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Pikmin shorts coming soon to Nintendo 3DS

L~A

Member
Edit 2: now out!

500 Yen / 4.99€ / 4.99$ for both 3D and HD versions

***


Edit: also coming to Wii U!

 少しPRさせていただきますと、10月25日に東京国際映画祭で(「ピクミン ショートムービー」という)映画を公開しました。ご存知でない方は、またネットでチェックしてみてください。20分程度の映画ですが、初めてのアニメーションを『ピクミン』を題材につくりました。近々この『ピクミン』の3D映画をニンテンドー3DSで、高品質のHD版をWii U上で提供する予定です

Source

***
Remember those Pikmin shorts announced a while ago? They were showcased today at the International Tokyo Film Festival. Shortly after, Miyamoto and Nobuo Kawakami (chairman of Dwango) had some sort of press conference.

There, it was announced that the three Pikmin shorts (“The Night Juicer,” “Treasures in a Bottle,” “Occupational Hazards.”) would be coming soon to Nintendo 3DS. Miyamoto didn't say when, or if it'd be free, though we can expect those to be available via the Nintendo eShop (they did end the Nintendo Video services earlier this year).

Apparently, Miyamoto did the storyboard using Flipnote Studio 3D, and actually sent those to the production company who made the shorts.

pikumin.jpg


Trailer : http://www.destructoid.com/pikmin-short-films-look-amazing-coming-soon-to-3ds-283033.phtml

Some more info:

In the article, Miyamoto says

-They'd considered doing something like this, but avoided it because of the difference between games and films.
-Another reason is that a film requires much more 'setting in stone' about the characters and world that could be limiting for the company when it comes to future games.
-However, with Pikmin they're very small in game and you can't see them well without zooming in. So he thought it'd be a good idea with this series, as it'd give more focus to the actual Pikmin.
-Storyboards for the shorts were made by Miyamoto using Flipnote 3DS.
-Made by an external CGI company. They also produced the opening of the 2012 E3 Presentation, where Miyamoto was followed by CGI Pikmin.
-They originally intended to make 10 3-minute short films, but after making the first one they decided on making longer ones. The 2nd is 8 minutes and the 3rd is 13 minutes long.
-The 3rd film features 500 Pikmin on screen at once and Pikmin covered in mud. Things they can't do in-game.
-The models are based on the game's models, but the CGI required about 10 times the fidelity of that in the latest game, so the 3D models themselves are mostly new.
-Miyamoto says the live-action Super Mario Brothers film was an interesting interpretation of the universe. When he first read the script, it was a heart-warming tale, like a Disney movie from his childhood, but it gradually evolved into the movie we know today. He thinks it's interesting what a different interpretation can bring.
-Release timing for the Pikmin shorts unannounced; may be compiled together with the logo-movie for Toho Cinemas (which features Pikmin, too) when released on 3DS.
-Plans on releasing world-wide; no language to localize.
-Pikmin 3 demo is in the works.
-Miyamoto wants the short films to be a gateway for some to play the Pikmin games.


Source

***

Edit: some more info!

Famitsu just posted about the event.

http://www.famitsu.com/news/201410/28064499.html (When the link fails, hit enter to load the page)


-The films were screened in 3D at the event.
-The films are 'Late-Night Juice' (2 mins), 'The Treasure Inside The Bottle' (8 mins), and 'The Rough Day' (13 mins).
-Miyamoto showed off some of the storyboards he made in Flipnote 3D at the event.
-He joked that with the time he put in making these short films he probably could have made about 2 games.
-He was reticent to use the Rock Pikmin idea at first, but with the mechanic involing breaking glass/crystal in the game came to the conclusion that rocks breaking it would be easiest to convey.
-Rock (and probably Flying) Pikmin don't appear in the films since they were made at the same time as Pikmin 3 and they hadn't finalized everything about those types yet.
-He mentioned that he's working on the Star Fox game for Wii U.
-They'd like to release the Pikmin 3 demo on Wii U and the films on the 3DS at the same time.

Thanks StreetsAhead for the translation!
 

L~A

Member
Well, the thing is.... it's just videos. There's really nothing preventing them from releasing those on Wii U. I doubt they were made in 400x240, so... Then again, I'm afraid we're going to have to wait months before we hear of those again.
 
Wonder if they'll ever bring back the Kid Icarus shorts to buy/download. And yeah betting 1st episode is free and the rest may have to pay, would love for Wii U videos cause 3DS videos compressions can be seen easily.
 

L~A

Member
Wonder if they'll ever bring back the Kid Icarus shorts to buy/download. And yeah betting 1st episode is free and the rest may have to pay, would love for Wii U videos cause 3DS videos compressions can be seen easily.

Didn't they sell those at one point?.... I remember them selling the Shawn the Sheep shorts, at the very least.
 
