When Nintendo unveiled the 3DS in 2010 it also teased Kid Icarus: Uprising, a return of a franchise that, a few cameos aside, had long remained dormant. While the original NES title was a conventional 2D action platformer, Masahiro Sakurai, most famous for his Super Smash Bros. series, has given Pit new life in an arcade action title, blending on-rails shooting with ground-based battles. It’s a series reinvention that's truly heaven sent.
From the moment the cartridge boots up, Kid Icarus: Uprising shows an extraordinary capacity for showmanship, immediately launching into witty dialogue and self-referential humour. It’s an attitude that carries through the whole title, and plays a major part in enhancing the experience. Whether watching the more than useful tutorial videos or playing through the solo campaign, the dialogue between Pit and Palutena — the goddess who gives him the gift of flight — is just one example of the playful style of storytelling. At one point Palutena tells Pit that he’s in an area where he died the most in his first game, and he simply says that it's OK, because he "always comes back to life." Such off-the-fourth-wall dialogue and storytelling seems perfect for this title.
In-jokes, references to 25-year-old pixels and so on work so well because the title's been designed with one simple purpose: to thrill and entertain. Many games try to tick certain boxes with scenarios and level design, but Kid Icarus: Uprising takes concepts that promise to be the most exciting and finds a place for them in the storyline. What about a world with false walls and trick exits everywhere, or perhaps a mission that involves flying around a pirate ship in space? The design philosophy appears to have been: if it’s cool and fun, it’s in.
In each level, there are two distinct sections: air battles and land battles. Air battles are on-rails action set pieces, with design similarities to Sin & Punishment: Star Successor, or the retro Space Harrier. With Pit having only temporary flight, these often take on the mantle of frenzied dashes to a destination, and are constructed to maximise every moment. Enemies fly onto the screen in patterns and the environment shifts with every dart and change of direction that Pit takes, always giving a continuous sense of speed and momentum. They truly are a master class in adrenaline-fuelled gaming action, drawing the player into the handheld’s small screen.
Land battles make up the slightly longer section of each level and represent an entirely different experience. No longer guided by Palutena’s flight path, you traverse environments that vary from human cities to the aforementioned pirate ship. Rather than rail-shooting mayhem, these sections demand more patience and strategic shooting, sizing up the diverse (and at times surreal) enemies and placing greater focus on dodging and counter-attacking. These stages are linear but with some minor diversions and secrets to be found, such as useful hot springs that replenish your life bar: all before an often-memorable boss battle. If the air battles are a rollercoaster ride, the land battles are a ghost train: slower paced but still capable of thrills.
In both game styles, though particularly the air battles, the graphical and audio presentation are of the highest quality. Exceptional pacing is matched by fantastic art design, with the 3D effect contributing to the vibrancy of the visuals: the environments are beautifully brought to life while maintaining a smooth frame rate. Sound is also top-notch, with sweeping orchestral music accompanying you through every stage, while the voice acting is exaggerated and very playful, perfectly suiting the tone of the game. This is a title to enjoy with a pair of headphones in a quiet room.
These are all positives, so it’s a pity to say that the control options are a minor disappointment. While in the air, you move Pit with the Circle Pad, the aiming reticule follows the stylus on the touch screen and you fire weapons with the shoulder button. On the ground the controls are the same, with the exception that the stylus not only aims the reticule but also moves the camera with a small swipe. Initially both scenarios take some practice, particularly the camera control on land, and our early impressions were undoubtedly mixed. After a little while, however, it starts to feel more intuitive and natural, though for some there may be a nagging feeling that ground controls could have been smoother.
For left-handed players, the best option is the Circle Pad Pro, which uses the right Circle Pad for movement, meaning the stylus can be used more naturally in the left hand. Amazingly, despite there being an option to use the four face buttons for the aiming reticule, there is no option to use both Circle Pads together for true dual analogue controls. While stylus aiming allows for excellent accuracy, the inclusion of face buttons as an aiming option, but not dual Circle Pad controls, is baffling. That issue aside, options to enable Aim Assist and Autofire may take away some of the challenge but provide welcome help for less experienced players. Ultimately the controls function well with practice, and each player should find a way to play comfortably, with the pack-in stand a good option to avoid hand cramp and discomfort.
This aim to provide true accessibility for all players is demonstrated perfectly by the Fiend’s Cauldron. Before every campaign level you can set the intensity level, from the exceptionally easy 0.1 to the insanely difficult level 9.0. While the title recommends a level based on earlier performances, you can adjust this and bet more hearts — the in-game currency — on a higher intensity. If you die during a stage you can continue, but the intensity and your score will be dropped, and you’ll lose some of the hearts you’ve accumulated. Some stages even have locked areas only accessible when playing on a certain intensity level, and beating these on higher difficulties brings greater rewards and loot: with the freedom to select any stage after its been cleared once, it's a clever system that encourages multiple play-throughs.
