Akimbot

Akimbot is a 3D action-adventure platformer and third-person shooter developed by the French indie studio Evil Raptor and published by PLAION. Released on August 29, 2024, for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, it is an incredibly straightforward, unapologetic love letter to the golden era of PlayStation 2 mascot platformers—specifically aiming to capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the early Ratchet & Clank and Jak and Daxter games.

Core Concept and Story

The game takes place in a sci-fi universe populated entirely by robots. The narrative pairs together two highly reluctant mechanical criminals:

• Exe: The main playable protagonist. He is a disgraced, grumpy robotic mercenary/bounty hunter who lets his guns do most of the talking.
• Shipset: Exe’s forced companion. He is a small, hovering, hyperactive drone who functions as the game’s comic relief and primary voice.

After meeting during a prison break, the duo is recruited to stop a rogue, megalomaniacal scientist named Evilware, who is attempting to conquer the universe using a time-altering device simply called “the Artifact.” From there, it is a linear, planet-hopping adventure to save the galaxy.

Gameplay and Features

If you have ever played a Ratchet & Clank game, the core DNA of Akimbot will feel instantly familiar, though it strips away some of the RPG elements in favor of brisk, linear action:

• Fluid Platforming: The movement mechanics are widely considered the strongest part of the game. Exe controls brilliantly, featuring double jumps, mid-air dashes, and automatic ledge-grabbing that makes the heavy platforming sections feel precise and satisfying.
• The Arsenal: Exe starts with a simple melee energy sword and gradually builds an arsenal divided into Standard weapons (which have infinite ammo but overheat) and Special weapons (which require ammo drops). Players use a quick-swap weapon wheel to seamlessly juggle between assault rifles, sniper rifles, and rocket launchers depending on enemy weaknesses.
• Constant Variety: To keep the pacing brisk across its 8-to-10-hour campaign, Akimbot constantly throws different gameplay styles at the player. One level might be a standard shooting gallery, while the next puts you in the cockpit of a spaceship for a Star Fox-style dogfight, a driving sequence, or a literal Snake hacking mini-game.

The “Shipset” Problem and Reception

Akimbot occupies a very specific niche, leading to a highly polarized reception from players and critics.

Mechanically, it was heavily praised. Reviewers noted that Evil Raptor absolutely nailed the nostalgic, old-school feel of a PS2 platformer. The combat is punchy, the graphics are vibrant, and the level design is consistently engaging.

However, the game was universally hammered for its writing—specifically regarding Shipset. Taking heavy inspiration from characters like Borderlands’ Claptrap, Shipset simply never stops talking. The dialogue is packed with cynical, hyper-quippy, “millennial-style” humor and constant complaining that many players found completely unbearable. Because there is no dedicated option to mute voices without silencing the entire game, Shipset’s relentless banter actively drove some players to refund the title despite enjoying the actual gameplay.

Quick Note

Akimbot is a highly competent, wonderfully nostalgic action-platformer that successfully revives a dead genre, but it is heavily weighed down by obnoxious dialogue.

In short: If you are desperately craving a new Ratchet & Clank experience and are willing to tune out a companion drone who refuses to be quiet, Akimbot delivers a highly satisfying, explosion-filled retro roller coaster.