In the article, Miyamoto says;

-They'd considered doing something like this for Nintendo's characters many times in the past, but avoided it because of the difference between an interactive game and a film.
-Another reason is that a film requires much more 'setting in stone' about the characters and world that could be limiting for the company when it comes to future games.
-However, with Pikmin they're very small inside the game and you can't see them well without zooming in close. So he thought shorts might be a good fit for the Pikmin series as it'd allow there to be more focus on the actual Pikmin.
-Storyboards for the shorts were made by Miyamoto using Flipnote 3DS.
-Made by an external CGI company. They also produced the opening of the 2012 E3 Presentation, where Miyamoto was followed by CGI Pikmin.
-They originally intended to make ten 3-minute short films, but after making the first one they decided on making longer ones. The 2nd is 8 minutes and the 3rd is 13 minutes long.
-The 3rd film features 500 Pikmin on screen at once and Pikmin covered in mud, which are things they can't do in-game.
-The models used are based on the game's models, but as the CGI required about 10 times the fidelity of that in the latest game, so the 3D models in the shorts themselves are mostly new.
-Miyamoto says the live-action Super Mario Brothers film was an interesting interpretation of the universe. When he first read the script, it was a heart-warming tale, like a Disney movie from his childhood, but it gradually evolved into the movie we know today. He thinks it's interesting what a different interpretation can bring.
-Release timing for the Pikmin shorts unannounced; may be compiled together with the logo-movie for Toho Cinemas (which also features Pikmin) when released on 3DS.
-Plans on releasing world-wide; no language to localize.
-Pikmin 3 demo is in the works.
-Miyamoto wants the short films to be a gateway for some to play the Pikmin games.
 

L~A

Member
In the article, Miyamoto says

-They'd considered doing something like this, but avoided it because of the difference between games and films.
-Another reason is that a film requires much more 'setting in stone' about the characters and world that could be limiting for the company when it comes to future games.
-However, with Pikmin they're very small in game and you can't see them well without zooming in. So he thought it'd be a good idea with this series, as it'd give more focus to the actual Pikmin.
-Storyboards for the shorts were made by Miyamoto using Flipnote 3DS.
-Made by an external CGI company. They also produced the opening of the 2012 E3 Presentation, where Miyamoto was followed by CGI Pikmin.
-They originally intended to make 10 3-minute short films, but after making the first one they decided on making longer ones. The 2nd is 8 minutes and the 3rd is 13 minutes long.
-The 3rd film features 500 Pikmin on screen at once and Pikmin covered in mud. Things they can't do in-game.
-The models are based on the game's models, but the CGI required about 10 times the fidelity of that in the latest game, so the 3D models themselves are mostly new.
-Miyamoto says the live-action Super Mario Brothers film was an interesting interpretation of the universe. When he first read the script, it was a heart-warming tale, like a Disney movie from his childhood, but it gradually evolved into the movie we know today. He thinks it's interesting what a different interpretation can bring.
-Release timing for the Pikmin shorts unannounced; may be compiled together with the logo-movie for Toho Cinemas (which features Pikmin, too) when released on 3DS.
-Plans on releasing world-wide; no language to localize.
-Pikmin 3 demo is in the works.
-Miyamoto wants the short films to be a gateway for some to play the Pikmin games.

Thanks a lot! Some pretty good stuff, totally missed the Pikmin 3 demo thing.
 

I really want to see the trailer. But ill wait till someone uploads them on youtube or something I dont have to sign on.

In the article, Miyamoto says;

-They'd considered doing something like this for Nintendo's characters many times in the past, but avoided it because of the difference between an interactive game and a film.
-Another reason is that a film requires much more 'setting in stone' about the characters and world that could be limiting for the company when it comes to future games.
-However, with Pikmin they're very small inside the game and you can't see them well without zooming in close. So he thought shorts might be a good fit for the Pikmin series as it'd allow there to be more focus on the actual Pikmin.
-Storyboards for the shorts were made by Miyamoto using Flipnote 3DS.
-Made by an external CGI company. They also produced the opening of the 2012 E3 Presentation, where Miyamoto was followed by CGI Pikmin.
-They originally intended to make ten 3-minute short films, but after making the first one they decided on making longer ones. The 2nd is 8 minutes and the 3rd is 13 minutes long.
-The 3rd film features 500 Pikmin on screen at once and Pikmin covered in mud, which are things they can't do in-game.
-The models used are based on the game's models, but as the CGI required about 10 times the fidelity of that in the latest game, so the 3D models in the shorts themselves are mostly new.
-Miyamoto says the live-action Super Mario Brothers film was an interesting interpretation of the universe. When he first read the script, it was a heart-warming tale, like a Disney movie from his childhood, but it gradually evolved into the movie we know today. He thinks it's interesting what a different interpretation can bring.
-Release timing for the Pikmin shorts unannounced; may be compiled together with the logo-movie for Toho Cinemas (which features Pikmin, too) when released on 3DS.
-Plans on releasing world-wide; no language to localize.
-Pikmin 3 demo is in the works.
-Miyamoto wants the short films to be a gateway for some to play the Pikmin games.

I need more nintendo characters animation movies and shorts and someone like disney or universal helping to make a theme park for them. Get on it Miyamoto!
 

