Review

Tokobot

By Mr. Marbles
December 02, 2005 13:56 PM PST
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Tokobot will satisfy all your robo platforming needs.

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Tokobot and the PSP make a great pair. Tecmo's latest action-platformer is simplistic enough for the sometimes-awkward PSP controls, yet difficult enough for the seasoned double jumper. And with a plethora of puzzles intertwined, Tokobot emerges as one of the few original titles on the PSP, and is more fun than a barrel of monkeys--er, robots.

A Link to the Past
Tokobot has you controlling a small team of miniature destructive robots through the remains of a once great ancient society riddled with quirky enemies, gadgets, and testy robotic bosses. Because the Tokobots were uncovered in the ancient ruins, it is only fitting that they help navigate the rest of the way. You'll play as Bolt, a researcher for Canewood's lab, and lead your team of Tokobots along a nasty path of unique platforming challenges, puzzles, and numerous enemy obstructions.

To accomplish the aforementioned, you'll need utilize the Tokobots' special linking abilities and formations. By holding hands, Bolt can use the Tokobots to swing, glide, or spin to otherwise out of reach areas, or smash dastardly enemies to boot. New abilities are learned as the game progresses, including eight special joint combinations that transform the Tokobots into helpful devices such as the Mega-Hammer, Super-Tank, and the always accommodating Crane-o-Matic. Some joint combos can only be used at specific locations--usually to complete a pending puzzle--and will sometimes require a little backtracking to get the job done.

Choose Your 'Bot Wisely
Tokobot's platforming sequences and brainteasers span from simple to toe-stubbingly frustrating as the game progresses through eight finely crafted levels. None of the Tokobot maneuvers are extraordinarily difficult to pull of, though picking the right abilities for the right boss or situation can be tricky at times.

Tokobot is a technological treat, with virtually zero loading, crisp colors, and a pleasingly quirky little soundtrack. There's no multiplayer, though Tokobot's single-player is engrossing enough to soak up your valuable attention for a good eight hours.