The hearts that you pick up can also go to other uses, such as buying weapons. As you buy or earn weapons you have the ability to fuse two together, often leading to improved results. With weapon types such as blades or bows having different levels of range and melee abilities — as well as variations in raw power — acquiring, selling and fusing weapons is an enjoyable diversion.
While the Solo Mode is the cinematic and most significant part of the title, there's online multiplayer too. With support for local and worldwide play these are land battles set within specially designed arenas, with unbridled chaos the order of the day. Free-for-all is exactly as you’d expect: up to six players going all-out for themselves, with the gameplay quickly descending into madness. The camera control with the stylus, while less of a problem in the structured single-player levels, can be troublesome when fire and enemies are coming from all sides: not a deal-breaker, but worth bearing in mind.
Light Vs. Dark is the team event, and in our view the more enjoyable mode. Two teams of three compete, each with a team life-bar: once that bar depletes one member becomes an angel, and the first team to destroy their rival’s angel is the winner. This online functionality does lack an overall ranking or rating system for your profile, but the short bursts of action, combined with the rewards of hearts and weapons, makes it a fun option. We didn’t experience any noticeable lag or waiting times for a match, with the game cleverly adding bots to fill spaces when needed, then promptly replacing them with real players in time for the next round. It may not be a fully-tooled online multiplayer component, but it’s quick and entertaining.
Two other features that make use of the 3DS hardware are AR Card battles and StreetPass weapon trading. AR battles use game-specific cards, though the battle outcomes are reportedly pre-ordained: we didn’t have any cards to test. StreetPass meanwhile allows you to select a weapon from your armoury and turn it into a gem to give to other gamers, in the hope you’ll receive a weapon gem in return. On top of these features there are Idols to collect, which are 3D models of in-game characters, enemies and weapons. There’s an Idol viewer, while more are collected through an egg-tossing mini-game or through Play Coins. These are fairly minor features in terms of your time with the game, but add extra character of their own.
Conclusion
Kid Icarus: Uprising is one of the most attractive, exhilarating, entertaining and outrageously fun titles so far on 3DS. While Mario has recently brought his style of gaming bliss to the handheld, Uprising provides a substantial amount of content, its own brand of adrenaline pumping set pieces and wonderful humour. It sweeps you along at breakneck speed, and is a must-have title for that very reason.
Comments 181
Getting DAY ONE!!
I need some more money before I can afford to buy this game. I just bought a new bass guitar!
Great review Tom. I've been at this game all morning and I can't put it down. Xenoblade and Kid Icarus: Uprising on the same day. I may never leave the house again.
Ugh, decisions...
Happy to hear you liked it. Bummer though that they are not supporting twin stick gameplay, but at least I still dug the MPH style controls. This game is getting its fair share of "critical" reviews, but as long as reviewers such as Eurogamer(9) and Edge(8) score it well, then I see no reason why I shouldn't nab this game ASAP.
I have a question: Since I use a batterie pack I can't use the Circle Pad Pro. So as a Leftie, can I use the face buttons instead of the CPP and the stylus in my left?
Good the hear this game is great! I don't like the fact it doesn't have any online leader boards or state tracking. It wont be as fun without those.
so what brought it down a star
Cannot wait till friday! Although I hope my local gamestore sells it 1 or 2 days prior to release, like SM3DL and MK7
@iroxyorsox I think the controls brought it down. But that's better than Destructoid, who bring it down bij 5 points just because of the controls.
All the reviews are coming in, can't wait for this game now!
Revws so far rate this highly - this is the best written one of course. Pre-order maintained. Content levels sound huge.
OOH! It's the AR Cards, That I can't wait for!
Destructoid was right about the controls, but its not unplayble.
If anything. Its a learning curve, and it will take a while to master.
If you don't beat up your touch screen in the process.
Aw yeah. I can't wait for Friday.
So ready for Friday.
The wait is almost over! ^_^
SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!
@Monsti It is an option to move Pit with the face buttons and aim the reticule with either the touch screen or the Circle pad. The controls really cover every base except for dual Circle Pad support. I'm a lefty myself and as I said in the review, it's really the most comfortable with the CPPro, so if you can afford it then it's worth considering. Can you get by without it? Absolutely.
@LEGEND_MARIOID - There's certainly a lot of content. There are some things that we're not allowed to talk about yet, which is fair enough, but as you may have seen from the message at the end of the review we'll be posting a follow-up feature about that on Friday.
Only a 9?!?! HOW COULD YOU??? PREORDER CANCELLED!!!!
(This is a joke, in case your sarcasm meter is broken)
this should be on WII or WII U
This looks amazing - I wasn't really interested until I read Nintendo Power's previews in their January/February and March issues and this review makes me want it even more.