Bronetta

Ask me about the moon landing or the temperature at which jet fuel burns. You may be surprised at what you learn.
I like shorts. They're comfy and easy to watch!
 
Can we please get ....idk Pikmin 4 or an expansion pack to 3 already ?

Pikmin is one of my favourite series and 3 was awesome !

Edit: Thanks for the translation StreetsAhead
 

@MUWANdo

Banned
It's weird that all this Pikmin crap is on such a slow burn... I'm sure it's deliberate on some level, but I wonder how much of it is down to them being so slow to do anything these days.

Come to think of it, weren't they teasing more story content for Pikmin 3 at some point, too? Like, an Olimar/Louie campaign or something?
 
It's weird that all this Pikmin crap is on such a slow burn... I'm sure it's deliberate on some level, but I wonder how much of it is down to them being so slow to do anything these days.

Come to think of it, weren't they teasing more story content for Pikmin 3 at some point, too? Like, an Olimar/Louie campaign or something?

Nah, I remember it vividly that someone in the OT was swearing up and down that Olimar/ Louies story were cut content that would be finished and sold as DLC later.

Nintendo never said something along the lines.
 

@MUWANdo

Banned
Nah, I remember it vividly that someone in the OT was swearing up and down that Olimar/ Louies story were cut content that would be finished and sold as DLC later.

Nintendo never said something along the lines.

I was specifically thinking of the secret files that unlocked codes for little videos featuring Olimar and Louie, not anything else in particular, but it was probably foolish to infer anything from those, yeah.

Oh well, maybe they weren't going to do it, but they totally should.
 
Didn't they sell those at one point?.... I remember them selling the Shawn the Sheep shorts, at the very least.

They did? Didn't get around to buying them if they did, wasn't it a Japan only thing as well? Well hopefully they'll put it up again.
 

L~A

Member
They did? Didn't get around to buying them if they did, wasn't it a Japan only thing as well? Well hopefully they'll put it up again.

Nah, they also sold them in Europe, but only in some countries. I remember I had to switch to the Irish eShop so I could get those.

But I think they're not available anymore.
 

efyu_lemonardo

May I have a cookie?
So they're going to release a demo for Pikmin 3 eh?
There's a chance we may get the long deserved Iwata Asks for this game yet!
 
The shorts look really cute. I really hope they do stuff like that with their other IPs. Probably depending on how this is received, but I can totally see animated shorts of Mario, Zelda, Kirby, and Donkey Kong working well even if they aren't voiced.
edit: Demos usually hurt sales, if the recent data is to be believed, but maybe it can help sales of a late game by giving people a chance to try it? It recently got a touch screen update, with Smash Bros featuring Olimar and Alph along side a pikmin 3 stage, and now these animated shorts I'm guessing they want a few more sales out of pikmin 3
 

valouris

Member

Seems like a waste of time and resources, don't know how big of an impact this would have on new sales. I'd rather they spend these resources on some new DLC that will definitely sell some to existing owners and move some money, instead of a free demo that might convince some people to buy the game. Also, I want new Pikmin 3 stuff :p
 

L~A

Member
What?? Why?

Didn't you read the whole thing? They want to attract new players to the series with those shorts; make sense they'd release a demo (probably at the same time).

It's also one of the "GamePad's cool!" game (which is why it go an update a few months ago, to add touchscreen controls).

So they're going to release a demo for Pikmin 3 eh?
There's a chance we may get the long deserved Iwata Asks for this game yet!

Unfortunately, I don't think we're getting an Iwata Asks. I mean, we didn't even get one for the New 3DS, so... :(
 

scamander

Banned
Probably depending on how this is received, but I can totally see animated shorts of Mario, Zelda, Kirby, and Donkey Kong working well even if they aren't voiced.

They already released a series of Kirby and Zelda shorts.

EDIT: I just looked it up and they still sell the Shaun the Sheep shorts on the eShop; at least in Germany.
 
Don't know how stupid this question might be but... are the short films in stereoscopic 3D?

There's talk of a lot of stuff about the shorts but it is surprising to leave this detail untoched.
 

L~A

Member
Don't know how stupid this question might be but... are the short films in stereoscopic 3D?

There's talk of a lot of stuff about the shorts but it is surprising to leave this detail untoched.

If Miyamoto/Nintendo is so specific about them being on 3DS, I'm going to assume they are.

Then again, they have always been meant for the 3DS... last year, when they were originally announced, Nintendo said so already. Guess they didn't change their mind since then.
 

Phazon

Member
Oh nice, looking forward to them.

And a Pikmin 3 demo is cool too. I know some people who are a bit afraid of buying it, but a demo can give them a good idea of the game if done right.
 
If Miyamoto/Nintendo is so specific about them being on 3DS, I'm going to assume they are.

Then again, they have always been for the 3DS... last year, when they were originally announced, Nintendo said so already.
Well yes, but not a single mention about the fact during the conference. XD

Anyway, for some reason i relate the Pikmin shorts to that brief paper plane demo movie included in the New 3DS. Wonder if the share the same studio?
 
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