Is Synaptic Drive a Worthy Custom Robo Successor? | Synaptic Drive Review
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- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- On May 28th, Synaptic Drive released on Steam and Nintendo Switch. With the director of Custom Robo at its helm, it aims to hark back to that dormant franchise and bring back its gameplay styling. For $30 does it do enough of what it needs to to carry the torch onward? How is Synaptic Drive on the Switch? Well...
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The fact that it doesnt have a story mode is what hurts me the most. The story mode of Custom Robo is legendary. I loved it, I 100% custom robo at least 17 times and counting.
I'm about due for another replay myself, I think.
I had like 4kwins online
Good review. This just looks like a bland and uninspired game overall. I’d really pay $60+ for a remastered Custom Robo GC version on the switch, or even steam.
Same. I'd love more games in that universe. The story was almost the best part, though. I played the DS version, but I'd love to see more actual Custom Robo games, especially one for Switch.
Well, it won't be on Steam, since it's a Nintendo IP, but yeah. I really wish Nintendo would give Custom Robo another chance. Grab up the devs of this game and invest in a worthwhile sequel.
Y'know what I'd want to see?
A fully remastered port...of Custom Robo and Custom Robo V2 from the N64.
@@katrinaxharhus3747 amen
I would pay $100 for custom robo with MULTIPLAYER!!
I’d sell my soul to revive this series, it makes me really sad that they don’t make custom robo anymore
Mom can we have Custom Robo Battle Revolution?
We have Custom Robo Battle Revolution at home.
Custom Robo Battle Revolution at home:
Not gonna lie, that UI looks pretty basic and dull. It's interesting how minimalistic Custom Robo's UI was, but had a LOT more going on for it too, considering the hardware limitations as well. No snappy camera movements when selecting armaments? No interesting designs oh Robos to catch your eyes? They don't even show the weapon models when you obtain them?! Even looking at the gameplay, it just doesn't visually look all that snappy like the original was.
I loved Custom Robo when I was a kid, one of my favorite games on the Gamecube, and a fun party game to play with friends; and this just looks like Custom Robo on the surface. Not that the game needs to be Custom Robo, but definitely doesn't look like it's trying to do more than what the original already has done. You mentioned how forgettable the Super Bar was, hence why you didn't mention it in the video. That's a shame, because I always liked the idea that with a super meter or something, the player could have a choice in whether they wanted to augment their next weapon attack into a Super Weapon attack(Dragon gun instead of shooting just a couple dragons, launches a huge dragon that does massive damage or a flurry of smaller dragons at the oppenent), or Robo specific Super Move, maybe even having a Super Bomb, I dunno.
The premise behind Custom Robo just has so MUCH potential, and honestly that's why I think it was so damn good. The weapons just felt right, had personality, my personal favorite being the Drill gun. And the Arenas were full of charm and uniqueness; from what I saw here, these Arenas are kind of generic; cookie cutter. Everything still looks like an mid to late Alpha, or early Beta, and it's a real shame there's no small campaign in the game to flesh out character or the world without just blocks of text to read.
But hey, at least they tried, and I'm glad to see there are still people out there the remember and love the game enough to try their hand at it. I hope that raises more developers to give it go at recreating and improving the magic that Custom Robo brought.
The lack of Budget is on full display here. They tried to make the best of it on limited assets for value and well..
With how strong of a cult following Custom Robo wields, I wonder if Kickstarter was the way it should have went.
They’d be able to pay for story writing and a solid Art Director and even Voice Acting as stretch goals, maybe they’d consider it for the next attempt...
This is an incredibly fair review. The online has improved for me and the devs said they are going to make a patch for online.
One of the issues of the meta is the very clear tier list in the parts. Some parts are not useful at all against strong opoonents with stronger opponents.
That's good to hear! If the online improves this will be an easier recommendation for sure. And yeah, as I've dug into some of the weapons today there are definitely some quirkier ones that just can't hold their own. It was like that in Custom Robo too, of course, but that was definitely something that could have been improved on here. I appreciate your response!
