DS tech demo of Raid Over the River lookin' good
by Joystiq Staff 
{ Aug 16th 2006 at 5:35PM }
Normally, we might pass on such news as this, but when the footage looks so absolutely superb for the system it is designed for, it's hard to pass up and not mention. Over in the GameSpot forums, a new tech demo of the upcoming DS title Raid Over the River is up and ready to view.While the gameplay is your standard top-scrolling air shooter, the graphics offer a really nice glimpse of just the kind of power that can be squeezed out of the DS. Kinda makes you think what they can squeeze out of the Wii version of this game.
The poster, who we assume is on the development crew, had this to say (in broken English) about the progress:
Due to enormous positive feedback to dual screen action presentation, we decided to show You little tech demo, how this two screen gaming would look like in motion. I would like to point out strongly thou, that game itself is still in early development stage (that's why enemies don't shoot at us ;] ) and everyday we hunt our programmers to squeeze everything from DS power. That's why final version of the game is bound to look kinda different than this -- as we hope, way better.
[Via Go Nintendo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
darryl @ Aug 16th 2006 5:43PM
The Atari version looks better.
josh @ Aug 16th 2006 5:48PM
whoa! a river raid update? i will probably get this if it's budget priced. i love river raid... but they better not try and stick us with $30 for a prettier version of a 2600 game
jonm888 @ Aug 16th 2006 5:50PM
Is this an updated version of the old intellivision River Raid?
Drake Lake @ Aug 16th 2006 5:52PM
I like how one fellow's response was essentially criticizing them for trying to add a story.
Andrew @ Aug 16th 2006 5:53PM
Okay, it looks good. But does it really look THAT good? Maybe I'm just spoiled by my PSP's graphics... but it does look pretty mediocre. Even for a DS game.
If you want graphics, get a PSP. I'd rather them come up with a unique touch-screen application than push all their time into graphics.
josh @ Aug 16th 2006 5:59PM
@Andrew
River Raid is kind of suited to the DS though, because of the vertical format of the two screens... I guess you could make a game that you have to turn the PSP on it's side for, though... but the controls might be awkward.
VJ @ Aug 16th 2006 5:59PM
Looks good? nah it doesnt.
gman @ Aug 16th 2006 6:02PM
This DEFINITELY does not look mediocre. It is damn good looking, and especially considering they're still VERY early in development(nibris said
"Due to enormous positive feedback to dual screen action presentation, we decided to show You little tech demo, how this two screen gaming would look like in motion. I would like to point out strongly thou, that game itself is still in early development stage (that's why enemies don't shoot at us ;] ) and everyday we hunt our programmers to squeeze everything from DS power. That's why final version of the game is bound to look kinda different than this – as we hope, way better " )
So I'd say they're really on the right track if it already looks this nice. If they can get teh gameplay right, this will be amazing. We need more shooters!
MegaMatt @ Aug 16th 2006 6:04PM
darryl...I just hope you stop leaving these comments after you get your PS3 and are occupied with that
Fagaymer @ Aug 16th 2006 6:09PM
Someone needs some glasses that aren't rose colored.
rockintom99 @ Aug 16th 2006 6:20PM
Damn, that looks pretty great. I've been waiting for someone to do a tall-screen shump for the DS, and this looks like the one to get. Cant wait (though, one can still hope for a DS Ikaruga... right?).
supadude5000 @ Aug 16th 2006 6:25PM
This is inspired by, but in no way associated with River Raid.
Muttley @ Aug 16th 2006 6:26PM
Japan last week:
DS Lite - 163,572 [3,533,399] units
PSP - 49,352 [1,116,075] units
PlayStation 2 - 25,987 [882,231] units
GBA SP - 2,784 [179,598] units
GB Micro - 1,928 [111,444] units
Xbox 360 - 1,389 [64,783] units
NDS - 1,159 [950,903] units
GameCube - 904 [60,417] units
GBA - 34 [2,956] units
Xbox - 14 [1,624] units#
U.S. last month.
