The most recent Nintendo Direct saw the announcement of several new games. Many of these titles were remakes or sequels to older franchises that had long been untouched, likeAdvance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot CampandMario Strikers: Battle League. These Nintendo exclusive titles are only just receiving new releases for theSwitchafter 14 and 15 years, respectively. This is exciting because Nintendo’s most successful titles are usually ones that feature their IP, but there have been large stretches of time without such releases on the Switch. BothBreath of the WildandSuper Mario Odysseylaunched five years ago. Nintendo should consider reintroducing and updating some of its other franchises that have fallen by the wayside, and theCustom Roboseries is a great candidate.
The firstCustom Robogame was a Japan-exclusive title for the Nintendo 64. Its premise was fairly straightforward: players take control of miniature fighting robots to duke it out in different arenas. Similar toPokemonorYu-Gi-Oh!, players explore the world looking for others to challenge in a robo fight. Gameplay saw various additions in its sequels, like 2v2 fights and a “soulboost” power-up mechanic. It’s a fun, light-hearted RPG series that, with a facelift and some minor reworks, could flourish on Switch.
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Custom Robo’s Gameplay
Each battle inCustom Robobegins with players launching their robo cube into the arena. Their robo emerges from the cube and players assume control over them. Using a combination of guns, bombs, pods, and dash attacks - all of which can be customized by the player - each robo tries to reduce their opponent’s HP to zero. Customization options for the player’s robo aren’t as varied as modern action-RPGs likeMonster Hunter, but there is a fair bit of mixing-and-matching that can alter the outcome of a battle. It’s a simple and satisfying formula, one that allows for a fair bit of experimentation and creates a fun 3D fighter.
A Custom Robo Sequel for the Nintendo Switch
Although the Switch is great for games that utilize motion-controls, the system competently handles more traditional control layouts as well.Custom Robo’scontrols are simple and would easily map to theJoy-Concontroller. Multiplayer battles are tons of fun inCustom Robo, and playing with friends or strangers via Nintendo Switch Online would be a great way to incorporate the service. Not to mention,Custom Robo’sNintendo 64 entry would be perfect for the NSO Expansion Pack. Such a port could be released alongside a newCustom Roboon Switch.
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Nintendo titles with anime art styles weren’t as popular whenCustom RoboandCustom Robo Arenareleased in the 2000s, but the more recent success of games likeFire EmblemandXenoblade Chroniclesdemonstrates that this series' aesthetic has an audience on current consoles. Plus, there have been multipleCustom Robogames for both home and handheld consoles, which suggests the gameplay would fit on Switch given that it’s half-home, half-handheld.
A glance at the reviews ofCustom Robofrom the time of its release reveals a lackluster reception. Like any game, there is always room for improvement, and one of the biggest criticisms ofCustom Robowas its story. Sequels keep what players love about the original and build on what needs reworking though, andCustom Robodeserves another entry with updated graphics, an improved story, and new gameplay mechanics.Nintendoworks in mysterious ways, sometimes announcing titles in series long thought dead, so a newCustom Robogame may not be as farfetched as one might think.
