Refbot/Robot Wars: Extreme Destruction (PC/Xbox)

"You don't want to mess with this virtually indestructible referee."

— Jonathan Pearce's in-game commentary

Refbot in Robot Wars: Extreme Destruction (PC/Xbox).

Refbot was introduced as the robotic referee for Robot Wars, at the beginning of Series 4. His sole purpose was to ensure that there was fair play in the arena. Refbot also took over Shove's role of "cleaning up" the arena at the end of the battle, sweeping up pieces of destroyed robots back to the pits. Refbot was armed with bulldozing scoops and a fire extinguisher, none of which were used for combat. Refbot appeared in the Robot Wars video game Robot Wars: Extreme Destruction (PC/Xbox).

In this game, it is possible to play as Refbot, and the other house robots, by entering a cheat code.

Appearance and Armament

Refbot made its first and only game appearance during this game. The game was the only game based on Robot Wars Extreme: Series 1. Refbot's appearance barely changed throughout its Robot Wars career, but in this game does sport all of the bulldozers and scoops, and the fire extinguisher, that were all present on the real life version throughout. The game version also sports its electronic countdown board and three lights, that were present on the machine from Series 5/Extreme 1 onwards. However, the electronic countdown board in the game counts from 10 down to 1, whereas in real life, it counts from 1 up to 10. Also, if a robot suddenly gets flipped or immobilised, the Refbot immediately begins the count, giving the robot less time to self-right/come to life than it would in real life. In addition, the extinguisher and three lights are on the wrong hands.

Functions within game

Refbot would feature in every single battle or event (except Endurance battles). It would be used to yellow/red card any house robot who was breaking the rules (e.g.: attacking competitors outside the CPZs), extinguishing the flames off any robot on fire, or counting out any immobilised competitors.

Glitches

In the game, the Refbot is capable of speeds noticeably beyond what the real life counterpart is capable of, couple this with the bulldozers, and the Refbot is very effective with pushing, and can often inadvertently ram and push the player's robot into arena hazards, or even the pit.

When playing as the house robot, it is possible to suffer damage from opposition. When this happens with Refbot, both bulldozer and scoop weapons will act as armour and shatter when damaged. Refbot can also have his body and head destroyed, leaving his arms floating in place above its chassis.

Refbot's weapon meter will drain very quickly when using the fire extinguisher, however once the meter reaches zero, the extinguisher will continue to fire regardless.