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[[File:Medarot logo.png|thumb|300px]] | [[File:Medarot logo.png|thumb|300px]] | ||
'''Medarot''' ({{r|メダロット|Medarotto}}, known internationally as '''Medabots''') is a media franchise created and owned by Japanese game publisher [[Imagineer]] based on the story concepts and designs of mangaka [[Horuma Rin]]. The series centers around the titular Medarots, small modular robots of [[alien]] origins that are fully obedient to their human masters and | '''Medarot''' ({{r|メダロット|Medarotto}}, known internationally as '''Medabots''') is a media franchise created and owned by Japanese game publisher [[Imagineer]] based on the story concepts and designs of mangaka [[Horuma Rin]]. The series centers around the titular Medarots, small modular robots of [[alien]] origins that are fully obedient to their human masters and that can be used in fights know as [[Robattle]]s. Though its main component is a series of turn-based role playing video games released mainly for [[wikipedia:Nintendo|Nintendo]] handheld consoles, Medarot was conceived as a multimedia franchise from the onset and also seen an extensive history in manga, merchandising and two anime series. The games were developed by game company [[Natsume]] until 2003, after which development was taken over by a succession of Imagineer subsidiaries, namely [[Rocket Company]], [[Delta Arts]] and [[So What]]. ¸ | ||
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===Story and characters=== | ===Story and characters=== | ||
[[File:Medarot s wallpaper.jpg|thumb|Artwork for [[Medarot S: Unlimited Nova]], showing off the protagonists of the mainline games]] | [[File:Medarot s wallpaper.jpg|thumb|Artwork for [[Medarot S: Unlimited Nova]], showing off the protagonists of the mainline games]] | ||
Medarot takes place in near-future Japan, where a worldwide sensation known as the Medarots has changed everyday life. Medarots are sapient, usually around one meter-tall robots (though some larger models exist) built around a durable endoskeleton called a [[Tinpet]]. Tinpets allow for modular building, allowing Medarots to have any combination of head, left arm, right arm, and legs barring restrictions tied to the Tinpet's gender. Medarots are powered by [[Medal]]s inserted in a slot on the Medarot's back, which hold the Medarot's consciousness and memories. Medarots receive commands from their owners through a device called the [[Medarotch]] and can partake in Robattle where tradition has the winner of a bout get a random medarot part from the loser, though a series of restrictions known as The Three Laws of Medarots (inspired by [[wikipedia:Isaac Asimov|Isaac Asimov]]'s Three Laws of Robotics) limits | Medarot takes place in near-future Japan, where a worldwide sensation known as the Medarots has changed everyday life. Medarots are sapient, usually around one meter-tall robots (though some larger models exist) built around a durable endoskeleton called a [[Tinpet]]. Tinpets allow for modular building, allowing Medarots to have any combination of head, left arm, right arm, and legs barring restrictions tied to the Tinpet's gender. Medarots are powered by [[Medal]]s inserted in a slot on the Medarot's back, which hold the Medarot's consciousness and memories. Medarots can receive commands from their owners through a device called the [[Medarotch]] and can partake in Robattle where tradition has the winner of a bout get a random medarot part from the loser, though a series of restrictions known as The Three Laws of Medarots (inspired by [[wikipedia:Isaac Asimov|Isaac Asimov]]'s Three Laws of Robotics) limits Medarot's ability to cause serious harm. | ||
The series constantly change casts and location and thus does not a defined "main" protagonist though [[Ikki Tenryou]] (who stars in Medarot 2-4 as well as their derived anime and manga adaptations) is the most recurring and recognizable. Recurring elements include a male (usually elementary school-grade or young teenage) protagonist, his female childhood friend, his male rival, costumed troublemakers (usually the [[RoboRobo Gang]] or derived groups), an incompetent police force (usually the [[Select Corps]]) and a duo or trio of school bullies. | The series constantly change casts and location and thus does not a defined "main" protagonist though [[Ikki Tenryou]] (who stars in Medarot 2-4 as well as their derived anime and manga adaptations) is the most recurring and recognizable. Recurring elements include a male (usually elementary school-grade or young teenage) protagonist, his female childhood friend, his male rival, costumed troublemakers (usually the [[RoboRobo Gang]] or derived groups), an incompetent police force (usually the [[Select Corps]]) and a duo or trio of school bullies. | ||
Most Medarot media is [[Hirano Kana's Medarot 2 Production Notes#Fall_Of_Fuyun|aimed at young children]] and thus stories are typically lighthearted and comedic in tone, although some installments have explored serious themes. For instance, [[Medarot 4]] was described by [[Hirano Kana|its writer]] as intentionally pushing the boundaries of what Nintendo would allow for release on its consoles. | Most Medarot media is [[Hirano Kana's Medarot 2 Production Notes#Fall_Of_Fuyun|aimed at young children]] and thus stories are typically lighthearted and comedic in tone, although some installments have explored serious themes. For instance, [[Medarot 4]] was described by [[Hirano Kana|its writer]] as intentionally pushing the boundaries of what Nintendo would allow for release on its consoles. | ||
