Dr. Fetus' Mean Meat Machine (2023)

Dr. Fetus’ Mean Meat Machine might be a spin-off, and it might be a bloodier version of Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, but everything that made Super Meat Boy an enjoyable (?!) platform game is present here. The match-4 formula has been given a facelift to operate more like Dark Souls than Puyo Puyo, with numerous obstacles not only in your way, but actively trying to kill you. Those looking for a challenging puzzle game will be hard pressed to find anything more frustrating than Mean Meat Machine.

A fun puzzle take on the beloved Super Meat Boy universe

Sold at a low price, Dr. Fetus' Mean Meat Machine is certainly not the experience that fans of the Super Meat Boy franchise have been waiting for. The title offers an original variation on the puzzle games of the same type, with a world that's as well-realized as ever. Nevertheless, balancing and latency problems detract from the overall experience that the Headup Development team is trying to deliver. The idea isn't bad, but it lacks a little polish. Not to mention that it's more than a little strange to see this kind of game for the franchise when gamers are still hoping for a proper sequel to the first opus.

It is a suggestive and attractive proposal, with important stumbling blocks, but it is still entertaining for fans as well as for those who are not familiar with the genre.

Dr Fetus’ Mean Meat Machine is a brutal puzzle take on the IP and one that many players may find too tough to deal with. It can be rewarding beating these levels but with the auto-failing hazards you’ll be running into one wall after another trying to advance.