Robotic Operating Buddy
If there is anything Nintendo is known for, it’s innovation. The Japanese gaming giant has always known how we want to enjoy our games, years in advance. Although the masterminds there are usually on the money, they have occasionally missed the mark and quietly swept it under the carpet. Sadly, ROB falls into this category of tried and tested gimmicks.
The Robotic Operating Buddy was Nintendo’s big idea for 1985. Understanding the limitations of videogames being two-dimensional forms of entertainment, Nintendo released the Family Robot, as it was known in Japan, to break down the fourth wall. Once it was placed somewhere in front of the TV, this unusual character would await commands from the on-screen action. Up, down, left, right, open and close were the motions…