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, like Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp and Mario Strikers: Battle League. These Nintendo exclusive titles are only just receiving new releases for the Switch after 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. Both Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey launched five years ago. Nintendo should consider reintroducing and updating some of its other franchises that have fallen by the wayside, and the Custom Robo series is a great candidate.
The first Custom Robo game 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 to Pokemon or Yu-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.
Custom Robo's Gameplay
Each battle in Custom Robo begins 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 like Monster 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's controls are simple and would easily map to the Joy-Con controller. Multiplayer battles are tons of fun in Custom 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's Nintendo 64 entry would be perfect for the NSO Expansion Pack. Such a port could be released alongside a new Custom Robo on Switch.
Nintendo titles with anime art styles weren't as popular when Custom Robo and Custom Robo Arena released in the 2000s, but the more recent success of games like Fire Emblem and Xenoblade Chronicles demonstrates that this series' aesthetic has an audience on current consoles. Plus, there have been multiple Custom Robo games 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 of Custom Robo from the time of its release reveals a lackluster reception. Like any game, there is always room for improvement, and one of the biggest criticisms of Custom Robo was its story. Sequels keep what players love about the original and build on what needs reworking though, and Custom Robo deserves another entry with updated graphics, an improved story, and new gameplay mechanics. Nintendo works in mysterious ways, sometimes announcing titles in series long thought dead, so a new Custom Robo game may not be as farfetched as one might think.