Biomotor Unitron is a neat game that was released in 1999 for the Neo Geo Pocket Color and is a game that is far more than what it initially seems to be. The plot seems simple enough, as you play as the pilot of the Biomotor Unitron who has set off to become the Master of Masters at an annual tournament. This all seems simple enough, but things start to get deeper very quickly.
Biomotor Unitron is set in the Kingdom of Rhafiace, which contains four different dungeons full of monsters to fight in battles. What is interesting here is that the dungeon layout will change each time you enter the dungeons, so there is a lot of replay value here. Battles are fought in a classic JRPG style as one on one battles, complete with numerous choices such as to attack, flee and so on, and so will be very familiar to fans of JRPGs.
What is rather interesting is that your attacks will change depending on the weapons you have equipped, so you can introduce a lot of variety to your playstyle. If one weapon style is not doing it for you, a change may provide a new set of attacks that are much more to your liking, which is something more RPGs should consider doing. You are joined on your quest by a mechanic who will help you make more weapons and level up alongside you.
As you and the mechanic level up, you will be able to make stronger weapons for the Biomotor, with around 100 weapons in total. It is not just weapons though, as the Biomotor’s legs and cores can be swapped out as well. Doing so will affect the Biomotor’s stats, and even change its look in battle.
It should also be noted that while most battles are simply random encounters when in dungeons, there are also Battle Areas where you will fight to advance in ranks. The story may not be full of nuance and depth, but the mechanics here are solid and the game is fun to play. It is always rare to find a great classic RPG and Biomotor Unitron is a great example of one.
Like with other Neo Geo Pocket Color ports to Switch, the game is not only emulated perfectly, but the emulator also includes some nice additions as well. Almost every aspect of the Neo Geo Pocket Color was replicated, including the options for a system set up if you want, and a Neo geo Pocket Color appears on screen for you to play the game on. You can adjust the controls as you want, adjust display options, and there is even a rewind function included. The only thing left out of this port is the trading function that was in the original game, but that is a small price to pay.
In addition, there are a variety of skins for the on-screen Neo Geo Pocket Color in the form of the various different models of the system. The manual for the game is also digitally replicated here and that is a nice touch. As well, If you feel the screen is too small, then you can enlarge the image or zoom in to see better.
All in all, Biomotor Unitron is just a brilliant re-release of the classic and is one that should definitely be checked out.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided