Custom Robo

"Finally a reason to play my GameCube..."

I've had my GameCube for a year and a half now, but no GameCube games have kept my attention for over 2 weeks other than Super Smash Brother. However, this one has restored life and glory back into my cube. Finally a customizable robot game, in which you can apply strategy to win. This game is everything every boy, anime fan, and game lover could want in a game. Luckily, I fit into all three of those categories.

Graphics: 10/10

I am all about graphics. At times, I'll even buy a game for graphics as apposed to story. And that's the case in this game. The graphics in battle are great, and the ones outside are even better. Cool looking characters, and the best part is... glitch free. My only problem with any graphic in the entire game is the way the characters breath during cut scenes, as if they're short of breath, and use their entire body to breath.

Sound: 7/10

The music score isn't the greatest, and you wont turn the game on just to listen to the music like some other games, but it's still decent. And it does fit when you're in the "Holosseum" battling.

Gameplay: 10/10

This is great. The controls are easy, and amazingly fun. The battles handle real easy, and the only problem isn't that they can't last for long periods of time, such as 10 minutes. But that's the only downfall, and it isn't enough to deduct any points. The battles are original, and I haven't played any games similar to it. The whole concept of the game builds around customizing your robot, which never get's old. With so many combinations you'll never see it all. With so many different weapons and combos, the gameplay gets fun, as it presents many different things that you can execute/see in battle.

Story: 6.5/10

The only true downfall to the game is it's horrible lack of a decent story, and the fact that, through the entire story, which takes forever to beat, do to the slow talking(even with fast text). Every moment before just about every battle, you're given a battle tip, which more than likely you've found out already. I think through all the mandatory talking I had to do throughout the game, only 3 people were of actual help. On top of that, there is a lack in variety, as all decisions you make lead down the same road, and after your days work, you really can't do anything extra, or any side missions. However, in the story mode, there are some great characters, that save the story mode. They're original, and very well designed. On top of that, it plays through like an anime.

Replay Value: 7/10

Here's where it sucks if you're an only child, or don't have friends close by. Playing the game alone bites, because you have to go through the story or fight a defenseless 2nd Player. However, if you have friends, than the replay value peaks to 10, because the battle royal, while a little confusing is great. Playing with two players is great because you have a lot of room to maneuver and use strategy, which most shoot em ups don't allow you to apply. Personally, I love using bombs to flank an opponent, which not many others allow me to do. Heck, fighting the defenseless 2nd player is better than most other shooters.

Overall: 9/10

This is not an average, but pretty much just based on graphics and gameplay, which, IMO are the most important factors in most games, this one especially. If you and your friends play a lot of GameCube together, this is the game for you. Heck, if you've been playing your Xbox or PS2 or both more than your GameCube, and are looking for a reason to dust it off, than I recommend this. Then you'll have to be dusting the other systems off after being so preoccupied with this game. A must have for the coming summer.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/15/04