Brotato Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-04-13
  • Diverse character and weapon variety
  • Addictive and enjoyable gameplay
  • Local co-op support
  • Repetitive gameplay loop
  • Character and balance issues
  • Lack of online multiplayer
Brotato header

Emotions

Archetypes

Hardware

Windows <8GB VRAMpositiveWindows 12-15GB VRAMpositive

What players like:

Common complaints:

Gameplay feedback:

Performance notes:

Recommendations:

Other player notes:

Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

Variety in characters and weapons: The game offers a high variety in weapon and character design, with many unique mechanics, builds, and items. This variety enhances the gameplay experience and provides players with numerous options.

Addictive and enjoyable gameplay: The gameplay is frequently described as addictive, enjoyable, and easy to pick up. Players find it fun, challenging, and rewarding, with a simple yet complex mechanics that keep them engaged.

Local co-op support: The game supports local co-op and multiplayer modes, which are well-received by players. This feature enhances the gaming experience and is seen as a significant plus.

Positive overall impression: Many players express a generally positive impression of the game, calling it good, great, and fun. They enjoy the game overall and find it to be a top-quality experience.

Great time investment: Players find the game to be a great time killer and a good investment of their time. It is enjoyable and worth the time spent playing.

Common complaints

Repetitive gameplay loop: Many players find the gameplay becomes repetitive and boring after extended play sessions or after a few rounds. This repetitiveness is noted in various aspects of the game, including the grind and the endless mode.

Character and balance issues: Players have reported issues with character balance, noting that some characters are overpowered or underpowered. This imbalance extends to character attributes and weapon imbalances, affecting the overall gameplay experience.

Lack of online multiplayer: A significant number of players have expressed disappointment over the lack of native online multiplayer functionality. The game's multiplayer experience is noted to be poor and in need of improvement.

Achievements locked behind DLC: Players are frustrated that some achievements require purchasing DLC, making it necessary to buy additional content to fully complete the game.

Lack of build variety: There is a noted lack of variety in successful builds, with some builds being non-viable. This limits player options and can make the game feel less engaging.

Gameplay and performance

Diverse character and weapon variety: The game offers a wide range of characters and weapons, each with unique traits, abilities, and playstyles. This diversity allows for extensive customization and experimentation in character builds and combat strategies.

Roguelite elements and mechanics: The game incorporates roguelite elements, such as dynamic gameplay loops and random generation, which enhance replayability and provide a fresh experience with each playthrough.

Engaging multiplayer and co-op gameplay: The game features action-packed multiplayer and cooperative gameplay modes, including shared split-screen options. These modes provide challenging and enjoyable experiences for players looking to team up and tackle the game together.

Wave-based survival mechanics: Players must survive waves of enemies, with the game saving progress after each wave. The goal is to reach wave 20 to face a boss, adding a layer of strategy and endurance to the gameplay.

Bullet-hell gameplay style: The game features bullet-hell mechanics, combining intense action with roguelite elements. This creates a challenging and fast-paced gameplay experience.

Excellent Steam Deck Performance: The game runs very well on Steam Deck, including the OLED version, with smooth performance and no slowdowns even at lower TDP settings.

Runs on Low-End Hardware: The game can run smoothly on low-end or older computer configurations, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Frequent Crashing Issues: Players report frequent crashes and game launch issues, which significantly impact the gaming experience.

Well-Optimized Game: The game is well-optimized, providing stable and smooth performance on various platforms.

Good Battery Life: The game is noted for its minimal battery drain, making it ideal for handheld devices.

Recommendations

Recommended for roguelike fans: Fans of roguelike and roguelite games are particularly recommended to try this game. It is praised for its gameplay mechanics that appeal to this genre.

Highly recommended game: Many players strongly recommend the game, highlighting its value and enjoyment. It is frequently suggested as a must-buy for various types of players.

Fun and engaging gameplay: The game is noted for its fun and engaging gameplay, making it a good purchase for those looking for enjoyable experiences.

Improved multiplayer experience: The multiplayer experience, especially with Steam friends, is noted to be improved and enjoyable.

High replay value: Players mention that the game has high replay value, making it enjoyable for multiple playthroughs.

Buying context

Community fair range: $3.00 - $8.00.

Game completion: 50.0h.

Session length: 0.3h.

Endgame: 300.0h.

The game offers immediate fun with its fluid combat and variety of weapons and characters. The short run length and rewarding progression system make it highly addictive from the start.

Friction: The game can become repetitive after a while.; Some balance quirks can affect the enjoyment..

Unlock drivers: Variety of weapons and characters.; Rewarding progression system.; Short run length..

Player profiles

Co-op Enthusiast: Enjoys playing with others, often in short sessions, and appreciates the variety of characters and builds. Motivation: Social interaction and cooperative gameplay. Stance: buy.

Variety Seeker: Enjoys experimenting with different builds and characters, and appreciates the game's depth and mechanics. Motivation: Game variety and replayability. Stance: buy.

Progression Critic: Prefers games with meta-progression and long-term goals, and may find the game's lack of these features frustrating. Motivation: Seeking deeper progression systems. Stance: sale.

Platform notes

The game generally performs well across most hardware cohorts, with positive feedback even on lower-end systems. However, there are some reports of performance issues on higher-end hardware.

Windows <8GB VRAM: positive. The game runs well even on older or lower-end hardware with fluid performance reported.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: positive. Mostly positive feedback, though there is an isolated report of performance issues.

Steam Deck / handheld: positive. The game performs well on Steam Deck with notable features enhancing the experience.

Steam Deck: The overall user feedback for the Steam Deck experience with this game is largely positive, with many users praising its gameplay, performance, and battery life. However, there are notable issues with crashes and stability, particularly after updates, which significantly impact the user experience. Controller support also has some reported problems. Despite these issues, the game is highly regarded for its addictive and enjoyable nature, making it a popular choice for Steam Deck users.

Linux and Proton: The game demonstrates strong compatibility with Linux systems, both through Proton and native builds. Users report smooth performance and enjoyment, with positive feedback on the native Linux port quality. There are minor requests for better support, but overall, the experience is largely positive.

Extra review signals

Monetization: The reviews for Brotato indicate a mixed reception regarding its monetization and DLC practices. While the game is praised for its affordability, lack of microtransactions, and high replayability, there are significant concerns about the DLC. Several reviews mention that certain achievements and 100% completion are locked behind a DLC paywall, which can be seen as a form of Day-1 DLC. Additionally, some players express regret or dissatisfaction with the value provided by the DLC, suggesting that it may not be worth the full price. Overall, the game's monetization strategy is viewed positively, but the DLC practices have drawn criticism.

External guides: The game generally receives positive feedback for its accessibility and lack of dependency on external resources like wikis. However, there are notable complaints about the need to consult guides for understanding complex mechanics and specific playstyles, which can be a barrier for some players. Additionally, the inconsistency in recommended strategies across different guide sites adds to the confusion.

Other review notes

Health and cognitive benefits: Players reported that the game helped with weight loss and perceived cognitive improvements.

Simultaneous keyboard control: Players want all players to be able to use keyboard controls simultaneously during Remote Play.

Item exchange in co-op: Players want the feature to exchange items within the game during co-op mode.

Multiple items at high luck: There is a desire for the ability to choose from multiple items when luck rates are high.

Add dash/acceleration feature: There is a request to add a dash or acceleration feature to the game.