Bob The Robber 4

Adventure Platformer Puzzle Strategy

⭐ 4.5 (1450 votes)

🕵️ State Machines and Vision Cones

Bob The Robber 4 is a masterclass in 2D stealth mechanics. Unlike fast-paced platformers, this game is a slow-burn puzzle dependent on timing and observation. The core gameplay revolves around avoiding "Vision Cones"—the visible triangular areas representing where guards and cameras can see. The AI operates on finite state machines: Patrol, Alert, and Pursuit. Understanding the triggers for these states is the key to mastery.

This iteration takes the heist global (France, Russia, Japan), introducing new environmental hazards and gadgetry. The player must calculate risk: is it worth picking the lock for extra loot while a camera is panning towards you?

🧠 Cognitive Timing & Pattern Recognition

The game exercises the prefrontal cortex through planning:

Loop Analysis: Every guard has a patrol loop (e.g., walk left 5s, pause 2s, walk right 5s). The player must identify the "safe window" within this loop.
Multitasking: Picking a lock requires holding a key input while simultaneously watching the radar for incoming threats. This split-attention task increases tension.

🎮 Gadgets and Mechanics

Your toolkit is essential for survival:

Lockpicking: A minigame mechanic. Higher-level doors require longer interaction times, increasing vulnerability.
Shadows: Standing in dark areas renders Bob invisible to visual detection, though not to physical contact.
Gadgets: Use stun guns or decoys. These are finite resources. Economic management of your inventory is required for the boss levels.

🏆 Infiltration Strategies

1. The "Door" I-Frames

When you stand in a doorway or hide in the background shadows, you have invincibility frames (I-Frames) regarding detection. If a guard is approaching and you have nowhere to run, press Up to merge into the shadows instantly.

2. Camera Blind Spots

Cameras usually have a dead zone directly underneath them. While you cannot stand there forever, it is often a safe transitional point between cover objects.

🛡️ Technical Aspects

Designed for web:

2D Pathfinding: The enemy AI uses A* pathfinding to chase the player if detected, navigating ladders and platforms efficiently.
Responsive Inputs: Input latency is minimized to ensure that "hiding" actions register instantly, crucial for stealth games.