Robot Ponkottsu: Star Version Overview
Robot Ponkottsu: Star Version is a Game Boy Color title where the player assumes the role of Cody, inheriting a Robopon dispatching business from his retired grandfather. The core progression involves traveling Porombo Island to battle other collectors, with a particular focus on defeating the elite group known as the Legend 7 to claim their ranks.
Battles are turn-based affairs between Robopon, reminiscent of the Pokémon series, where owners command their creatures to attack or defend. A distinct mechanic allows defeated Robopon to occasionally drop items for the victor to claim. Recovery during combat is possible through spells found or purchased, or by visiting dispatch centers for machine-based healing.
Robopon are customized through a system of parts and software, where the allocated space on a part dictates which attacks can be equipped. Software can also be combined to create special abilities. The game features 153 distinct Robopon, and completing the collection requires trading via infrared link with the companion Sun Version, which was released concurrently.
A unique character generation detail is that the player's inputted birth date determines the specific Robopon they receive at the start of a new game.