DS = 377,000 (94,250)
PS2 = 241,000 (60,250)
360 = 206,000 (51,500)
GBA = 163,000 (40,750)
PSP = 161,000 (40,250)
GCN = 44,000 (11,000)
Xbox = 12,000 (3,000)
Without great looks. Just great fun.
Rootbeer @ Aug 16th 2006 6:27PM
If I were developing this, I'd be worrying about the gameplay almost exclusively at the beginning of the development cycle, and only move on to graphical improvements once that game engine was solid enough for release.
That they seem to be employing the opposite strategy concerns me. When crunch time comes and they have to finalize this title to get it out the door in time, I'd rather that they had to cut a round or two of planned visual refinements than leave out the ability of enemies to shoot at you.
MrD @ Aug 16th 2006 6:38PM
Who would have thought that Darryl would, yet again, make up mindless fanboy dribble?
If this were a PSP game, he'd be taking it in the rear from Nibris, saying that it's the best 2D overhead shooter game ever.
Todd @ Aug 16th 2006 6:42PM
I love shooters like this, but I doubt I'll get it until I can pick it up used for cheap. Unless it rates really high. Still it does look nice so far.
Oh, and all the Nintendo haters keep it up with the whining. It always makes my day to know how well the DS is doing worldwide and how much that burns some people up. Kind of like a spoiled brat finally getting his butt whooped by his parents.
tactics @ Aug 16th 2006 6:43PM
i'd buy this game if it was $60, and WAS the atari version, simply because i want to throw enough money at nibris to complete Sadness. they absolutely NEED to become a "small independant developer" success story. Sadness looks amazing, but there are SO many doubts about it ever making it to production...
if you want to ever have a chance see Sadness, BUY THIS GAME!
-"superfan" tactics.
BPM? @ Aug 16th 2006 6:43PM
Personally, great graphics on a lesser machine impress me more than great graphics on a more powerful machine. Why? It's interesting to see how developers work with the limitations they have.
On the DS, Mario Kart DS, Metroid Prime Hunters, and Viewtiful Joe Double Trouble have all impressed me in terms of visuals (and atop of that, they're all fun games!).
Raid Over the River also looks pretty good. Hopefully, it plays as good as it looks.
bv @ Aug 16th 2006 6:48PM
This game is coming out for the wii too:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raid_over_the_River
Dan @ Aug 16th 2006 6:51PM
Graphics look some of the best I've seen for the DS. I'll definately keep an eye on this game. I loved games like Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun.
WizarDru @ Aug 16th 2006 6:51PM
Rootbeer said: "If I were developing this, I'd be worrying about the gameplay almost exclusively at the beginning of the development cycle, and only move on to graphical improvements once that game engine was solid enough for release."
That might be true, if art assets were dependent on the programming staff. Unless niblis is extremely small, it's doubtful that the artists are the ones working on the engine and the AI. So I doubt that's happening here. The ships move in the right fashion, bullets fly and this particular level is shaping up...but just because the art assets for this spot are ready for a tech demo doesn't mean that they're finished with the art or anything else by a long shot. You don't see a lot of art here, when you actually think about it.
Spasm @ Aug 16th 2006 7:06PM
This game would be much better on the PSP. As already mentioned, the PSP version would have better graphics, but let's look at the other possible benefits.
A. Guaranteed bathroom breaks while the next level loads. Number two even!
B. Less risk of repetitive stress injury due to playing only 4 hours before recharge-downtime.
C. Added challenge of dodging dead pixels mistaken as enemy fire.
D. UMD-jectile adds excitement to overall visceral experience.
The DS just can't compare.
All Your Lost Socks @ Aug 16th 2006 7:17PM
"[...]and everyday we hunt our programmers to squeeze everything from DS power."
That sounds like a pretty intense work environment... knowing you were being hunted, and could be taken down at any moment...
>.>
Freezer @ Aug 16th 2006 7:35PM
OMG! RIVER RAID! My inner 2600 nerd just orgasmed!
