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History Of Custom Robo

Written by: Brandon Smith

Before now, the Custom Robo series has not seen a US release. Japanese gamers got not one, but two great Custom Robo releases for the Nintendo 64. Custom Robo, and Custom Robo V2 were both produced by the development geniuses at Noise. Noise, a Japanese development team, had mostly produced PC games. Nintendo offered Noise a chance to produce a new Action/RPG game for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, and Noise accepted. Providing a deep storyline, slick graphics, and innovative gameplay elements, Custom Robo for the N64 was a smashing success on the Japanese market. Nintendo hesitated in giving the game a US release however, fearing the game might not create the sales impact stateside as it did in the land of the rising sun.

The first Custom Robo game featured a highly involving story mode, and addicting arcade modes. Much like in the GCN version, the N64 Japanese release ensnared players in its addictive grasp, challenging them to build a better Robo. Custom Robo for the N64 soon became one of the top imports sold in the US, showing that Nintendo would have done well to release the game here in the states. Sadly, it was never brought across the pacific. Barely a year passed when Nintendo had Noise develop yet another Custom Robo game for the Nintendo 64, Custom Robo V2. Looking and sounding nearly the same as the previous game, Custom Robo V2 did offer one unique feature. The storyline was split into two different main characters, one being a high difficulty, the other being for beginners. The game sold nearly as well as the first, and helped developer Noise rise in notoriety. While the first Custom Robo got rave reviews all around the board, the sequel received slightly worse, if only because the graphics and sound were nearly identical to the previous game.

Through all of the Custom Robo releases, strong multiplayer modes have helped to add to the replayability and appeal. While each game has been slightly different in its own way, they have all had the gotta catchem all feeling. Custom Robo mixes RPG elements with Armored Core style gameplay to create a unique experience that has been long overdue for a North American tour. Nintendo will finally grant the wishes of all the gamers clamoring for just such a release.

Custom Robo: Battle Revolution marks the first Custom Robo game that will see the light of day in the good old USA, and hopefully will collect just as many fans as it did in Japan. Custom Robo is one of the most innovative and addictive RPGs to hit the shelves in a long while, and will hopefully see many more US releases. Japanese gamers have had their time with this gem, now its time for US gamers to build a better robo.