It's funny, because they did re-release the first game on the Wii, but only in Japan.
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Nintendo: This might be Chibi-Robo's last chance
- Thread starter Zalman
- Start date
GustyGardens
Banned
The character could have a lot of appeal, but it would seem that they can't find the right game to put him in. The general consumer wouldn't really respond to a game similar to the original, so I guess they figured a 2D platformer was the way to go. I mean, it truly is what they do best.
I'd be content with them releasing the older games on the eShop, and keeping the character as a fun cameo in other games, manuals and menus.
I'd be content with them releasing the older games on the eShop, and keeping the character as a fun cameo in other games, manuals and menus.
It's Reyn Time!
Member
It still puzzles me that Nintendo deviated so quickly from what people loved about the first game. It seems like each sequel, in an attempt to become something that'd sell more, stripped out more of what people enjoyed in the original until we ended up with this weird, gimmick-driven ghost of its original self.
Now it makes total sense they are bundling the game with the amiibo.Except they did make a proper follow-up to the first game in the second sequel that never left Japan, effectively signaling the end of the gameplay I loved.
Not that I'm bitter, or anything.
QuantumBro
Banned
If you release a remaster of the Gamecube game on the WiiU, I promise I'll buy 5 copies Nintendo. Please don't kill this franchise.
Hale-XF11
Member
I thought the original game was what made the franchise appealing in the first place. Why not iterate on a formula that already works when everything else they've been trying to do with him doesn't work?
I never played the original gamecube game, but Photo Finder got old real fast and left a lot to be desired. Didn't play it for very long.
I never played the original gamecube game, but Photo Finder got old real fast and left a lot to be desired. Didn't play it for very long.
That's nice to know. I expect it to be a fun game. Most people aren't happy with the direction they took with it though.
Tezzeractor
Member
Man... I hope it does good enough. I really want a new, proper Chibi-Robo game. A new house to explore and a new cast on console would be amazing.
The development of the original game was pretty troubled, IIRC. I think it started out as a point 'n click until Miyamoto took a look at it and wanted them to go more in the direction that the final game wound up in. In a way, it seems fitting that it became a series that had identity issues.
They're good as long as they change what type of 2D platformer they put out. It's just a method of presentation. It's what you do with it that matters. They should be working on more Mega Man, Castlevania, Contra, or Metroid styled 2D platfomers instead of just the Mario styled brand which is what DK is similar to and lets not get started on Yoshi.
I would hope they'd move toward the Castlevania style with Chibi-Robo due to the whip like action they have with the plug. Guess we'll see. I haven't really been following the game much though outside of putting in my order to get the amiibo.
Add Waifu, it worked for Fire Emblem Awakening and save it the series.
Because the first game sold poorly and they were trying to find way to expand the series to reach a bigger audience.
Because the first game sold poorly and they were trying to find way to expand the series to reach a bigger audience.
DeuceGamer
Member
It didn't even get spotlight time in a Nintendo Direct like most Nintendo franchises. I understand why it didn't, but it's not like it was given a real chance to be successful. Regardless, I've got it pre-ordered as I also have the Gamecube game and look forward to the 3DS game. Hopefully, it reviews well and can put up some decent numbers. Being a 2D Platformer I would hope the production costs are lower than normal.
OrbitalBeard
Member
Did Nintendo really expect this franchise to be a big success? I don't believe the series has ever received any sort of marketing push in North America.
spookyfish
Gold Member
That's a shame. I was hoping for a more standard Chibi Robo game rather than Zip Lash. Was hesitant but may give it a go.
Sure it did: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUxgnYVD_-Q
Sure it did: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUxgnYVD_-Q
The game is based on the plug and almost all the platforming is dependent on you collecting enough cord extension power-ups so you can reach high and distant areas. I wish I had a method to capture 3DS footage directly to show you all some gameplay footage.
Probably so- the original was released on
the Wii with added control options in Japan. Of course this didn't make it to the US.
The first game sold poorly because of the market, it came out at the end of the Gamecube's life. Never really stood a chance. It's first follow up Park Patrol was a Wal-Mart exclusive and not really marketed at all, so that didn't help. They also never released the Wii NPC version outside of Japan.
I don't think anyone's expecting Chibi to light the charts on fire, but they've yet to really give him any opportunity. The amiibo might breathe life into him, but it also came alongside a huge shift in style so who knows what could've been.
Gonzo The Great
Banned
It comes out in a week, so the review embargo should end soon. I do not like what I have played so far.
Let's turn F-Zero into a 2D platformer starring Captain Falcon. Surely that will reinvigorate the series.
OrbitalBeard
Member
Damnit, this actually sounds kind of cool. A 2D platformer/brawler.
DXB-KNIGHT
Member
Are you Capcom?
Baron von Loathsome
Member
The second game was Wal-Mart exclusive, the third was Japan-only, the fourth is a gimmicky departure, and the fourth is a generic-looking platformer.
What a mismanaged series.
What a mismanaged series.
Youd find more mismanaged series than not with Nintendo
Honestly, I'm surprised the series didn't get killed off after that mess of a game Photo Finder. I don't understand why they won't just listen to fans and make a proper sequel to the original game (and actually localize it) instead of these weird attempts at chasing an audience that clearly doesn't care.
Still, I've got my amiibo bundle on pre-order, so... can't say I didn't try to keep the dream alive.
Still, I've got my amiibo bundle on pre-order, so... can't say I didn't try to keep the dream alive.
DeuceGamer
Member
5 months before release in a Japanese direct isn't the same type of time most Nintendo games would get.
It was in the English direct as well.
Triforce141
Member
That explains why the Chibi Robo amiibo looks like it's telling you, "Plug me in." It's desperate to have a recharge on life before it dies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs2TwRmpjQc
never forget teeny meeny miny mo
never forget teeny meeny miny mo
It was also in the following Nintendo Direct Mini for the west.
There hasn't been a Direct since, for obvious reasons. It's not fair to say that it's ignoring Chibi Robo when there haven't been any Directs.
OrbitalBeard
Member
twothunder
Member
I don't think any Chibi Robo game did too well saleswise and the character itself doesn't seem that popular.
So. It would not be surprising if this is the last
So. It would not be surprising if this is the last
Because there really isn't much of a fanbase to listen to, this series has never performed well at all. The various spin-offs and re-attempts at the formula starring Chibi have all done equally badly. The Wii port was a total bomb.
I doubt that.
Pretty much.
I'm buying the bundle at launch mainly to just get the amiibo and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I would've gotten it eventually but probably would've waited for a price cut.
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