Gameplay: Fun Enough
Visuals: Decent
Voice Acting:... ok
Story: poorly executed

This Franchise have a serious potential if only the story is rewritten entirely

Livelock, developed by Tuque Games and published by Perfect World Entertainment, is a top-down twin-stick shooter set in a dystopian future where humanity has been wiped out and conscious machines now fight for dominance. Released on Steam in 2016, the game offers a fast-paced, action-heavy experience wrapped in a sci-fi narrative about restoring life to a ruined Earth. While it didn’t make a huge splash at launch, Livelock has steadily built a reputation among fans of the genre for its tight combat, responsive controls, and surprisingly thoughtful world-building.

The premise revolves around playing as one of three “Capital Intellects,” human minds uploaded into powerful mechanical chassis to preserve the remnants of humanity. Each character—Vanguard, Hex, and Catalyst—has a unique role: Vanguard is a tank-like brawler, Hex is a damage-dealing gunslinger, and Catalyst serves as a support class with healing and drone deployment abilities. This class-based design immediately creates distinct playstyles and opens up possibilities for synergistic co-op gameplay. While the game can be played solo, it shines in three-player cooperative mode, where team composition and coordination can make the difference between a smooth run and chaotic defeat.

Combat is the core of Livelock, and it feels polished and satisfying. The twin-stick shooting mechanics are intuitive and snappy, allowing for tight movement and precision even amidst waves of enemies. Each character can equip primary and secondary weapons, along with three unique abilities that recharge over time. The game introduces a steady stream of new enemies and mechanics as it progresses, keeping the action engaging throughout its campaign. From heavily armored brutes to swarms of smaller bots and environmental hazards, Livelock consistently pushes players to stay alert and adapt. Boss battles punctuate the action with intense encounters that test both skill and timing.

The progression system adds a layer of RPG depth without overcomplicating the experience. Completing missions and defeating enemies earns experience points and loot, allowing players to unlock and upgrade weapons, abilities, and chassis modifications. While the gear system isn't as deep or randomized as a looter-shooter like Diablo or Borderlands, it provides enough variety to encourage experimentation and build customization. The upgrades feel meaningful, and improving your loadout has a tangible impact on performance, especially at higher difficulty levels. This, combined with the ability to replay missions for better scores and gear, adds a degree of replayability that extends beyond the initial 5–7 hour campaign.

Visually, Livelock is sleek and stylized, with a gritty, mechanical aesthetic that fits the post-apocalyptic setting. The environments are well-designed, ranging from decaying cities to underground bunkers and robot-infested ruins. While the levels can sometimes blend together visually due to the similar metallic tone, they’re generally diverse enough to keep things fresh. The character models, especially the main protagonists, are striking and distinct, and enemy designs are both functional and menacing. The game runs smoothly even during chaotic firefights, which is crucial for a title that relies on quick reflexes and screen-wide mayhem. The soundtrack is atmospheric, mixing synthetic ambiance with adrenaline-pumping tracks that elevate the intensity of combat.

Narratively, Livelock does more than many twin-stick shooters by injecting a genuine storyline into the experience. Through mission briefings, in-game dialogue, and audio logs, the game builds a somber but intriguing world where AI factions have devolved into warring tribes, each guided by corrupted logic. The main characters reflect on their human pasts and the nature of consciousness, adding a philosophical undertone to the carnage. While the story is largely linear and doesn’t branch or deeply develop individual characters, it provides a satisfying backdrop that contextualizes the action and sets it apart from more arcade-style shooters that eschew narrative altogether.

Despite its many strengths, Livelock isn't without shortcomings. The solo experience, while competent, lacks the excitement and strategic interplay that co-op brings. The AI companions that replace human players do an adequate job, but they can’t replicate the dynamic teamwork of real friends. Additionally, the game could have benefited from more content—after the main campaign and some challenge modes, there's little incentive to return unless you're a completionist or determined to max out every loadout. Online matchmaking is also inconsistent, and the player base has diminished over time, making it difficult to find random co-op partners without organizing privately.

In summary, Livelock is a polished, well-crafted twin-stick shooter that successfully combines tight gameplay, cooperative strategy, and a surprisingly deep narrative within a robot apocalypse. Its satisfying combat mechanics, distinct classes, and atmospheric presentation make it a standout in a genre that often prioritizes action over depth. While it may not have the staying power or content density of larger-scale action games, it delivers a focused and rewarding experience for players seeking cooperative fun or a solo challenge wrapped in a bleak but fascinating world. For fans of top-down shooters or sci-fi action, Livelock is an underrated gem worth revisiting.

Rating: 8/10

5/5 star