My body is so ready for this game. Awesome review!
I thought they didn't allow for dual analog control, because it would've messed up the difficulty balance and level design.
After playing FPS games on the Wii, I wouldn't have wanted to use dual analog control, anyway.
Going to have to wait until April 1st to get this. Hopefully one of my GameStops will have a CPPro in, as I am a lefty. I am sure that the face buttons will work fine. I am just worried about the dashing and special techniques. How is this handled with the face buttons?
the game seems to have got a few mixed reviews so far, but this is arguably one of the far better reviews for the game.
i sincerely hope this isn't the one and only time we see pit- would love to see a kid icarus game on the wii U with even greater graphics and a better control scheme that fully utilises the wii U's touchscreen functionalities.
@Monsti
Yes, the game allows you to use the face buttons for movement if you are left handed.
@WhiteTrashGuy If moving Pit with the face buttons, a double tap will do an evasive move. It's also possible to still move with the normal Circle Pad and aim with the face buttons, another way to avoid holding the stylus in your right hand. Neither is as good as CPPro, but its all about finding a scheme that works best for you.
You know, even if they did offer CPP support, it would have died out in a couple weeks anyways (online at least). Anyone remember Goldeneye? Everyone praised it for offering CC support. Less than 2 weeks later, and no one used it (online at least); turns out, the original control scheme (motion control) was a LOT better, and CC players simply didn't have a chance (most of them at least). The same would have happened here. It might have been another box ticked off, but it would have also led to a really unstable online game. "Survival of the fittest" dictates that the CPP gamers would have died out in a matter of weeks anyways. It also FORCES players to get used to the scheme, meaning they can potentially use it for future games.
Already pre-ordered. This game is gonna be so awesome!
I have it pre-ordered. I can't wait.
Game of the month in waiting.
I wanna play with dual sticks.
Y U FAIL ME NINTENDO!?
Will be getting it, but not at launch.
D1P
I won't be getting near launch but it still looks like a fantastic game so I'll definitely get it at some point.
Aww, not VR or ranking system? What a shame. But still getting this becauce it looks pretty long game.
How long is this game? I feel like it would have a star fox length and live off of replay value through the Cauldron feature. No review seems to mention length of the campaign, but that it is stuffed with tons of unlockables
@Nintendude92 I've heard it's only 12 hours. With the cauldron it's longer of course, but it still seems pretty short to me, because I don't usually replay games.
I won't be picking this up. It's gotten mixed reviews so far, and I've never been a fan of touch-screen-shooter controls. The way they made the ground controls sounds awful, flick to control the camera and slide to control the reticule? They should have made the reticule at the center of the screen at all times to make it a little more traditional, that could have worked better.
Looking forward to Pit's return. Excited of the gameplay and online too! Almost there! ^_^
cant wait to try it !!!
omg i want this game soo much. i wanna try the controls and kick medusa's butt
@CorporalPegasus [youtube:8QfSzgV1q5g]
That Destructoid review made it sound like the controls were a huge unplayable train wreck. From all the reviews that don't focus on one issue and dont beat the dead horse, it sounds like it's not too much of a problem.
But then again Jim Sterling is known for over exaggerating.
MK7- 5/10- not original enough.
MW3- 9/10
This game will be mine on launch day.
Its all mine
@billy-beauts If you want to play a fast-paced game, one which relies heavily on precision controls, by aiming with a thumbstick, then you've failed yourself.
@Thomas Great review.
Just a question though, (though the answer to which may be embargoed). How many missions are there in the game? This is the major factor in me buying the game and although it offers the Fiend's Cauldron I don't want to be just playing the same level over and over again with little variation.
Hurray! I personally would have given it a 10, but 9 is a fantastic score all the same. Friday here I come!
@TysonQ7 I read the distructoid review also, and one of the complaints was the controls, and How dificult it made the game...sounds to me like there reviewers need to get better at video games...Judgeing from this and there BloodRayne betrayal review.
I have a question. I am left handed, but don't have the CPP (nor the money to get it AND the game), would it still be enjoyable enough for me with the default controls?
@Aviator That comes firmly under the 'features we can't tell you about just yet' in the disclaimer at the end of the review. We'll post a feature on Friday with details that we haven't been able to share in the review. To be fair to Nintendo, and other publishers who sometimes apply an embargo like this, it's a way for games to have elements of surprise, and launch day reveals to capture the imagination. I hope the review and score make it clear that this game is very much recommended, however.
If in doubt, maybe Friday's details will help you bit more
@SkywardLink98 12 hours isn't too bad, I'm really looking for at least a Mario 3D Land length. Not long at all, but a healthy amount of fresh content
I don't know that I'll enjoy multiplayer and the bulk of unlockable content seems to be oriented for showing off to other players. So I'm on the fence in terms of overall length of the campaign.
