Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots Arena

Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots Arena

released on Jan 04, 2001

Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots Arena

released on Jan 04, 2001

In this one-on-one fighting game based on the famous plastic robot fighters, players not only get to pit various Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots up against one another, they also get to customize their bots' various parts to make them even more steel-twisting and destructive than before. Players initially have 12 different robots to choose from before they head off to the arena. With names such as Slamurai, Sir Haxalot, and General Warfare, it's easy to see that Mattel Interactive is going for a bit of a tongue-and-cheek feel. While the names aren't overly serious, the fighting is less comedic, with the robots throwing all of their various armaments at their opponents in order to assure destruction. These weapons are varied, from swords to bombs to Gatling guns. Each robot starts with a different set of weapons, and depending on the mode you're playing, their attacks can be altered and switched around.


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A childhood game I used to play growing up

Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots Arena is a far departure from the regular depiction of the once-popular toys. Instead of an aesthetic and vibe mimicking traditional boxing and brightly-colored plastic, Arena trades that in for gray, grime and grit. It's like if Real Steel came out in the early 2000s.

While I admire the attempt at a different take (including all the wild new robots 8-year old me would have loved), there's really not much going on in here in terms of gameplay. It's enjoyable in small doses but nothing else beyond that because the game's very stilted and barebones.

I'll be all in for a Rock 'em game that pays tribute to the actual toys instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. I think the GBA game would be right up my alley in that regard so I'll be trying that one soon.