Gladiotron is a third-person action-adventure game that blends Metroidvania exploration with elements drawn from classic twin-stick shooters, platformers, action-shooters, and roguelikes. Developed for PC in Early Access, it places players in the role of Commander Bean and a companion as they navigate a world inspired by late 80s and early 90s titles.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on battling through structured environments while uncovering a larger mystery involving powerful space demons. Players control Commander Bean alongside a friend in third-person perspective, combining shooting mechanics with platforming and exploration. Berserker robots serve as primary obstacles across the game's towers, requiring precise movement and combat to progress. Roguelike influences appear through repeated runs and adaptive challenges, while Metroidvania-style progression encourages backtracking and ability upgrades to access new areas. The experience draws heavily from retro design principles, emphasizing tight controls and layered gameplay systems that reward experimentation with different character approaches.
Game Modes
Local co-op supports one to four players, allowing groups to tackle the adventure together on the same screen. The setup focuses on cooperative progression through the towers, with each participant contributing to combat and exploration. No additional competitive or solo-specific modes receive confirmation beyond the core co-op framework, keeping the emphasis on shared sessions that mirror the retro co-op experiences that inspired the title.
Story and Setting
Commander Bean and his companion find themselves drawn into a high-stakes conflict against overwhelming forces. The narrative unfolds as they battle through ten action-packed towers filled with berserker robots while piecing together the threat posed by all-powerful space demons. Retro aesthetics and character designs reinforce the late 80s and early 90s vibe, creating a self-contained world where video game logic becomes reality for the protagonists.
Is It Worth Playing?
Gladiotron appeals most to players who enjoy retro-inspired Metroidvanias mixed with shooter and co-op elements. Its Early Access status means the experience continues to evolve, with the foundational systems already in place for those seeking a challenging, exploration-heavy adventure. Fans of local multiplayer sessions and games that reward mastery of combined mechanics will find the most value here, particularly if they appreciate the deliberate pacing and obstacle-solving focus drawn from classic titles. The limited scope keeps the game accessible for short or extended play sessions without unnecessary complexity.