I had no clue this existed. Custom Robo is one of my favorite games on the GC. I’d really like to give this a try whether it’s any good or not. Im still hoping to one day get a Gundam game that uses the Custom Robo formula.
It sucks to hear how generic the robots feel. The robot designs were my favorite part of the GameCube game. I would sit in class and draw my own. I still have notebooks full of them in my parents’ attic. No campaign mode sucks too. It wasn’t that great, but it had a lot of personality.
Custom robo would make a good vr game.
Honestly I think you hit the nail on the head for the review the game play is absolutely stellar in being custom robo but the aesthetics really brought down the quality of the game being inconsistent with a theme or design it my belief that the best thing they could do is another rework in the future and create a more cohesive style that really brings out the best in the game
For sure. I'm hoping it at least does well enough so they can iron out a more robust sequel. They've got the basic groundwork more or less done.
MykonosFan I’m going to be honest but the chance of that happening is rather slim if this can’t gain traction
Dang, I heard about this today, and was stoked because I am a huge Custom Robo fan. Despite all the negatives, I was going to buy it until the no single player campaign bomb was dropped. I am just no a fan of arcade experiences.
The OG GC Custom Robo was super funny. I still remember one character I was meant to fight start speaking with tutorial-colored text to give me a gameplay tip, and afterward saying "WHY DID I TELL YOU THAT!!?"
That and being able to leave the watch at that one house to cause the game to “end” when you needed it and left it on earth…so good.
@@MykonosFan BRO and the game makes you choose to do that like a DOZEN times like, "hey, you kind of need to choose the other option"
The OG is on the N64 tho
I can't believe I forgot about Custom robo. The DS game along with Megaman starforce was a large chunk of my childhood
It's a shame this game doesn't quite deliver the 100bread it promised
I used all my 100 Bread and have no 100 Bread left. Help.
Just give me a port for the Switch, if we won't get a prequel or sequel game, or a remaster of it with more content. A port would be fine, I have my gamecube still and I replay atleast 4 times a year, but come on man this game would look so beautiful with a slight face lift and a touch more detailing on characters and robos, hell even add voice acting or something. I just love this game so much and it saddens me greatly to know that, more than likely, the franchise is dead. But I'll hold on hope that Synaptic Drive is just testing the waters to see how people will take to the game style and they'll bring back the franchise someday.
Completely agreed. Hell, they could just release the game again as-is and I’d still happily buy it. That game is too cool to just leave in the past.
@@MykonosFan add a story mode, and bring back the super fun and colorful robot designs from the originals (I'm sorry, they don't need a COD or Halo aesthetic) as well as the well-optimized customization menus, and heck I'd buy that immediately. I love that game way too much.
I loved the custom Robo games and I almost bought a switch earlier this year just for this game. Then COVID happened. I’m kind of glad I didn’t buy the switch just for this game though.
I never knew this game existed and now that I do, I REALLY need to buy it
Don't do it ..
Honestly, it feels like a Bootleg of the Custom Robo series than any sort of Successor. even though it's made by the same director.
as for that "style" you couldn't quite put a fingertip on, the word of the day is "Toyetic". the 'Bots in Custom Robo are extremely Toyetic, and that is their greatest strength, because it makes them immediately recognizable from a distance. every frame type is immediately understood with their Silhouette alone, and their bright colors keep them from blending into the Arenas or the Chaos around them.
I’m holding out hope that Synaptic Drive is the proving grounds for a future Custom Robo title that’d come out on the Switch2.
This is so heart breaking to see something so close but yet so far from the original. The story was so great in custom robo. The maps were awesome as well. I would play melee as frequently as robo with my friends.
Good review, I hope the devs for this game see that there is a want for this game to be good and don't give up. I'd love to see this game get some patches or even a sequel that improves upon everything they tried in Synaptic Drive.
Fucking thank you. Custom Robo is honestly one of my top 10 games of all time just because the concept is *so* solid. Something like this could absolutely be e-sports material.
I agree, the potential is definitely there.
This looks like a fan project. It looks (to me) like it's kinda unfinished.
