Custom Robo Arena

Anyone who played Custom Robo for Gamecube can tell you that the level of strategy, tactics and of course, customization, made it a sleeper hit. You didn't hear about it much, but what you DID hear was good. I was one of the people that was fortunate enough to pick up a copy, and it remains one of my favourite titles for the Gamecube. One of the few flaws of the game, however, was that it was the type of game that was MADE for multiplayer. The problem with this is that people unfamiliar with the game didn't have the amount of time that the owner had, and couldn't experiment with combos, etc. This seemed like it would be fixed when the sequel for the DS was announced. I was ecstatic.

However, when I picked up my copy and went through the mandatory story mode intro, I found myself a little disappointed. From the get-go you are established as a prodigy who has never fought with robos at all, conquering all who oppose you. The main character is silent, possesses frowny eyebrows (>:-|), and is generally as animated as a stump. You have your mom, dad, sister, mentor, and largely ineffective partner. Throw in massive amounts of anime hair and the cliché "rival school teams" plot point, and you've got a largely generic story. I only played until I got the parts I knew I was good with, and let it collect dust.

Who were they trying to kid? Online mode is where it's at. Finding random opponents and thrashing them soundly is awesome. You can also as pose your robos (in backgrounds acquired in story mode) to intimidate/make your rival laugh/be completely random. It adds a little bit of originality, which is nice. The only qualm I have is that you can only go against one other opponent at a time. Tag teams would've been nice.

Graphics, although RBY Pokemon-era on the overworld, are beautifully done during the fight sequences. There's no slowdown, and the camera keeps the action unobstructed. Fights are fast-paced and fun.

It's one of those upper tier DS games that might be a little hard to find, but when you do, it's online mode keeps you playing past the sh*tty, horrible story. Good play.

4 star(s) out of 5

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