Robots (2005 video game)

Robots (video game)

Industry	Video games
Founded	2005
Products	Robots (video game)

PC/PS2/Xbox/GameCube version

In this version, the protagonist, a robot named Rodney Copperbottom, departs from his hometown, Rivet Town, aspiring to join his idol Bigweld in Robot City. Before leaving, he constructs a flying companion called Wonderbot using scrap materials. Upon arrival, Rodney finds that Bigweld has vanished and the factory is under the control of Phineas T. Ratchet, who intends to phase out older robots in favor of newer, more advanced models like himself. Rodney allies with a group of obsolete robots known as the Rusties, who face threats from Ratchet's plans. With guidance from Jack Hammer, Rodney gathers scrap from the sewers to support the Rusties' survival. Eventually, they locate Bigweld at his mansion, and together they confront Ratchet to protect robot-kind.

DS/GBA version

The DS and GBA editions present a comparable narrative with expanded open-world gameplay elements. Beginning at a train station after departing Rivet City, Rodney reaches Bigweld's Factory but is expelled by Ratchet following an interruption during a meeting. Underground, he encounters the Rusties and discovers Ratchet’s intention to eliminate them. After aiding Jack Hammer, Rodney attends a party in the northern area where he confronts Ratchet once more and later finds Bigweld at his estate. Initially skeptical, Bigweld eventually agrees to assist. Returning to the factory leads to another confrontation with Ratchet; Rodney escapes by riding Bigweld during a boss battle but subsequently falls into Madame Gasket’s domain. The storyline concludes with Rodney defeating Madame Gasket, ending her dominion over the city.

Gameplay

Players primarily control Rodney Copperbottom, with occasional sequences allowing control of Wonderbot and Bigweld in specific scenarios.

The gameplay involves collecting blueprints to create inventions, starting with repairing Wonderbot and obtaining weapons such as the Scrap Launcher and a wrench. Scrap functions both as ammunition and currency for purchasing upgrades like increased Scrap capacity (Maxi-Scrap 500 and 1000), the Refine-O-Max which doubles Scrap value, and various interchangeable Scrap Launcher enhancements. In Robot City, Rodney acquires the Magnabeam weapon that requires periodic energy recharging.

The GBA version adopts a Metroidvania-inspired approach, combining platforming, combat, and exploration over an extensive map. Players unlock new areas by defeating bosses and collecting robot parts to gain upgrades. Minigames include challenges like tossing oil cans or enduring domino avalanches. The fast travel system incorporates a mini-game that allows players to earn additional ammunition.

Weapons available in the GBA edition include the Scrap Launcher (obtained via an item delivery), Magnet Bomb (which attracts enemies and triggers switches), and an Electric weapon noted for high damage output. Each weapon can be enhanced to improve damage and range.

Reception

Robots garnered mixed or average feedback on Metacritic. IGN assigned a 5/10 rating to console versions, labeling it as "another franchise platformer," while handheld versions received 4.5/10 with criticism pointing to "the same boring adventure." Overall aggregate scores across platforms ranged from the mid-40s to low-50s, indicating a generally lukewarm reception in the market.