Why would we like a return of Custom Robo?

Vision of Custom Robo

I mentioned above Pokémon And Armored Core to qualify Custom Robo. In reality, the license is what it is. She has her own identity. However, given the DS version, Custom Robo Arena, and its navigation part on a 2D map, in addition to the fact of playing a child having to face adversaries in a society openly geared towards popular entertainment, it is difficult not to think about the pocket monsters. Trainer battles for one, those of robots, miniature mechas more precisely, for the other.

That being said, affiliation Pokémon can stop there. The 2004 GameCube opus even goes so far as to depart from 2D for a 3D world, recalling an earlier Digimon Story: Cyber ​​Sleuth or one Spectrobes, among others. What ultimately remains in Custom Robo, and what makes it unique is the combat part. Indeed, on this point, it is indeed on the side ofArmored Core that there is resonance, all things considered of course. Without forgetting the rather generous customization component which gives its name to the license.

In Custom robo, the principle is simple: we travel through the small futuristic world in search of fights and customization elements, parts of robots in this case. These elements will allow us to modify our miniature mecha (chassis, weapons, legs, etc.) which will influence its capabilities and its type of weapons. And on the arsenal side, there is something to do in the license ranging from bee launchers to remote-controlled missiles, to the sniper rifle and so on, not to mention the pods and bombs that end up creating a pyrotechnic spectacle.

The clashes systematically take place in 3D in virtual arenas inside which we control our modified robot. That's the magic of Custom Robo, put ourselves in control of these machines that we shape as we wish before taming the arenas and hoping to reduce the opponent to spare parts. The richness of the game is also sufficient for high-level competitions to still take place today, as evidenced by the presence of the 1999 opus during the CEO 2018 and 2019.

Armored Trooper

And I have no more to say, neither about this column nor about the series as a whole. For its simple concept of mecha battles in the arena, as well as the customization component, the license is worth a look. Initially aimed at the youngest, like the DS episode, the tendency to favor a childish scenario that does not necessarily exploit the universe as well as hoped, only fueled frustration for me.

However, I was able to see good things about Custom Robo 2004, the GameCube part, precisely on the writing of the characters and the plot better exploiting, it seems, the potential of the universe. Because that's what the Nintendo series is missing, unlike those already mentioned. There is however a highway of possibilities, in my opinion anyway, to come up with an interesting scenario. A storyline with things to tell and endearing characters.

I can't help but think of the courageous attempt of the studios behind Digimon Survive, or to imagine a new part that would draw ideas from Japanese animation, like Gundam, Evangelion, etc. And then if we look at the epilogue of the GameCube opus, in which the hero ends up joining the police force, it makes sense to imagine a hypothetical sequel with a more adult tone.

I wanted to shine the spotlight on the Nintendo series in particular for these reasons. Also remember the existence of a license like this, gathering dust, but just waiting for a wipe and readjustments. Because between studios too cautious to take risks, preferring to produce generic works, and a resurgence, even minimal, of a certain creativity and generosity reminiscent of the PS2 era in recent times, there is hope.

Why would we like a return?

Custom Robo must come back in one way or another, establish itself as a franchise in its own right. Between the futuristic universe that inspires and can fuel an exciting plot, not to mention the rich, fun and easy-to-learn gameplay, I don't see how it couldn't please both young and old alike. On condition, for the latter, to read a story with a less childish approach. I also think that there are enough franchises exploiting the vein of childhood to turn away from it.

Former kids who are now adults are too often neglected for my taste. Pokémon, Yu Gi Oh!, THE Turtles Ninja and many more. Licenses yet capable of darkening slightly, willing to demonstrate maturity. Not to the point of turning everything upside down, but in line with a Digimon Survive let's say. In addition, the combat and customization have the qualities required to create a competitive scene worthy of the name and capitalize on it.

Players can create various builds adapted to all types of gaming profiles, the arenas with obstacles are numerous and allow you to vary the pleasures. On the other hand, a new opus will have to try out larger arenas, in order to offer more freedom of movement to players, who quickly become cramped. I also take advantage of the column to share a little word for Battlecore Robots, a software openly tapping into Custom Robo.

Without a release date at the moment, the game takes up the confrontations up to four from the GameCube episode, in addition to favoring the visual novel form to tell its story. So no more exploration, but the customization of robots is there. I therefore invite you to follow this promising project, while waiting for a real return of the real Custom Robo in one form or another.