robot alchemic drive
i freaking love this game
written january 4th, 2025
there's a poster of this game out there that i really want framed on my wall
The Playstation 2 had more games than you can shake a joystick at, so it’s no wonder that Robot Alchemic Drive (or RAD for short) (or Gigantic Drive for other regions) went under the radar. However, over 20 years later, I have fallen truly and deeply in love with this video game.
Robot Alchemic Drive is an Action-type video game that tells the story of a high-school kid saving the world from Giant Alien Robots by using their own Giant Human Robot (or “Meganites”, as the game refers to them). Not necessarily a unique premise, but it’s the way that the story is presented that really makes it stand out. The game is broken into 53 episodes, complete with minor arcs and one-off “filler” episodes. With the assets being reused and recolored throughout the game alongside the game’s “distinct” english dub, it gives the impression of a mediocre tv show that really stretched its budget, which makes sense considering its tokusatsu inspirations.
this game is 95% giant robots punching each other, and 5% hovering around buildings
Speaking of the english dub, the voice acting is one of Robot Alchemic Drive’s greatest charm points. If you’ve heard this game’s name at all, it was likely in the context of a clip of this game's voice acting, which, to describe it objectively, is “not good”, but that’s what makes it perfect! It’s that layer of goofiness that gets you in the door and engaged, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up loving it in a fully unironic way by the end. Aside from their dialogue, there’s also the charm inherent to the characters themselves. From the civilian best friend, Nanao, who gives you a sense of what this ongoing battle means to the people of Earth, to the on-the-scene news reporter, Mika, who has a whole mini-arc about getting too overzealous, nearly every character has something to add to the story, regardless of their importance. And Toshihiro Kawamoto’s (Co-Founder of Bones and Character Designer for Cowboy Bebop) designs only add to each character’s strength.
left: nanao, my precious darling daughter,, i want only the best for her,,
right: behold, old man spike spiegel
Robot Alchemic Drive is more than its charming presentation, however. Its mechanics are a perfect example of how video games as a medium can tell stories in a way unique from films, books, and television. During gameplay, the camera is always locked to the protagonist, who controls the robot from a distance via a particularly PS2 controller-shaped remote. As you are often having to adjust your position to keep a good line-of-sight on the action, the game is able to remind you just how big these mecha are, and just how small a person is in comparison. From this point of view, the awkward individual-limb control system of the robot becomes a somewhat grounded depiction of a teenager clumsily piloting a gargantuan piece of machinery. There were plenty of times where I thought “a rocket-fist attack would be really cool here”, and proceeded to miss my shot and destroy three city blocks. And when it comes to the collateral damage, the game really manages to sell it. Buildings breaking into chunks. People running away and screaming. Transmissions of evacuation efforts being broadcasted. It all combines with that scale to plant you in the world as its defender, the one person who can try and prevent it all from being destroyed.
regardless of if you're winning or losing, collateral damage is always a worry
This game was not only a moment of my year, it was a moment of my life. Playing this game has permanently altered my brain, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
