Astro Boy: Omega Factor (gba: 2004): Reviews

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Astro Boy: Omega Factor


8.6

based on 37 reviews
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based on 10 votes
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Cheat Code Central

(Also known as "Tetsuwan Atomu" in Japan) Join Astro, the robotic superhero with a human mind, in a jet-fueled adventure to reunite the robotic race with humans. Using his seven super abilities, Astro faces off against the likes of Atlas, Blue Knight, and more than 40 other characters from Osamu Tezuka's iconic anime franchise. Developed by Treasure in conjunction with Hitmaker, Astro Boy: Omega Factor brings classic 2D gaming to the GBA along with an original seven-episode story crafted from previous versions of the Astro Boy animated series. Playing as Astro, gamers learn about justice, compassion, evil, courage and the history of the landmark character - all while building Astro's Omega Factor and strengthening his character and super-human abilities. [Sega]

PUBLISHER:	Sega
DEVELOPER:	Hitmaker - Treasure
GENRE(S):	Action
PLAYERS:	1
ESRB RATING:	E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE:	August 17, 2004

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Nintendojo

The difficulty goes up gradually and never catches you by surprise; you won’t find any huge leaps in difficulty here. The graphics are fantastic and the color use is great.

Next Level Gaming

If you put it up against almost any GBA game released this year, Astro knocks ‘em flat.

Game Power Australia

If you're a fan of the Astro Boy character, buying Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a no-brainer. But even if you're not, the game is produced so well in every regard that it's well worth playing through.

GameSpot

Everyone, regardless of age, simply must own and play Astro Boy: Omega Factor--because it is one of the best action games on the Game Boy Advance.

Play Magazine

The shooter stages offer some nice variety, while a surprisingly sophisticated story and a nice character growth feature add further depth. [Aug 2004, p.59]

GBA Central

Whether you rely on brute strength or a tactical mind, the fact that the game allows this is an achievement in itself. [JPN Import]

Gamenikki

Treasure will make you believe that robots are your friends.

Nintendo Power

Play control is responsive, the weapons are powerful and an RPG-like sould-collecting system is creative and cool. [Oct 2004, p.124]

Inside Gamer Online

Every element is well-designed and engaging, and they come together to create a game that is just a joy to play.

Gaming Nexus

Astro Boy exceeded my expectations in every possible sense.

GamePro

With over 16 levels, three levels of difficulty, and an engaging plot-oriented story rivaling most in-depth RPG games, Astroy Boy: Omega Factor is highly recommended to all. [Sept 2004, p.92]

GameSpy

It's no gimmicks, no frills, and ten times more enjoyable than yet another warmed-over SNES port.

RewiredMind

Only the steep difficulty curve may prove a deterrent: later levels especially can induce fits of blind GBA-throwing rage. For those with the grit to play it, Astro Boy: The Omega Factor makes a refreshing alternative to all those meandering wander-em-ups.

GameShark

It is one of the great GBA action games for 2004 and shows that handhelds have games equal to, and sometimes superior to, their big brothers.

GamerFeed

One of the greatest ever made. From the non-stop action, enormous sprites, dazzling visuals, and colorful characters, Sega and Treasure really hit this one out of the stratosphere.

Cheat Code Central

You will be hard pressed to find a better action game on the GBA. The fact that the game features Astro Boy is actually a bonus. Anyone that likes action and robots, (and who doesn't?) is certain to enjoy Astro Boy: Omega Factor.

IGN

The game is definitely a technical marvel, with the skillful Treasure programmers pulling off some of the most impressive sprite tricks ever seen on the Game Boy Advance.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Astroy Boy assaults you with old-school charm. Factor in snazzy visuals, tight controls, and demanding difficulty, and you get a solid purchase...and one that's not just for kids. [Sept 2004, p.110]

IC-Games

And even though the characters in Astro Boy: Omega Factor come and go so fast it's still hard to ignore just how beautiful Osamu Tezuka's creations really are.

Weekly Famitsu

9 / 9 / 8 / 8 - 34 gold [Vol 784]

TotalGames.net

All at once. Astro boy is challenging, beautiful and in these days, utterly unique in its simplicity. Action fans will want to snap this up at the very first opportunity. [JPN Import]

Game Informer

Its pure and simple action is a perfect antidote to the poory executed, overblown titles that clog store shelves these days. [Aug 2004, p.107]

GameCritics

The level designs may lack the intricacy, and consequently the intensity, of the studio's high watermark titles (Ikaruga; Gunstar Heroes) and the constant left-to-right blandness is a possible criticism, but, primarily because of the narrative ingenuity injected into a typically 'action-at-all-costs' genre, Astro Boy still feels like something of a landmark title for the GBA, and for side-scrolling games in general.

