The Nintendo 64 import scene had quite a few hidden gems that never really got the attention they deserved here in the States. Custom Robo, an engaging, customizable game that allowed two players to battle it out in a world of holloseum-based battles for supremacy, was one of these gems. The customizable factor really made the game worthwhile, as you could add weapons and play around with body types to see what worked best for you.

For the GameCube release of Custom Robo, it seems Nintendo ran into a change of heart. Thus, they opted to give the game a US release and see if the title had any legs on these shores. With the release of Custom Robo, they finally give gamers the opportunity to see what they missed with the N64 release; the ability to play around with different Robos and weapons. The only problem is, the game's a bit different than its N64 brethren. In fact, it's a bit disappointing.

The N64 version, had tightened control and breakneck action. I actually got a bit into customization and spent a couple of hours seeing how well the 3-Way Gun suited me. Here, the gunplay is about the same in the virtual worlds where you battle, but something seems a bit off in terms of control. The maneuverability is still intact, where you can run around and launch weapons with ease, but something still feels a little bit off, like an adjustment that makes the game just a bit less exciting than it was. Also, with the customization, it seems things are a bit limited. It's great to see all the weapons and parts you can acquire, but it's like they don't seem to matter that much in battle like they did before. There are higher challenges available, but, strangely, it still doesn't feel right.

With this US release, I also got the chance to check out the Story Mode for the first time, without the need of a translation of text. But, judging by what I've seen here, I didn't miss much. The problem with Story mode is that it's not generally thrilling, and at some points, it really doesn't make sense. Police battle criminals in virtual worlds instead of just busting them there right on the spot. A robot runs rampant throughout the city without anyone even gathering an idea how to stop it. And the bounty hunters, the Steel Hearts, seem opted to hire a "kid", your main character, on in the middle of a major job. The Story Mode, sadly, is the main mode where you have to earn most of your parts, but the way it plods along may get on the nerves of some of the veteran players.

The offerings get better with the other modes. Grand Battle Story Mode takes you through different tournaments with greater challenges, and is a lot of fun. Arcade Mode is pretty basic, but effective for this sort of game. Where the action lies best is Multiplayer Mode, where you can get up to four players together and get into a number of different setups. Trust me, stick with free-for-all and let everyone have it. It's not as great as Super Smash Bros. Melee, but for robot action on the GameCube, it certainly does better than any other offerings in the genre.

The game features a decent graphic interface, with nice-looking environments and animation, and a good colorful display within the virtual holloseums and outside in the real world. But it could've had some more touches to look better, like with lighting effects or facial animation. The characters talk via text on the screen, and their reactions appear in a small animation next to the words instead of on the character. The audio department, however, seems to be lacking, due to basic sound effects, ridiculous voice acting, and tunes that really don't qualify as good robot-battling music. In fact, it's better suited as background material for a reunion concert for Peter Frampton and Styx.

I'm not saying the game is completely devoid of fun. The Multiplayer mode can be enjoyed by all ages, and customization is still a good key factor that allows creative juices to flow. However, Custom Robo has changed since the good old days of the Nintendo 64 import, and now seems to be a lesser shell of its former self. If Nintendo had put a little more focus into what garnered interest in the series in the first place and inputted it here, we would've really had a rollicking product. As is, it just seems a bit basic.