===Gameplay=== | ===Gameplay=== | ||
====Format==== | ====Format==== | ||
The mainline Medarot games are turn-based role playing games. Gameplay is divided in two phases: overworld and battles. On the overworld, players control a human [[Medarotter]] from an overhead view where they can move around, talk to NPCs, interact with objects and manage their Medarot roster. Stories are typically linear in nature, although the games often incorporate sidequests and | The mainline Medarot games are turn-based role playing games. Gameplay is divided in two phases: overworld and battles. On the overworld, players control a human [[Medarotter]] from an overhead view where they can move around, talk to NPCs, interact with objects and manage their Medarot roster. Stories are typically linear in nature, although the games often incorporate sidequests and earlier installments include hidden romancing mechanics where the player can _end up between one of two women based on their actions and dialogue options selected throughout the game, with different events and parts rewarded for their choices. | ||
Most Medarot games are released in dual [[Kabuto]] and [[Kuwagata]] versions, with their own starter robots and set of parts and medals. Kabuto starters are typically yellow, modeled after Japanese rhinoceros beetles and focused on shooting attack, while Kuwagata-type starters are white, based on stag beatles and focused on melee attacks. Players are encouraged to trade with players owning the other version to be able to acquire a full set of parts, and early releases also had supplemental Parts Collections games, short plot-light sidegames that provide an alternate way to collect all parts for their parent titles. | Most Medarot games are released in dual [[Kabuto]] and [[Kuwagata]] versions, with their own starter robots and set of parts and medals. Kabuto starters are typically yellow, modeled after Japanese rhinoceros beetles and focused on shooting attack, while Kuwagata-type starters are white, based on stag beatles and focused on melee attacks. Players are encouraged to trade with players owning the other version to be able to acquire a full set of parts, and early releases also had supplemental Parts Collections games, short plot-light sidegames that provide an alternate way to collect all parts for their parent titles. | ||
While on the overworld, players can check their inventory, save, and assemble Medarots. Parts are obtained by | While on the overworld, players can check their inventory, save, and assemble Medarots. Parts are obtained by purchasing them at shops (with currency being acquired through plot events or selling parts), acquiring them through plot progression or by finding them in the field. Players typically start with one [[Tinpet]] and collect more through story progression and sidequests, usually to a maximum of nine. Beside assembling a Medarot's parts, another component to consider is its Medal. In gameplay terms, the Medal dictates what stats a Medarot's specialize in and what parts it prioritize when attacking, though the specifics of the system have changed over time. | ||
====Battle system==== | ====Battle system==== | ||
Battles in Medarot take the form of turn-based battle. Battle starts with the player selecting their Medarot team composition and giving each Medarot a command, equivalent to one of its parts. Arm parts actions typically have unlimited ammo, while Head actions are often more potent but have limited uses. Bouts are represented as a sort of relay race where each side's Medarot runs to a central point known as the Active Line, execute their action and then move back to their starting point to repeat the process, a phase known as Cool Down. | Battles in Medarot take the form of turn-based battle. Battle starts with the player selecting their Medarot team composition and giving each Medarot a command, equivalent to one of its parts. Arm parts actions typically have unlimited ammo, while Head actions are often more potent but have limited uses. Bouts are represented as a sort of relay race where each side's Medarot runs to a central point known as the Active Line, execute their action and then move back to their starting point to repeat the process, a phase known as Cool Down. | ||
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===Ikki Tenryou games=== | ===Ikki Tenryou games=== | ||
1999 would see the release of the series best-selling installment in [[Medarot 2]]. Taking place seven years after the events of the original game, Medarot 2 stars a new protagonist, schoolboy [[Ikki Tenryou]] who is dragged into adventure when he is forced by an older Hikaru into purchasing his own Medarot. The game introduced the concept of [[Medaforce]], allowing Medarots to charge energy to unleash a variety of powerful techniques. | 1999 would see the release of the series best-selling installment in [[Medarot 2]]. Taking place seven years after the events of the original game, Medarot 2 stars a new protagonist, schoolboy [[Ikki Tenryou]] who is dragged into adventure when he is forced by an older Hikaru into purchasing his own Medarot. The game introduced the concept of [[Medaforce]], allowing Medarots to charge energy to unleash a variety of powerful techniques. | ||
