Bangai-O Spirits
Encyclopedia
is an action game
for the Nintendo DS
, and the sequel to Bangai-O
which was released on the Nintendo 64
and Dreamcast.
Bangai-O Spirits is a side-scrolling shooting game with free-scrolling levels that extend horizontally and vertically. The player controls a robot with the ability to fly, but is still affected by gravity. He has seven weapons to choose from, and can perform melee attacks using a baseball bat
or sword
.
The game has 160 levels, and features a level editor to create more. Edited levels can be encoded in a sound that can be recorded with a computer and shared between players. This technology was inspired by the datacasettes used by some older computers, including the Sharp X1
on which Matsumoto learned to program.
Upon completing all of the stages under "Treasure's Best" in free mode, a brief cutscene will play, with one of the characters saying "We're only here because the fanboys would throw a fit on the internet if the game didn't have an ending."
. When asked what game he would like to create next, he said he would like to "carry out Bakuretsu Muteki Bangai-O's revenge."
Treasure began working on a concept demo before a publisher was involved. Full production followed the completion of their previous handheld release, Bleach DS 2nd. When publisher ESP approached them about a possible collaboration, Bangai-O seemed like a logical fit. On September 11, 2007, Weekly Famitsu announced the game officially, and it was demonstrated at Tokyo Game Show
later that month.
of America.
Treasure has handled the localization for the game in-house, adding features they did not have time to include in the Japanese release. Treasure previously did this with the North American version of Astro Boy: Omega Factor
, which featured new enemies, difficulty modes, and refined level layouts, and is generally considered a stronger product than the original Japanese version.
A new defensive skill is the ability to knockback enemies and objects. The bat, dash, and reflect EX are the only ways to knockback enemies. Enemies that are knockedback can knockback other enemies which could cascade into a very large and damaging "wave" of knockedback enemies.
gave it 8.0/10. It was a nominee for Best Shooting Game and Best Use of Sound for the Nintendo DS by IGN in their 2008 video game awards.
Action game
Action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time. The genre includes diverse subgenres such as fighting games, shooter games, and platform games, which are widely considered the most important action games, though some...
for the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
, and the sequel to Bangai-O
Bangai-O
Bangai-O in its Dreamcast Western release, or in the Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast Japanese versions, is a multi-directional shooter video game developed by Treasure.It was first released on the Nintendo 64 only in Japan with a limited 10,000 unit production run...
which was released on the Nintendo 64
Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
and Dreamcast.
Bangai-O Spirits is a side-scrolling shooting game with free-scrolling levels that extend horizontally and vertically. The player controls a robot with the ability to fly, but is still affected by gravity. He has seven weapons to choose from, and can perform melee attacks using a baseball bat
Baseball bat
A baseball bat is a smooth wooden or metal club used in the game of baseball to hit the ball after the ball is thrown by the pitcher. It is no more than 2.75 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches in length. It typically weighs no more than 33 ounces , but it...
or sword
Sword
A sword is a bladed weapon used primarily for cutting or thrusting. The precise definition of the term varies with the historical epoch or the geographical region under consideration...
.
The game has 160 levels, and features a level editor to create more. Edited levels can be encoded in a sound that can be recorded with a computer and shared between players. This technology was inspired by the datacasettes used by some older computers, including the Sharp X1
Sharp X1
The X1 is a series of home computer released by Sharp Corporation from 1982 to 1988. It was based on a Z80 CPU.Despite the fact that the Computer Division of Sharp Corporation had released the MZ series, suddenly the Television Division released a new computer series called the X1...
on which Matsumoto learned to program.
Plot
Bangai-O Spirits has very little story line, and is not part of the same continuity as the previous game. The two new pilots are called Masato (boy) and Ruri (girl). The campaign mode is limited to a brief set of tutorial stages.Upon completing all of the stages under "Treasure's Best" in free mode, a brief cutscene will play, with one of the characters saying "We're only here because the fanboys would throw a fit on the internet if the game didn't have an ending."
Production
In a rare breach of the company's usual secrecy about future plans, developer Yoshiyuki Matsumoto first hinted at a sequel to Bangai-O in a 2003 interview on Sega's website to promote the game Astro Boy: Omega FactorAstro Boy: Omega Factor
is a beat 'em up video game developed by Treasure Co. Ltd and Hitmaker, and published by Sega. The game was released for the Game Boy Advance console on December 18, 2003 in Japan; August 18, 2004 in North America; and February 18, 2005 in Europe. The game is based on Osamu Tezuka's manga and anime...
. When asked what game he would like to create next, he said he would like to "carry out Bakuretsu Muteki Bangai-O's revenge."
Treasure began working on a concept demo before a publisher was involved. Full production followed the completion of their previous handheld release, Bleach DS 2nd. When publisher ESP approached them about a possible collaboration, Bangai-O seemed like a logical fit. On September 11, 2007, Weekly Famitsu announced the game officially, and it was demonstrated at Tokyo Game Show
Tokyo Game Show
The , commonly known as TGS, is a video game expo / convention held annually in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. It is presented by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and the Nikkei Business Publications, Inc...
later that month.
Localization
On August 12, 2008, the game has been released in North American by D3 PublisherD3 Publisher
D3Publisher is a Japanese video game publisher founded on February 5, 1992. Current CEO and president is Yuji Ito, and It is known for its Simple series of low-priced console games. Their games have been released for the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2,...
of America.
Treasure has handled the localization for the game in-house, adding features they did not have time to include in the Japanese release. Treasure previously did this with the North American version of Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Astro Boy: Omega Factor
is a beat 'em up video game developed by Treasure Co. Ltd and Hitmaker, and published by Sega. The game was released for the Game Boy Advance console on December 18, 2003 in Japan; August 18, 2004 in North America; and February 18, 2005 in Europe. The game is based on Osamu Tezuka's manga and anime...
, which featured new enemies, difficulty modes, and refined level layouts, and is generally considered a stronger product than the original Japanese version.
Weapons
The player is able to choose two weapons from a list that includes various missiles, melee weapons, and a defensive shield.EX Weapons
The player is also able to choose two EX weapons from a list of homing, napalm, rebound, break, direction, reflector, and freeze. The use of the EX Attack unleashes loads of missiles. More missiles will be fired the longer one charges the attack, and the closer one is to enemy projectiles. The exception is the freeze EX Attack, which "freezes" the screen, but this is still affected by the amount of projectiles en route to the player. The direction EX attack sends all of the attack at a single enemy, while the reflector EX attack reflects all the enemy fire.Other abilities
Also added is the ability for the player to dash. While dashing the player moves forward faster than normal and is able to both damage and travel through enemies and scenery but cannot fire.A new defensive skill is the ability to knockback enemies and objects. The bat, dash, and reflect EX are the only ways to knockback enemies. Enemies that are knockedback can knockback other enemies which could cascade into a very large and damaging "wave" of knockedback enemies.
Reception
Hardcore Gamer gave the game a 4.5 out of 5 saying it was a fantastic shooter. They also said the sheer customizability of it is amazing. GameSpotGameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
gave it 8.0/10. It was a nominee for Best Shooting Game and Best Use of Sound for the Nintendo DS by IGN in their 2008 video game awards.
External links
- Official DLC - Some levels and replays available for download.