"Portable Addiction: Custom Robo for the DS"

For those of you who know Custom Robo for the Game Cube you will find yourself right at home with the DS release of Custom Robo Arena. For those new comers be prepared to find yourself spending hours customizing parts and fighting with your own personal robot.

Graphics: The graphics of this game aren't bad. When you are wondering around town the graphics are basic 2D. When you talk to a character who may have the most minor relevance to the story they are drawn with an anime look. Where the graphics become great is during the battle. Your robots are now in 3D and look amazing.

Sound: The music to this game is fabulous. You will listen to nice easy soft rock while walking through town and heavy fast metal while battling viciously against another robot. Each different area you go to has it's own music. Each menu you open shares this little bonus and you may even change the music in a few menus if you do not care for it. If you do not care for rock or equivalent sounds then you may find the music to your disliking. The sound effects of battle are marvelous as well. Each bullet fired sounds like it and each explosion roars. The sound is amazing in this game.

Story/ Game play: The game play is fast action battling, shooting, jumping, and overall running for dear life. Each robot you have can be customized with a plethora of parts and equipment. You must polish and take care of your robot or else it's function will lower. The battles are smooth and at times hectic. You can get so immersed you will literally jump when your opponent surprises you from around a corner. The story is overall not bad but, ultimately is what robs this game of a perfect score. The story is alright but, it inhibits what you may do for quite some time. Each day you must have breakfast and dinner with your family which leads to minutes of button mashing to escape the repeated same lines over and over. How did your dad like dinner? You will be able to recite his response within the first hour of play. Once the story takes back seat to the action you will once again find yourself enjoying the marvelous battles,graphics, and music.

Overall: Overall the game is almost perfect and a pleasure to play. If you are an old time fan or new to the series I am sure everyone can find something they will love in this game. At times it is very repetitive and mind numbing but, those times will pass shortly and you will be back to the engrossing game play that is Custom Robo. A must have for any DS owner.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/04/08

Game Release: Custom Robo Arena (US, 03/19/07)