@RR529 It's better with CPPro if you can maybe afford it in future, but you can adjust controls to either move Pit or aim with the face buttons, so the stylus is optional. I would personally suggest stylus aiming (much more accurate) with face buttons for movement if CCPro isn't an option. It'll feel a little cramped, perhaps, but with practice it should be fine.
9/10... what kept it from getting a 10?
I can't wait to play this game again. Its a day one buy for me!
Okay, now I have to find a way to speed time up by 4 days. I need to go really fast in something. Here I go! (Crashes into wall).
The multiplayer really sounds great, going to buy it day one. I don't care about the lack of online ranking, besides, people would hack them anyways like almost every other game with a leaderboard (exactly why leaderboards are pointless). Though I still am curious about the included 3DS stand, does it really add anything to gameplay? I'll probably find myself not using it.
Great review Thomas. As eager as I am to play this I have to say that I still have my reservations about the controls. The reviews for this game have so far been a mixed bag. Some say the controls make this game almost unplayable while others say that you just have to get used to it. I have it on pre-order and will most likely still get it. I want to try it out for myself. I'm hoping that the good stuff will outweigh the bad. Oh and getting Kid Icarus 3D Classic as a pre-order bonus is another definite plus.
Mighty good review. I'm still on the fence about this one though.
Can't wait till Friday! So glad that I don't have school I can pick up early and then see the Hunger Games
Way too many great games,so little time and money XD
I'm definitely pick this one up,although the controls will probably get some time to get used to...
Day two purchase! Day one is busy with life, but day two can land me some awesome gaming-times.
Now to finish Castlevania...
Want this game now! God, why can't Friday come sooner!
@diagonalcoin10k Because Nintendo loves torturing our souls.
@PrimedMetroid I can believe that, does anyone even remember how many times twighlight princess was delayed?
I love that this game has a sense of humor. I wish Nintendo would do this in more of its games. It could really fit well with their cartoony franchises such as Mario, Wario, Donkey Kong, Star Fox, and cel-shaded Zelda. All of these series has had some level of humor, but adding more would really be a good move if done tastefully.
What in the world is the term " breakneck "? Is it american English, because if it is, I seriously need more practice for the S.A.T....... I hate highschool
How is pit able to fight medusa if you can't look at her without turning into stone, or does this game have nothing to do with Greek myths?
How has it been getting mixed reviews? Destructiod's review is the only one below 70% so far on GameRankings, and all but two of the reviews are at least 80%.
@Nintendude92 Don't forget that some levels have areas that are only available on higher difficulty levels. Unless you're going to use a walkthrough to find those requirements and play those levels immediately at that required difficulty, you're going to want to at least replay those levels. I imagine it will also be worth it to replay levels with new weapons.
@Andrewroxsox Maybe he'll look in a shiny shield like Perseus did.
Great, I've been planning on getting my copy for a while, but one question, any Mario Kart 7 like communities in it?
okay so..
If Nintendolife is featuring Kid Icarus in the background of the website, are they really gonna have a non-biased opinion on this game? I mean they have to give the game a 9 or 10/10 because they are making money on the advertising for the game. For a non biased opinion, go check this out
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/story/2012-03-19/kid-icarus-game-review/53653150/1
@Andrewroxsox 'breakneck' appears on both sides of the pond — it's usually used in conjunction with 'speed' or to imply recklessness, e.g. you'd be likely to break your neck if you kept up with [that pace] or [whatever else it is you're doing] for long. :3
Why did you guys get at least a week more of online practice than us readers? Are you really that awesome? (Makes plans to "sneak" a copy to practice)
@mushroomer Then how do you explain all of the other excellent reviews?
@mushroomer I will say, just to address this point once on my part, that I (by which I really mean 'we' as a team), treat editorial work and writing as separate from advertising concerns on the website. We can only give an honest assurance that reviews are written critically and as a reflection of the reviewer's opinion, and that is all we can do.
@ThomasBW84 - If you can't say its fine but are there communities?
My body is ready.
My wallet is not.
Thanks for the confirmation Thomas I had it preordered anyway but now I know I can't go wrong. But as @Aqueous says, are there communities?
@Aqueous It's pretty much as described in the review, quick and effective but without some features you may be used to in other games. I only mentioned rankings not really playing a part, but there aren't communities in the style of MK7. It's a fun mode, and is suited for short bursts which works quite well, in my view: there's also the ability to join friends' games when they're online.
In summary, multiplayer has its charms and good points (not to mention the extra loot), but doesn't have MK7-style rankings or communities.
One big bonus is that while it can take an age to get into a race on MK7, in my experience, jumping into an online match in Uprising is painless.
