Summary

Release Year: 1999
Genres: Fighting, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Nintendo 64
Developers: Noise
Publishers: Nintendo

Custom Robo: A Hidden Gem for the Nintendo 64

Released in 1999, Custom Robo is a sci-fi action game for the Nintendo 64 that takes a unique approach to the collect-and-battle genre popularized by Pokemon. In the game, players take on the role of a young boy who builds his own toy robot, Lei, and enters a giant Custom Robo battle championship.

Custom Robo features a deep and engaging story mode, in which players must travel around the world, battling other Custom Robo builders and collecting new parts to upgrade their robots. The game’s combat system is fast-paced and frantic, with players controlling their robots in 3D arenas. Robots can be customized with a variety of weapons and abilities, allowing players to create their own unique fighting machines.

In addition to the story mode, Custom Robo also features a number of multiplayer modes, including local and online multiplayer. The game’s online multiplayer was particularly innovative for its time, allowing players to battle against each other from around the world.

Custom Robo was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming story, and deep customization options. It has since been followed by two sequels, Custom Robo GX and Custom Robo Arena.

Gameplay

Custom Robo is a collect-and-battle game in which players control toy robots in 3D arenas. The game features a variety of different robots, each with their own unique abilities and weapons. Players can collect new robots and parts by battling other Custom Robo builders or by purchasing them from shops.

Robots can be customized with a variety of different weapons, abilities, and parts. This allows players to create their own unique fighting machines, tailored to their own playstyle. Weapons can be used for a variety of purposes, such as attacking enemies, healing allies, or setting traps. Abilities can be used to give robots special advantages in battle, such as increased speed or strength. Parts can be used to improve a robot’s stats, such as its health, attack power, or defense.

Battles in Custom Robo take place in 3D arenas. Players can move their robots around the arena and use their weapons and abilities to attack their opponents. The goal of each battle is to defeat all of the opponent’s robots.

Story Mode

Custom Robo’s story mode follows the journey of a young boy who builds his own toy robot, Lei. Together with his cousin, the boy enters a giant Custom Robo battle championship in the hopes of becoming the world’s greatest Custom Robo builder.

The story mode is divided into a number of chapters, each of which takes place in a different location. In each chapter, the player must battle a series of opponents in order to progress. The opponents in the story mode range from amateur Custom Robo builders to professional champions.

As the player progresses through the story mode, they will learn more about the world of Custom Robo and the characters who inhabit it. They will also collect new robots and parts, and upgrade their robots to make them more powerful.

Multiplayer

Custom Robo features a number of different multiplayer modes, including local and online multiplayer. In local multiplayer, players can battle against each other on the same console. In online multiplayer, players can battle against each other from around the world.

The online multiplayer mode in Custom Robo was particularly innovative for its time. It allowed players to create their own custom lobbies and invite friends to join them. Players could also join public lobbies and battle against random opponents.

Reception

Custom Robo has been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, charming story, and deep customization options. It has been compared to other popular collect-and-battle games, such as Pokemon and Digimon. However, Custom Robo stands out from these other games with its unique blend of action and strategy.

Custom Robo has also been praised for its replayability. The game’s deep customization options allow players to create their own unique robots and strategies. This, combined with the game’s challenging story mode and multiplayer modes, ensures that there is always something new to do in Custom Robo.

Legacy

Custom Robo has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and deep customization options have inspired many other games, including the popular MechWarrior series. Custom Robo has also been praised for its charming story and characters, which have resonated with players of all ages.

Custom Robo is a truly unique and special game that deserves to be remembered as one of the best games of its generation. It is a must-play for fans of collect-and-battle games, action games, and RPGs.