Livelock
Overview -
Previously known as 'World War Machine', 'Livelock' was one of the first accepted submissions for the Square Collective initiative, aimed at bringing indie games to market. It failed an Indiegogo campaign in 2014 but managed to survive and has been published by Perfect World for PC, Xbox, and PS4. It was developed by Tuque Games, a thoroughly Canadian studio if the name is any indication.
Video Review
'Livelock' is good-looking (not great-looking) with an overhead camera that is far away from the action, by necessity. The chassis models look very nice in the pregame customization menu, but much of the detail is lost during actual fighting, and it's the same for enemy models. There is a high level of environmental physics, enough to depict many structures being blown up or knocked down as the robots fight. Sadly, the framerate suffers during some of the more intense fights, and plummets when a new player joins, if only for a short time.
Audio Review
'Livelock' has a suitably cybernetic soundscape, and fitting high-octane music to go along with the action. It is difficult to hear under all of the shooting, though. The voice acting is campy, especially SATCOM's super nasal delivery, but I like most of the cheesy jokes.
Final Thoughts
'Livelock' is a blast when played with friends. It holds its own in solo, but only for so long. The gameplay is sharp and easy to pick up and play for any level of player - I just wish it had longer legs.