1UP

With Omega Factor, Treasure has crafted what is perhaps one of the finest 2D sidescrollers in years.

GameZone

Astro Boy will surprise you with its challenge, its endurance, and its clever (and crazy) boss battles. The dash-to-survive gameplay is very unique.

Siliconera

A game that will entertain almost everyone looking for a simplistic fun platformer. If you're looking for a game that is epic and will last forever Astro Boy isn't it. [JPN Import]

GMR Magazine

It kind of works, if only as a surprisingly challenging, exceptionally beautiful time capsule of Tezuka's greatest hits. [Sept 2004, p.82]

G4 TV

The type of game that tends to get over praised since its simplicity and competency are so refreshing. But you don't have to be an Astro Fan-Boy to appreciate the throwback fun of this well-made shooter.

Yahoo! Games

Signature company staples -- hordes of enemies, screens filled to bursting with explosive sprites, and a fiendish difficulty setting -- underscore a stunning, bite-sized seven-episode morsel.

netjak

There's a lot of repetition in the levels, and the fact that Astro Boy's weaponry is for all intents and purposes unlimited, the game is a bit on the easy side.

The New York Times

I am a great fan of thoughtful, intricate games, yet there is an undeniable power in the visceral thrill of blasting robots, ramming into flatbed trucks and disrobing Bugs Bunny.

AceGamez

It's fair to say that most people over the age of about eight will find it ridiculously easy and childlike and it features some typically Manga quirks and moral dubiousness (indeed, one of the themes of the original U.S. series was vivisection!) but as a piece of history and heartwarming my-first action title, it's pleasing in almost every facet.

Edge Magazine

A masterclass in imaginative flair and precision-engineered game mechanics. The GBA is beginning to feel all grown up. [Feb 2004, p.107]

NTSC-uk

A fun, exciting and action-packed game. Beneath its cute exterior beats a heart of granite and any negative aspects are outweighed by points of excellence that allow it to move self-assuredly through the mountain of faceless Gameboy titles. [JPN Import]

games(TM)

A great addition to any GBA collection...While there may be instances where the lack of a vertically scrolling screen can unfairly get you killed, the quality of the game’s other elements is ample compensation for this annoyance. [Nov 2004, p.117]

Gamestyle

The laziness of the enemies, repetitive combat and ridiculous slowdown are all against it; but the clever storytelling, great boss fights, high-quality presentation and rock-hard challenge ensure this is a step above a lazy, licensed game.

AltGaming

The bonus levels are forgettable, while the attribute system is woefully underused.

The average user rating for this game is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

J L gave it a7:
Game play gets repetitive after a while.

Jay Rad gave it an8:
It was a pretty good game, but I wished it was longer and involved less mashing of buttons. thats just me i love RPGs.

Paul F. gave it a10:
An incredibly fun game, especially for a portable console. Has a much more involved and interesting story than I expected.

T. Dog gave it a 10:
Thank God for Treasure, who made this and Ikaruga, an incredibly underrated (or at least under sold) GC game. What a great shooter. keep em coming.

Blue Falcon gave it a 9:
Okay so Astro Boy is a pretty lame character unless you're nostalgic, really young, or perhaps reside in Japan. But this game is seriously great. It's a hardcore shooter, not the typical kiddie platformer you might expect to find on the gba.

[Anonymous] gave it a 7:
A friendly note, Metacritic, Edge, GamesTM & NTSC-UK actually use 5/10 as average, rather than 7/10, unlike some people (IGN). [Ed: huh?]

Matt T. gave it a 9:
Its a licenced character and the game doesnt stink! Western game developers and marketers take note, this will be a hot game if it ever makes it to the west, and the kids will speak with their wallets. Maybe if this game gets the sales it deserves, developers for other movie & TV based games will also try to improve the quality of their product. Note: Astro will be very popular in 2004-2005 and it will be due to quality, not marketing, the people in marketing Astroboy this year will credit themselves, but the real power in capturing the publics imagination is QUALITY!