Once the cornerstone of arcade and console gaming, 2D shooters, much like their dimensionally limited platforming cousins, had seemingly fallen off the radar, doomed to a fate akin to text adventures and point ‘n’ click. However, with the arrival of casual gaming and the rise to prominence of services such as WiiWare and Xbox Live Arcade, 2D gaming is suddenly alive once again.
Look no further than the recent critical success of XBLA darling Braid for evidence of this. A few years ago this would have done well to win an online following, but in today’s world, mainstream consumer sites like Eurogamer are giving it 10/10. It will be interesting to see its sales numbers.
However, whilst D3P’s Bangai-O Spirits is very much a 2D game, to say it’s targeting the casual audience is probably way off the mark. Developers don’t come any more hardcore than Treasure, and whilst Bangai-O is perhaps not as unforgiving as the likes of Silhouette Mirage or Ikaruga (though the latter enjoyed great success on XBLA) it’s certainly no walk in the park.
The original Bangai-O began life on the N64, though it’s Japanese-only release and limited production run means that the game is far better known for its technically superior Dreamcast incarnation, which was released in all major territories. Far from being a stripped-down successor, this DS version looks set to stand on its own two feet thanks to a number of interesting additions from its devoted developer.
The main game itself is expansive, as D3P’s marketing and PR executive Marlene Fitzsimmons explains: “Bangai-O Spirits is an all new re-imagining of the original title, rather than a port, so there are lots of fresh ideas with several homages included.”
Brand new to the DS version is an interesting level editor, which uses the handheld’s touch screen to grant gamers a precise level of control over their designs. Levels can be built from scratch, and any of the 160 included maps can be toyed with.
In addition to this, a file sharing system can be used to share not only user-created maps, but also game footage and high scores. Using Original Sound Load Technology, data is converted into sound bytes that are played through the DS’ speakers – any other DS within ‘hearing’ distance can then interpret this information. Using this method, files can be shared online or on PC-based memory devices. Wireless multiplayer is also included, which supports up the four players.
“In terms of promotions, our main focus is on PR,” Fitzsimmons adds. “Once you’ve played Bangai-O Spirits you realise how cool it is – gamers need to experience it for themselves. Of course we will be complementing our extensive PR campaign with print and online advertising, and supporting the product with a variety of in-store marketing.
“We expect Bangai-O Spirits to explode at retail. Outside of that niche we think Bangai-O Spirits has enough unique features, like the revolutionary Sound Load Technology, to set it apart from the rest of the DS market.”
Whilst the Nintendo DS is filled with games from certain genres, the shooter market is still one that’s a little under-represented on the machine. And whilst it may be niche, never doubt the demand for shooters amongst the hardcore masses.
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