Electroplankton, the first two hours...

[Aylmer]

Man oh man. What a title. It's not a game, that's for sure. It's more like...audio/video interactive entertainment, and then some. From the killer packaging, to the very cool manual (even though it's 95% Japanese) to the game itself, it is is first class piece of work.

Like Gaddy, I do not think it will ever be redone in English, though that would be nice. This is not a title that would do well here. I know I've barely scratched the surface. The 60 page manual is evidence of that.

Back beneath the waves...

[Glockstar]

Like Gaddy, I do not think it will ever be redone in English, though that would be nice.

Better think again. Both GameStop and EBgames show the "game" as an upcoming title.

They just disagree as to when. And to how much.
* GS = 11/1 ... $49.99
* EB = 11/14 ... $34.99

[Gadfly2317]

Better think again. Both GameStop and EBgames show the "game" as an upcoming title.

They just disagree as to when. And to how much.
* GS = 11/1 ... $49.99
* EB = 11/14 ... $34.99

That $49.99 is the import price, which adds to my skepticism about a US release. But, to be fair, at E3 this year Nintendo did say this one was coming out in the US.

It would be nice if a few more american DS owners got exposed to Electroplankton. It definitely expands the idea of what music, gaming, and interactive electronic entertainment can be. Anyone who doesn't mind spending a few extra bucks though, and can't wait, there is NO language barrier here. . .and it was kinda fun to finally import something. Even if it is released here, we'll be lucky if it gers the fancy package or the great illustrated thick-stock paper manual.

Alymer, post some more impressions when you've had more time, which plankton you like best, and whatever else you can think of.

[Aylmer]

I'm sure I'll end up doing a full review on it. I was playing with it last night and fell asleep doing so.

Yesterday I went to the main Nintendo site and they did not have a firm release date for the U.S. version either. Given the recent change of heart regarding the new Zelda that could mean a lot of things.

I still do not think the title would do well here. And I hope I am wrong if they do release it. As a rule, those kind of 'concept' titles (although Electroplankton is definately in a class by itself) don't get popular, IF they get popular, until after they are no longer published (Rez, etc.)

[Gadfly2317]

What would be cool is if there were someplace we could upload MP3's created using Electroplankton. I don't know a damn thing about building a web page. I don't know if anyone else plans on creating any digital or analog multitrack recordings utilizing Electroplankton, but if so I'd be cool if there were a way to hear them.

[Gadfly2317]

There is a totally cool discussion of electroplankton at a brit website. . . very enjoyable reading for fans of the plankton: http://ntsc-uk.domino.org/archive/index.php/t-39363.html

Below is an excerpt of something I didn't know you could do with the Nanocarp. Man do I ever need vocal training, because on the singing part, I think you have to hit the actual notes. I've only gotten them to do "the bird" so far, probably luck.

I still wish there were some e-plankton fansite to upload music and sound experiments done using this (I'm also using the sound-sample unlockables in Meteos.)
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Nanocarp is really fun, anybody who can make all this shapes?? Clapping in rhythm and singing doesn't work for me :(

instructions:
Clapping
1 clap: They form a circle
Repeat: They form a circle in different areas of the screen
2 claps: They form a horizontal line
Repeat: They vary between forming a horizontal and vertical line
3 claps: They form a diagonal line
Repeat: The diagonal line rotates
4 claps: They form a horizontal line at the bottom of the screen
Repeat: They form a line at any one of the 4 edges of the screen
5 claps: They form vertical lines at either edge of the screen
Repeat: They switch positions

Fast clapping
2 claps: They form a big circle
Repeat: The circle rotates
3 claps: They form 2 circles inside one another
Repeat: The circles rotate
4 claps: They form a line at the left and right edges of the screen
Repeat: They switch positions
5 claps: They form a ^ shape
Repeat: They form a V shape

Clapping in rhythm

Clap, Pause, Clap, Clap: They form 2 circles next to each other
Repeat: They switch positions
Clap, Clap, Pause, Clap: They form a triangle
Repeat: The triangle gets bigger, inverts or becomes smaller
Clap, Pause, Clap, Clap, Clap: They form a horizontal and vertical line
Repeat: The formations become smaller or bigger
Clap, Pause, Clap, Pause, Clap, Clap, Clap: They form a wave
Repeat: The wave ripples
Clap, Clap, Clap, Pause, Clap, Clap, Clap: They form the shape of a person
Repeat: The shape of the person raises its arms
Clap, Clap, Pause, Clap, Pause, Clap, Clap, Pause, Clap: They form the shape of a person with its right arm raised
Repeat: The shape of the person waves its arm

Blowing into the mic.

1 blow: They form the shape of an 'X'
Repeat: The 'X' rotates
2 blows: They form a square
Repeat: The square rotates
3 blows: They line up and perform the melody of a bright star
Repeat: The tone changes
4 blows: They form the shape of a house
Repeat: NA
Blow for 1 second: They form the shape of a heart
Repeat: The size of the heart changes
Blow for 2 seconds: They form the shape of the moon
Repeat: NA
Blow for 5 seconds: They form the shape of a '?'
Repeat: NA

Singing

Do, Re, Mi: They form the shape of a musical note
Repeat: NA
Mi, Re, Do: They form the shape of a fish
Repeat: NA
Do, Mi, So: They form the shape of a bird
Repeat: NA
Raise pitch by one octave: They form the shape of an apple
Repeat: The apple becomes a leaf
Lower pitch by one octave: They form the shape of a horse
Repeat: The horse runs
Raise voice gradually: They form the shape of a snowman
Repeat: NA
Lower voice gradually: They form the shape of a '3'

[Aylmer]

The program is full of unlockable stuff. A truly amazing bit of work.