Bite-size 'Techno King' takes a chunk out of Neo-Tokyo

Free Mac and PC game "Techno King" asks players to stop an invading force of tiny giant mechs from destroying Neo Tokyo, but they must do so by razing it to the ground first.

Free Mac and PC game 'Techno King' asks players to stop an invading force of tiny giant mechs from destroying Neo Tokyo, but they must do so by razing it to the ground first.

Speaking to IndieGames.com, designer Rami Ismail of Dutch game studio Vlambeer cited the long-running Japanese game series 'Earth Defense Force' as an influence.

The release is well timed, then, as 'Earth Defense Force 2017 Portable' is gearing up for PlayStation Vita download on January 8 in North America and January 16 in Europe; new installment 'Earth Defense Force 2025' is due on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 later in the year.

Other parallels can be drawn between 'Techno King' and retro gaming classics 'Scorched Earth' and 'Rampage,' while in contrast to the bleak and controversial ending of 'Mass Effect 3' last year, the fast-paced and destructive arc of 'Techno King' lays out a Cadmean victory from the outset.

Additionally, and in keeping with Vlambeer's playful reputation, both the name and thumping soundtrack of 'Techno King' are not entirely unrelated to those of widespread internet meme, Techno Viking.

Best known for carton-collecting action game 'Super Crate Box' on iOS, Mac and PC, Vlambeer has also found success with piscatological iOS title 'Ridiculous Fishing' and an officially sanctioned spoof of a spoof, 'Serious Sam: The Random Encounter.'