Robopon 64: Robot Ponkottsu 64

"A great Pokemon clone game for the N64, which kicks Stadium's butt!"

Ok, there I was in Tokyo with my Dad for a summer trip. We were walking through an electronics section and then I saw it. There, on this sky blue box, was Sunny from Robopon. I had bought the gameboy game of Robopon (Robopon: Sun Version) back in the states, so I figured, if the Gameboy game was good, the N64 game must be better! And heck, was I right!

Gameplay - 10: Whoa! It's so easy to play and learn, yet challenging enough to keep the ''experts'' running! While I can't read Japanese, it's still pretty easy to find out that does what with a little trial and error.. But do yourself a favor and play the Gameboy game (in English) so you get the basic feel for the game. It's awesome too. From the 3D fights where you can actually RUN AROUND the ring in, instead of sit there like on Pokemon Stadium, to making your Robopon do chores(?), it's a load of fun, and I haven't even mentioned it's 2-player! Yep, 2-player, grab a buddy, pick 3 robopon each, and run around blasting each other around, can Hudson spell FUN or what? And even more goodies, you can use your N64 transfer pack to use your GB Robopon for some activities, although sadly I have misplaced my pack for the moment.

Story - ??: I can't really tell, since it's in Japanese, but from what I can tell, there are these pirates that are.. well... bad.. Why? I don't know why! You learn Japanese, then tell me! Anyway, they're bad, and do stuff (no idea, they just sail aimlessly around in the game). You can be 2 characters. Cody from the old Robopon (I THINK) or a new guy who I refer to as Brock, because.. you'll see. Anyway, your on your sub, then a big wave (or so it looks like a big wave) comes and knocks you out to sea. Your Grandpa gives you a Robopon, then you're on your own to drive around fighting pirates. Strangely enough, the world seems flooded (subs and boats, no roads, little islands..) and there is a big city in the middle which is walled off... Strange huh? If anyone translates this baby, let me know!

Graphics and Sound - 9.5: Pokemon Stadium, eat your heart out! The Robopon are smooth, and the animations of attacks are sweet! While in the sub, the graphics have a Paper Mario look and feel. While the Graphics are nice, the music downright rocks! They've remixed the old Robopon battle theme, and if that's not enough, thrown in a lot of neat songs, and the Robopon talk! (Although, sadly, in Jap) Think of smooth cool graphics, with a soundtrack worth buying!

Replay - 8: Although I have yet to finish the game, I believe it's replay ability is like Pokémon. You beat it, swear you'll never try and catch 'em all again, and then your best friend challenges you to restart your game the same day he does, and race him to the 150! Besides, it's a fun 2-player game even if you don't care to do Story Mode again.

Trash or Treasure? If you happen to go to Tokyo, or like to import games, GET THIS! You will NOT regret it (unless you have NO patience and absolutely HAVE to have English). If it comes out in America, all the better! Get it! I doubt you can rent this unless you live in Japan, but if you can, I advise you do, great game. ***NOTE: For American N64s, a GameShark Pro is required! I have a GameSharkPro 3.30, and it works perfectly***

Other Recomended games by Hudson: Bomberman Series, Super Adventure Island, Robopon GB

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/23/01, Updated 07/23/01