It was followed in 2000 with [[Medarot 3]] for the Game Boy Color. New features include [[Medachange]] (Medarot part sets that have the ability to transform, giving them new properties and attacks) and [[Medalia]]s, small jewels that can be inserted in three indents on Medals to widen its statistics. The game incorporate themes about the environment and was the final release to have a companion Parts Collection title. | |||
It was followed in 2000 with [[Medarot 3]] for the Game Boy Color. New features include [[Medachange]] (Medarot part sets that have the ability to transform, giving them new properties and attacks) and [[Medalia]]s, small jewels that can be inserted in three indents on Medals to | |||
[[Medarot 4]] was released in 2001. Advertised as the end of Ikki's story, its plot has Ikki rescue [[Karin]] from a sinister group of Medarotters known as the Four Kings. Its gameplay reuses the system of Medarot 3 but incorporate more minigames. | [[Medarot 4]] was released in 2001. Advertised as the end of Ikki's story, its plot has Ikki rescue [[Karin]] from a sinister group of Medarotters known as the Four Kings. Its gameplay reuses the system of Medarot 3 but incorporate more minigames. | ||
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===Interim era=== | ===Interim era=== | ||
[[File:Shingata Medarot Kabuto Box.jpg|thumb|Cover of Shingata Medarot]] | [[File:Shingata Medarot Kabuto Box.jpg|thumb|Cover of Shingata Medarot]] | ||
[[Medarot 5]] launched late in 2001 for the Game Boy Color, bringing another major shake up with a new cast, setting and roster of Medarots. Its plot stars schoolboy [[Koishimaru Tensan]] as he moves into a new town and acquires an abandoned Medarotch. Though Medarot 5 is the only RPG title to start Koishimaru, | [[Medarot 5]] launched late in 2001 for the Game Boy Color, bringing another major shake up with a new cast, setting and roster of Medarots. Its plot stars schoolboy [[Koishimaru Tensan]] as he moves into a new town and acquires an abandoned Medarotch. Though Medarot 5 is the only RPG title to start Koishimaru, the story of Medarot 5 is continued in the fighting game spin-off [[Medarot G]]. | ||
2004 would mark the first entry to developed internally at Imagineer with [[Shingata Medarot]] (lit "True Type Medarot") for the Game Boy Advance. Ostensibly a remake of the first Medarot, Shingata takes a much looser to remaking its parent title than Perfect Edition, featuring a brand roster of Medarots and a overhauled art style. The game was criticized for its art style and lack of innovation and sold very poorly which, along with a trend of declining sales for Medarot games, marked the end of the franchise for a time. | 2004 would mark the first entry to developed internally at Imagineer with [[Shingata Medarot]] (lit "True Type Medarot") for the Game Boy Advance. Ostensibly a remake of the first Medarot, Shingata takes a much looser to remaking its parent title than Perfect Edition, featuring a brand roster of Medarots and a overhauled art style. The game was criticized for its art style and lack of innovation and sold very poorly which, along with a trend of declining sales for Medarot games, marked the end of the franchise for a time. | ||
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===Azuma Amakura games=== | ===Azuma Amakura games=== | ||
[[File:Medarot DS Kabuto Box.jpg|thumb|Medarot DS cover]] | [[File:Medarot DS Kabuto Box.jpg|thumb|Medarot DS cover]] | ||
After five years of hiatus, Medarot would return in 2010 with [[Medarot DS]] for the Nintendo DS. The | After five years of hiatus, Medarot would return in 2010 with [[Medarot DS]] for the Nintendo DS.The plot return to tradition when [[Azuma Amakura]], a young boy who wants his Medarot but is not allowed one by his strict father, acquires one through a set of circumstances and gets tangled in adventure with older incarnations of the cast of Medarot. Though criticized for its writing and issues with the battle system, Medarot S proved to be enough of a financial success to resume work on the series. | ||
The series continued in 2012 with [[Medarot 7]] for the Nintendo 3DS. The first fully 3D Medarot RPG, 7 is a retelling of DS, presenting a similar but | The series continued in 2012 with [[Medarot 7]] for the Nintendo 3DS. The first fully 3D Medarot RPG, 7 is a retelling of DS, presenting a similar but incompatible storyline. | ||
===Later 3DS games=== | ===Later 3DS games=== | ||
2014's [[Medarot 8]] takes place in a new | 2014's [[Medarot 8]] takes place in a brand new universe, centering its plotline around new protagonist [[Salt]], who is part of a detective agency investigating odd occurences in town. The game makes many changes to the core battle system which would be carried over in future titles. | ||
[[Medarot 9]] is another shake-up, set in another | [[Medarot 9]] is another shake-up, set in another brand new continuity as its protagonist [[Tenma]] enters a prestigious academy. New additions to the formula include the ability to select which parts the player wants to claim after winning a battle, and the ability to dynamically swap a part on the Leader Medarot once per battle. | ||
