Robots at Midnight

Finish Line Games’ atmospheric action-RPG Robots at Midnight has earned recognition in Xbox’s July 2025 Indie Selects lineup, celebrating its distinctive approach to story-driven adventure gaming. Published by Snail Games and available on Steam and Xbox Series X|S, this underground exploration adventure has captured attention for its striking visual design and narrative-focused gameplay.

Descending into the World of Yob

Robots at Midnight transports players into the mysterious underground realm of Yob, a once-opulent civilisation now overrun by rogue machines. As protagonist Zoe, players explore this dystopian setting that blends elegance with decay, uncovering both family secrets and the broader mysteries surrounding this lost world.

Zoe’s background as someone who grew up on an industrial space station alongside her father and a small crew of engineers provides personal stakes for the underground journey. Her close relationship with helper droid Philte and the separation from her father Michael create emotional anchors for the exploration ahead.

Fluid Combat and Traversal

The game emphasises what developers describe as “fluid movement” combat, utilising “The MITT” system to boost, punch, and execute dynamic attacks with flair. This approach prioritises strategic combat and energetic traversal over button-mashing, suggesting a more thoughtful approach to action sequences.

Players can choose between Hero mode for accessible gameplay or Master mode for high-stakes challenges designed to test reflexes and strategy. This flexible difficulty system ensures the experience can adapt to different player preferences and skill levels.

Atmospheric World-Building

The retro-futuristic aesthetic immerses players in a visually stunning dystopian environment where elegance meets decay. The underground setting of Yob promises rich exploration opportunities, with hidden lore and secrets scattered throughout the once-magnificent civilisation.

The game’s approach to companions extends beyond simple AI assistance, with robots displaying distinct personalities that enhance both gameplay mechanics and narrative engagement. This focus on character relationships suggests that emotional connections play a significant role in the overall experience.

Xbox Recognition and Critical Praise

Xbox Indie Selects curator Oscar Polanco specifically praised the game’s narrative focus: “If you’re drawn to story-driven RPGs with atmospheric exploration, strong companions, and combat that complements rather than overshadows the narrative, Robots at Midnight is one to watch.”

This recognition places Robots at Midnight alongside other standout independent titles, highlighting its distinctive approach to balancing action, exploration, and storytelling within the competitive indie gaming landscape.

Co-Founder Daniel Posner expressed enthusiasm about the recognition: “It’s exciting to see Robots at Midnight recognised alongside such a strong lineup of indie titles, and we’re thrilled to continue reaching new players through the Xbox community.”

Rich Exploration and Lore

The promise of discovering secrets and hidden lore as players unravel Zoe’s story suggests a narrative experience that rewards curiosity and thorough exploration. The cosmic fantasy setting provides ample opportunity for world-building that extends beyond the immediate underground environment.

With its combination of atmospheric exploration, character-driven storytelling, and innovative combat mechanics, Robots at Midnight appears to offer a distinctive take on the action-RPG genre that prioritises narrative engagement over pure combat intensity.