@mushroomer: to add to what Tom said, in case you missed it a couple years back, here's a rather infamous example of ad-space not buying NL's love — that one ran with an ad and still scored a 4. ads and revenue have nothing to do with our review scores here at Nintendo Life, plain and simple. :3
@Tom: ooo, i like the sound of the online side already (painless? sign me up, haha~). do you have any experience yet playing with users from around the world yet, though? i know there have been times when the usual NA crew try to join up with someone across the pond or down under and they'll have issues connecting with us
@ThomasBW84 - Ah, I got the multiplayer, well online shall be trickier then, thank you. Now to tell the other ponies
Non-laggy online? Thank you, Sakurai-San! Looking forward to Friday!
I sorted my preorder last week, thus entitling me to five exclusive AR Cards.
Nice review and nice score! And it seems to be a pretty robust game! Looking forward to it!
Good review.
I was expecting this game to lose points on controls but after playing the demo build last year I haven't been too worried about it.
It seems like it works well, but it just takes practice to get really good at it and I think I'm going to enjoy the challenge.
I'm kind of pleased about the lack of online ratings or leaderboards.
I don't have Internet at home at the moment and will only have limited chance to play online so that means I can just jump on when I have the chance for a quick game without having to worried about getting kicked by more experienced players (especially considering it doesn't come out here till the 29th) and losing a ton of rating.
Can't wait to finally get my copy next week as this game is going to be amazing.
SWEET! Great review. It looks like all the hard work put into this game has been appreciated.
I pre-ordered from Gamestop and I will also be getting a code for the 3DS Classics Kid Icarus too!
LOL, this game is coming out on MY B-DAY!
I pre-ordered this a while ago...SO excited!
Come on friday! so glad I have pokemon black to make these days fly by...
Atleast he doesn't sound like a prissy little girl like in Brawl... I'm so getting this!
This game has come a long way since E3 last year. Great to read that its worth purchasing. I'll pick it up down the road for sure. Just got too many games I already own that need beaten first.
@accc I just want to be able to play it on the train. Is that too much to ask?
@mushroomer That review is, at best, inaccurate. It hardly touches on many key points of the game, and reads as if the reviewer played the game for an hour or two and scrapped it because he didn't like the controls. Compared NLife's review, it is a terrible excuse for journalism and I give it no credibility.
@mushroomer
You're kidding me right? Remember when Tekken 3D Prime Edition was featured on this site? Do you remember it getting a 9/10 or 10/10?
No? That's because it got a 7/10 (not bad at all, but not "great"). Read the review, I don't see any bias in this review at all. Look at other sites, they also give this game high marks, with only a few of them giving average scores.
Friday seems so far D:
Come on! xD i can't wait anymore
PS: Great review Tom
I had the hardest time choosing between Kid Icarus Uprising or Sonic Generations 3DS. I finally choosed KI:U after watching some videos for the game for the longest time. When I pre ordered it, my EB Games retailer told me they wont get the game till Sunday. Whats up with that though. I wanna play some Kid Icarus!!!
@mushroomer That review showed its bias when it compared Kid Icarus to God of War.
I really Really REALLY hope that they include the 3 anime shorts on the cart. That would truly be a wonderful extra.
Can't wait till Friday!!
For those who haven't, go and read Sakurai's interview on the Iwata Asks site. His philosophy on deconstructing traditional gaming structures is incredibly interesting!
Oh, and I'm so buying Kid Icarus
What Gamesake said.
As for this review, spot on. I'll be sure to buy this when it's $20 in the future.
Great review. Are there any sort of missions for kid Icarus. I mean like spec ops in COD.
Great review, I can't wait to get this game, I'm super excited for it!
This looks like another great review from NL. I can't wait till this Friday. About the length, the supposed 12 hours seems like a good length. I'm expecting this one to be on the hard side(even on the easier difficulties). As stated in the review, the difficulty settings encourage multiple playthroughs. All-in-all, it'll be worth the money.
This is going on my Birthday wish-list.
@mushroomer this is not those kind of websites...
Don't know if this will be a day one buy but I'll definitely get it at some point. Looking forward to seeing how the contrasting gameplay styles mix together.
I'm really looking forward to uprising. The only thing I'm freak out about is the controls. I know you have to use the circle pad and stylus. Which is a huge problem for me since I'm left handed. If Dillon's rolling western is any indication then I'm going to have a problem with uprising. I did order the circle pad pro so hopefully that will correct my problem with the controls.
Nice thorough review, even if it did leave out one of the most important aspects of any game review, and that's the games length. Nintendo put an embargo on length? How the heck can they expect you to write a review w/o mentioning length? I find it very hard to believe there are 12 hours of single player story driven game. I think S&P:SS was only about 3. 5 would seem about right for this sort of game. I'll be really impressed if it's anywhere near 12 hours. Obviously there are lots of ways to get more hours out of it and this game seems like it went the way of SSBB in the extras dept. I'm also very happy for "the Cauldron", my kids have very different gaming abilities.
