Introduction

Imagine a world where humanity has seemingly gone extinct, and the only two inhabitants left are a bunch of robot relics and, of course, you—a racing robot named Defunct. That’s the scenario in this charming indie adventure game that, much like my old toaster, has lost some of its zest over time. So, buckle up your circuits as we roll through the quirky landscape of ‘Defunct’! Spoiler: It’s a bumpy ride!

Gameplay

In a post-human Earth that could make any graveyard chef cry, you, as Defunct, find yourself functionally obsolete and just a tad out of energy—it’s like me trying to live life on two hours of sleep. The only way you can move around is by getting a bit creative. Goodbye, legs! Hello, gravity manipulation! The game introduces you to the whimsical stickiness of 'Gravitize' and 'Magnetize' abilities, which let you pull yourself up hills and glide down slopes like a beach ball at a kid’s party! The Gravitize ability lets you ‘turn on’ the gravitational pull for some speed boost action—just hold tight and don’t pop any batteries! Speed boosts come in different flavors, including magical orbs and yummy pools of Enerjuice, just in case your robot cravings kick in. Puzzles will test your feeling of ‘What’s happening?!’ as you navigate precarious paths, avoid rusty old dangers, and occasionally shout at your screen because that jump seemed WAY higher than you thought. Collect little critters that are reminiscent of forgotten childhood toys—we all know the ones. They’re like those squishy figures that never left the bottom of your backpack since first grade but even cuter! With each level, the landscape switches between beautiful and weird, all while challenging your mild-to-severe fear of heights. The controls are simple but feisty, catching you off guard just enough to make you question your life choices while lamenting over the lost days when games were 'easy'.

Graphics

The graphics lead you on a nostalgia trip resembling hand-painted scenery that might make Bob Ross weep tears of joy. Each area is filled with vibrant colors that pop like my glitter pen collection from the ‘90s, giving the world of Defunct charm and warmth. Environments are not only beautifully rendered but also designed with a playful and whimsical aesthetic, hinting at the memories of a world where humanity had too much time on its hands. The animations feel fluid and energetic, bringing life to the derelict landscapes. However, the Switch has some wobbly moments that can drop the charm level down a notch, with a few frame drops here and there that may leave you clamoring for smoother gameplay. It’s as if someone placed a rock in an otherwise pristine roller skate track—an adorable mess that you can’t help but chuckle at.

Conclusion

With endearing charm and wobbly controls that will keep you guessing (and possibly cursing) through its triumphs and hurdles, ‘Defunct’ is like that quirky friend who can’t tell a joke without stumbling but you still love them for it. Sure, it might not always be smooth sailing or shall we say, rolling, but there’s a unique pleasure in the chaotic thrill of robotic misadventures. While the game can become tedious at times as you repeatedly attempt tricky jumps (reminds me of my last attempt to do a backflip—spoiler, it did not end well), the whimsical charm of Defunct keeps you powering through. So, if you call yourself a gaming enthusiast looking for something to take your mind off the apocalypse (assuming you're not already living in one), this is worth a spin! Maybe not a full 'go buy it now', but just take it for a cheerful little ride through the broken dreams of robotic wonder. After all, sometimes, it’s okay to be a little Defunct.

See Latest Prices for Defunct on Switch on Amazon