Dewy's Adventure

[Dante]

 

Preview

 

Konami on Thursday revealed to IGN Wii its original new Wii title, Dewy's Adventure. Don't let the name fool you, though, because the game is built by the same team responsible for the critically-acclaimed action effort, Elebits -- a title that IGN selected as best Wii action project of last year.

 

In Dewy's Adventure, gamers take control of a recently incarnated water droplet, Dewy, whose Elder Tree master has fallen ill at the hands of the evil Don Hedron. It's up to Dewy to find a way to save the Elder Tree and restore order to the once-flourishing forests.

 

Players use the Wii remote to navigate the character through an assortment of environments and harness his special abilities. In terms of control, gamers tilt the Wii remote to angle and rotate the landscapes in order to position Dewy in the correct spots for puzzle-solving. Dewy can also modify the temperature of his immediate surroundings, changing ice to mist, for example. Using his elemental powers, Dewy can freeze or heat different parts of the worlds in order to trigger a variety of puzzles and advance. In addition, players can induce earthquakes, lightning bolts or even damaging gusts of wind, among other things, by shaking and waving the Wii remote respectively during certain situations.

 

The title features six massive stages, each with its own unique visual style. On top the single-player experience, Dewy's Adventure boasts an Elebits-like edit mode that enables players to build complete stages with fully customizable puzzles, different landscape types and enemies. According to Konami, the stages can be played alone or cooperatively with a friend.

 

"Dewy's Adventure emphasizes Konami's commitment to creating innovative software for the Wii with one of a kind gameplay, unique motion sensitive controls, and a colorful game world packed with memorable characters," said Wilson Cheng, product manager with Konami. "Building upon the success of Elebits, Dewy's Adventure is poised to deliver another exciting and accessible gaming experience that is only possible through the immersive Wii hardware."

 

Interview

 

Konami on Thursday announced that it is in development with Dewy's Adventuer for Wii. The title, headed by Shingo Mukaitoge, who produced Elebits, is an action-platformer that fully utilizes the flexibility of the Wii controller. Below, Mukaitoge tells us all about Dewy's Adventure and explains why players should be excited.

 

IGN Wii: Based on what we have seen so far, the game seems to be using the same cinematic presentation as Elebits. What prompted that choice?

 

Mukaitoge: We used the same illustrator for both Elebits and Dewy's Adventure. I don't know about here, but in Japan, this illustrator is very popular. He has worked on many Japan-only games for Konami in the past, but Elebits was his first really large project. The fan response to his work on Elebits was very positive, so we decided to use him again.

 

IGN Wii: Can you briefly explain the basic storyline/premise of Dewy's Adventure?

 

Mukaitoge: The game takes place in a mythical fairytale world. The majestic Elder Tree towered over the world and brought prosperity to the land. One day, the evil Don Hedron appeared and attempted to cover the world in darkness. The Elder Tree with the help of the fairies fought back against Don Hedron and drove him and his Dark Water from the world. After a long time of peace, Don Hedron and his Dark Water appeared once more and attempted to plunge the world into blackness. The Elder Tree put the rest of his remaining strength into creating Dewy, the only one with the ability to clean up this dirty world.

 

IGN Wii: What is so special about Dewy? What can the character do?

 

Mukaitoge: Dewy is the last hope to drive away the evil Don Hedron. He is a droplet of water, and can be heated or cooled to achieve different goals. We don't want to go in to too much detail about this yet.

 

IGN Wii: How do you control Dewy using the Wii-mote and nunchuk?

 

Mukaitoge: While we can't talk about all of his abilities, we can say that the game is controlled entirely using the Wii controller. You hold it [like Excite Truck] and tilt it to tilt the environment and move Dewy. The D-pad can be used to heat or cool Dewy. When Dewy is heated up, he becomes a cloud of steam. He can then strike enemies with bolts of lightning. You can also move the Wii controller in a fanning motion to create gusts of wind or in a side-to-side motion to create an earthquake. These can be used to solve hidden environmental puzzles and combat enemies. There are lots of more abilities that Dewy has, but we want to keep them secret for now.

