Mother Machine

Release Date: March 26, 2025

Action, science fiction, platformers, roguelike, RPG elements, indie games, 2.5D, co-op, side-scroll, splitscreen, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

76%

Steam

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A 2.5D platforming game with elements taken from RPG and roguelike genres, created by the authors of The Curious Expedition series. Mother Machine allows us to play as gremlins with various skills, sent to explore the caverns of an alien planet. The game supports singleplayer and coop (online or locally).

Gameplay
Story
Co-op
Game engine

Mother Machine is an action platforming game, expanded with elements borrowed from roguelike and RPG genres. It was developed by Maschinen-Mensch, an independent German development studio, which gained global recognition thanks to The Curious Expedition series.

Gameplay

In Mother Machine we watch the action from the side. The adventure leads us through an extensive network of caves, which we explore in the skin of creatures called chaos gremlins. Mischievous creatures rush forward, jumping on platforms, climbing walls and ceilings with their claws, as well as avoiding traps and terrain obstacles. Our subordinates also have to deal with the opponents they encounter.

Abilities and mutations

Depending on which mutations we choose, gremlins can have different abilities. Available skills include farting, vomiting projectiles (straight at enemies), or using chameleon skin, which allows them to avoid dangers. The key to success is the efficient use of each of their strengths.

That's not all, as the game also allows us to customize the appearance of the protagonists according to individual preferences. Various patterns, colors, and ears are waiting to be unlocked and checked, with which we will create a unique gremlin.

Missions and locations

The driving force of the game are missions assigned to us by the titular Mother-Machine. The locations we visit are procedurally generated, which makes each expedition different from the previous ones. The reward for accomplishing missions are mutations, which over time allow us to face increasingly greater challenges.

Story

Mother Machine transports us to a distant planet, which humans colonized thousands of years ago, but eventually decided to abandon. In order to avoid eternal loneliness, the artificial intelligence left there eventually decided to create mischievous and chaos-spreading creatures called gremlins. It sends them on missions to explore the vast network of caves stretching beneath the surface of the globe. As they progress, the creatures not only discover the secrets of this planet, but also learn the true ambitions of their creator.