Tokobot, later released in Japan as Karakuri (カラクリ, Karakuri), is a puzzle-platform game developed and published by Tecmo for the PlayStation Portable in 2005. An expanded version was later released for the PlayStation 2, titled Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri in North America, Europe and Australia and Korobot Adventure (コロボットアドベンチャー, Korobotto Adobenchā) in Japan.

Tokobot
Karakuri
European PSP cover art
Developer(s)Tecmo
Publisher(s)
Platform(s)PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2
ReleasePlayStation Portable
  • NA: December 5, 2005
  • JP: December 15, 2005
  • EU: April 7, 2006
PlayStation 2
  • NA: October 24, 2006
  • JP: October 26, 2006
  • EU: December 28, 2006
  • AU: January 25, 2007
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Plot

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The game revolves around Bolt, an agent from Canewood's Lab. His first research expedition leads him to discover rare Karakuri robots known as Tokobots, one of which is Zero, a prototype gigantic, planet-destroying robot programmed for evil. Bolt must discover the secrets of the ruins, find Zero, and destroy it before it can destroy his world.

There are three human villains in the game who own robots and battle Bolt with large Karakuri robots: Flames, Bart, and Colonel Fuel (in order of appearance).

Gameplay

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The player controls Bolt, who makes use of the Tokobots to explore the prehistoric ruins found in the game. The Tokobots mimic Bolt's actions and can be used together in "joint actions", complex tasks that include fusing them together to make Karakuri combinations. Combinations can do almost anything, from activating dead gears to shooting laser beams.

There are two types of Karakuri robots, both of which come in varying sizes: Workers and Keepers. Workers do odd jobs and include small Clunkers and the large Tornader. Keepers protect the ancient ruins and include tiny Beepers and the evil Zero.

Versions

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The PlayStation 2 version of the game adds secret platforming sections that allow players access to hidden treasures. In addition, players no longer have control over the Overdrive forms; they now only briefly appear to attack before disappearing.

Reception

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Tokobot and Tokobot Plus received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[1][2] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of three eights and one seven for a total of 31 out of 40 for the PSP version,[8] and 28 out of 40 for the PS2 version.[7]

Mr. Marbles of GamePro's February 2006 issue called Tokobot "a technological treat, with virtually zero loading, crisp colors, and a pleasingly quirky little soundtrack. There's no multiplayer, though Tokobot's single-player is engrossing enough to soak up your valuable attention for a good eight hours."[25][b] Ten issues later, however, Kilgore called Tokobot Plus "a decent title with challenging puzzles that will reward your patience and dedication. It's probably best as an extended rental but some of you might find that it's worth the full price of admission."[26][c]

Notes

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  1. ^ Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the PSP version each a score of 5.5/10, 4/10, and 6/10.
  2. ^ GamePro gave the PSP version two 4/5 scores for graphics and sound, and two 4.5/5 scores for control and fun factor.
  3. ^ GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version two 2.5/5 scores for graphics and sound, 3/5 for control, and 3.5/5 for fun factor.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on July 20, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Tokobot". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  3. ^ Edge staff (February 2006). "Tokobot". Edge. No. 159. Future plc. p. 89.
  4. ^ Nutt, Christian; Intihar, Bryan; Parish, Jeremy (February 2006). "Tokobot" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 200. Ziff Davis. p. 110. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  5. ^ Fahey, Rob (January 25, 2007). "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  6. ^ Gibson, Ellie (April 11, 2006). "Tokobot". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  7. ^ a b "コロボットアドベンチャー [PS2]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. 2005.
  8. ^ a b Gantayat, Anoop (December 19, 2005). "Now Playing in Japan". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on July 20, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  9. ^ "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". Game Informer. No. 164. GameStop. December 2006.
  10. ^ Miller, Matt (January 2006). "Tokobot". Game Informer. No. 153. GameStop. p. 155. Archived from the original on January 9, 2008. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  11. ^ Parker, Tom (November 9, 2006). "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri Review". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on October 9, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  12. ^ Davis, Ryan (October 18, 2006). "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri Review". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on March 1, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  13. ^ Gouskos, Carrie (December 6, 2005). "Tokobot Review". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  14. ^ Speer, Justin (October 16, 2006). "GameSpy: Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 18, 2006. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  15. ^ Orlando, Greg (December 5, 2005). "GameSpy: Tokobot". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 13, 2007. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  16. ^ Bedigian, Louis (November 5, 2006). "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri - PS2 - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on January 27, 2008. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  17. ^ Wilde, Thomas "Wanderer" (December 2006). "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". Hardcore Gamer. Vol. 2, no. 6. Prima Games. p. 71. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  18. ^ Cunningham, James; Ashby, Alicia "Lynxara" (January 2006). "Tokobot". Hardcore Gamer. Vol. 1, no. 7. Prima Games. p. 69. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  19. ^ Castro, Juan (October 25, 2006). "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  20. ^ Nix, Marc (December 6, 2005). "Tokobot Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  21. ^ Varanini, Giancarlo (February 2006). "Tokobot". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. No. 101. Ziff Davis. p. 84. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  22. ^ Joynt, Patrick (Christmas 2006). "Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". PSM. No. 118. Future US. p. 84. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  23. ^ "Tokobot". PSM. No. 106. Future US. January 2006. p. 85.
  24. ^ Sewart, Greg (February 20, 2006). "Tokobot Review". X-Play. G4 Media. Archived from the original on March 14, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  25. ^ Mr. Marbles (February 2006). "Tokobot" (PDF). GamePro. No. 209. IDG. p. 78. Archived from the original on December 7, 2005. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  26. ^ Kilgore (December 2006). "Review: Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". GamePro. No. 219. IDG. Archived from the original on January 11, 2007. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
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