Super Magbot | Switch Review

I used to think I was pretty decent at video games. After all, I had beaten Celeste numerous times. Sure, I didn’t get all the B-sides completed, but I definitely rolled credits. In my mind, I was a platforming powerhouse. Then I played Super Magbot from developer Astral Pixel, and I was knocked down a few pegs. This game is truly more challenging than any title I’ve played in a long time. It also has one of the most novel concepts for the genre I’ve ever seen. If you’re up for the frustration, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying accomplishment in a game that isn’t made by FromSoftware.

Opposites Attract

The trailer for Super Magbot advertises the game as a “platformer without jumping.” If that sounds like an oxymoron to you, you’re not alone. I was scratching my head at the concept, but after playing it, there’s not a better descriptor. It’s true: Magbot is incapable of jumping. Instead, he uses the power of magnets to propel his way through each single-screen level.

You may wonder why there are magnets scattered throughout the planets in this universe, and this is actually explained in the opening sequence. The world was in perfect magnetic balance until an explosion took place, scattering polarizing pieces of magnets throughout the cosmos. Conveniently, the pieces positioned themselves in such a way that make it possible for a magnet-powered robot to traverse. It’s not the silliest concept I’ve ever seen, but I appreciated the tongue-in-cheek attempt to set up the plot.

Our hero uses these magnets to either attract himself to or repel against corresponding colors. Each trigger on my controller represents either the blue or red side of a magnet. If you see a red magnet in a level, you can aim Magbot towards it and fire your blue magnet (left trigger). You’ll be instantly attracted to the opposite color. Likewise, you can use similar colors to repel yourself in the opposite direction. So even though your character can’t actually jump, you’re still flying through the air. It’s an incredibly clever concept that takes some getting used to, but becomes second nature more quickly than you might think.

A Magnetic Personality

I’m not exaggerating when I say this game is tough as nails. Platforming is one thing, but getting around environments without a jump button is even trickier than I’m able to describe here. The level of precision required is staggering, and one wrong move will force you to start the area over again. This makes Super Magbot one of the more satisfying games I’ve played since the similarly-styled Celeste. I can almost feel my palms sweating as I type this while remembering completing certain stages. It’s difficult, but feels amazing when you pull off what seemed near-impossible the first time you glance at a new stage.

Thankfully, the game offers some aids for those who aren’t able to handle the intensity. You can turn on checkpoints mid-stage or even give yourself a levitation boost. There’s also an option to give unlimited magnet boosts (the game defaults to only two of each until you land on the ground to recharge). In all honesty, I didn’t touch any of the helps, because I wanted the full challenge, but it’s nice that it’s there, because I fear many people would give up on this game early on without it.

As an added bonus, there’s also a colorblind mode for those, like my partner Zack, who are unable to distinguish between red and blue. This is vital for playing this game, so the inclusion felt like an important one.

Super Magbot Final Verdict

Do I recommend Super Magbot? That entirely depends on your tastes in games. If you loved Celeste for it’s no-nonsense platforming, then this should be right up your alley. If you’re looking for a more story-driven experience, you won’t find it here. What you will find is an intense game that will leave a smile on your face after you wipe your brow from completing any of the 100+ stages present here. Not to mention the crazy boss fights, which feel like an even tougher version of the escapes in the Ori games.

Just be prepared. This game is no walk in the park. Or maybe I’m just terrible at games, and I don’t quite realize it.

To hear me talk more about Super Magbot, be sure to listen to Episode 353 of The Gaming Outsider Podcast.

This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of Super Magbot provided by Renaissance PR for coverage purposes. It is also available on PC via Steam.