Robopon Sun, Star, and Moon Versions

Robopon Sun, Star, and Moon Versions, originally released in Japan as Robot Ponkottsu, is a unique trilogy of handheld role-playing video games for the Nintendo Game Boy Color. Developed by Hudson Soft and Red Entertainment, these titles offer a distinct twist on the monster-collecting genre by replacing creatures with mechanical robots. While the series includes subsequent entries on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo 64, the original Sun, Star, and Moon games established the franchise's core identity. In North America, Atlus localized and released the Sun Version in December 2000, bringing the robot-battling action to Western audiences.

Story and Setting

The narrative centers on a young boy named Cody, whose default name is set upon starting the game. The story begins with a significant transition in Cody's life: his grandfather is retiring and passing down the family business, a Robopon dispatching company. As the new owner, Cody is tasked with traveling across Porombo Island to manage his new fleet of robotic companions.

The primary objective of the adventure is competitive climbing. Cody must collect Robopon and challenge the "Legend 7," a group of the top-ranked Robopon collectors on the island. The gameplay loop involves defeating these elite trainers one by one; upon victory, Cody takes the defeated trainer's place in the ranking system, aiming to ascend to the number one spot. This structure provides a clear, goal-oriented progression for players throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

While the game bears similarities to the Pokémon series, the tagline "Build 'em, Collect 'em, Trash 'em!" highlights its more technical approach to customization. Robopon are not just caught; they are built and modified. Players can obtain robotic partners by catching wild units with magnets, growing them from seeds, or "sparking" two batteries together to create a new Robopon.

The depth of the RPG mechanics lies in the software and parts system. To power up a Robopon, players must install specific equipment called Parts, which determine the types of attacks the unit can perform. These Parts have limited space for software, which adds elemental elements to attacks. A unique feature allows players to mix software to create powerful special moves. For example, equipping a "Thunder" software to a "Punch" part allows for a "Thunderpunch," while combining "Fire" and "Thunder" software creates the devastating special move "Zapp!!". This system encourages strategic team building and constant modification.

Platform Availability

All three original titles were released for the Game Boy Color. Sun and Star Versions launched simultaneously in Japan on December 4, 1998, followed by the Moon Version on December 24, 1999. A special Comic Bom Bom tie-in version of Moon was also released on that date. For international players, only the Sun Version received an official North American release in December 2000. Consequently, US players do not have access to the full roster of 153 original Robopon, as several species were exclusive to the unreleased US versions of Star and Moon.

Notable Features

  • Infrared Technology: Robopon cartridges feature an infrared panel on the top edge. This allows the game to trade information using waves and react to different objects, a rare feature for GBC titles.
  • Evolution: Robopon can evolve if the player collects enough Energyballs after battles.
  • Party System: Players manage a party of four Robopon, sending them out one by one to utilize their specific software and parts combinations.

Who It Appeals To

Robopon Sun, Star, and Moon Versions appeals to fans of traditional monster-collecting RPGs who crave more technical customization. The focus on combining software to create custom moves offers a layer of strategy that goes beyond simple level grinding. It is particularly relevant for players interested in the history of the Game Boy Color era and those who enjoy sci-fi themes within their RPGs.