Machine Girls Overdrive is a 3D anime-inspired third-person cover shooter that combines classic arcade action with light tower defense mechanics and roguelike elements. Developed by Fabrizio, aka Mazzutak, the game brings together his long-standing passion for programming, Japanese anime, and giant robots.
Developed primarily as a solo project in spare time, Machine Girls Overdrive combines tools ranging from Unity and Blender to Gimp, while also making use of several AI tools for music, voices, and graphics.
In this interview, Mazzutak discusses his decades-long programming background, the influences behind Machine Girls Overdrive, his development process, the challenges of balancing an arcade-focused game, and his advice for other aspiring indie developers.
1. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background in game development? How did you get started making games?
Hi, I'm Fabrizio, a 50+ programmer who started coding at 10 on a C64. I carried that passion forward, paired with a deep love for Japanese anime and giant robots.
2. What is Machine Girls Overdrive, and what can players expect when they play it?
Machine Girls Overdrive brings my idea to life: old-school arcade gameplay fused with modern tower defense, roguelike elements, and the Japanese flair I love.
3. What famous game inspired you to create it?
Gameplay-wise I drew inspiration from Cabal and Wild Arms, with a modern aesthetic nodding to Nikke and Turret Girls, blending rogue card upgrades and tower defense.
4. How did you approach the development of Machine Girls Overdrive, and what tools or game engine did you use to build it?
Development had clear steps: hand-drawn characters, outfits from Cyber Critter modeled in Blender, Unity 3D as engine, Gimp for 2D art, and modified Unity Store assets.
5. Did you use any AI tools to make it? Which one and for what?
As a solo dev on a budget, I used AI tools: Suno Pro for music, EventLab AI for voices, and Minimachina 3D with Nanobanana models and GPT for graphics.
6. What was the biggest challenge you faced while developing Machine Girls Overdrive, and how did you solve it?
The biggest challenge was making a repetitive genre rewarding — building a balanced difficulty curve, keeping it challenging but never frustrating, with engaging characters.
7. Was there a particular gameplay mechanic, design decision, or feature that you really wanted to get right?
Definitely the Overdrive and jeep mechanics — they make the game unique by breaking repetition with gameplay shifts that keep players on their toes.
8. When the full version will be released?
Hard to say - I develop in my spare time. The game spans three areas: the suburban zone is playable now; urban city of Astra and the AI tower are still coming.
9. What was the most difficult part of developing an indie game as a solo developer?
Solo development is complex but doable. A solid project plan with clear milestones is key - and never adding unplanned features mid-development.
10. Looking back at the development of Machine Girls Overdrive, what is one thing you would do differently if you started the project again?
Honestly, nothing — I created exactly what I wanted and delivered the experience I envisioned, including a story lore close to anime like kyashan.
11. What advice would you give to someone who is currently working on their first indie game?
Always start small, but include every core feature that defines your game: gameplay, title screen, game over, stages, enemies, and progression.
12. What game have you discovered recently on indiexpo that impressed you or caught your attention?
Definitely Pocket Quest by Testament - a really well-made game that shows a smart and skilled use of the technology it was built with.
13. What would you say to someone who has never played Machine Girls Overdrive before? Why should they give it a try, and where can they play it?
Because it's awesome! I recommend it to all arcade fans who love Japanese anime — face 15 waves of evil robots and challenge the fearsome BOSS Drill Gigamec to save ASTRA!
Give Machine Girls Overdrive a Try
If you enjoy arcade shooters, Japanese anime aesthetics, giant robots, and fast-paced combat, Machine Girls Overdrive offers a combination of classic arcade-inspired gameplay and modern systems such as tower defense and roguelike elements!
You can discover and download Machine Girls Overdrive on indiexpo here:
Play Machine Girls Overdrive on indiexpo
