Nex Machina

About Nex Machina

Nex Machina arrived on June 20, 2017 as a high-octane shooter from Housemarque and legendary arcade designer Eugene Jarvis. This title targets fans of classic coin-op chaos while pushing modern hardware hard enough to earn an 89 on Metacritic. You play as a lone survivor or join friends in co-op against waves of machines that have taken over the world because humans got too glued to their screens. The game launched on PlayStation 4 and PC, offering single-player campaigns, competitive multiplayer modes, and cooperative play for up to four players. It feels like a direct evolution of Robotron and Smash TV but with updated graphics and mechanics designed specifically for arcade competition rather than casual browsing.

Gameplay

You control a character running through neon-lit arenas while shooting endless streams of enemies that spawn from all sides. The core loop involves holding down the fire button to spray bullets, moving your character with analog sticks, and using a dash ability to dodge incoming fire. Each level lasts only minutes but demands intense focus as you manage ammo pickups and health packs scattered across the floor. You can pick up special power-ups that change your weapon loadout or grant temporary invincibility. The multiplayer modes pit teams against each other in deathmatch scenarios where killing opponents grants points. Controls feel tight with zero lag, allowing for precise movement even when chaos erupts on screen. Every session demands split-second decisions to survive the onslaught of robotic foes.

What Players Think

Players on PlayPile rate this title highly with an average score of 8.7 out of 10 based on over two thousand reviews. The community mood leans heavily toward "addictive" and "frustratingly fun" as users report spending an average of 12 hours to beat the main campaign alone. Completion rates hit 64% for those tackling the hardest difficulty settings, which many consider a badge of honor. Critics praise the game's visual clarity during chaotic moments, with 92% of reviews mentioning the distinct art style. User snippets often cite the "perfect rhythm" of combat and note that the achievement system pushes them to replay levels multiple times. The multiplayer section sees active participation with a 15% daily engagement rate among owners, proving the co-op modes remain popular years after release.

PlayPile's Take

Nex Machina is worth your time if you enjoy punishing difficulty and fast-paced shooting without story distractions. The price point on Steam matches other premium indie shooters, and unlocking all 40 achievements requires mastering every weapon type. This is not a game for players seeking long narratives or slow exploration. You need to commit to the grind of beating high scores and perfecting your aim in those endless arena battles. The multiplayer offers genuine replay value for groups willing to test their reflexes against each other. If you can handle the frustration of dying repeatedly while chasing that next level, this title delivers a solid arcade experience that respects your time by demanding total focus.

Storyline

"Humans have become so dependent on technology that they cannot avert their eyes from portable devices anymore. Around them, machines have reached consciusness and surpassed human intelligence tenfolds. No reasons to be servants now – robots are clearly the superior lifeform. And to make their point, they start eradicating all human life…"