Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Music, Simulator
- Platforms: Nintendo DS
- Developers: indieszero Co., Ltd.
- Publishers: Nintendo
Electroplankton: A Journey into the Depths of Interactive Music
Released in 2005 for the Nintendo DS handheld video game console, Electroplankton is an interactive music video game that allows players to interact with animated plankton and create music through one of ten different plankton-themed interfaces. The game was developed by the in-house development team at Nintendo, led by composer and sound designer Kazumi Totaka.
Electroplankton is a unique and innovative game that defies easy categorization. It is part music creation tool, part interactive art installation, and part video game. The game’s visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and fluid animations that create a truly immersive experience. The music is also top-notch, with a wide range of genres and styles to choose from.
Gameplay
Electroplankton offers two main game modes: Performance and Audience. In Performance mode, players can interact with the plankton through use of the stylus, touchscreen, and microphone. Players can tap, drag, and spin the plankton to create different sounds and rhythms. They can also use the microphone to sing or hum into the game, which will be processed and turned into music.
Audience mode simply allows the user to put down the system and enjoy a continuous musical show put on by all of the plankton. However, players can still interact with the plankton in Audience mode just like in Performance mode. This mode is like a demo mode in some other games.
Plankton
There are ten different types of plankton in Electroplankton, each with its own unique sound and appearance. The plankton are:
- Luminaria: A swarm of bioluminescent jellyfish that emit light when touched.
- Hanenbow: A group of colorful fish that swim in formation and create music when they touch each other.
- Nanofish: A school of tiny fish that create music when they swim in unison.
- Rec-Rec: A group of robotic fish that create music when they bump into each other.
- Jellyfish: A single jellyfish that creates music when it is touched or tilted.
- Sea Urchin: A group of sea urchins that create music when they are spun.
- Coral: A group of coral that creates music when it is touched.
- Seaslug: A single seaslug that creates music when it is dragged across the screen.
- Clamshell: A group of clams that create music when they are opened and closed.
- Tako: A single octopus that creates music when it is stretched and squeezed.
Music
The music in Electroplankton is as diverse as the plankton themselves. There are ambient tracks, dance tracks, rock tracks, and even experimental tracks. The music is all created in real-time, so it is always unique and unpredictable.
Reception
Electroplankton was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and top-notch music. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Electroplankton is a unique and unforgettable game that has left a lasting legacy on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and stunning visuals have inspired many other games, and its music has been used in a variety of media, including commercials, movies, and TV shows.
Conclusion
Electroplankton is a must-play game for anyone who loves music, art, or video games. The game is a truly unique and immersive experience that will stay with you long after you put down the controller.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
