Chibi-Robo breaks free from the Cube and roams the handheld world
May 16, 2006 – Chibi-Robo was originally released for the GameCube at the beginning of this year. It’s a unique game that features a tiny robot that has to navigate his way around the house to perform various chores. The gameplay involves platforming and puzzle solving as Chibi attempts to please his owners.
Chibi is literally a pint-sized robot that looks like a walking, metallic flashlight. He’s programmed to help with chores around the house and make his owner happy. This typically involves keeping things clean by taking out the trash. He’s tether to electrical outlets for the most part but is able to use battery power for temporary runs throughout the property. The more money Chibi earns the better quality batteries that he can purchase.
In the DS version Chibi is programmed to bring happiness to the great outdoors as he assumes the role of Park Patrol. It appears that someone or something has been terrorizing the park, transforming the flowers and stealing the equipment that the kids used to play on. Chibi has to get to the bottom of things to restore the park to its original spender and make everyone, “Happiness.”
In this version Chibi will once again be tethered to electrical outlets but will be able to recharge his batteries for longer missions. He will utilize various vehicles such as a dune buggy, boat and bicycle to get around the environment. Enemies, in the form of monsters, will be taken care of with his trusty squirter. To restore the flowers, Chibi must water them with his squirter and do a little dance to encourage their restoration. He can also rebuild the missing park equipment so that the kids will return to play.
Many of the actions are simple and are facilitated by the use of the touch screen controls.
The game is very colorful looking and although it’s not up to the Cube’s level it’s certainly in the ballpark for a DS game. It’s definitely geared for the whole family as there is no violence or questionable subject matter. It’s a fun game that isn’t limited to children.
Chibi is full of personality, even though he’s a robot, and he’s sure to become one of this years’ more endearing mascots.