Mockingbird
Member
What is -Art Style-? -Art Style- is a series of games developed by Skip Ltd. (with the one exception being -Art Style- Digidrive, which was developed by Q Games) and published by Nintendo for the Wiiware/DSiware download services. -Art Style- games combine "deep game play with atmospheric flair and simple, elegant controls that anyone can pick up and enjoy" (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12992111&postcount=25619) . -Art Style- is also the successor to the BitGeneration series of games that was released at the tail-end of the GBA's lifespan in Japan; in fact, as of today, one-third of the -Art Style- games available are remakes of the BitGeneration titles. For more about the history of the -Art Style- series, check out the New Generations -- The History of -Art Style- section.
Official Sites
US: http://artstyle.nintendo.com/
EU: http://ms2.nintendo-europe.com/artstyle/enGB/index.html
The Games (with alternate titles listed for their respective regions)
1. -Art Style- Orbient (NA/EU) / -Art Style- Orbital (JP)
2. -Art Style- Cubello (NA/EU) / -Art Style- Cubeleo (JP)
3. -Art Style- Rotohex (NA/EU) / -Art Style- Dialhex (JP)
4. -Art Style- Aquia (NA) / -Art Style- Aquite (EU) / -Art Style- Aquario (JP)
5. -Art Style- PiCTOBiTS (NA) / -Art Style- PiCOPiCT (EU/JP)
6. -Art Style- BOXLIFE (NA/EU) / -Art Style- Hacolife (JP)
7. -Art Style- BASE 10 / -Art Style- CODE (EU) / -Art Style- DECODE (JP)
8. -Art Style- ZENGAGE (NA)/ -Art Style- NEMREM (EU) /-Art Style- SOMNIUM (JP)
9. -Art Style- precipice (NA)/ -Art Style- kubos (EU) / -Art Style- nalaku (JP)
10. -Art Style- Digidrive (NA/JP) / -Art Style- Intersect (EU)
11. -Art Style- light trax (NA/EU) / -Art Style- Lightstream (JP)
12. -Art Style- Rotozoa (NA) / -Art Style- Penta Tentacles (EU) / TBA (JP)
--------------------------------------
-Art Style- Orbient (NA/EU) / -Art Style- Orbital (JP) (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Explore the universe like never before in Art Style: ORBIENT. Take control of gravity and anti-gravity and carefully maneuver your small star through 50 stages set in multiple galaxies. Collide with other stars to absorb them and make your own star expand in size, or capture the stars in your orbit and have them become your satellites. Space isn't empty, though, and you'll have to avoid bumping into obstacles or getting pulled into a black hole. If you feel like relaxing while still being challenged, this is the game for you. Its combination of simple controls, atmospheric sound and unique environment make for an experience unlike any other (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12992111&postcount=25619).
Release Date: September 29, 2008 (NA) / December 19, 2008 (EU) / May 12, 2009 (JP)
Platform: Wiiware
Developer: Skip, Ltd.
Genre: Action, Puzzles
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/fFYnXqO1FoMojdvEC9JtQ4B2fRlLX6jI#videos
----------------------------
-Art Style- CUBELLO (NA/EU) / -Art Style- CUBELEO (JP) (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Art Style: CUBELLO mixes the strategy and feel of a traditional puzzle game with the precision and reflexes required in a shooter. As each stage begins, various colored cubes form into one large object called a Cubello, which floats and rotates as you play. Launch additional cubes from your magazine and try to connect four or more of the same color, removing them from the Cubello and eventually leaving only its core. Take on the challenge of either Stage or Endless mode and watch what happens when Bonus Time is activated. The straightforward controls and goal ensure that anyone can play, while offering enough depth that even advanced players will find themselves quickly addicted to the unique world of Art Style: CUBELLO (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=13200293&postcount=25921).
Release Date: October 13, 2008 (NA) / November 21, 2008 (EU) / May 12, 2009 (JP)
Platform: Wiiware
Developer: Skip, Ltd.
