Topic: Spirit Hunters Inc Impressions

[MegaByte]

This DSiWare title explores the potential for augmented reality in Pokémon-like games.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressions/25608

Spirit Hunters Inc offers a preview of what Pokémon-style battles could be like with the use of augmented reality. In the game, Spirit Hunters Inc is a company that finds spirits in the "real" world, and players employ their DSi to help track them down and bring them under control. Spirit Hunters Inc makes use of the DSi camera to provide an augmented reality environment where spirits reside. It uses color recognition to generate different types of spirits in different locations.

First, players move the DSi around in space until they find a spirit. Tapping on the spirit repeatedly starts a battle. The game includes a number of elemental powers (fire, ice, water, light, shadow, and fungal), which involve differing gameplay strategies, and players choose one at the start of the game.

Players battle spirits directly in an RPG-like manner. The bottom of the screen includes an array of attacks based on the element chosen. Once used, the particular attack must recharge over time before being used again. Each attack is instated through a different gesture. For example, with "circle of fire," players must draw a circle around the spirit. The spirits float around on-screen, and players may need to keep the system moving so that the spirit does not escape. Over time, a player's health recovers, even when not actively playing the game.

Like Pokémon, Spirit Hunters Inc will come in two versions, Light and Shadow. Some spirits are unique to each version, but can be transmitted locally or through a 24-digit code. Players are intended to role-play directly with the system; there isn't any sort of overworld type of environment.

Ultimately, the limited scope of the game may limit Spirit Hunters Inc to tech demo status. If the concept is fleshed out more, it could make a compelling game, and perhaps with the increased abilities of the 3DS, that platform would make more sense. Still, I'm interested in seeing where Nnooo takes the idea.