Level-5’s LBX: Little Battlers eXperience is a simplistic RPG based on a popular kid’s show about tiny merchandisable robots. But deep within, what you find is a complex and entertaining action-RPG that is never fully betrayed by the nature of its premise. While LBX’s clunky design choices often hold it back, it surprisingly exceeds initial impressions with charming presentation, satisfying combat, and loads of deep customization.

LBX’s story takes place in a futuristic world where children play with LBX, which are miniature robots purchased at retail used to fight in competitive battles. It follows the adventures of Van Yamano, a child–who after being given a powerful top-secret LBX–becomes involved in a plot to save the world with his friends. Despite having occasional cheesy melodramatic narrative beats, LBX’s story manages to remain interesting thanks to a well-paced narrative, charming characters, and an unexpectedly sympathetic villain. The …