Medabots: Rokusho Version

"This game is just as good RPG as many others."

So I went to Circuit City for this sale they had going on, and I was looking in the bargain bin for some cheap games that looked interesting. Moving from one system's bargain bin to the next, Gameboy Advance's was the last stop. Looking around, there was one copy of a Medabots game I had heard of, that was an RPG instead of a fighter like MedabotsAX. So I thought, "What the hey, I might as well pick it up, it's only $5." Boy, am I glad I bought this game.

Gameplay 10/10
This game is one of the few that I found extremely addicting. It's style is true to the series, where Medabots (Robots with medals inside that act as their souls) battle each other for one of the loser's Medaparts. The game has you use up to three Medabots at a time, and the Robattles are turn-based. They run from the sideline where they receive orders based on their Medal (boosting certain styles of fighting, or causing status-effects, ect.) and Medaparts (lasers, guns, swords, ect.) then run to the middle line where they do the action. The cute little running sprites then become more like the shows, where they perform the attack against one of the opponent's Medabots.

Story 8/10
Taking the story of the television show and changing it some, this is where the game is lacking. The show's story is not the greatest (I really only watched the show when I did to see the Robattles), but it is enough to make you want to play it more. There are a couple small mini-games to play as well through progressing the game, but do not have much relevance in progressing the story.

Graphics 9/10
Hey, these look pretty good. From the chibi Medabots during battle, to the walking around graphics, these are exquisite. The only problem I had was that there were only about 10 different people to Robattle against. So there were only about 10 teams to go against at the same time.

Music 8/10
Well, it would be lower if I counted it as real music, but judging on the GBA's musical capabilities, this game is one of the best. The title song of the show is on this game in full (even the lyrics! :) ) and the rest of the music is pretty good as well. The only problem I have is that most of the music sounded the same, with few differences.

Replayability 5/10
I don't really replay games myself, but if you are one of the people who do replay it, you probably wouldn't. It's long and hard and worth the first playing, but going through it again isn't all that fun if you ask me.

Overall 8/10
It's a fun game. It goes for a fun, not too serious feel, but still isn't a kiddie game. I'd say buy over rent, as this game is pretty old, and you could buy one fore cheap. If I knew how good this game was when it first came out, I would have bought it full price when it first came out!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/06/05