The game revolves around Bolt, an agent from Canewood's Lab. His first research expedition leads him to discover rare Karakurirobots 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
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
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.
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
^Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the PSP version each a score of 5.5/10, 4/10, and 6/10.
^GamePro gave the PSP version two 4/5 scores for graphics and sound, and two 4.5/5 scores for control and fun factor.
^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.
^ abGantayat, Anoop (December 19, 2005). "Now Playing in Japan". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on July 20, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
^"Tokobot Plus: Mysteries of the Karakuri". Game Informer. No. 164. GameStop. December 2006.
^Miller, Matt (January 2006). "Tokobot". Game Informer. No. 153. GameStop. p. 155. Archived from the original on January 9, 2008. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
^Orlando, Greg (December 5, 2005). "GameSpy: Tokobot". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 13, 2007. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
