# MicroBot

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> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MicroBot.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MicroBot
> Source revision: 1354414122
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Not to be confused with [Microrobotics](/source/Microrobotics).

***MicroBot*** is a twin-stick [shooter](/source/Shooter_game) video game developed by [Naked Sky Entertainment](/source/Naked_Sky_Entertainment) and published by [Electronic Arts](/source/Electronic_Arts). It was released on the [Xbox 360](/source/Xbox_360) via [Xbox Live Arcade](/source/Xbox_Live_Arcade) on December 29, 2010, and on [PlayStation 3](/source/PlayStation_3) via the [PlayStation Network](/source/PlayStation_Network) in 2011. In the game the player controls a MicroBot; a microscopic robot designed to combat infections in the human body. The robot is tasked with destroying previous generation MicroBots which have become corrupted while fighting disease in the body.

Critics were divided on their opinions of the game, but overall review scores were moderate. Most reviewers praised the game's visual and audio presentation. They felt that the environments were convincing as areas of the body and that the soundtrack was strong. Critics differed in opinion about gameplay; many praised the addition of local cooperative play and the ability to upgrade the MicroBot with new weaponry and features, but many felt the game did not add enough new gameplay elements to the genre to keep the player interested long-term.

## Gameplay

The game is a twin-stick [shooter](/source/Shooter_game) that takes place within a human body. Fictional medial corporation MicroHexon has developed a line of microscopic robots designed to fight infection inside humans.[1] The player controls a fourth-generation MicroBot, the newest iteration of the series. It is tasked with destroying infections caused by now-corrupted previous generation MicroBots.[2] The game begins with the player character floating inside a [hypodermic needle](/source/Hypodermic_needle). The MicroBot is then injected into the human body and gameplay begins.[2] The game's levels span across five major areas of the human body with each area consisting of four levels.

The MicroBot can upgrade its weapons to destroy enemies and cure diseases.[3] Weapons can be attached to multiple points on the robot, and each weapon type has different abilities which allows the player to customize their robot as they see fit. Over 20 different weapons can be attached to the robot.[1] Additional attachment slots can be unlocked as players progress.[4] In addition to smaller enemies, the game features five boss battles throughout the campaign. Levels are procedurally generated, meaning that the environment changes somewhat each time the game is played. *MicroBot* also features a Challenge mode in addition to the main campaign in which players must survive continuous waves of enemies for as long as possible. Local cooperative play for two players is supported.[2] The second player can join or leave the game at any time during gameplay.[citation needed]

## Development

*MicroBot* was unveiled on October 18, 2010, via a press release.[5] It was developed by [Naked Sky Entertainment](/source/Naked_Sky_Entertainment) and published by [Electronic Arts](/source/Electronic_Arts).[6] It was released on the [Xbox 360](/source/Xbox_360) via [Xbox Live Arcade](/source/Xbox_Live_Arcade) on December 29, 2010, and on [PlayStation 3](/source/PlayStation_3) via the [PlayStation Network](/source/PlayStation_Network) in 2011.[7] Glazer cited several titles as inspiration for the game; older twin-stick shooters *[Robotron](/source/Robotron:_2084)* and *[Smash TV](/source/Smash_TV)*, 2003's *[Geometry Wars](/source/Geometry_Wars)*, the popular dungeon crawler series *[Diablo](/source/Diablo_(series))* and fellow Electronic Arts title *[Spore](/source/Spore_(2008_video_game))* were also cited as inspiration for their elements of customization.[8] During its unveiling critics also cited similarities to the films *[Osmosis Jones](/source/Osmosis_Jones)* and *[The Incredible Journey](/source/The_Incredible_Journey)*. It also was compared to the games *[R-Type Final](/source/R-Type_Final)*, *[Einhänder](/source/Einh%C3%A4nder)*, and *[Blasteroids](/source/Blasteroids)*. In response Jason Haber of Electronic Arts stated "we hope it invokes a lot of pleasant memories of older games but also creates new ones."[citation needed]

In speaking of the game's setting Haber stated "We wanted to take gamers to a place they have rarely visited before — the world inside the human body. The fluid dynamics of the world and the customization of the MicroBot come together to create a unique take on the arcade shooter genre."[5] Naked Sky Entertainment [Chief Technical Officer](/source/Chief_Technical_Officer) Joshua Glazer further explained the game's fluid dynamics. "[The game] has a really intense fluid simulation. The fluid isn't just for graphical effect though- you’ll feel it pushing you around as it spurts and spews all over the place."[8]

## Reception

*MicroBot* received "mixed" reviews on both platforms according to the [review aggregation](/source/Review_aggregator) website [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic).[9][10] *[Ars Technica](/source/Ars_Technica)* gave the game a "buy" rating.[11]

Reviewers generally praised the visual and audio design aspects of the game. *RunDLC* reviewer Chris Buffa praised the visual presentation. "The designers did outstanding work bringing the human body to life, with red blood cells, tissue, veins and bone."[12] Chris Waters of *[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)* also praised the game's visuals. He called them a "vivid imagining of microscopic environments." He noted that the game's setting was convincing due to the visual design and "ethereal, atmospheric" soundtrack.[13] *[Edge](/source/Edge_(magazine))* felt that the game made a strong first impression. They called the introduction sequence and soundtrack "high-class presentation".[14] Kristan Reed, reviewer for *[Eurogamer](/source/Eurogamer)*, stated that players will want to convince their friends to try the game "thanks to the mere beauty of its organic environments."[15] Dakota Grabowski of *GameZone* called the Xbox 360 version's soundtrack "beautifully creepy."[16]