Genre: Puzzles, Shooter
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/RiwQdeXXsY5Q88aGghMq654JqM-ljVnd#videos
----------------------
-Art Style- ROTOHEX (NA/EU) / -Art Style- DIALHEX (JP) (Nintendo, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Use colored triangular panels to create a vibrant mosaic of stained glass in Art Style: ROTOHEX. As triangles fall from the top of the screen, rotate them to group six panels of the same color and create a matching hexagon, or HEX. Once the HEX has been formed, it will disappear, allowing the existing panels to shift and more panels to fill the playing field. A clear-cut goal and two different styles of intuitive controls allow you to focus solely on the game play-which is vital, as the playing field will be full of panels before you know it. With multiple modes (unlock more as you progress further in SOLO mode), special item panels at your disposal, and the ability to play cooperatively or competitively with a friend, there will always be another HEX to create (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=13383284&postcount=26243).
Release Date: October 27, 2008 (NA) / December 5, 2008 (EU) / May 12, 2009 (JP)
Platform: Wiiware
Developer: Skip, Ltd.
Genre: Puzzles
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/wiiware/art_style_rotohex_10292.html
-----------------------
-Art Style- AQUIA (NA) / -Art Style- AQUITE (EU) / -Art Style- AQUARIO (JP) (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Dive into Art Style: AQUIA, a fast-paced underwater puzzle game that asks you to think fast and move even faster. Help a scuba diver reach the ocean's floor by matching three or more colored blocks horizontally or vertically. The more blocks you match, the faster the diver will descend. Fail to clear blocks and the diver's air supply will start to run out, causing darkness to creep in from above and cloud your vision. Race against time in TIMED DIVE, dive deep in FREE DIVE mode or visit the AQUARIUM to view various sea creatures. (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=15367835&postcount=2526).
Release Date: April 6, 2009 (NA) / April 3, 2009 (EU) / December 24, 2008
Platform: DSiware
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Genre: Puzzles
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/dsiware/art_style_aquite_12143.html
----------------------------
-Art Style- PiCTOBiTS (NA) / -Art Style- PiCOPiCT (EU/JP) (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Your goal in Art Style: PiCTOBiTS is simple: clear large blocks that fall from above ("megabits") by combining them with "bits" (square blocks) of the same color. Add in the ability to pick up bits and place them anywhere on the touch screen, and you'll quickly find that strategy is critical to your success. By clearing the bits, you gradually reveal each stage's hidden game character - look for favorites from classic NES titles - and earn coins that can be spent to unlock DARK stages or to listen to the game's soundtrack in MUSIC mode. This grand mix of familiar elements and new game play leads to the uniquely enjoyable experience that is PiCTOBiTS. (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=15896966&postcount=438).
Release Date: May 18, 2009 (NA) / May 22, 2009 (EU) / January 28, 2009 (JP)
Platform: DSiware
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Genre: Puzzles
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/dsiware/art_style_picopict_12278.html
--------------------------
-Art Style- BOXLIFE (NA/EU) / -Art Style- HACOLIFE (JP) (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Climb the corporate ladder in the world of BOXLIFE using your wits and... paper? Use the Nintendo DSi stylus to cut and then manipulate the paper into a box shape. Be careful-if you're not efficient with your cuts, you'll waste paper and be penalized. R&D mode teaches you new patterns and challenges you to complete various ranks, while FACTORY mode gives you the chance to earn money by making as many boxes as possible from an endless sheet of paper. Success in each mode brings its own reward: Clear ranks to earn a promotion, change your character's appearance, and use your earnings to acquire new items for your character's miniature garden. With this game's stylish graphics and catchy sounds, thinking inside the box isn't such a bad thing. (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16390693&postcount=438).
