During the Tokyo Game Show, I stumbled upon the Moscow Game Hub, and within that, PIO: A Robot’s Story. I’d walked by the booth a few times and spotted this game from afar, but on my final day at the show, I simply had to try it out – and I’m very glad I did, as it now sits amid a wishlist of the best games coming soon.
In PIO: A Robot’s Story, you assume control of Kir, a young inventor (think a child Tony Stark) with a mischievous streak about him, thrown into a pretty desperate mission to find his kidnapped father. The journey starts in a retro-futuristic reimagining of Moscow, but I learned from the studio’s CEO, Ivan Kuznetsov, that the scope of this game goes far beyond the city.
Black Caviar Games intends to get a demo for PIO: A Robot’s Story out later this year, and if your interest has been piqued, read on to learn more about this exciting game.
PIO Becomes Impactful Very Fast
The PIO preview I experienced at the Tokyo Game Show had me pulled in immediately. The opening sequence treated me to sumptuous, bright visuals, with the game’s lead, Kir, standing beneath falling cherry blossoms in some sunny, back corner of Moscow, but one that’s bursting with technology, innovation, and retro-futuristic elements.
I quickly got to grips with the game, which has been built to accommodate a sense of curiosity. There are multiple ways through mostly linear environments, and side missions and hiddens pop up as you explore the world presented to you. It’s simple to learn, but as I spoke to Kuznetsov, I came to understand that it gets deep pretty fast.
Before long, I was utilizing some slick movement mechanics to parkour around an industrial facility, working from behind ‘enemy’ territory to secure a lost package. This sequence involved fighting robots, dodging guards, and avoiding pitfalls. It’s part platformer, part third-person action title, and part soulslite.
The combat was interesting and diverse, and throughout the demo, I found a few weapons to play around with, including ranged, electric-based firearms, a couple of melee weapons, and a glove that allowed me to launch AoE attacks at all comers. The visuals were superb, and I genuinely felt a sense of satisfaction from dominating a larger skirmish.
Those who appreciate quite a ‘looty’ game will enjoy PIO: A Robot’s Story, as you’re constantly finding boxes to smash, machines to break apart, and ground loot to scoop up, all with a higher purpose. As you explore the game, you’ll find ways to craft and upgrade your equipment, growing as a character in multiple ways.
The story, which starts slow, quickly becomes something pretty powerful, with Kir, a boy known to the authorities, thrust into a desperate hunt for his kidnapped father. There’s a huge mystery at the heart of PIO, and it’s up to the player to crack the story wide open.
Something Different
Out of all the games I sampled at the Tokyo Game Show, PIO stood out to me because it felt genuinely fresh and exciting. I’m a sucker for anything retro-futuristic, being a huge Fallout fan, and the setting had me sucked in good and proper.
From the video footage I was shown by Black Caviar‘s CEO of the wider game world, I got the sense that the city of Moscow is only scratching the surface of what’s to come. I saw vast landscapes, and Kuznetsov advised me that much of the game takes place in remote, distant islands in the North Pacific, blown wide open and ripe for exploration.
In terms of a sci-fi adventure, it’s pretty typical. I mean, you’ve got an array of robots designed to help humanity, ultimately turning against them. That’s a dime a dozen these days, but it’s how these enemies are presented in PIO that had me interested. For instance, I clashed with guard dog-style robots that were clearly modeled on gorgeous Akitas, which was different.
Ultimately, Black Caviar Games is seeking a publisher or investment to help drive PIO: A Robot’s Story forward. As a prospective fan, I’d recommend wishlisting PIO and waiting for the demo that’s set to drop later this year.
The game is slated for an early access release in 2027, and I will be there, front and centre, eagerly waiting to explore Kir’s journey further, and to build that symbiotic relationship between him and PIO, a robot companion I already know will be adorable.
Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord server if PIO: A Robot’s Story seems like your kind of game.
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Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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