 

IGN Wii: This is the same development team as Elebits, right? How big is the team and how long has the game been in development?

 

Mukaitoge: The team we are using for this game is my personal team. Some of the members also worked on Elebits, but some came from other projects. The team has 30 members. We started Dewy's Adventure at the same time as Elebits, so the game has probably been in development for more than one year so far.

 

IGN Wii: Is this game planned as a 2007 title?

 

Mukaitoge: Yes, we plan on releasing Dewy's Adventure in 2007.

 

IGN Wii: Dewy's Adventure looks to use a top-down perspective and appears very different from Elebits. Elebits was all about manipulation of objects in the environment. Does Dewy's Adventure use heavy physics in the way that Elebits did?

 

Mukaitoge: For Elebits, we placed a great degree of emphasis on physics. We did not focus much of our energies on the graphical presentation of the game. For Dewy's Adventure, we spent all lot of time on perfecting our graphics technology. We worked hard on our textures. We are very proud to say that we have implemented normal mapping in Dewy's Adventure.

 

game that we have seen with normal mapping. We weren't really sure if the Wii supported it.

 

Mukaitoge: Really? We used normal mapping for some of the bosses in the game. If you look closely at the trailer, you can see normal mapping on the boss character at the end.

 

IGN Wii: Can Dewy fall from the environments he navigates, or is he on a set path?

 

Mukaitoge: You can approach the game in a linear fashion. However, there are plenty of hidden items to look for in the environment, as well as different collectibles. In those cases, you will have to explore more.

 

IGN Wii: Does the game run in progressive scan and 16:9 widescreen modes?

 

Mukaitoge: I don't know about progressive scan, but right now Dewy's Adventure runs in 16:9.

 

IGN Wii: Does Dewy's Adventure have a level editor?

 

Mukaitoge: Yes, Dewy's Adventure has an edit mode, much like Elebits.

 

IGN Wii: Elebits was the first game to take advantage of WiiConnect24, enabling gamers to create and share levels. Will Dewy's Adventure utilize WiiConnect 24 in any way? If so, how?

 

Mukaitoge: Yes, it will. [laughs] We are not quite sure how we will use it yet.

 

IGN Wii: Is there a multiplayer mode in the game? If so, how does it work?

 

Mukaitoge: We are trying to make a four-player multiplayer mode, but if it proves too difficult, it may end up being only two players. We are going to be making stages specifically for multiplayer, rather than having players unlock the single-player levels for the multiplayer mode. Players will also be able to use the Edit Mode to create levels for the multiplayer.

 

IGN Wii: Are than any time attack or challenge levels in addition to the single-player experience?

 

Mukaitoge: You must have played a lot of Elebits! [laughs] Time attack sounds good, but we are not at the stage where we have implemented something like this yet.

 

IGN Wii: This is your second major Wii game. What do you think of the hardware so far?

 

Mukaitoge: I truly feel that the Wii is good hardware. Normally in a game, you are forced to use just your two thumbs to move your character and perform actions, but the Wii incorporates 3D motion, which really opens up the possibilities of simultaneous actions. The Wii is a difficult system to develop a platformer for, but with Dewy's Adventure, we made some adjustments to take advantage of the system. The end game is a fun title that I can proudly recommend.

 

IGN Wii: Do you think the Wii is capable of much more on both a control and graphics level than most developers are doing so far?

 

Mukaitoge: I think Wii is very capable, and we can do much more with the system.

 

IGN Wii: Will we ever see Elebits 2?

 

Mukaitoge: Do you want me to make it? [laughs] I will do my best. Right now, we are working hard on Dewy's Adventure, but once we finish we will think about it.

 

Videos

 

Images

[pedrocasilva]

Thanks Dante; this game looks ace, certainly one of the reasons that could make me buy a Wii if I didn't had one by now; sure it's not a mass market product outside japan, but still, loved pikmin, loved tilt'n'trouble, chibi robo, cubivore (etc), I'm certain I'll like this, just like Elebits/Eledees (when it comes out)

[Funktion]

This game looks pretty fun and, well, cute!

