Chip 'n Clawz vs. The Brainioids

Running under the radar is Chip 'n Clawz vs. The Brainioids from Arc Games and Snapshot Games. This vibrant action-strategy game is from the creator of X-COM, Julian Gollop.

Following Phoenix Point and Chaos Reborn, Snapshot Games opted for something more light-hearted. In Chip 'n' Clawz vs. The Brainioids, players must work together to stop the Brainioid invasion. This action-strategy game combines real-time strategy with third-person action and adventure in a colourful, comic-book-inspired world. This combination is the game's greatest strength: players can actively engage on the battlefield while also strategically controlling the army, much like in Orcs Must Die, but with the charm of Fortnite. The controls are good; only the building menu could be more intuitive. The strategic depth is relatively straightforward (relatively few unit types), but accessible.

Players can take on the roles of heroes Chip (a young inventor), Clawz (Chip's robo-cat), or both characters in cooperative gameplay to gather resources and collectibles, build bases, strengthen hero abilities, command minions and fight alongside them in battle. The game offers a series of missions in story campaigns and team-based multiplayer, as well as a tutorial area. However, there is no dedicated skirmish mode. The content is reasonable and the price of just under €30 seems fair, especially given how polished it is.

Another highlight of the game is that it is designed for multiplayer matches. The campaign can be played cooperatively by two players in couch co-op or online; the second player can download a free Friends Pass. Here, too, two players can work together against the Brainioid forces and coordinate or divide up tasks (action and strategy). Then there is the PvP mode, which offers online 1v1 and 2v2, as well as split-screen 1v1. In this mode, players can even control the Brainioid forces themselves, with central characters such as Chip and Clawz appearing as a duo. Last but not least, the game offers cross-platform play support between PC and consoles. The only drawback is the absence of matches against computer-controlled opponents, i.e. bots, or a full-fledged skirmish mode. Such a feature would increase the game's replay value.

"With Chip 'n Clawz vs. the Brainoids, we created a game that feels just as rewarding for a veteran of real-time strategy games as it does for someone completely new to the genre. Whether someone wants to charge straight into a fight or plot from afar, we built an experience where everyone and anyone can jump in, find their style, and have fun." - Julian Gollop, CEO of Snapshot Games

The game was developed by Snapshot Games, a video game development studio founded in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2013 by Julian Gollop, designer of the original X-COM games, and David Kaye, a serial entrepreneur in the games industry. The studio has previously released Phoenix Point (2020) and Chaos Reborn (2015). They are currently working on Frosthaven (Early Access). In 2020, Snapshot joined the Embracer Group. Initially part of Saber Interactive, Snapshot is no longer affiliated with Saber following the demerger.

The publisher of Chip 'n Clawz vs. The Brainioids is Arc Games, a publisher of premium and live service games based in North America, Europe, and Asia. Arc Games is known for its work on the Remnant series, Hyper Light Breaker, Fellowship, Have a Nice Death, Frosthaven, the Torchlight series, Star Trek Online, and Neverwinter. Originally founded in 2008 as the North American subsidiary of Chinese publisher Perfect World Entertainment, Arc Games was acquired by Embracer in February 2022 as part of Gearbox Publishing. Following a restructuring of Perfect World Entertainment and Gearbox Publishing by Embracer in April 2024, the company was rebranded as Arc Games. It is headquartered in Redwood City, California, with global offices in Amsterdam and Shanghai. Arc Games remains part of the Embracer Group; meanwhile, Gearbox is now part of 2K Games.

Chip 'n Clawz vs. The Brainioids is now available on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), as well as on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, priced at €28.99. A Friend's Pass Edition is also available for PC, PlayStation 5 and Series X|S. This allows players to join online co-op and PvP multiplayer for free with a friend who owns the game.