Superdotman @ Aug 16th 2006 7:39PM
If that's what they can do with the DS, I can't wait to see what Sadness looks like. Of course, they have yet to prove that either is fun.
daniel @ Aug 16th 2006 7:44PM
#19 the wii version isnt the same its the next part of the story
pixelator @ Aug 16th 2006 8:02PM
It wouldn't be a DS fanboy circle-jerk without someone mentioning old myths from before the PSP launched like ejecting UMDs (what a joke). The video was fake, man - this is old news. Unlike the broken DS hinges.
"Without great looks. Just great fun."
The revamped Lite is driving sales, as are the rehashed-yet-eternally-popular Mario sequels/ports/remakes. Amazing what happens when you repackage the old stuff - Nintendo is the Master of Milking.
jr. @ Aug 16th 2006 8:18PM
It does look great. The animation looks near perfect. I'd go as far as comparing it to Ikaruga. Been waiting for a nice retro arcade sendback like this.
cringer8 @ Aug 16th 2006 8:20PM
This is a post about a DS title. Why do you PSP fanboys always have to rain on the parade?
These graphics look pretty damn sweet. Sure, the PSP could display them, but it won't, since Nibris obviously isn't interested in SONY's products.
I'm also really excited for Sadness. Nintendo is too, apparently, since Nibris has said that they are working closely with them on their projects. I guess it's tentatively scheduled for Christmas '07. Maybe in the meantime they can make some games for the Virtual Console.
Henry @ Aug 16th 2006 8:24PM
Don't get me wrong, I am a full on Nintendo fan, but I have still noticed a flaw in these graphics. If you look at the planes and explosions etc, the graphics dont look so great. Its the background that fools you - its pre-rendered. So sadly we wont be seeing anything as pretty as that in an adventure game like Zelda. :(
But still - it aint graphics that count as the DS - PSP sales have confirmed.
Brobot @ Aug 16th 2006 8:26PM
LOL PIXELATOR KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT SON
Muttley @ Aug 16th 2006 8:34PM
#26
9 platinum games in Japan in less than 2 years.
Got milk?
Jeff @ Aug 16th 2006 8:47PM
"I'd go as far as comparing it to Ikaruga."
It does look pretty Ikaruga-esque. Ikaruga meets 1942.
I wonder what some of these PSP guys are even looking for in a top-down shooter if this "doesn't look good". I suppose Ikaruga was ugly too? Some people just have no taste; what else can you even say?
I mean let's all just ignore the fact that a vertically-scrolling shooter would be impossible to even play on the widescreen PSP, for starters.
Huey @ Aug 16th 2006 8:51PM
Unless we go Lynx and flip it. :D
Darrel @ Aug 16th 2006 8:52PM
This topic just turned from "wow, it looks interesting" to "PSP Vs DS INTERNET FIGHTS LOL"
Will you PSP and DS fans knock it off? Take your fight somewhere else. I'm SICK ANd TIRED about how EVERY DS and PSP game title topic degenerates into a PSP vs DS argument. I'm also sick at how when ther's a DS game, a PSP fanboy would knock it down and VICE VERSA.
myo pinion @ Aug 16th 2006 9:42PM
Great graphics on a more powerful machine are where it's at. Why? It's interesting to see how much can be done with the machine.
In other words, I agree with what Andrew said and find BPMΩ's comment rather silly.
myo pinion @ Aug 16th 2006 9:55PM
Spasm,
Get with the times.
PSP games stream content which eliminates waiting for levels to load. The DS on the opther hand takes a long time loading extrememly low tech junk like Brain Age (disguised by repeating the same garbage everytime you do anything while its loading).
My PSP runs for a lot longer on a charge than my DS (original version) does. The DS's system software is horrible (make a change and it shuts down? lol).
I have never seen a PSP or DS with dead pixels but I've heard that they both are prone to them.
The UMD trumps the antiquated game cartridges.
All in all the DS just can't but like a lot of chintzy junk the DS is cheaper so it's a better seller.
Darrel @ Aug 17th 2006 12:06AM
See what I mean? Comments that have NOTHING to do with the actual game. Just ".waah PSP/DS > DS/PSP coz I said so!" Just stop it you guys. Guess my friend was right.
