Custom Robo Arena

 DS
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    94
    This is an action-packed fighting game that features incredibly powerful robots, albeit of very slight proportions.
  2. My Gamer
    88
    I dare say that Custom Robo Arena is my favorite action game for the DS, due to its endless experimentation, strategy and replayability.
  3. Game Almighty
    85
    It is very well designed, challenging and fun as long as it sticks to combat. I look forward to a proper sequel that keeps the focus on what it does well, hopefully abandoning the weak spots and catering to a wider age-demographic.
  5. NintendoWorldReport
    85
    If you enjoyed Custom Robo, which I did, and are ready for more options, parts, robos, and online play, then dive in. You won’t regret it.
  6. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    84
    It's action-packed, has an involving story and loads of customisation options. [June 2007, p.80]
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  7. GameSpy
    80
    Simple and sublime, Custom Robo Arena was quite clearly developed with the little tykes in mind, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.
  8. Thunderbolt
    80
    A wonderful game, yet it lacks the kind of attention that other DS titles enjoy. The story is awful mishmash of a coming-of-age plot blended with science fiction and utterly generic characters.
  9. GameSpot
    79
    Exciting action and great multiplayer make Custom Robo Arena a game well worth playing.
  10. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    78
    The polished fighting engine steals the show, though, bringing an engrossing level of strategy to the table. [may 2007, p.88]
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  11. GameTrailers
    77
    Considering that Custom Robo is really a kids’ game, the shallow fighting engine can be forgiven in lieu of the massive amount of bits and pieces to collect, and customization that can be performed.
  12. Games Master UK
    77
    Note quite up there with the Pokemons of this world, but there is masses of potential here. [Aug 2007, p.84]
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  13. 1UP
    75
    It's too bad, then, that Custom Robo Arena's RPG elements are so mundane, a connect-the-dots of "talk to this character, trigger this event."
  14. Nintendo Power
    75
    If you can get past the bland '80s-era look of the robot designs and a lack responsiveness in the fighting controls, you'll find Custom Robo Arena has hidden charms. [May 2007, p.88]
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  15. PALGN
    75
    Custom Robo Arena overall is a fun and addictive mech combat game that really works well on the Nintendo DS, making it a worthwhile purchase for owners of the system.
  16. AtomicGamer
    72
    While I have enjoyed the online battles to a degree, the weak single-player story will definitely turn some people off. This isn’t a game for fans of deep RPG storylines – however, if you’re a fan of customizing robots and collecting parts, this game is for you.
  17. IGN
    70
    The Nintendo DS version of Custom Robo won't raise the franchise up to a "must have" status in the Nintendo library of first-party titles, but apart from the boring RPG story it's not such a bad diversion.
  18. GameDaily
    70
    A likable (if not quite memorable) game for the Nintendo DS. The presentation could've use a little sprucing up and some parts of the story stretch on for way too long (such as the school segments).
  19. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    Despite an underwhelming story mode, the action-packed multiplayer matches and lashings of customisation make Custom Robo Arena a nice little diversion.
  20. Nintendo Gamer
    60
    In English it reveals a lack of depth and some seriously irritating niggles. A real shame. [June 2007, p.50]
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  21. Modojo
    60
    While playing this game, I couldn't help but think I would have enjoyed this more had I been 10 years old.
  22. GamePro
    60
    Yeah, that's pretty much the story of "Pokemon," but it's tedious and boring in Custom Robo. The story is flat and the characters are inane.
  23. Eurogamer
    50
    a horribly clichéd plot and a fairly tedious single player mode, but it does have a nice online mode and asks you to rub your robot's crotch to make sure it's working properly.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best DS Game of 2007
40
#40 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
49
#49 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. Barking
    Mar 17, 2011
    10
    This game is fantastic, it has awesome gameplay, a ton of customisation and a long story.
    the wain selling point of this game howoever is the    This game is fantastic, it has awesome gameplay, a ton of customisation and a long story.
    the wain selling point of this game howoever is the characters, as Liz is mai waifu.
    And she'll probably become yours too. It's a shame Dennis is the worst character ever thought up in any game ever.
    all in all, LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU LIZ IS MAI WAIFU    … Full Review »
  2. MattEtzel
    Feb 5, 2008
    8
    Custom Robo Arena is an incredibly unique game, with an intuitive creative and highly exciting combat system... But the story sucks. The gameCustom Robo Arena is an incredibly unique game, with an intuitive creative and highly exciting combat system... But the story sucks. The game is constantly brough down by it's storyline, and the graphics outside of battle could have been so much better. WiFi is a blast, especially since this game is so unique and creative, unfortunately for this game there are a multitude of cheaters online in some sense: People who overuse specific parts, or otherwise try to destroy the games more interesting combat elements. Of course, there is no hacking or glitching in this game whatsoever, so it is not in any way destroyed.

    The basic jist of it is that, you'll likely skip the boring annoying storyline jsut to get to the next fight so you can earn some money to buy new parts to play around with your Custom Robo.

    Shortest version: Story is crap, the reality it is set in is bleh, the graphics outside of battle are far past sub par... And yet even with all these shortcomings I have played this game's WiFi for 6 months now, so the combat passes as fantastic and creative even with all the other downsides.    … Full Review »
  3. DJT
    Dec 15, 2007
    9
    Great game! Lots of replay. Good Wifi following - you'll get an opponent most of the time. Get those parts in the single player game and Great game! Lots of replay. Good Wifi following - you'll get an opponent most of the time. Get those parts in the single player game and be ready for endless combinations of robos to battle.… Full Review »
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