

PC

Sep 30, 2020

Summary and quote unavailable.


71

Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Sep 29, 2020

Bartlow’s Dread Machine is in all matters intriguing, from its old style mechanical arcade box feel, to its limited movement along rail shooter gameplay. There are a lot of positives to enjoy here, but I worry it may not last longer than a single play through. It is a good dual stick shooter to enjoy with a friend though, so should provide at least an evening or two of fun in that department. This game was reviewed based on Xbox One review code, using an Xbox One console.

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