"Watching PSP and DS fans fight is like wathing to brick walls slamming each other"
Of course, fanboys would just twist my words with "In this case, wall A is made out of tougher material.." and so on. But alas, Welcome to the internet indeed.
Linkman2004 @ Aug 17th 2006 12:17AM
Would all of you Sony fanboys just SHUT UP! I am so sick of all the "S0ny 0wns N1n73nd0!!11!" like comments. If you want to bash the DS and hail the PSP, do it on a message board. This post is simply about a DS game, not a "the PSP can do better graphics" post. Get over it!
Anyways, I think it looks rather amazing. Not the best that I've seen, but certainly some of the better graphics the DS has pumped out.
Supra @ Aug 17th 2006 12:44AM
PSP is a piece of crap.
BPM? @ Aug 17th 2006 1:14AM
myo pinion:
"In other words, I agree with what Andrew said and find BPMΩ's comment rather silly."
Bite me. ;)
I'd try to explain what I meant further to you, but I don't think you'd get it.
"PSP games stream content which eliminates waiting for levels to load. The DS on the opther hand takes a long time loading extrememly low tech junk like Brain Age (disguised by repeating the same garbage everytime you do anything while its loading)."
The only loading I've EVER experienced on a DS game is in Animal Crossing Wild World when you boot it up the first time each day (I'd wager at least 20 seconds; I haven't counted). This isn't a problem with loading the game data, but an issue with loading the save data, as ACWW saves a lot of junk in it's save file. But subsequent boots in the same day take considerably less time (5 seconds or less).
"My PSP runs for a lot longer on a charge than my DS (original version) does. The DS's system software is horrible (make a change and it shuts down? lol)."
A number of things affect the battery life of both systems. How much work the processor is doing, how bright the screens are, and how loud the speakers are. If you're just using PSP as a music player, one charge will last longer than one DS charge. But if both are play games, DS will last a few more hours.
And the shutting down for changing options? I will agree it's stupid, but I'm sure Nintendo has a good reason for doing so. Probably so the settings get saved to the system without risk of corruption.
"I have never seen a PSP or DS with dead pixels but I've heard that they both are prone to them."
Fixed pixels is a common problem with ALL LCD screens. It's just a problem with how they're manufactured, and there's nothing that can be done about it. It isn't exclusive to just PSP or DS.
However, homebrewers have made apps for the DS that can fix a fixed pixel by flashing various colors very quickly, which forces the pixel to act properly again. I don't know if a similar app exists for PSP, but I wouldn't doubt it.
"The UMD trumps the antiquated game cartridges."
Um, no. The big reason the PSP's battery life is so short is because of the amount of power needed for running a disc drive. Loading times are also an issue with needing to access disc data (not ALWAYS a problem, of course. It all depends on how well programmed the game is). It is nice that it can hold so much data (1.4GB, if memory serves me right), but at what cost? I haven't seen an instance of where the DS's lesser storage (the max so far is 1Gb, which is 128MB) has been an issue.
"All in all the DS just can't but like a lot of chintzy junk the DS is cheaper so it's a better seller."
So, by that logic, Wii and 360 will also sell better than PS3, because they're cheaper. Am I right?
You can't just take hardware sales into consideration, but software sales as well. DS has 13 games that have sold over 1 million copies worldwide (the best being Nintendogs, with over 7 million copies), whereas the PSP only has 3.
All companies lose money on hardware. But they make it back in software. It doesn't matter how many systems are sold if people aren't buying the games.
GSI @ Aug 17th 2006 1:16AM
@ pixelator:
Umm...the UMD ejecting thing is NOT a myth. I own a PSP and before it stopped collecting dust on my desk due to the lack of recent good games, I did the UMD eject thing both on purpose and by accident a couple times.
--> "PSP games stream content which eliminates waiting for levels to load."
How about no. Sure SOME games do that but that will also kill the battery on the system.
-->"My PSP runs for a lot longer on a charge than my DS (original version) does. The DS's system software is horrible (make a change and it shuts down? lol)."
