Face Raiders
Face Raiders (Japanese: 顔シューティング, Hepburn: Kao Shūtingu, lit. "Face Shooting") is a 3D augmented reality shooter video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo.[1] In 2011, it was released as preloaded software on all systems in the Nintendo 3DS line of hardware.
| Face Raiders | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | HAL Laboratory |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
| Director(s) | Toshiaki Suzuki |
| Producer(s) | Shinya Takahashi |
| Composer(s) | Shogo Sakai |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo 3DS |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Simulator, shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay
Face Raiders is a single player augmented reality shooter game that uses the handheld's gyroscopic controls and cameras.[2][3] It was first released with the Nintendo 3DS and has been preloaded on all devices in the family. The game is an extended tech demo with a total of two modes and nine levels. Six of these are for experienced players, and the other three stages are meant for those unfamiliar with the game.[4] After taking pictures of people's faces, the game creates enemies for the player, who must shoot them.[4][5][6] The camera perspective is from the rear camera's viewpoint, which enemies will break through and hide behind.[7] People walking in the background add on to the gameplay by giving more faces to the camera and thus creating more enemies.[5] There are combos for repeating an action that multiply the number of points. There are butterflies which can be hit in order to refill health, and bombs are used as a quick way to defeat surrounding enemies.[7] At the end of each stage, the player battles a boss.[7] When the boss is defeated, its helmet will transform into an afro. Local high scores are recorded on a leaderboard.[7] By pressing Y on the level select screen, the player can hear some advice, and can turn on surprise snaps for taking photos while playing a level.
Development
The game was developed by HAL Laboratory alongside other built in software for the Nintendo 3DS. The team wanted to create a game that would interest people who had played the training software. The prototype consisted of using the player's and other people's faces to create a comedic experience. HAL first started building using filters, which ended up being included as a way to attack enemies. The merge lens was popular among developers, where two faces would be combined. At the end of development, HAL added a feature where the player can point the 3DS at someone else's face and it would become an enemy. The game's AR features were created with the Nintendo 3DS Camera Team.[1]
Reception
Prior to the release date of the 3DS, Face Raiders received generally positive feedback when it was shown at E3 as a tech demo with blocks instead of faces.[8] When the use of faces were included, reviewers felt satisfied with the fun and humor created by using faces and a live background.[2][4][7][9] The point-and-shoot gameplay with gyroscopic controls was said to be novel and easy to use.[2][8][10] The free price was also cited as a positive aspect of the game,[7][8] though some noted that it would be worth an eShop purchase if it had instead been offered there.[4][11] The varied tactics to defeat enemies and bosses were applauded.[2][4][7] However, the minimal amount of content was criticized.[4] Reviewers also felt that the 3D effect could be compromised by using motion controls.[4][9] The game was also seen as an introduction to the features the 3DS could offer.[2][3][10]
References
- ^ a b "Iwata Asks : Nintendo 3DS : Using Frustration as a Springboard: Face Raiders". Nintendo. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d e "Face Raiders (Nintendo 3DS eShop) Review". Negative World. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ a b "Face Raiders 3DS Review | Systemic Gamer". Gamepeople.co.uk. 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Face Raiders Review - Review". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ a b Andrew Yoon (Jan 19, 2011). "Face Raiders preview: seriously, it's called Face Raiders". Joystiq. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
- ^ "Face Raiders: The Basics". IGN. 2011-03-17. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ a b c d e f g Maxwell McGee (Jan 19, 2011). "Face Raiders Hands-On - 3DS Previews at GameSpot". GameSpot. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
- ^ a b c Yoon, Andrew (2011-01-19). "Face Raiders preview: seriously, it's called Face Raiders". Joystiq. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ a b . BeefJack. 2011-03-11. Archived from the original on 2013-10-04. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ a b Seedhouse, Alex (15 March 2011). "Face Raiders review". Nintendo Insider. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ "Face Raiders (Nintendo 3DS) Review #1 at Nintendo Cubed3". Cubed3.com. Retrieved 2013-10-03.