And can anybody tell me "save slots'? I think every 3DS game review/summary should include "save slots", I'm a 3 3DS household.
@rjejr As I said to Aviator, we're going to respect the embargo details and length is one of those, but we will post a follow-up feature on Friday to explain everything that has been missed out so far.
There are three save slots, and they can also be deleted if ever the slots are all full and someone wants to start again.
this sound good am going hopefully get it on friday:D
but worried by some comments about controls being pretty fiddy?
and that it would of worked way better with CP
I'm finally paying off the rest of my preorder today! I'm so hyped for this!
@ThomasBW84
I only have enough money to buy one game and a CPPro. I love action/adventure platformers and 3rd person shooters. Should I get RE: Revelations or KI: Uprising?
@ThomasBW84: Thanks. I guess I'll try all the options and just see what I like best!
@WhiteTrashGuy Yikes, that's a tough question. Both are equally good but are completely different game-styles, so it's really down to which genre appeals to you most at the moment. If you're right-handed and choose Kid Icarus then the CPPro isn't necessary, while Resi Evil also works quite well without the add-on (we reviewed it without the CPPro, though the extra stick makes aiming on the move a little bit easier).
Unless you're a lefty and opt for KI, you could leave the Circle Pad Pro and look for good online deals on both, or just have a think about which kind of game you want to play at the moment.
Maybe I'll just get this for Christmas.
For anyone who has played it, how r the controls?
So KIU works best for leftys with the CPPro?
I'm reading reviews and between the mediocre controls, relatively disappointing ground segments and the fact that the game does nothing new, I'm really surprised it's scoring so well. "Half the game is as good as Sin & Punishment, so we'll give it the same rating as that" doesn't really make sense.
Friday Friday gotta get downs on Friday!! Can't wait to have my hands on this game in my grasp! Already got it preorders! Good to see great reviews by almost evryone!
My god, 3 days, just 3 days, I'm just going to play the first stage, get a weapon, and join my friend in an online game. That is, if the 3ds can do the whole friend code, join game feature yet (haven't tried it).
A review to a game that has not even been released? DOES NOT COMPUTE.
(Jokes aside, where did you get your copy of the game, or did you participate in the tournaments?)
@The_Rocketman Nintendolife often reviews games before they are released. The reviewers get a copy of the game for the purposes of reviewing it.
Finally a review. im glad this got a 9/10 cant wait to get this game
@The_Rocketman: you'll note beneath the link to our Scoring Policy (just below the score) we state where our review copies came from. In this case, it was provided for reviewing purposes by Nintendo, apparently. :3
I got the CCP with that RE:R deal, but didn't use it cause i preferred the regular controls. With this game though, using dual-sticks/pads would probably be way more comfortable than using the stylus. Pretty damn stupid of them to not utilize THEIR OWN add-on properly...
i'll wait for a demo or something, need to confirm how good/bad the controls actually are before buying.
@Doma
This game is too fast paced for dual analog. CPP will probably be best for the same old FPS war game, even though stylus controls are still faster, more accurate, and more precise than dual analog could ever dream to be.
Long story short, one the my most anticipated titles desired since the announcement of the 3DS. Welcome back Pit, I'm glad my fan support hasn't gone to waste all these years
Nice Review, im most likely getting this game on release date!
I play Dillons using just my finger, prefer it to the stylus so hopefully I can get the same accuracy with Kid Icarus and not have to pull out the stylus as I really dislike it.
@theblackdragon That is quite amazing.
@The_Rocketman It's standard for publishers to provide review copies (I'd wager that most, maybe all reviews you've seen so far have come from Nintendo-provided copies). Publishers often want reviews of their games on the web before it hits stores, as it raises awareness.
Does the provider of the review copy influence us here on Nintendo Life? No. The fact we clearly show the copy provider reflects that we're being completely upfront.
I got a copy today which seems odd since its out in 2 days.. but it happens in my country quite often:3 Its amazing and i cant put it down. I love how you can set the intensity of the level.Its like i experienced everything i saw in trailer in a first 2 chapters thou i hope its long enough. oh and the satnd is really handy:3
This is the same kind of aiming method for Metroid Prime: Hunters! I should feel right at home! Can't wait for Friday! Exclamation!
I'm a huge Kid Icarus fan. Too bad I can't afford this.
Good God. I want, nay, I NEED some money right now!
Cant wait for tomorow!!
Man coming out tommorow
Today's the day. Picking it up right after work. Apparently I bought my 3DS just in time...
