Genre: Action, top-down shooter
Developer: Eurocom Entertainment Software
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Year: 1997
Platform: PC
In Machine Hunter, players are immersed in a dystopian sci-fi world where a robotic virus has turned machines into deadly adversaries. Equipped with a special suit, the player can “transfer” into defeated robots—embracing their form, weapons, and abilities—to survive and progress. The game is presented from a top-down perspective, with options for fixed or rotating camera views. Missions span 17 distinctive levels, tasking players with objectives like rescuing hostages, defusing bombs, retrieving key cards, or racing against timers amid hostile environments.
Combat includes a variety of power-ups that enhance offensive and defensive capabilities. These range from energy boosts that restore health to weapon upgrades granting ricochets, homing projectiles, explosive effects, shields, or temporary invincibility. Hidden areas and secret paths encourage exploration amid relentless enemy encounters and environmental hazards.
Critics commonly noted the game’s strong resemblance to Loaded, citing similarities in camera view, lighting, and graphic violence. Still, some reviewers—such as those at Electronic Gaming Monthly and GamePro—felt that the multi-level arenas and robot possession mechanics gave Machine Hunter its own flair. On the other hand, Next Generation criticized it as a poorly executed copy, and GameSpot’s writer expressed that while the game had its moments, fans would likely prefer revisiting Loaded itself.
Technical reception differed by platform. The PC version drew harsher criticism due to its low-resolution visuals and unresponsive controls—considered even worse than the PlayStation release. Reviews cited frustration with keyboard handling, while the PlayStation version received slightly more positive notes, particularly for its graphical effects and multiplayer modes.