I'm really looking forward to play Elebits (or Eledees; why did they change the name?!), and like that game Dewey's Adventure sure made a very good first impression on me. I'm not "afraid" of a game with lots of pink and cute creatures everywhere instead of guns, so I'll surely give this one a try...

[DCK]

Wow, way to go Konami.. I'm not really moved by Eledees but this looks pretty cool.

[SimonM7]

Absolutely beautiful!

[Atomic Boo]

I like the look of it even if it is a bit 'kiddy'. Games like this do have to have a level of challenge though.

Is it a bit like monkey ball in the way Dewy is controlled, rolling around?

Looks cool, graphics aren't great though.

[ultrajamie]

this cannot be for real.... are you guys BLIND?

 

in the ign interview, konami are proud of how far they've pushed the wii.... and it looks SHITE.

 

i was expecting a much bigger visual leap when developers started pushing the machine.

[Zechs Merquise]

Absolutely beautiful!

 

Are we looking at the same game? This looks like a sack of crap.

[fanman]

Are we looking at the same game? This looks like a sack of crap.

 

Yeah, it does look a bit pathetic, but it reminds me of what I thought about games like kuru kuru kururin before I played them. I probably won't get it though.

[SimonM7]

Well, if you watched both trailers and didn't find it pretty and inspiring, then I guess we're just different.

 

Personally? Loco Roco almost made me cry with joy, Okami is bound to do similar things to me, and the offbeat game ideas behind games like this, Eledees and Katamari are a huge reason why I still find videogames intriguing.

 

I find the story element of "a last drop of hope" poetic and moving, even. That's how wo-manly I am.

 

Admidst all the shooting HD res characters in the face, you could literally say I *need* this.

[Teppo Holmqvist]

Are we looking at the same game? This looks like a sack of crap.

 

this cannot be for real.... are you guys BLIND?

 

Of course it looks sack of crap because it doesn't fit your narrow and limted of view of how game should look. After all, it doesn't feature latest GPU buzzwords, space marines and brown textures. Or "cool" anime babes. Mature gamers my ass. Gamefaqs forums are that way.

[ZeldaFreak]

this cannot be for real.... are you guys BLIND?

 

in the ign interview, konami are proud of how far they've pushed the wii.... and it looks SHITE.

 

i was expecting a much bigger visual leap when developers started pushing the machine.

 

Are we looking at the same game? This looks like a sack of crap.

 

 

So true, they could do a more graphic heavy game, they could even have a proper FMV for the opening cutscene.

 

It looked like a SBM Adventure take on a game. Why not make it about robots with guns, action adventure game like glitch.

 

I was thinking why are they only making kids games for it, because konami class the wii as a kids console.

[Teppo Holmqvist]

I was thinking why are they only making kids games for it, because konami class the wii as a kids console.

 

Sure... you have already decided it is a kids game because of it looks. By that logic, Dragon Quest VII, Katamari Damacy and slews of other games were simple kids games, just because they have colorful look and don't try to achieve photorealism. Of course, don't let logic prevent your idiotic ramblings.

[ZeldaFreak]

Sure... you have already decided it is a kids game because of it looks. By that logic, Dragon Quest VII, Katamari Damacy and slews of other games were kids games, just because they have colorful look.

 

No, its because its a crap story and crap graphics. They can be in that style, but why not just make a decent 3d engine for the game. And if they must pump out the horrible mediocre games for kids, Elebits by all accounts was pretty dire. Konami please make a game for the late teens to adults.

[Teppo Holmqvist]

No, its because its a crap story and crap graphics.

 

Crap story? Oh hoh, guy who has One Piece avatar comes here and tells us about what is intelligent and deep story.

 

And if they must pump out the horrible mediocre games for kids, Elebits by all accounts was pretty dire.

 

"Horribly mediocre games". You haven't even fucking played Elebits.

[Hellfire]

Sure... you have already decided it is a kids game because of it looks. By that logic, Dragon Quest VII, Katamari Damacy and slews of other games were simple kids games, just because they have colorful look and don't try to achieve photorealism. Of course, don't let logic prevent your idiotic ramblings.

