Bartlow's Dread Machine

 Xbox One
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Xbox Tavern
    Sep 29, 2020
    71
    Bartlow’s Dread Machine is in all matters intriguing, from its old style mechanical arcade box feel, to its limited movement along rail shooter gameplay. There are a lot of positives to enjoy here, but I worry it may not last longer than a single play through. It is a good dual stick shooter to enjoy with a friend though, so should provide at least an evening or two of fun in that department.
  2. XboxAddict
    Oct 21, 2020
    70
    Once you’ve completed a few levels, not much changes aside from a few new enemies and the odd puzzle here and there. The boss fights can be fun and challenging, but there’s really no replayability unless you really want to do it all over again with another character. While it has its flaws and is not your typical twin-stick shooter, Bartlow’s Dread Machine is utterly charming with its old-timey aesthetic design, regardless of how often I may have become frustrated with it.
  3. TheXboxHub
    Sep 29, 2020
    70
    Though it will not win any awards for its gameplay, this game is a real treat. It encapsulates the heart and spirit of what wonderful things can be done with an indie game. Its rougher edges and rustier bits can be frustrating, but if you want to play one of the most unique titles of the year, then you could do a whole lot worse than Bartlow’s Dread Machine on Xbox One.
  5. GameCritics
    Nov 2, 2020
    55
    Bartlow’s Dread Machine has a great set of bones. The concept and the core mechanics of being on rails are a great starting point, and the story (which I have not spoiled here) was surprisingly effective. However, the key phrase here is “starting point”. Despite its appeal, there’s a lot of polish that needs to happen before I would be able to recommend this one to shooter fans.

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best Xbox One Game of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Oct 18, 2020
    7
    Bartlow's Dread Machine is an On-A-Rail Twin-Stick Arcade Shooter. You play as a member of the Secret Service given a mission of extremeBartlow's Dread Machine is an On-A-Rail Twin-Stick Arcade Shooter. You play as a member of the Secret Service given a mission of extreme importance, to rescue President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt who has been kidnapped. You run on a rail (literally) through a story of secrets, intrigue, and lots of bullets. With a few good hours of play, and a second run if you wanna bring a friend along, Bartlow's Dread Machine unfortunately doesn't posses much replay value, but the time on the game was quite enjoyable. The thing that brought me back was the unlockable characters. As a completionist, it bothers me to leave unlockable content when I enjoy a game, and at least one play-through for me with an unlockable character is a must. The characters each have their own starting weapon and special move that allows for a slightly different experience, but not dramatic. The aesthetic and feel of the game are great, and add to the enjoyment. The only true complaints i have about the game are on the rail. Sometimes (and more so when there was a lot of action on the screen) it was seriously hard to change paths, and I sometimes got stuck on the corner, This cost me more than a few times. Otherwise the other controls are on point. Bartlow's Dread Machine is a fun well paced game with minor issues, fans of Twin-Stick and Rail Shooters will find a gem here, and with the multiple characters, and with some friends you may be able to milk a lot more time out of it!… Full Review »
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