![\"\"](\"http:\/\/mygaming.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Kid-Icarus-Uprising-screenshot-4.jpg\" "\\"Kid")
<\/a>Kid Icarus: Uprising<\/p><\/div>\n
Pit was born without the ability to fly \u2013 somewhat of an embarrassment for an angel. He is temporarily granted the gift of flight by his master, lady Palutena. Unfortunately she can only grant him this power for a few minutes before his wings burn off. As such the game is split into two clear sections: air and land based combat.<\/p>\n
When flying, Palutena controls Pit\u2019s trajectory. The player only controls Pit\u2019s position on the screen, his aim and attacks. Air based combat is almost like a 3D version of Space Invaders \u2013 enemies appear and the player has to take them out as they approach.<\/p>\n
Players use the analogue stick to control Pit\u2019s position on the screen, the touch screen to aim and the left trigger to shoot. This configuration can be a bit overwhelming \u2013 it\u2019s awkward to hold the 3DS with only your left palm while managing the stylus with your right hand. That\u2019s why Nintendo includes a nifty 3DS stand with every copy of the game.<\/p>\n
The stand is placed on a flat surface and lifts the 3DS so that you don\u2019t need to support the console while both hands are controlling Pit. This does make it more comfortable to play but it\u2019s going to take a while before you\u2019re used to this unique scheme.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Kid Icarus Uprising<\/p><\/div>\n
A similar control method is used when Pit is on land. In these sections the game behaves like a traditional third-person shooter; you move with the analogue stick, adjust the camera with the touch screen and shoot with the L button. The 3DS stand is also used during land-based combat and it creates an undoubtedly comfier experience. However, while the 3DS stand makes gameplay better than default, it\u2019s still not as comfortable as you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n
The biggest problem with the 3DS stand is that you need to have a flat surface (like a table) nearby and it has to be at a comfortable height \u2013 otherwise you\u2019ll constantly bend your back when playing. These restrictions make Kid Icarus: Uprising a bad choice for on-the-go gaming; something the 3DS was designed for.<\/p>\n
The land-based sections offer more exploration opportunities but are ultimately still linear in nature. There\u2019s a very repetitive flow of events in Kid Icarus: Uprising. Each chapter starts with Pit flying, then moves to the ground and wraps up with a boss battle.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Kid Icarus Uprising<\/p><\/div>\n
Kid Icarus: Uprising provides plenty of gameplay depth through the weapon system. There are 9 different weapon classes (including bows, clubs, blades and claws) and 12 weapons in each class. Every weapon has different stats, attributes and abilities and different instances of the same weapon are unique.<\/p>\n
Every weapon can be used as a ranged and a melee weapon although some might be better for ranged attacks than close quarters combat. Weapons can be fused together to create new weapons and can then be shared with other players using StreetPass.<\/p>\n
The greatest feat in Kid Icarus: Uprising is the way in which the story is told. The plot unfolds in the form of dialogue between the characters as Pit is engages in the action. Voice acting in a Nintendo game is almost unheard of, never mind prominent!<\/p>\n
The sheer amount and quality of voiced dialogue is spectacular. The characters provide background information, quest instructions and loads of hilarious moments \u2013 all without having to sit and watch a cutscene.<\/p>\n
While some players might get annoyed by the constant chatter I found it entertaining and a unique way of conveying the story. The voice acting is top-notch and accurately portrays the character\u2019s personality and emotions.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Kid Icarus Uprising<\/p><\/div>\n
Kid Icarus: Uprising also includes a full scale multiplayer mode that allows local or online play. Players can battle in teams or in free-for-all matches using any of the weapons found or fused in the campaign.<\/p>\n
The multiplayer battles can seem rather chaotic for the untrained eye as there\u2019s usually a tumult of sparks, items and players flying across the arena. Once you get used to the organised mayhem that only Japanese developers can create the multiplayer becomes a major and engaging aspect of the game.<\/p>\n
South Africans will be delighted to know that, while there are no local servers, there is remarkably little lag when playing online. If only there was some way of communicating with the other players; a sad drawback considering that everything needed for voice (or even video) chat is built right into the handheld console…<\/p>\n
The game is jam-packed with other bits and bobs too; Augmented Reality cards, a complex achievement system and a dynamic difficulty system.<\/p>\n
Kid Icarus: Uprising revives the classic franchise with a bang. It demonstrates the uniqueness of the 3DS through the innovative, albeit awkward, control scheme. The game also showcases some spectacular graphics that hardly skip a beat amidst the intense action-orientated gameplay.<\/p>\n
Nintendo also reminds us that they don\u2019t always do voice acting \u2013 but when they do, they do right.<\/p>\n
Kid Icarus: Uprising is a unique, action packed game with great spirit and depth. It is unlike any other game you\u2019ve ever played and should find its way into your 3DS collection.<\/p>\n
Want to learn more about Kid Icarus: Uprising? Click through to this snazzy info-graphic – Kid Icarus: Uprising info-graphic<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t