Robotrek

"A magificent game from Enix!"

When it comes to RPG, you will immediately think of Square's Final Fantasy series and Enix's DragonQuest series. Now, from the maker of the revoluntary DragonQuest series, comes Enix's Robotrek.

The story puts you in a role of an inventor and your main purpose is to save the world. Story gets more and more exciting as the story proceeds, with many surprises and mysteries awaiting you.

Graphics are really gorgeous, though it wasn't as good as Square's Final Fantasy VI. The developer has taken full advantage of the mode 7 effects. Absolutely beautiful and spectacular than most other RPGs in SNES.

Concepts are really cool! Books are valuable source of knowledge. I believe you will agree with me. As an inventor, your knowledge comes from books too. Each book teaches you new things. Books are ranked according to levels. For example, if you have not read level 2 book, you cannot read level 3 book as you do not understand what is going on.

You can build up to a maximum of three robots and each time, only a robot is to be allowed in a battlefield though i will prefer it if three robots will be allowed on a battlefield. The combat is not TURN-BASED like any other normal RPGs. It is ACTIVE TIME BATTLE, just like Square's FINAL FANTASY series. But, there are some elements which separate it apart and make it unique. There is a time limit and if you are able to defeat all enemies within that time limit, you will be able to gain extra bonus. Secondly, battle field resembles much like a chessboard, similar to a strategy game, where you can position your robot.

If these aren't enough, as you, the inventor levels up, you get the chance to program your robots. [Did anyone mention Square's Xenogears?] Also, there are tons of items/weapons that you can combine for experimentations.

Musics are up to expectations and you have some of the best tunes ever made in a videogame world. Sound effects are really quite good.

Gameplay and replay value is excellent as it will take you between 40 to 50+ hours. Robotrek is a challenging game. There are certain parts which are quite hard, some more like puzzle-solving. Mysteries are abundant throughout the game.

Robotrek is asolutely a great game from Enix. With never before seen 'invention' concepts, and a good storyline, Robotrek is a must-play.

Story :8.5/10.0
Graphics :9.5/10.0
Concept :9.5/10.0
Control :8.0/10.0
Gameplay :9.5/10.0
Replay :9.5/10.0
Music :9.0/10.0
Sound :8.0/10.0
Challenge :8.0/10.0
Overall :9.0/10.0

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/09/99, Updated 12/16/02