Release Date: June 22, 2009 (NA) / July 20, 2009 (EU) / February 25, 2009 (JP)
Platform: DSiware
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Genre: Puzzles
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/dsiware/art_style_boxlife_14145.html
-----------------------
-Art Style- BASE 10 / -Art Style- CODE (EU) / -Art Style- DECODE (JP) (Nintendo, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Art Style: BASE 10 is a game of numbers. Your goal is simple: create combinations equaling 10 by sliding numbers around the playing field. Move them horizontally or vertically, but be careful not to create an unusable non-number in the process. Choose from one of three modes: eliminate a set amount of numbers as quickly as possible in ZEROSUM MODE; get rid of prearranged groups of numbers in as few moves as possible in PUZZLE MODE; or continue removing numbers until your game is over in INFINITE MODE. In addition, you can challenge an opponent to a two-player wireless battle in VS MODE and see whose number-crunching skills reign supreme. If you think you're a master with numbers, the straightforward yet challenging world of Art Style: BASE 10 gives you the opportunity to prove it in a unique way. (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16557334&postcount=75)
Release Date: July 6, 2009 (NA) / April 2, 2009 (EU) / December 24, 2008 (JP)
Platform: DSiware
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Genre: Puzzles
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/dsiware/art_style_code_12144.html
--------------------
-Art Style- ZENGAGE (NA)/ -Art Style- NEMREM (EU) /-Art Style- SOMNIUM (JP)(Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Do you dream of relaxing with a great puzzle game? Art Style: ZENGAGE revolves around sliding cells (squares) to match colors with cores (beads) located on the board. Clear each stage by matching all of the cores and cells. As you progress through the game's 100-plus stages, you'll encounter cells with special characteristics, such as immovability, which further add to the challenge. To truly master ZENGAGE, you must keep your mind sharp and employ careful strategy to complete stages in as few moves as possible. Combining wistful graphics and mesmerizing sound, ZENGAGE creates a surreal world that should be experienced by all puzzle gaming fans. (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16743819&postcount=317).
Release Date: July 20, 2009 (NA) / May 29, 2009 (EU) / January 28, 2009 (JP)
Platform: DSiware
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Genre: Puzzles
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/dsiware/art_style_nemrem_13519.html
-------------------------
-Art Style- precipice (NA) / -Art Style- kubos (EU) / -Art Style- nalaku (JP) (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): The sky is falling in the form of cubes in the action-oriented Art Style: precipice. Watch for the telltale shadow to avoid seeing your character get crushed by a falling cube while climbing the stacked cubes to ascend to the floors above. Push, pull or shove cubes to make your climb easier. Try to gain extra points by stepping on five cubes in a row on the same floor. In addition, you'll encounter special cubes that can either be helpful or harmful to your effort. Choose from either TEN FLOORS mode, which challenges you to reach the tenth floor while scoring as many points as possible, or TOWER mode, which gives you the chance to climb as high as you can. Do you have what it takes to make it to the top, or will you be crushed? (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16952059&postcount=10).
Release Date: August 3, 2009 (NA) / June 5, 2009 (EU) / February 25, 2009 (JP)
Platform: DSiware
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Genre: Puzzles
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/dsiware/art_style_kubos_13793.html
--------------------------------------
-Art Style- DIGIDRIVE (NA/JP) / -Art Style- INTERSECT (EU) (Nintendo, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): It's traffic control with a twist as you try to direct identical cars down the same road in Art Style: DIGIDRIVE. This constantly moving puzzle game combines an easily understood playing field (an intersection) and a simple goal (create fuel), challenging you to properly guide a never-ending stream of cars. Stack similar cars five deep to create some fuel, then use that fuel to continue your progress in the game. Play in ENDLESS mode to see how long you can last, or compete against the computer or a human opponent in VS mode. Use combos to your advantage and see if your reflexes can handle the intensity of Overdrive mode. When all is said and done, you may never look at gridlock quite the same way again. (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=18509164&postcount=267).