It looks like a low spec custom robo arena version
Well, you seem to be a better reviewer than many guys online these days. Glad you can take a more relaxed approach instead of just accentuating good or bad and being constantly angry. Heck, you review better than IGN even.
Also, feels like the game isn't as good as we want to be.
Custom robo was my favorite game from game cube. PLEASE bring it to switch
Aww this video is disheartening I loved Custom robo but, I cant justify buying this :,(
Yeah...hopefully it sees a good sale soon.
Though I’m really glad that this game exists... I think I’ll stick to Custom Robo for the time being.
Btw, please do make a video on Custom Robo! It’s my favorite video game, and it doesn’t get enough attention.
Gameplay wise, I'm interested.
Everything else makes me want to wait for a sale to be honest.
Yeah...pretty much the case with this one. It actually reminds me a bit of Danger Zone, which was the Burnout Crash Mode styled game from a few years back. it showed promise but felt so lifeless, kind of the same deal here.
just wish it had a story mode
OMG Just heard about this game and ironically Custom Robo being my all time favorite game (Link to the Past being my 2nd) i just started replaying Custom Robo on my Phone with a dolphin emulator and i just couldn't believe something like this just came out... well i guess i have something new to DIVE in to.
Did you just pun?
wowowoowowowow. I really loved custom robo arena on the ds. Nice vid btw.
Just hearing about this game's existence. I loved CR on GC, and CR:A on DS even more. To bad this game has so many short comings. I'll have to jump back on the DS for my CR fix.
Thanks for the honest review.
I really wish Custom Robo would return...sadly those chances are slim due to the licensing on it by nintendo being expired...they can't get it back can they?
Good review, I ordered the physical release from Japan, I am giving it a chance because I do miss the Custom Robo series! So the 4 player mode is only team battle!
hey man, have you played the DS version, it's actually pretty fast paced vs the GC version
I googled why is there no new custom robo and was led here not disappointed
Bought this game cause miss custom robo on Nintendo ds
“Grab this game when it’s at a price you’d take a gamble on”
IT’S NEVER ON SALE 😭
it's missing a very important Component in custom robo, System Overload. System overload is when you and your opponent fire their guns at the same time, if you down your opponent, the Bullets will be erased and you'll take no damage from it. It's very important for high risk, high damage close ranged options.
This game really should’ve stuck with the mecha aesthetic. 1. Customization is a staple of mecha games, and 2. a less realistic style would’ve been better for having snappy, less realistic animations. Seriously, the fact that Synaptic Drive’s characters are always facing each other just looks weird. Custom Robo let you run and dash around in all directions, but it would still snap you back when you fired your gun.
Shame, because Custom Robo’s gameplay was way ahead of its time. It was a great arena fighter style of game before arena fighters really became a thing. I feel like the crowd that likes games like Gundam Vs would really get a kick out of Custom Robo.
I still just can't get past the animations. Battle revolution is two decades-old by this point and and the running animation still looks way smoother.
Same with the gun animations. They look closer to the Nintendo 64 in the way they are just there and moving.
This game is sick.. the gameplay.. the characters ... The story ... It's a masterpiece..
Lots of good insights, esp on quirks with the menu!
This game was over shadowed, every time you search game cube Mario's ass and shit is always on the pedestal
I played the DS version of Customer Robo as my first game in the series. It made me fall in love with the series. To see Synaptic Drive have an inferior UI made me disappointed. I'd rather that Nintendo renews their license of the ip or we get Real-Time Combat (not the turn based one) Medabots developed for the Switch.
That and it needs to have a great storyline. The story mode is 100% what made the game a family favorite (I played it, my brothers played it, my cousins played it... it was a whole thing). It's such a great game, and it deserves a proper successor. Maybe now that they have the combat replicated, they could make a full game?
Brings back a memories :)
If you want a GOOD Custom Robo like game, get a 3DS and buy Little Battlers Experience. It's a MUCH better use of your time and money
I’ve been curious to check it out, might just do that.
You wish that it was like it
They need to scale up the models or scale down the map, the arena look as big as the final boss in the original game which worked for the telegraphs but not this.
