The cooperative roguelike RPG Mother Machine is currently in development by Maschinen-Mensch and features gameplay of several little chaos gremlins looking to help their robot maker. Set thousands of years in the future on a planet that has almost entirely died out, a powerful AI has learned how to create life and considers herself a mother to these unique creatures. Of course, she also doesn't seem to mind sending these gremlin children to their deaths in search for resources for her.

Mother Machine could become one of the best co-op multiplayer games based on how stunning the artwork is and the fun and utter chaos that ensues with friends taking charge of these little gremlins. The game is currently expected to be released on PC, Steam Deck, and consoles in the first quarter of 2025, and Screen Rant was invited to a hands-off preview screening. Watching these colorful gremlins use their healing farts, protective belches, and more, truly showed off how silly and fun this game could become.

Mother Machine Is A Story About Chaos Gremlins And Their Malfunctioning Robot Mother

Mother Doesn't Mind Sending Her Gremlins To Their Deaths

The game takes place on a planet that once had humans living on it but now, thousands of years in the future, has very little life of any kind on it. The GLaDOS-like machine has highly advanced AI abilities and begins creating these little chaos gremlins as new life forms which she 3D prints from organic filament. These are her children and serve her will. She sends these little ones out into the world with the objective of gathering materials and resources for her, and if they die, she has the power to revive them so they can keep going.

As the gremlins get further out, they are said to begin uncovering the truth about the world's dark past, and learn more about what their Mother is actually doing. That could mean that their mechanical mother is either good or bad. Developers say that the game will cover the "limits of technology, the nature of loneliness, and the power of family" all while players get to enjoy farting on each other to heal one another.

Each Gremlin Has Unique Abilities

Four Different Gremlins To Choose From

Mother Machine will have at least four different gremlins for players to choose from, and each offers a unique ability that can assist during the game. One can heal other gremlins through their farts. One has protective belches that act like shields. It appeared that one could also apply some kind of slime-like material to walls to make it easier to climb, and one might be able to have some kind of acid breath attack, but it is not entirely clear what is happening there.

Whatever their abilities are, it is certain that each of these chaotic creatures has a certain levity to them that makes it even more fun.

There may also be a way to further customize the gremlins, with developers stating that players can have access to a range of mutations that will extend the active abilities of their little monster to meet a preferred playstyle and difficulty. This potentially could add another layer of complexity as well as enjoyment for players to unlock new skills or strengthen the power of their farts. Whatever their abilities are, it is certain that each of these chaotic creatures has a certain levity to them that makes it even more fun.

Appears To Be Lots Of Fun For Multiplayer

Gremlins Work Well Off Each Other

Mother Machine is clearly a game that is expected to be played in multiplayer, although it is able to be enjoyed solo as well. The game is listed as one to four-player co-op, with people being able to at any time with an easy drop-in multiplayer mechanic. It is said to have balanced co-op mechanics, so players of any skill level should be able to enjoy the game together, particularly when utilizing the powers of the gremlins to assist each other.

The gremlins clearly do not have a care in the world and, even in death, are still just happy to be there.

Because the gremlins are 3D-printed creatures made by the Mother Machine, it sounds as though players have the option to choose to be the same gremlin type, although that is not confirmed yet. However, with the special nature of the different abilities, it may be a better strategy to try to balance out the group with more variety.

The silly abilities of these carefree, happy gremlins could prove to be what makes the dark appearance of the game more joyful. The gremlins clearly do not have a care in the world and, even in death, are still just happy to be there. Whatever direction the story takes as players understand more of Mother Machine's end goal and ambitions, these little chaos gremlins don't seem to be the type that will ever become too upset for long.

Final Thoughts

Too Early To Know Much, But Looks Fun

The short bit of gameplay that was shown off to the press doesn't really reveal much, but is intriguing. This game does appear to be one that could be a lot of fun for friends to enjoy together, laughing at healing each other with farts and belching on one another, and the artwork is absolutely beautiful, if dark.

hile the game is said to be able to be played solo, it doesn't seem as though it's the kind of game that would be as enjoyable to play alone, particularly as the variety of gremlin abilities look like they would be most useful played together. Ultimately, time will tell, but I am excited to see what comes from Mother Machine in 2025.