Smash, Build, Repeat – Instruments of Destruction Review

When it comes to games built around destruction, few titles embrace the concept as wholeheartedly as Instruments of Destruction. Developed by Radiangames, this physics-driven sandbox is less about narrative and more about the raw thrill of watching structures collapse in spectacular fashion. On Xbox, the experience translates well, offering a blend of cathartic fun and mechanical experimentation that will appeal to players who enjoy tinkering with machines and toppling towers.

At its core, Instruments of Destruction is a mission-based sandbox. Players pilot prototype vehicles designed to wreak havoc on island environments, each filled with buildings, bridges, and industrial structures begging to be reduced to rubble. The game’s loop is straightforward: drive, smash, and obliterate. Yet optional objectives such as destroying specific targets or completing levels under time constraints add layers of challenge that keep the experience from feeling one-note.

Vehicle variety is a highlight. From rocket-powered rigs to colossal wrecking machines, each prototype offers a distinct approach to demolition. Customization options allow players to experiment, encouraging creativity in how destruction is achieved. The physics engine is the star here: buildings crumble with convincing weight, debris scatters realistically, and every impact feels satisfyingly tactile.

The gameplay in Instruments of Destruction revolves around a simple but endlessly satisfying loop: build, drive, and demolish. Each mission places you on an island filled with structures including bridges, towers, factories, or research stations and it challenges you to reduce them to rubble using experimental vehicles. While the primary objectives usually focus on destroying key targets, optional challenges add variety by asking you to complete missions under time limits, hit specific structures, or minimize respawns. These extra goals encourage replayability and push players to experiment with different strategies rather than relying solely on brute force.

The vehicles themselves are the centre piece of the experience. Players begin with a selection of pre-built prototypes, ranging from rocket-powered bulldozers to colossal wrecking rigs, each offering a distinct approach to destruction. Customization allows you to swap parts, add attachments, and tailor machines to your preferred playstyle, whether that means precision engineering or chaotic firepower. This system rewards creativity, as sometimes the most effective solution isn’t the most obvious, pulling down a tower with a crane arm can be just as satisfying as blasting it apart with rockets.

What truly sets the game apart is its physics engine. Structures don’t simply vanish when damaged; they collapse in dynamic, believable ways. Beams snap, walls buckle, and debris scatters across the environment, often triggering chain reactions that topple nearby buildings. This unpredictability ensures that no two demolitions look the same, keeping the action fresh even after dozens of missions. Environmental effects like storms or rain add atmosphere, though they don’t drastically alter gameplay.

Progression is tied to completing missions, which unlock new islands and vehicles, gradually expanding your arsenal. A scoring system awards medals based on performance, encouraging players to refine their strategies and replay levels for higher rankings. Beyond the campaign, sandbox mode offers unrestricted freedom, letting you experiment with vehicles and destruction without constraints.

Moment to moment, the game feels exhilarating. Driving a massive machine into a skyscraper and watching it collapse in slow motion is consistently rewarding, and the tactile feedback of the physics makes every impact feel weighty. That said, the core loop doesn’t change dramatically, so extended play sessions can feel repetitive. The game is best enjoyed in bursts, where its toybox of chaos remains fresh and exciting.

Visually, Instruments of Destruction is functional rather than beautiful. The environments are serviceable, but the art style leans toward utilitarian rather than eye-catching. Where the game shines is in its destruction effects, watching a tower collapse piece by piece is consistently impressive. Audio design complements the chaos, with mechanical roars and explosive impacts underscoring the mayhem.

Pros

• Outstanding destruction physics: Buildings collapse and debris scatters with impressive realism, making every demolition feel unique.

• Creative vehicle variety: A wide arsenal of prototype machines, from rocket-powered rigs to massive wrecking vehicles, keeps gameplay fresh.

• Replayability through challenges: Optional objectives (time limits, precision targets, etc.) add depth beyond simple smashing.

• Cathartic gameplay loop: The sheer joy of tearing down structures never loses its appeal in short bursts.

• Sandbox freedom: Players can experiment with different strategies and vehicle setups, encouraging creativity.

Cons

• Visual presentation is plain: Environments and menus feel utilitarian, lacking polish compared to the destruction effects.

• Repetition over time: The core loop—drive, smash, repeat—can feel limited during longer play sessions.

• Clunky interface: Menus and customization tools aren’t as smooth or intuitive as they could be.

• Minimal narrative: There’s little story or world-building, which may disappoint players seeking immersion beyond mechanics.

• Occasional performance dips: Large-scale destruction can sometimes cause frame rate drops on console.

Instruments of Destruction is unapologetically niche. It doesn’t aim to deliver a sweeping narrative or cutting-edge visuals; instead, it focuses entirely on the joy of smashing things to pieces. For players who revel in physics-driven chaos, it’s a satisfying sandbox that rewards creativity and experimentation. For others, its repetitive loop and utilitarian presentation may limit its appeal.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Instruments of Destruction is Available Now!