I picked this up today. I love the cheesy dialogue and the music is really epic (no wonder since Yuzo Koshiro, Yasunori Mitsuda etc. composed the soundtrack). Controls aren't the best but they're very customizable which I like. Haven't tried the stand yet but I can't see myself playing this game for long periods without it.
FYI for American gamers: Best Buy is selling the game today for $29.99 ($10 off) in store and online. IDK how long this will last; I got mine today!
Got this today (pre-ordered) got 3D Classics: KI free code with it, too from Amazon..
My mini-review: I am loving this game! It is truly truly amazing. Much much different from the original that I still remember playing as little kid, and hating how easy you could die at every turn. This LONG awaited sequel (way overdue!) throws the franchise in a light year upgrade leap and you are suddenly flung from 1986 game technology to 2012 game technology. It is truly truly amazing! The battle scenes are fast, furious and adrenaline-filled, and the bosses and characters and quests are plentiful and rich and very good old fashioned gaming fun. And they pay homage to the original! They have the animated talk scenes playing as you play, and that's so wonderful, sometimes comparing what a boss used to look like in Kid Icarus and what it looks like today. They truly thought about the gamer when they made this, and the included 3DS Stand is also a treat. (You kind of NEED it to play this game a little better with its semi-awkward controls.. I wonder if Dream Trigger 3D would play better with this stand, too, since the controls are kind of similar?) Who would have thought? Pit can fly! I give it a 10/10, because it's such a content rich package, and not only does it honor the amazing and original Kid Icarus, it is a brand new world, too. One I'm sure you'll want to revisit time and time again.
So far, I like it quite a bit.
I will be the only person to say that I absolutely adore the control scheme. For me, It's incredibly precise and isn't even slightly uncomfortable. I didn't even need the stand.
I am loving this game!! I've only played the first three levels so far but it truly is a fantastic experience!
Kid Icarus had been one of Nintendo's long-forgotten franchises, as the series began in 1986 along with The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. After 1991's Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters for Game Boy, the series laid dormant for a while... until Pit was given a re-design in the 2008 Wii game Super Smash Bros. Brawl, courtesy of Kirby and Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai. It was that very reason Sakurai revived the series with the 2012 3DS game Kid Icarus: Uprising. From the moment of Uprising's reveal at E3 2010, I knew it was the game I wanted on 3DS the most!
The gameplay is a combination of on-rail shooting, third-person shooting and Super Smash Bros.-style fighting. The Air Battles are reminiscent to classic shooters like Space Harrier, Star Fox and Sin & Punishment; the Land Battle segments have a Super Smash Bros. feel to it, as if this was the Subspace Emissary done right. The bosses are brilliantly designed, because you'll have to think differently while fighting them. I also love how the action is very intense, as the adrenaline rush always draws me in. Multiplayer is also a blast to play, and the online battles are seamless for the most part. I didn’t have a problem with the controls once everything clicks, although not everyone will agree.
The soundtrack is full of memorable tunes from composers like Motoi Sakuraba, Yuzo Koshiro, Masafumi Takada, Noriyuki Iwadare, Takahiro Nishi and Yatsunori Mitsuda. For a fully voice-acted Nintendo game, the dialogue is superb thanks to the cast of Antony Del Rio, Ali Hillis, Hynden Walch and Cree Summer. I got a kick out of listening to Pit, Palutena and other characters during gameplay, with its clever humor and references to the original Kid Icarus and other Nintendo games. Masahiro Sakurai has put tremendous effort into Uprising, as there’s plenty of content to offer. All said and done, Kid Icarus: Uprising is an exceptional game worth playing on the 3DS. Thank you Nintendo, Sora Ltd. and Project Sora for an outstanding masterpiece!
meh. i lost interest in this a long time ago. now i have three club nintendo Kid Icarus AR cards that i cant use.i thought they were accessible through the 3DS AR camera. but NOOOO, only if you bought the game, can you actually put those cards to use.
I am loving the game. I also get to use the included stand with Metroid Prime Hunters and Moon so I might actually finish them after all this time.
Having played this, circle pad+ support would have made it easier to play with comfort as you are not left with having to use the stand or have the console hanging in space getting aches in your hand. I would have preferred the option to use the two circle pads. the stand is a good idea, but hardly useful for gaming on the go.
Graphics, gameplay and sound are top notch, use of the 3D effects are also well done. Love the humour and references to itself as a game. This has to be one of the best games on the system and proving once again Nintendo know how to make good games for they own hardware.
@mushroomer USA Today has the worst rating system ever. This site is not bias, trust me I've read plenty of reviews on here.
