The Wii is quickly becoming the defacto system of choice for developers looking to make unconventional, original IP’s with low tech visuals. No More Heroes, Blast Works, De Blob, Zack and Wiki, and now Opoona, a turn based RPG with PS2 quality graphics, all fit the low tech/high risk paradigm. Above is a video of the game’s intro, courtesy of GameVideos.com. It’s not the most exciting vid on the internet, but a nice Sunday morning read none the less.
With all these unique gaming experiences continuing to flood the console, can you still consider yourself a “hardcore” gamer and not own a Wii? Or, in your opinion, is “next-gen” still all about 1080i and games with sweaty, pocky faced protagonists crafted from literally zillions of polygons?
Hit the jump for more Opoona vids.
Thanks to Justin for the tip.
Here’s a quick montage of the battles in Opoona. According to the comments of Mr Jim Sterling, the entire game is to be controlled with the Nunchuck, leaving your other hand to free do whatever. Very unconventional.
The second video is the first to show the game’s dialog in English. The writing appears to be very Mother/Earthbound like in tone. That’s never a bad thing. Also take note of the music and it’s heavy emphasis on the cello, not the most common choice in video game soundtracks these days.
This third video is from March of last year, and shows the basics of Opoona‘s story and gameplay. Sadly, it’s all in Japanese, but it’s free of voice over and minimal on text, so regardless of your native tongue you can pretty much figure out what’s going on.
Over all, I’d say Opoona has a very good chance of totally failing when it comes to the states later this year. But I know I’ll be picking the game up out of sheer curiosity. So far I’m yet to regret purchasing the many low budget, high risk Wii games I picked up last year. The reason why the PS2 was my favorite console last generation was because of games like Katamari Damacy, Shadow of the Colossus, and Odin Sphere, and not GTA and Final Fantasy. That being said, Opoona may fit my tastes perfectly.
Your thoughts, D-toid?