Critics were divided on their opinions of *MicroBot**s gameplay mechanics.*****[IGN](/source/IGN)**s Kristine Steimer felt that the levels were sometimes imbalanced, and that boss fights were occasionally "a pain in the ass". Steimer did note that the inclusion of puzzle elements were "refreshing".[17][18] *Edge* felt that the game's procedurally generated level design did not deliver the desired effect of randomized gameplay. They stated that "the absence of a human touch is keenly felt."[14] The reviewer did note the welcome addition of local cooperative multiplayer.[14] Watters was more critical of gameplay; he called the action "rarely exciting" and "simplistic".[13] Buffa felt that the gameplay did not provide enough new and fresh features to differentiate it from other twin-stick shooters, but praised the addition of cooperative gameplay. He noted that two player cooperative "gives you a chance to strategize with a friend."[12] Grabowski expressed disappointment in the fact online play was omitted, but conceded that local cooperative play that allows the second player to join or leave the game at any time was a welcome addition.[16]

## References

1. Steimer, Kristine (2010-10-21). ["MicroBot: The Other Way to Destroy Brain Cells"](https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/21/microbot-the-other-way-to-destroy-brain-cells). *[IGN](/source/IGN)*. [Ziff Davis](/source/Ziff_Davis). Retrieved 2023-06-02.

1. Tolito, Stephen (2010-10-18). ["MicroBots \[sic\] Is Like Space Invaders Inside Your Guts"](https://kotaku.com/microbots-is-like-space-invaders-inside-your-guts-5666654). *[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)*. [G/O Media](/source/G/O_Media). Retrieved 2023-06-02.

1. Tong, Sophia (2010-10-18). ["MicroBot First Impression"](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microbot-first-impression/1100-6282213/). *[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)*. [Fandom](/source/Fandom_(website)). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101024205238/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/microbot/news.html?sid=6282213&mode=previews) 2010-10-24 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-06-02.

1. Artest, John (2010-10-18). ["MicroBot Interview (Xbox Live, PSN)"](http://www.rundlc.com/news/microbot-interview-xbox-live-psn/). *RunDLC*. Retrieved 2011-01-14.[dead link]

1. IGN staff (2010-10-18). ["EA Unveils MicroBot, an Innovative Twist on the Classic Arcade Shooter"](https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/18/ea-unveils-microbot-an-innovative-twist-on-the-classic-arcade-shooter). *IGN*. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 2023-06-02.

1. Gilbert, Ben (2010-10-18). ["MicroBot preview: Inner conflict"](https://www.engadget.com/2010-10-18-microbot-preview.html). *[Engadget](/source/Engadget) ([Joystiq](/source/Joystiq))*. [Yahoo](/source/Yahoo_(2017%E2%80%93present)). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101223193516/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/microbot-preview/) 2010-12-23 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-06-02.

1. ["MicroBot Screens #2"](http://www.gamershell.com/news_107840.html). *GamersHell*. 2010-12-10. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101213044010/http://www.gamershell.com/news_107840.html) 2010-12-13 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-06-02.

1. Micu, Vlad (2010-12-13). ["Robot enthusiasts rejoice: Microbot will offer twin stick fun on a cellular level with sparkly co-op sprinkles on top."](http://www.xblafans.com/robot-enthusiasts-rejoice-microbot-will-offer-twin-stick-fun-on-a-cellular-level-with-sparkly-co-op-sprinkles-on-top-3826.html). *XBLAFans*. Retrieved 2011-01-11.

1. ["MicroBot for PlayStation 3 Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/microbot/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. Fandom. Retrieved 2011-01-12.

1. ["MicroBot for Xbox 360 Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/microbot/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360). *Metacritic*. Fandom. Retrieved 2011-01-31.

1. Webster, Andrew (2011-01-04). ["Fighting infection with missiles: Ars reviews MicroBot"](https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/01/microbot-review/). *[Ars Technica](/source/Ars_Technica)*. [Condé Nast](/source/Cond%C3%A9_Nast). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230603021617/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/01/microbot-review/) June 3, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-06-03.

1. Buffa, Chris (2011-01-03). ["MicroBot Review (Xbox Live, PSN)"](http://www.rundlc.com/reviews/microbot-review-xbox-live-psn/). *RunDLC*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110117131532/http://www.rundlc.com/reviews/microbot-review-xbox-live-psn) 2011-01-17 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2011-01-14.

1. Watters, Chris (2011-01-06). ["MicroBot Review"](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/microbot-review/1900-6286019/). *GameSpot*. Fandom. Retrieved 2023-06-03.

1. Edge staff (2011-01-07). ["MicroBot Review"](http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/microbot-review). *[Edge](/source/Edge_(magazine))*. [Future plc](/source/Future_plc). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110606090132/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/microbot-review) 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2011-01-14.

1. Reed, Kristan (2011-01-07). ["Download Games Roundup (Page 2)"](https://www.eurogamer.net/download-games-roundup-review-28?page=2). *[Eurogamer](/source/Eurogamer)*. [Gamer Network](/source/Gamer_Network). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221208085417/https://www.eurogamer.net/download-games-roundup-review-28?page=2) December 8, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-06-03.

1. Grabowski, Dakota (2011-01-02). ["MicroBot Review (X360)"](https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/microbot/). *GameZone*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110108142606/http://xbox.gamezone.com/reviews/item/microbot/) 2011-01-08 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-06-03.

1. Steimer, Kristine (2011-01-14). ["MicroBot Review (PS3)"](https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/14/microbot-review). *IGN*. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 2023-06-03.

1. Steimer, Kristine (2011-01-07). ["MicroBot Review (Xbox 360)"](https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/08/microbot-review-2). *IGN*. Ziff Davis. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230603021614/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/08/microbot-review-2) June 3, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-06-03.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [MicroBot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MicroBot) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MicroBot?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.