Brains, Bots, and Chaos: Chip ‘N Clawz vs. The Brainioids Review

XPN Network
Nov 6
4 min read

Chip ‘N Clawz vs. The Brainioids is one of those rare indie titles that immediately catches your eye with its eccentric name and vibrant comic-book aesthetic, but it’s the gameplay that keeps you hooked. At first glance, it looks like a light hearted action romp, but beneath the cartoonish exterior lies a surprisingly layered hybrid of real-time strategy and third-person combat. You’re not just blasting away at alien invaders, you’re managing resources, building defences, and commanding armies of quirky bots, all while personally diving into the fray as either Chip or Clawz. It’s a game that thrives on chaos, but it’s a carefully orchestrated chaos that rewards both quick reflexes and tactical thinking.

The premise is delightfully absurd: the Brainioids, a race of aliens who are literally brains in jars, have descended upon Earth with the intent to enslave humanity. Instead of grim, apocalyptic storytelling, the game leans into humour and exaggeration, turning the invasion into a playground of slapstick sci-fi battles. Chip and Clawz, the unlikely heroes, embody this tone perfectly - one a gadget-loving tinkerer, the other a claw-swinging brawler. Together, they represent two sides of the gameplay: the cerebral strategist and the hands-on fighter. Switching between these roles, or teaming up with a friend in co-op, creates a dynamic rhythm that keeps each mission fresh.

At its core, the game is a hybrid of real-time strategy and third-person action combat. You’re not just sitting back and issuing commands from a bird’s-eye view; you’re also right there in the thick of battle, controlling one of the two protagonists. This dual perspective means you’re constantly switching between building and fighting, which creates a fast-paced rhythm that keeps you on your toes.

On the strategy side, you’ll be managing resources, constructing bases, and deploying armies of quirky robots to defend against waves of Brainioid invaders. Placement matters, whether it’s turrets, factories, or defensive walls, you’ll need to think carefully about how to protect your base while still expanding your reach. The RTS layer isn’t overly complex, but it’s deep enough to reward players who enjoy optimizing their layouts and troop compositions.

On the action side, you’re directly controlling your hero in third-person combat. Chip relies on gadgets, ranged attacks, and clever tricks, while Clawz is more melee-focused, charging into enemies with brute force. Each character has unique abilities that complement the strategy layer, so choosing who to play (or swapping between them in co-op) changes how battles unfold. Combat is chaotic, you’re dodging psychic blasts, smashing alien drones, and even squishing the literal brains that pop out of defeated enemies.

What makes the gameplay shine is the co-op mode. Playing with a friend means one of you can focus more on base-building while the other dives into combat, or you can both mix roles depending on the situation. It turns the chaos into a shared experience, and the game’s humour really comes alive when you’re laughing together at the absurdity of battling brains-in-jars.

Newcomers can jump in and enjoy the colourful mayhem without worrying too much about micromanagement, while seasoned strategy fans will find satisfaction in optimizing their base layouts, troop compositions, and battlefield tactics. The enemy design adds to the fun, with Brainioids deploying increasingly bizarre units that force you to adapt on the fly. One moment you’re fending off swarms of brain-controlled drones, the next you’re avoiding psychic blasts from oversized jar-beasts.

Visually, the game is a treat. The environments pop with bold colours and exaggerated designs, reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons or the zanier side of Ratchet & Clank. The soundtrack matches the energy, bouncing between upbeat battle themes and tongue-in-cheek sci-fi flourishes. It’s clear the developers wanted to create a world that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that playful spirit permeates every aspect of the experience.

Of course, the game isn’t without its flaws. The hybrid gameplay can feel overwhelming at times, especially for players who prefer either pure action or pure strategy. Juggling base-building while actively fighting on the battlefield requires a learning curve, and some missions can feel like information overload. The humour, while charming, may not resonate with everyone, those who prefer darker or more serious sci-fi might find the tone too silly. Yet even with these drawbacks, the game’s personality and ambition does shine through.

Pros

Unique blend of RTS and third-person action
Vibrant comic-book visuals and playful humour
Strong co-op modes (local and online)
Accessible for newcomers but with depth for veterans
Creative enemy designs and varied missions

Cons

Can feel overwhelming juggling strategy and combat
Humour may not appeal to all players
Occasional chaotic pacing in larger battles

In the end, Chip ‘N Clawz vs. The Brainioids succeeds because it dares to be different. It doesn’t settle for being just another action shooter or another RTS, it blends the two into something unique, chaotic, and memorable. It’s a game that invites you to laugh at its absurdity while still challenging you to think strategically, and that combination makes it a standout on Steam. Whether you’re looking for a fun co-op adventure with a friend or a solo experience that tests both your reflexes and your tactical mind, this quirky title is well worth your time. It may not be perfect, but it’s brimming with creativity, charm, and replayability, and that’s more than enough to earn it a place in your library.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)