Robocalypse (DS) Review
Posted by Shylo Elliott on 12.31.2008
Robot war is not robot hell!
Title: Robocalypse
Publisher: Tecmo
Developer: Vogster Entertainment
Genre: Real-time Strategy
Players: 1-4
Rating: Everyone 10+ (Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco)
If real-time strategy games on consoles have historically been worse than their computer counterparts, imagine what a challenge designing a successful one for a hand-held must be! This is exactly what Vogster attempts with Robocalypse. Does it work out?
Graphics
The graphics are very well done. There are two different graphics styles, 2D sprites for cutscenes and character dialogue, and 3D on the battlefield. The art style for the game is very cartoonish, which isn't an indictment. The characters are all recognizable, if a bit stereotypical. Myron looks every part of a nerd, Roger the government agent is drawn in a very masculine manner, and the very attractive Professor is...well-equipped.
On the battlefield, the graphics are still excellent. Units are easy to distinguish, grunts are small, heroes are large and distinguishable; the maps are very detailed and varied; there are various decorative buildings and things like barbed wire fences on the ground. The main thing that stands out is the animation. The units are animated extremely well; they move in a fluid manner and are not jerky at all.
Sound
The music isn't very distinguishable, it's just a collection of battle-themed music. You won't play the game and think "Wow! This is a great piece of music!" while defending a position from hordes of Destructor robots, but it works.
The sound effects are well-done, and humorous in the same style as the graphics. Trumpets alerting you to a momentary skirmish, guns firing, and destroyed robots screaming "Ow!" as they vanish.
Gameplay
This game is a very simplified real-time strategy game. Instead of using a mouse to move around the map and select units, you use the stylus, which works well, although the control isn't as precise. Instead of selecting a bunch of units and telling them to go or attack somewhere, you use action flags. It works, but it takes some getting used to. When you set an action flag, all non-Hero, non-building units go to the area where the action flag is set. You can set up to five flags and they don't last forever. It's not precise because you can't select groups of units and tell them to go here, here, and there; you can only set action flags and hope you get enough units to cover those areas. Also, Heroes have to be moved on their own, which is a bit annoying.
Each mission has primary objectives, which must be completed in order to advance, and secondary and hidden objectives, which aren't obligatory but can be rewarding if you get them. There's a variety of mission types: clear the enemy, protect positions, destroy positions, and the action doesn't get monotonous.
There are only two resources to deal with: scraps, which have to be collected, and batteries, which collect on their own. There are flags that you can capture; as long as you control the flag, you automatically draw from the surrounding batteries, and you have a higher unit limit.
There are a fair amount of buildings, units, and upgrades. The most common combat units are robot soldiers and medics. The Heroes add a fair bit of interest and varied gameplay. There are four different Heroes, each with different specialties: combat, leading, sniping, and scouting. Heroes are constructed in Hero Factories, and sometimes you can upgrade them between missions.
Combat is straightforward, there isn't a lot of room for tactics that I've seen, just build a lot of units and win by attrition, but then again I'm not the best player and good tactics can clear missions quicker and get the secondary and hidden objectives out of the way.
Finally, the maps themselves are small. I think this is the reason there is some cheapness in the game. Sometimes enemy units come out of thin air, even after you've destroyed all the enemy Robot Factories and buildings, which is frustrating.
Whatever you say, Raphael
Fun Factor
With its faults, Robocalypse is a fun game. You'll be compelled to play through the game because you want to care about the characters since they and the scenarios that play out are hilarious. They're timely , as well – one scenario involves you saving six oil rigs from being captured by the Destructors, who plan to use oil-eating bacteria to reduce the supply of oil. Roger complains that if the Destructors carry through with their plan, he'll have to buy a smaller SUV, which is complimented by showing a SUV, and then shrinking it.
The humor can be a bit dark as well – one scenario which shocked me with its inclusion, although it didn't offend me, was one where the Destructors plan to take out an orphanage, because they didn't want children to see them take out the human race.
The gameplay itself is compelling, even with its faults. The first time I played the game I felt obligated to continue through the missions and see how the storyline and gameplay developed, stopping only when I got stonewalled by the Destructors.
Lasting Appeal
Although it's a fun game, unless you can play multiplayer, I don't see it being a regular play once the missions are completed. You might want to replay the game again to complete all the secondary and hidden objectives, although it's unlikely, unless you're a completionist.
Conclusion
Robocalypse is a fine effort at a portable RTS, and while it isn't perfect, it's a pretty good game and worth buying if you see it. A potential sequel is mentioned in the campaign mode, and it wouldn't be a bad idea. If all the kinks are ironed out there could be a real-time powerhouse on the DS.
Graphics
9.0
Characters are well-drawn, units are animated well, good use of colots, and lots of detail.
Gameplay
7.0
Some cheapness, some quirks with the controls but once you get used to them the gameplay is good.
Sound
7.0
Sound effects are well done but music is unmemorable.
Lasting Appeal
6.0
Fun for the campaign, but unless you have friends, it'll sit on your shelf.
Fun Factor
8.0
Humor will compel you to play through the game, and you'll want to see how the story and gameplay develops.
