Chibi-Robo [Promo]

I'll just start out being honest.  When I was a kid, this is the game I wanted.  I know, a little strange, a kid wanting a game where the point was the clean.  But once I finally got it, Chibi-Robo proved to be a lot more than just scrubbing stains.

Literally translated as "Little Robot", this GameCube game had quite a few surprises for players.  Although, it was developed by "Skip Ltd.", who hasn't done anything else worth mention.  Playing as a tiny robot, you navigate your owner's house and earn "Happy Points", usually through doing chores.  This can include picking up trash (which also earns you Moolah, the game's currency), scrubbing out stains, helping a family member, or taking care of the garden.

It's definitely a change from most games released today.  There's a lot of stories in the news about the amount of violence that goes into games.  One of the developers of Myst said "Violence is a big tool in storytelling... If you use violence without a point, people just get immune to it."  Point being, some of the biggest releases in America the year Chibi-Robo came out (2006) were Dead Rising, Gears of War, Half-Life 2, and Mortal Kombat.  All based on violence.  Chibi-Robo is very story and puzzler based.  Whether it be deciding how to ascend to the top of that shelf, or getting to an upstairs bedroom before the day ends.  And let's not forget, Chibi runs on a battery, that has to be charged after activity (yes, you choose to do it in game).

The story is similar to that of an RPG.  There are many characters who send you on "quests", and you eventually learn their back-stories.  It's a very good story, and not just for kids.  After all, the parents have marital problems and their child has identity issues.

This game is worth your time.  It's innovative, fun, and a refreshing step in a different direction.  Although it may not seem like the best investment of your time, Chibi-Robo may surprise you.