 

Do as I do, view their posts as comedy. Of course sometimes it's hard not to say something, but why bother all the time?

[Zechs Merquise]

Of course it looks sack of crap because it doesn't fit your narrow and limted of view of how game should look. After all, it doesn't feature latest GPU buzzwords, space marines and brown textures. Or "cool" anime babes. Mature gamers my ass. Gamefaqs forums are that way.

 

Do as I do, view their posts as comedy. Of course sometimes it's hard not to say something, but why bother all the time?

 

The arrogance. So basically because we're not all jumping around and praising this sack of shit as the greatest thing ever we're naturally wrong and should be 'ignored'.

 

Is it comedy that we actually want something that looks good and doesn't have a style aimed at pre-school kids.

[ultrajamie]

So true, they could do a more graphic heavy game, they could even have a proper FMV for the opening cutscene.

 

It looked like a SBM Adventure take on a game. Why not make it about robots with guns, action adventure game like glitch.

 

I was thinking why are they only making kids games for it, because konami class the wii as a kids console.

 

 

NO>>>

 

You don't get me... Konami have clearly stated they are very proud of the visual performance of the game. They specifically metioned they spent a lot of time getting the best of wii's textures etc, and implemented normal mapping - but dig a little deeper and you find out that it's just on the model of one boss and not throughout the game.

 

If this is what a second-gen wii game looks like... with a team thats got a fair bot of wii work under there belt... well... count me out.

[SimonM7]

The arrogance. So basically because we're not all jumping around and praising this sack of shit as the greatest thing ever we're naturally wrong and should be 'ignored'.

 

But it was you who quoted me with a comment attached surely devised to make mine out to be 'wrong'?

 

If this is what a second-gen wii game looks like... with a team thats got a fair bot of wii work under there belt... well... count me out.

 

Judging by your sig I assume everyone already did.

[ZeldaFreak]

Crap story? Oh hoh, guy who has One Piece avatar comes here and tells us about what is intelligent and deep story.

 

 

 

"Horribly mediocre games". You haven't even fucking played Elebits.

 

Yes, OK one piece has a shit story then why do loads of japanese people prefer it over naruto, its got a crazy story and deep.

 

Oh so thats why elebits sold really well because its such a great game. I think not.

 

If they can make games of an adult nature for ps3 and 360, why the fuck can they not make an adult orientated games for wii.

[ultrajamie]

But it was you who quoted me with a comment attached surely devised to make mine out to be 'wrong'?

 

 

 

Judging by your sig I assume everyone already did.

 

 

err.... and then?

[Teppo Holmqvist]

But it was you who quoted me with a comment attached surely devised to make mine out to be 'wrong'?

 

Yeah. That is his normal tactic. He always complains and bitches, and uses extreme words to state his opinion, probably just to annoy so many readers as possible. Then he acts "surprised" that his posts make other posters pissed. It is also well known fact that he does twist others words and simply ignores things that don't fit on his current agenda. This was already proven by his first post. He comes here to preaching how Nintendo is doomed and tell how Sengoku Mushi Wave's graphics present general Wii quality. When me and Pedro disagreed with him, we were hostile idiots*. He practically dismissed everything we said, and that if something is arrogant.

 

* This is really record on how badly you can start on new forum.

[ZeldaFreak]

NO>>>

 

You don't get me... Konami have clearly stated they are very proud of the visual performance of the game. They specifically metioned they spent a lot of time getting the best of wii's textures etc, and implemented normal mapping - but dig a little deeper and you find out that it's just on the model of one boss and not throughout the game.

 

If this is what a second-gen wii game looks like... with a team thats got a fair bot of wii work under there belt... well... count me out.

 

Why can't they just ignore the kids. Yeah I know, because we can put minimal work and sell loads, profit profit profit.

[djamb3]

 

weren't they right

[ZeldaFreak]

Ha thats so untrue its unfunny, just because we are all playing HD games. And all you have is your wii