Release Date: November 16, 2009 (NA) / October 2, 2009 (EU) / November 4, 2009 (JP)
Platform: DSiware
Developer: Q-Games
Genre: Puzzles, Multiplayer
Official Site/Trailer: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/dsiware/art_style_intersect_14720.html
--------------------------------------
-Art Style- light trax (NA/EU) / -Art Style- Lightstream (JP) (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Art Style: light trax takes racing to whole new (and very surreal) levels as you control a white beam of light moving perpetually forward while your viewpoint shifts between 2-D and 3-D perspectives. Start by choosing one of the two main modes of game play, each with its own distinct goal. In light tours mode, you vie with other light beams for the most points in a three-course racing tour. Watch out for obstacles, use items and strategically use your dash ability to finish first. In freeway mode, your objective is to set a high score by traveling the greatest distance within a set amount of time. Mastering the intricacies of each setting is crucial: you'll have to alternate between them in order to progress through the game and unlock all of its modes. With precise controls packed in and a driving techno soundtrack, Art Style: light trax offers an experience unlike any other. Are you ready to compete in a mind-bending race at the speed of light? (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=21437528&postcount=263).
Release Date: May 24, 2010 (NA) / June 25, 2010 (EU) / September 6, 2011 (JP)
Platform: Wiiware
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Genre: Racing
Official Site/Trailer: http://artstyle.nintendo.com/games/lighttrax/
--------------------------------------
-Art Style- ROTOZOA (NA) / -Art Style- PENTA TENTACLES (EU) (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Control a circular creature-like organism known as a rotozoan and nimbly make your way through level after level of primordial ooze. Comprised of only three distinct parts (colored sides, tentacles and life force), the focus of your rotozoan life is simple: grow your tentacles. After playing a few levels and learning the basics of your microscopic world, you begin to unlock additional modes of play and the ability to choose the number of tentacles on your rotozoan. Each mode has its own specific purpose: reach a particular length with your tentacles or grow them to the greatest length possible. In either mode, growing your tentacles means absorbing enemies known as goobugs by touching them. There's just one catch: Successfully absorbing a goobug depends on matching its color to your tentacle. Also, longer tentacles can more easily come in contact with incorrectly colored goobugs (causing damage to the tentacle and decreasing your life force), and the goobugs themselves multiply and begin adapting to your movement. Luckily, objects such as the restorative heart item and special attack-enabling cyclone item can be found floating in the ooze to help your rotozoan survive. With atmospheres ranging from peaceful to intensely challenging, Art Style: Rotozoa offers a wide variety of levels. Victory can only be achieved through quick, precise movement and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Are you ready to take on the goobugs? (http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/JTbZnxr412wZcpQhzzNs1R7OQrgvmsf8#overview).
Release Date: June 21, 2010 (NA) / May 28, 2010 (EU) / TBD (JP)
Platform: Wiiware
Developer: Skip Ltd.
Genre: Action
Official Site/Trailer: http://artstyle.nintendo.com/games/rotozoa
--------------------------------------
NEW GENERATIONS -- THE HISTORY OF -Art Style- (Original Source: http://ms2.nintendo-europe.com/artstyle/enGB/index.html)
--------------------------------------
Tidbits
Developer Q&A: http://ms2.nintendo-europe.com/artstyle/enGB/index.html
Why aren't Q-Games' other DSiware titles, such as Trajectile, Startship Defense, and X-Scape, considered part of the -Art Style- series?
From jotstick.com`s interview with Kazuyuki Gofuku of Nintendo: "The Art Style games focus on a fusion of visual and sound. So, from a development perspective, Art Style games start with the visual and sound in mind. On the other hand, Q-Games really focus on the game system. So it wouldn't necessarily be appropriate to go out of the way to force a visual or a sound element onto the particular game system that they have in mind" (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/interview-q-games-and-nintendo-on-x-scape/).
------------------------
The Developers
About Skip Ltd.
Skip Ltd. is third party developer that made their debut in April 2003 with the Japan-only GCN release of a quirky RPG titled Giftpia; however, aside from the -Art Style- series, Nintendo fans know them best as the creators of Chibi Robo! for the GCN/DS/Wii.
http://www.skiptokyo.com/
About Q-Games
Best known for their PixelJunk series of games on the Playstation consoles, Q-Games is headed by Dylan Cuthbert, one of the original developers of Star Fox for the SNES.
http://www.q-games.com/
.