I just got the Circle Pad Pro and was a little disappointed that dual stick control is not supported Other than that it is a great game. Here's hoping for a dual stick download patch
@ Zergling
That is a great idea!!! I will have to revisit those games with the stand as well. Thanks!
get this game people. Nintendo has done it again, and got a new challenger into their character franchises like mario and zelda. This title will surely spawn a lot of follow-ups. i do hope so, because its A MASTERPIECE.
the soundtrack is one of the best in this new gen games, including all consoles. i wouldnt be surprised if it win 2012 game music awards.
Kid Uprising sucked! This is the first time that i bought a game that i didnt like :l
@Brick ...
What?
im going to definetly buy this game
I'm a lefty. The idea of having to pay an extra $40 for the circle pad pro just to play this comfortably sounds like a deal breaker to me. What a shame...
@rogerwilco That's the single reason I wouldn't give it a 10/10. That disregard for right or left handedness, and the controls. They aren't horrible but they should have either reconfigured the controls or released this with a new 3DS with both circle pads already in place. The Circle Pad Pro is a wonky mess, but this game is incredible despite these two things. I think it's going to be the best 3DS game of 2012, at least a frontrunner/contender!
Thanks for being the poison in the freshwater, that was very offensive, but it was a joke, I never actually expected a person to actually not like it =P
One thing that I love about this game is how replayable the levels are. The ability of turning up the heat makes each previous chapter feel completely new.
I put the touch screen controls for the land battles to maximum sensitivity, and that works great for me.
Simply fantastic. This game oozes replay value after a stellar singleplayer campaign!
Getting it tomorrow!
Utterly magnificent game. The positives pulverise the negatives. An all time great and actually hugely addictive.
Just got his game, still working on the solo campaign and its awesome. Both flying and on ground battling. Though I wish they would have had dual slider pads for moving and aiming. But once you get used to the stylus aiming its fine. Multi-player is AWESOME for a handheld game. Reminds me a lot like SSBB, so you can see they are the one who made. With more multiplayer games like this come out for the 3DS!!!
Argh! Come on birthday! :-S
I own this game and it is truly un-believable!!! I want more classic revivals! I'm down for seeing a Ice Climbers game or something now. A true classic comes back!! ^-^
Awesome review btw, way better than stupid IGN's ¬¬
Got this game on they release date, and cleared the story on the following weekend (yes, I played it THAT much). Now just aiming to 100%, which is taking time, because this game has so much to do.
This game. So far it's best that 3DS has to offer. Great graphics, playability, multiplayer, story and characters. Those people who rant about the Air Battle sections being too hard, it's not the game's fault you decide to keep that button for firing down, thus slowing down your flight. And aiming with touch screen is in my opinion better than with circle pad, it gives you the sense of actually aiming something.
The review pretty much says what I think about this game. If someone owns 3DS but not this game, rai say, GO GET IT NOW!
I got a bunch of cash saved up and im tempered to buy it
I love this game.
As a lefty, I think it's easier to just use the right-handed controls, because I've never used a joystick with my right hand for anything.
This game is awesome!But I hate when you fuse a wepon and you lose the 2 wepons you fused to get a cool wepon.Still,the game is awesome.
Amazing game worth the waiting
I am glad I pre-ordered this title. Not only did I get a great shooter I'm actually GOOD at, I got introduced to the hard as nails first game for free. That stand works well for other games too, like Zen Pinball 3D.
best game on 3ds
Yep, at this point, even if it has its flaws, I say this game deserves a 10 far more then Ocarina of Time or ZE: VLR does. This game is loaded with content, has some pretty gorgeous graphics, contains loads of replay value, has some of the best 3DS music out there, has a great difficulty curve, and the controls are actually best fit for the gameplay (though whoever decided it would be a good idea to omit dual-analog while allowing you to aim with the GODDAMN FACE BUTTONS needs to be bitchslapped). If this game ever gets a sequel, I really hope they flesh out the multiplayer aspect more (especially for random matches) and add a few more options like dual-analog and removal of automatic homing for melee.
The game does get a little confusing sometimes and the land camera is a little frustrating, but it is, otherwise, a great game. 8.5/10.
There is even Metroids on it! I like that!
This game is awesome and I felt there was great customisation with the controls I found it much better on land to use the abxy buttons to aim
While I do LOVE the game, I feel like everything that happens in the game could have been an entire series. Medusa could have been the first (stop here if you want to avoid spoilers), and at the end, Hades could have revealed himself, making you anxious for the next game, then the war against Viridi could be the next (with Hades in the scene as well, witty remarks included). The game after Viridi would be the (forced) cooperation between the three main gods against the Aurum, the game after that would be the fight to get Lady Palutena's soul back from the Chaos Kin, then, after that, the final struggle against Hades would be the final game in the saga. Just my opinion.
what? this isnt a 10/10? this is madness
A perfect designed game crushed by nkward controls. If this was realeased on Wii and had pointer controls would be the best game ever.
So THIS is where Smash 3DS Classic mode comes from!!!
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