Rodea the Sky Soldier has had a troubled history. When originally announced for Wii and 3DS this flying action title certainly caught the eye, with the development team at Prope being led by the highly regarded Yuji Naka, one of the creators of Sonic the Hedgehog. It then seemed to enter the publishing void, however, with Naka-san saying in September 2012 that the Wii version had been finished for a year at that point, while the 3DS version was up in the air; the finger was very much pointed at publisher Kadokawa Games.
In July 2013, however, Kadokawa Games' President, Yoshimi Yasuda insisted that despite a long silence and delay on the project it was still heading for release. At that point the 3DS version was supposedly around 70% complete, while there seemed to be no positive outlook for the Wii version, with the system long since replaced and having lost all momentum in the marketplace. As over a year has passed since that update it'd be tempting to conclude that those comments from the publisher were hot air, yet the game is back again, this time with a Wii U version — to join the 3DS iteration — and a Spring 2015 release in Japan.
The shift to Wii U is no surprise, and a Famitsu report states that Kadokawa is now 'co-developing', which many are interpreting as finishing off the work primarily completed by Prope, with the studio having finished its work — as stated by Yuji Naka — long ago; Kadokawa’s Zin Hasegawa is reportedly now the director in place of Naka-san.
It looks like this title will finally hit Wii U and 3DS, then, though its days of generating substantial hype are long past. It'll be interesting to see if it does arrive in Japan next year, and also whether it'll eventually make its way to the West. We still want to play it, anyway.
Below is a trailer from way back in 2011, which serves as a reminder of why we were so intrigued at the time.
[source tinycartridge.com]
Comments 56
Hopefully it does make it to the West since we could always use more games on Wii U!
I've wanted this since the trailer. Praying for a Western release.
Smart decision. It's surprises me how people are still making games for wii and dsiware
I will be interested to see how this develops. and I think if they use the wiiu power that would be awesome!!
I could always use another rpg to play on Wii U.
I was looking forward to this game a while back too. Hopefully the delays and hiccups didn't make them rush the game to completion.
Sonic gameplay, Disgaea main Character, and Skyloft from Skyward Sword setting?
Not that I'm grumbling, we could do with more 3rd party support!
@darthllama Actually, from what I understand, the game was long since finished. They just never found a publisher for it. Granted, they would have to rebuild the game for Wii U, but the 3DS version should be safe
What?! : D
Yay! I had just about given up hope.
Ya I'd play it I think
Looks cool. Hope it comes to the US.
So this is like an on rails shooter sort of thing in the vein of Sin & Punishment?
I'm still interested.
Glad to see they are finally getting the game out. Would have been a waste!
Yes I'm glad this game is finally ready for release. Regardless whether for Wii U or 3DS, I'm getting it on both systems.
Ok, next is Yu Suzuki announcing Shenmue 3.
This one looks interesting, hoping for the Western release.
@Mega719 I will get it for Wii U if I get the opportunity but if it was for the Wii I would import it immediately. I guess it depends what the plan is. (If it just stays in Japan on the current systems they have lost money).
I just hope they drop the original wiimote-based controls for the Wii U version. The existence of the 3DS version gives me hope that motion controls are integral to the experience.
So weird that Kadogawa kept from releasing this Probe Entertainment's game back in 2011. It could've been one of the last best games for Wii.
I hope the new development teams that are porting the Wii game to Wii U and 3DS don't ruin the the game that Yuji Naka-san and his team created. They pretty much need to recreate all textures in HD or it will look really muddy on Wii U.
I hope it still makes it's way to Japan market and also to western markets.
I have been wanting this since day one. Hope it comes stateside.
Seems unlikely for a US release unless XSeed gets involved...
PLEASE BRING TO THE WEST NINTENDO! Don't hate on us.
@SpookyMeths Yes I think so.
Anything made by Naka I will by.
Looks really fun, I'd absolutely love to try this.
YASSSS Now begins the crossing of the fingers to bring this game to america
i hope this comes to the west, it looks very interesting.
This is great news. Bring it west.
Finally, my heart actually sank when I saw the title of this game here. Can't believe that it's actually getting released after how long (3-4 years?) It'll inevitably come to the West, hopefully...
What?!? Awesome!
Oh heck yes! Feels like forever since I last heard about it. I really hope they bring it to Australia. Now to wait for more on Kaio: King of Pirates...
Can't wait to see how it is turning out for Wii U. Will give it a solid look for sure.
Hmm, I remember hearing about this game, although I believe my memories must have gotten mixed up with another game as I remember the main character being some form of dog humanoid... I'm sure they both had sky in the title.
Anyway, this does look interesting, and if it happens to arrive in the UK I may consider purchasing it, particularly if it's a physical purchase. I'll have to see more of the game than what was shown, more so what the updated Wii U version is like.
For now, I'm simply intrigued, though I will admit that I loved that theme song playing.
It surprised me! I thought that if this game were ever released at all, it would be on 3DS but not on Wii or Wii U.
@Souldin That was Solatorobo: Red the Hunter you're thinking of.
@BearClaus This game was originally plan only for Wii, it wasn't until 3DS launch that a version was made for that too. Since the Wii had come and gone, Yuji Naka shift focus to the Wii U. I'm just glad this game was not cancelled, it's one of the few games I'm actually interested in.
Bring on Operation Skyfall!!!
Looks a lot like KI:U if you ask me........
that said, maybe the control scheme won't be as uncomfortable as Uprising.
@bro2dragons Operation Sky Soldier
I'd love to buy this. I'd even buy the Wii version. But the WiiU port would be real dandy!
I'd totally get this for WiiU. I really hope it gets a global release.
Wow, this game would look great in HD. If it gets a physical release in NA, I will definitely get it. A digital release would be a maybe.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Really hope this comes to the west, been looking forward to it since it was announced. Wii U or 3ds i'll take either
Ferwent supporter of Yuji Naka's post-Sonic endeavors here. The stuff he comes up with is always fresh and unexpected, both in terms of gameplay and visual world around it. Hoping for this to arrive in the west, if nothing else then on eShop.
@MrGawain I'm thinking of Skies of Arcadia / Skyloft / Nostalgia for setting, Sonic and Sin & Punishment for gameplay, and a Shadow of the Colossus enemy for whatever reason (most likely because they're amazing).
@BearClaus Yeah, that was the game I was mixing it up with. I'm not sure why I was getting the two confused. Thank you!
Anybody know what happened to that penguin pirate game being developed by keiji inafune? if anyone remembers it that is.
I would gladly see this come to the west. I remember being quite excited about it back then.
Totally forgot this was on its way. Hopefully it gets a worldwide release. Well back to Fantasy Life! Its literally eating up all my time.
@RedBeanPorridge I remember seeing that too! I also have no idea what happened to it. Sorry XD
Here's hoping the Wii U version in game rendering looks more like the cutscenes, although something about the facial animations seems a little off. Hope this finally comes out!
I hate Kadokawa, their practices often range from shady to pathetic. Still, this game does look good. Let's see how good the release version will end up.
Bring it over. That is all there is to say.
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS!Next step,bring it to the west.Even without english dub and only the menus and the subtitles localized.
I forgot all about this game...
looks cool, hopefully they use the wiiU's power to refine the character models and animations, the backgrounds are already very pretty. It's a different game and the wiiU could certainly use some of that, hopefully it turns out to be a well made game that gets released in PAL territories.
So now its still coming, but on Wii u and 3DS instead of Wii. I really hope its worthwhile, and that the graphics also got a boost (seeing as Wii u has more power)!
Please please please come to the US!!
Also, please please please have Nights as an unlock able character!!
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...