Weapon selection looks lukewarm and needs more that can hit behind cover or the seeking mine type that prevent it from being a boring cover shooter or make destructible obstacles.
I personally prefer both the gameplay and robot aesthetics of Custom Robo Arena vs the GameCube game however my main reasons for NOT wanting to replay CRA is, ironically, due to how dull and long-winded the story mode is. If at least I could skip the text walls...
On one hand, I wish CRA had THESE arcade modes instead of its story mode. OTOH, Synaptic Drive's aesthetics, music and user interface/menus are such a downgrade that it's seriously aggravating for a game about customizing your robots.
Heh, the story mode was my favorite part :) I replay it for the story alone, battles are just a bonus 😅.
Europe got it on ds. Well attests we found a way to play it😂
Maybe it's just me, but I think air dashes running on an energy meter makes it really clunky. It can really break the flow when you're used to being able to air dash consistently a set number of times every time you jump. I know the tactics of the game are important to keep in mind, but there's already a lot going on. I think the stamina meter on air dashing is too much.
Ironically this is not the man who made the Custom Robo you and I played. That guy that made Custom Robo (Game Cube/ Battle revolution) is actually one of the guys who made Shenmue III.
I miss customer robo arena in the ds
How does custom robo compare to LBX for the 3ds
I'm not sure, but hopefully someone stopping by knows. I actually completely forgot LBX existed, not gonna lie.
Hmm it seems like they fell in the armored core pitfall of not having a real story. It also dsnt look like there r the equivalent of lightning skies, which r like half of my builds on CR. I'm sure that results in a very tiered meta. that constantly moving camera does look annoying. Rlly wish theyd just release a remastered CR on the switch that cld do online play and actually had the right stats. I'd easily pay full price and buy a switch just for that.
I'd absolutely buy that too, no questions asked. Even if it was offline only I'd buy it just to bring my Switch to friend's houses and force them to try it out (since it's easier than dragging a GameCube and 4 controllers around in an HDTV era, lol). Thanks for watching btw!
It doesn't seem like there are little sprinters as well. I really liked using those with a stun gun and charge attack. Then use an acrobat weapon to down self and take advantage of invulnerability.
Switch always has horrible networking, even their own first party games. I'm still baffled they make us pay for it, I get better connectivity on pc wifi via steam (which is free) than I do switch titles, and my switch is hardwired in.
Well you have a point but did you know that Nintendo isn't renewing the franchise anytime soon?
Yeah. Still, I stand by what I said. I'd love a better Synaptic Drive 2 in the meantime, but...
Chris MykonosFan becomes a robot after Military Island marked him as a traitor
Next I'll become: Alive
@@MykonosFan finally
Custom Robo WAS THAT SHIT
Bought it by accident
So this is what Custom Robo plays like? The notion of a fully customizable fighter-ish game reminds me a lot of Jump Ultimate Stars, I wonder why it had such a hard time getting an audience (aside from zero marketing).
I think it mostly comes down to marketing and weird handling of the series. Here in NA, we only ever got the GameCube title and a Wi-Fi enabled DS entry afterward, and Europe only ever received the DS entry. Just a "too little too late" situation probably. All us fans can really do now is hope it gets a bigger Smash presence someday down the line and reminds Nintendo it exists.
@@MykonosFan Can't be too successful if the publisher never gives you a chance. I could definitely see this kind of game taking off if someone has a very concrete vision for it and doesn't go for another genre instead.
Does this game have mod support?
Well, the people killed this game at arrival
i need gotcha force varient
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
ty for the video! shame the visuals suck so much
You turned "Custom Robo" into a single word, and I started hearing it as "custorobo"
For my next trick, I'll make it one syllable.
I always preferred custom robo arena on NDS over the gamecube one but nobody ever mentions it. Really liked the story.
I need to check it out. The impression I got as a kid reading Nintendo Power was that it wouldn't have some of the specific charms that made me like the GCN version...but at this point, even if it doesn't it's not like we're getting another one anytime soon. Lol
@@MykonosFan Super easy to emulate too, highly recommend.
No
No cause no story lol
I am commenter 69.
Nice.
The Gamecube game looks a lot better than this lol