Robodunk
When it comes to arcade titles released in the 90s, there are many titles that fans of that era can recall spending quarters and tokens to spend the afternoon on. One such game that made just as much of an impact on the Sega Genesis as it did in the arcade was NBA Jam Tournament Edition. Before NBA Jam, basketball games remained “simulation-like,” grounded in as much realism as 16-bit graphic engines could muster. Midway Games dared to be different and began a niche genre of arcade-style basketball. Robodunk also dares to be different in bringing back a nostalgic kind of action game, complete with a modern twist.
The premise for Robodunk is simple. You are tasked to begin a basketball team from the Overseer to find if “ball is truly life.” I’m sorry, if “Dunk” is life. The teams vary between different colors and no team’s “better” than the other, so I just picked my favorite color, violet. What surprised me about Robodunk was the world-building within the game. Aside from simply being “color palettes” for the other robo teams, each color has a description and its lore for entering the tournament.
The Greys for example are described as slow and methodical. The Violets are known for their violence while the pinks like to showboat and put on a spectacle. Even the various robo models and stages have lore that the player can discover as they venture through the campaign. In this kind of game, lore doesn’t have to be at the forefront of mentions, but it’s a nice treat for players who want a bit of investment.
Speaking of investment and true to its roguelike roots, players will go through various levels that feature progressively difficult enemy teams and higher risks. Losing a game of basketball means they are out of the tournament and must start over from the beginning, however, there are beneficial permanent items including “level skips.”
Giving players the ability to start from a checkpoint rather than a complete reset is always welcomed in roguelikes like these. It feels more like a classic arcade game, using the NBA Jam example once more. Instead of reaching a “continue” screen when you lose (and being forced to pay more tokens to continue a game), you get a “game over.”
Perhaps this is how arcade-style gameplay and roguelikes go well together because it has the same element of a “one credit run.” If you fail the challenge, you begin again with that single credit. However, there are many buffs and skills to help aid the player throughout each game.
First, they must purchase two robots to start a team with. I decided on Devil and Chomper, the early-game speedster and tanky robo duo. It’s similar to having a point guard and a center guard whose job is to protect their teammate. Starks and Ewing anyone?
Unique to Robodunk and not included in NBA Jam are weapons. Each robo has access to a unique weapon that interacts with enemies in different ways. The Kobu robot has the ability to erect a solid light wall that bars the enemy’s path, perfect for “perimeter defense.” Keeping a well-versed pool of robots to use on your team is important as certain levels will include hazards and gimmicks. These can cause otherwise normal matches to snowball out of control.
Eventually, the inevitable happened. I lost the finals by a few mere points and my team was promptly executed. However, The Overseer is an encouraging fellow so with his belief in us sound and resolute, we try again. Fortunately, the levels of robots, earned skills, and the option to purchase a level skip ensures that the player doesn’t lose all of their progress.
Robodunk was an interesting experience as it contributed to a genre that rarely sees as much action as it deserves. While players can’t rain three-pointers, the strategy of dunking and using airtime to avoid hazards makes Robodunk satisfyingly addictive. Fans of classic arcade sports titles with a modern twist will enjoy this spiritual successor, all in the name of “dunk.”
Robodunk is now available on the PC and Nintendo Switch.