Art Style: Orbient

[Cory]

From the IGN review:

In 2006, the Game Boy Advance platform wasn't just fading away, it was pretty much over. Nintendo tried to inject a bit of life into it with its Game Boy Micro, but by that time the market had moved onto the greener Nintendo DS pastures. One of the biggest casualties of the move was the Bit Generations series. Released in Japan with the potential for a launch in the US, these Bit Generation games were clever, simple, but high concept Game Boy Advance designs that melded style and substance and celebrated basic games almost as an artform. Orbital was easily the best of the bunch and the thought that only Japan would enjoy such a gem almost depressed us.

But then Nintendo surprised us with the release of Orbient on the WiiWare Channel. This game launches a new "Art Style" series, indicating that Nintendo will finally give the Bit Generation games new life on the Nintendo console. Orbient is a revival of the excellent Orbital Bit Generations game: conceptually, the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo Wii games are identical in design, but the console version bumps up the style with improved audio and visual elements. In either form, the design is a refreshing experience that's like nothing you've ever played and something you'll love to zone out with.

Interesting surprise release here, and I am intrigued. I like the sound of the control simplicity w/ just two buttons. Anyone play the GBA version, or have any impressions about this release?

[Adree]

Originally Posted by Cubit

From the IGN review:

Interesting surprise release here, and I am intrigued. I like the sound of the control simplicity w/ just two buttons. Anyone play the GBA version, or have any impressions about this release?

[flyinj]

Orbital was the best of the bit generations titles. I imported all of them... and they were all quite good. I found Orbital to be the best, however.

May have to check this out on the Wii... I had no idea they were putting a remake of it out on the service.

[BobJustBob]

Originally Posted by Adree

No way this game is as good as Kirby Air Ride. I still cry a little every time I have to manually accelerate in a racing game.

[Alan Friesen]

I had no idea, either. I saw this on Wii Fanboy and bought it instantly. 600 points is nothing for a game this interesting.

Controls: you hold the remote as if you're playing Wii Sports & use the A button to attract and B to repel. Gameplay (and worlds) are identical to the GBA version, but the graphics are snazzed up a bit. The basic premise is that you're a planet and you need to grow by absorbing other celestial bodies (think Katamari in space). Blue bodies you can absorb to grow bigger; grey bodies you can pass by in order to catch them in your orbit; red bodies are too big. From what little I've seen tonight, they've also added asteroids (can't interact with them) and crescent moons (more points when you pass the level).

Other than that, straight off the shelf GBA port. I wouldn't mind a few more of the bit Generations games coming to the Wii -- Digidrive and Bitstream are up there with my favourite GBA games of all time. Kudos, Nintendo!

[Cory]

a quick check over at the art style wikipedia page shows that nintendo supposedly plans to release two more games in "October 2008". Thanks for the details Alan. Sounds like 600 points is a damn good price.

[Cory]

Wiiware world review: 8/10