The 90s were really something, were they? We totally bought the idea that the Ninja Turtles could be real (shut up, they are!); and we didn’t mind in the least when video games were cheesy. That’s where QUByte Interactive’s Biomechanical Toy comes in, a long lost arcade favorite that represents the crazy side of run-and-guns. It’s far from the ultimate experience in the genre, but it’s a goofy game.
You play Inguz (yes, that’s his name) as he travels across a mystical land, battling the evil Scrubby (yes, that’s his name). He’s apparently stolen a magic pendulum that has thrown everything into chaos, and it’s up to the sunglasses-wearing gun-runner to save the day. No, the story doesn’t make sense. Again, though, 90s shooter.
Originally featured in arcades (remember those?) in 1995, Biomechanical Toy feels like a preserved treat. The action isn’t always on point, but it’s fun blasting away at clowns and other evil things. Plus the visuals and sound remind me of an older Jaguar title, complete with obnoxiously high volume (my ears!) and vibrant backdrops.
It may look too old for some, and there are plenty of other retro titles swimming in the sea. But make room for Biomechanical Toy. It’s got run-and-gun goodness galore, and QUByte have given it proper treatment, complete with extra features to enhance the experience. Definitely recommended for those looking for something…different. Because, boy, is it.
Get Out Here and Play With Your Biomechanical Toy
What the hell, Scrubby? You had to go and ruin the good times of other people by taking the magic pendulum? What gives? Ah, well, the damage has been done and he’s cackling, with an army of creatures and demons defending him at every turn. It’s up to your hero, Inguz (In-gooze?) to save the day.
Originally released as an arcade game by Zeus Software in 1995, Biomechanical Toy didn’t get huge distribution. In fact, many consider it a “lost” arcade classic, buried amidst a heap of more popular fighting and shooter games. But QUByte Interactive have given it the restoration treatment, and though not everything aged well, there’s enough here to warrant playing with this Toy.
The run and gun gameplay is the big feature here. You’ll run through stages blasting everything in your path, while picking up health and upgrades to help you take on tougher bosses that rumble the floor and throw more challenge at you.
QUByte did a solid job keeping the run-and-gun gameplay intact. It does have imperfections, particularly with aiming, but it’s a good time all the same. And there are extra features galore that go along with it, such as being able to change up image options and a few other things. And did I mention its silliness finds a groove of its own? Because, yes, it can’t be taken seriously. It’s called Biomechanical Toy, for Pete’s sake.
There are better picks out there – Metal Slug Anthology immediately comes to mind – but Biomechanical Toy is worth its own weight in 90s cheese. It’s a good shooting experience that lasts a decent while, and the extra options may keep you coming back for more. I do wish there was more story, but it was an arcade game, so I can overlook that.
How Does This Biomechanical Toy Perform?
Well, it’s a 90s game, so I don’t expect Biomechanical Toy to go above and beyond in terms of presentation. But it is a decent blast from the past.
The visuals are nice and colorful. Each of the stages have an imaginative design to them, and the characters shine through with a decent bit of imagination. Inguz (Ian Gooze?) himself is a bit generic, but I guess Zeus wanted an Arnold Schwarzenegger-style hero, so not the end of the world. You can also enhance the experience with different filters.
As for the sound, it’s not bad. The music is 90s style rock, with little grooves here and there, and the sound effects are overly obnoxious, with enemies that howl and yelp whenever they can. The only downside is that the music is a wee bit too loud, and you’ll find yourself looking to adjust it very quickly. Unless you want to drive your siblings crazy, which isn’t a bad thing.
21st Century Biomechanical Toy
Being an arcade game, Biomechanical Toy doesn’t have too much to offer in the long haul. The experience can only last so long, and to some, it may feel overly vintage. But it hits the spot for me, a reminder of a simpler time when services weren’t being shut down by corporate moves and we just had a good time with games. It’s decently priced, loaded with options, and has just the right kind of groove for the right kind of player.
So, yeah, Biomechanical Toy comes recommended. Not highly recommended, mind you, but who am I to refuse Inguz? (Een Guzz?)
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to QUByte Interactive for providing us with a review code! Biomechanical Toy is available now for Steam/PC/Steam Deck, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. It releases on July 16th!
Need more retro goodness in your life? Check out our review of R-Type Delta HD Boosted!
