Apple Arcade review #106: Scrappers
Scrappers is a refreshingly novel side-scrolling action game that looks great. You play a robot garbage collector and your job is to pick up as much trash as possible while fighting off thugs, rivals and robot varmints. The game is surprisingly complex, with multiple unlockable characters and weapons, as you balance garbage collection with combat, and try to rack up bonuses. The game is designed for multiplayer. I’ve only played it single-player, but this probably makes for a great party-game.
I liked Scrappers. The touch controls work really well, there’s not a virtual button in sight, and the art is striking. I also liked the world they’ve built: it’s cyberpunky and brutal (you toss defeated robot enemies into the garbage compressor!) but also fun and colourful. It’s suitable for both children and adults.
I’m excited to try this with multiple players, since it’s quite difficult to play on your own. That’s really the only caveat I have: it’s surprisingly challenging to efficiently pick up garbage, aim and toss it into your truck, and to catch garbage tossed by your compatriobots. The learning curve is steep. But it’s definitely worth sticking with Scrappers.