June 16, 2025
Deconstructing Robots at Midnight
Summary
- Fast, punchy action RPG set in retro-futuristic world.
- Fluid combat mechanics with two distinct modes of play.
- A scrappy and inquisitive protagonist heavily influenced by 1990s anime.
Robots at Midnight isnât set in your typical post-apocalyptic, sci-fi future. The luxury planet of Yob, now in ruins, is a hostile wasteland teeming with dangers. Among the crumbling infrastructure of cottage homes and state-of-the-art railway systems, we find our protagonist, Zoe, stranded on a planet built by machines, who must survive as the only human against a tide of sentient robots. Zoe’s journey is more than just a series of encounters; there are hidden paths and secrets to uncover on this forgotten world.

Against the colorful – but broken – setting, a moving personal journey exists for our gameâs hero as the story progresses. Will she make it home before midnight?
The developers at Finish Line Games aimed to create a vibrant action game with combat inspired by From Software games. The vision is to provide an accessible experience for a range of players and deliver a rich experience for more seasoned gamers familiar with challenging game titles like Elden Ring. âIt had to offer the free movement that players expect, but also a flexible, engaging challenge,â says Creative Director Eric Frech. This led the development team to explore different layers of challenge. The âHero Modeâ offers play-through focused on exploration and discovery, allowing players to delve into the mysteries and lore of Yob. But the harder âMaster Modeâ caters to players who love the high-stakes challenge of pushing their skills to the limit against more difficult enemies.

Designing combat for Robots at Midnightâs environment also meant embracing a fun, dynamic feel. The MITT, Zoe’s space-gauntlet, is more than just her primary weapon; it’s an extension of her determination. Her encounters with robots demand smart thinking â in addition to quick reflexes. Zoe will encounter useful items easily along her path, while other items require some hunting to be discovered.

Ultimately, Yob is more than just a setting for Zoe to clobber robots at midnight; it’s a world with mysteries to unravel and lore to discover. Zoe’s fight for a brighter dawn in a world of hostile automatons is a journey of discovery, determination, and overcoming the odds. To that end, Frech proudly stated, âWe aimed to build a wholly unique experience that lingers long after the last boss fight.â

Using all the resources at your disposal, can you get Zoe home before midnight? Robots at Midnight is available June 19 on Xbox.
Robots at Midnight
Snail Games USA
After twenty years in cryo-sleep, Zoe wakes to find a world she barely recognizes. To survive and to save whatâs left, she must track down her missing father, lost during the cataclysmic event known only as The Blackout. Along the way, sheâll take on gangs of corrupted robots, confront towering bosses, and uncover long-buried truths about Yob.
Just be home before midnight.
[Combat with Fluid Movement]
The MITT is a powerful piece of old-world tech made for Space exploration, now repurposed for survival. Launch off enemies, soar through the air, and smash through bots with momentum-based combat that keeps you constantly moving. Whether in battle or traversal, fast, fluid movement is your greatest weapon. Find your rhythm. Sharpen your skills. Discover what youâre really made of.
[Choose Your Challenge]
Whether youâre new to action RPGs or a seasoned fighter, Robots at Midnight adapts to your playstyle. Hero Mode offers a more forgiving, story-driven experience, while Master Mode pushes your reflexes and tactics to the edge with high-stakes combat.
Whichever path you choose, prepare for a fight.
[Explore and Uncover Hidden Lore]
Waking up on a ruined planet isnât the hard part, figuring out what happened is. Step into Zoeâs sneakers and investigate the mystery behind Yobâs downfall. Discover lost technologies, unravel the threads of the past, and determine your place in a future that moved on without you.
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