===Current era=== | ===Current era=== | ||
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The first non-numbered Medarot RPG was [[Medarot R]], released in 1999 for the Playstation. The game has a similar but distinct story from Medarot 2. Though still using 2D graphics for its overworld gameplay, Medarot R is the first installment to employ 3D graphics for its Robattles. It also had by far the biggest Medarot roster up to that point, featuring a total of 253 medarots both old and new. It is the only spin-off title to receive a Parts Collection expansion. | The first non-numbered Medarot RPG was [[Medarot R]], released in 1999 for the Playstation. The game has a similar but distinct story from Medarot 2. Though still using 2D graphics for its overworld gameplay, Medarot R is the first installment to employ 3D graphics for its Robattles. It also had by far the biggest Medarot roster up to that point, featuring a total of 253 medarots both old and new. It is the only spin-off title to receive a Parts Collection expansion. | ||
Shortly after Medarot 5, [[Medarot Navi]] marked the series debut on the GameBoy Advance platform. | Shortly after Medarot 5, [[Medarot Navi]] marked the series debut on the GameBoy Advance platform. Using a more sleek and angular artstyle, Navi's gameplay employs 5v5 battles on large maps, playing more like a tactical turn-based RPG than the typical Medarot game. | ||
===Action games=== | ===Action games=== | ||
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[[Medarot Brave]] (Medabots Infinity internationally) launched on the Nintendo GameCube in 2003. The first fully 3D title in the series, Brave plays like an overhead shooter. Its plot has Ikki and Metabee investigate mysteries in a newly-opened amusement park. It was the final game to be translated for western audiences and also marks the end of Natsume's involvement with the series. | [[Medarot Brave]] (Medabots Infinity internationally) launched on the Nintendo GameCube in 2003. The first fully 3D title in the series, Brave plays like an overhead shooter. Its plot has Ikki and Metabee investigate mysteries in a newly-opened amusement park. It was the final game to be translated for western audiences and also marks the end of Natsume's involvement with the series. | ||
[[Medarot Dual]] hit the Nintendo 3DS in 2013. The game is a third-person 2vs2 arena fighter, playing similarly to titles such as the Gundam VS series. A sequel was released in 2015 under the title [[Medarot Girls Mission]]. As its title indicates, Girls Mission features an all-female cast and also boasts a more sexually-charged presentation, including a | [[Medarot Dual]] hit the Nintendo 3DS in 2013. The game is a third-person 2vs2 arena fighter, playing similarly to titles such as the Gundam VS series. A sequel was released in 2015 under the title [[Medarot Girls Mission]]. As its title indicates, Girls Mission features an all-female cast and also boasts a more sexually-charged presentation, including a gimmick where players can damage the opponent's clothing by meeting certain conditions. As a result of its poor sales and declining performance of the 3DS Medarot titles, the game series saw another hiatus until 2020, although unlike the last time, the franchise would continue through manga and merchandising. | ||
===Compilations=== | ===Compilations=== | ||
==In other medias== | ==In other medias== | ||
===Manga=== | ===Manga=== | ||
Most of the Medarot mangas were published under Kodansha's [[Comic | Most of the Medarot mangas were published under Kodansha's [[Comic Bonbon]] magazine. Not all runs were collected in volumes, making their availability limited. | ||
The [[Medarot 1 (manga)|original Medarot manga | The [[Medarot 1 (manga)|original Medarot manga]] was the first and longest-running, debuting shortly before the game. | ||
===Anime=== | ===Anime=== | ||
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Both series would be localized by Canadian distributor [[Nelvana]] in 2001 under the title Medabots, being the first exposure to the franchise to many fans outside Japan. | Both series would be localized by Canadian distributor [[Nelvana]] in 2001 under the title Medabots, being the first exposure to the franchise to many fans outside Japan. | ||
===Merchandise=== | ===Merchandise=== | ||
Japanese toymaker [[Takara]] released a number of licensed Medarot products including, 2.5 inches figures, model kits and roleplay items. Takara's long-time western partner [[Hasbro]] would import many of its Medarot toys in the wake of the anime's western airing, although it would supplement these products with a number of new offerings, most prominently a line of 6 action figures with swappable limbs. | Japanese toymaker [[Takara]] released a number of licensed Medarot products including, 2.5 inches figures, model kits and roleplay items. Takara's long-time western partner [[Hasbro]] would import many of its Medarot toys in the wake of the anime's western airing, although it would supplement these products with a number of new offerings, most prominently a line of 6 action figures with swappable limbs. |