On what planet? The DS (phat) lasts a solid 8 hours for DS games and 10 for GBA games. It will be less if you use wi-fi, but that happen with all devices. Even on paper the DS (and DS Lite) have longer battery life.
...and you say the system software is horrible? When was the last massive system seller released for the PSP? The DS on the other hand is getting hits all the time and there are TONS of online games planned for the future. By online I mean REAL wifi not the ad-hoc most PSP games use.
->"The UMD trumps the antiquated game cartridges."
Really? Then why are movie studios ditching the UMD format?
-->"DS is cheaper so it's a better seller."
Wow so you finally said something partly true. Yea it is cheaper, but it is also STURDIER then the PSP AND it has waaaaay better games then the PSP...and the sales numbers PROVE IT.
Judge Ito @ Aug 17th 2006 1:22AM
Dudes, whatever...
Nanostray looks 10 times better than this.
MrD @ Aug 17th 2006 1:41AM
#36
What are you talking about?
"PSP games stream content which eliminates waiting for levels to load. The DS on the opther hand takes a long time loading extrememly low tech junk like Brain Age (disguised by repeating the same garbage everytime you do anything while its loading)."
Yes, every PSP game streams content, and if they did, your rediculous battery life comment would be even less true. At least games that utilize loading on the DS make you not realize it, unlike the craptastic loading screens on the PSP.
Now, I don't mind the PSP at all, but when you say "get with the times," actually tell the truth, and don't make yourself look like a complete moron.
BPM? @ Aug 17th 2006 2:23AM
#41 Judge Ito:
"Nanostray looks 10 times better than this."
I don't think it's fair to compare a released game with an unreleased one.
But, yes, Nanostray is definitely awesome looking (and tough as nails, too! Just the way I like it!).
GSI @ Aug 17th 2006 2:59AM
@ BPMΩ:
I think he was kidding/being sarcastic.
Sam @ Aug 17th 2006 5:36AM
36. Your a fol, i hopw you know that. Just so you know, im going to repeat:
"PSP games stream content which eliminates waiting for levels to load. The DS on the opther hand takes a long time loading extrememly low tech junk like Brain Age (disguised by repeating the same garbage everytime you do anything while its loading)."
Now witch console has loading screens, eh? Somhow i seen to remember 15 second loading screens on most PSP games, and yet the ONLY loading i have ever seen on the DS is loading a save game on Animal Crossing, witch is BTW a HUGE HUGE HUGE game, and loading onto WiFi.
"My PSP runs for a lot longer on a charge than my DS (original version) does. The DS's system software is horrible (make a change and it shuts down? lol)."
Simply not true, unless DS is playing a game and PSP is playing music while on standby while charging.
"I have never seen a PSP or DS with dead pixels but I've heard that they both are prone to them."
Yeah, both have dead pixels, as far as i know it is a LITTLE bit more common in DSs, but its a problem in ALL LCD screens (hey, DS have twice the ammont of screens!)
I just looked at your post and Laughed out load, that was just a load of lies based on nothing, i bet you don't even own a PSP or DS. Please, its embarrassing when we have people like you on our forums.
Sorry for the rant, especcally when its the 3rd time its been repeated, but i had to say summin.
Anywhy, it looks like a very nice game, not as good as Nanostay, but as its been said you can't really compare the two. On the other hand, i was a bit dissapointed that Nanostay was tied to only one screen, this really looks like a better use of the two screens. Still, i'm not really sure wether i shold buy this one or the Wii version.
WizarDru @ Aug 17th 2006 7:42AM
"Nanostray looks 10 times better than this."
Yeah, but Nanostray takes about 2 hours to beat, unless you're obsessing over finishing all the challenges. I considered Nanostray to be a BIG disappointment. It's great to look at, but it's so short that I felt cheated. I certainly hope Raid on the River has more content than that.
Fagaymer @ Aug 17th 2006 10:03AM
I don't care what anyone says...These graphics are horrible. Once you've gone PSP Black you can never go back.
BPM? @ Aug 17th 2006 3:19PM
#45 Sam:
"Still, i'm not really sure wether i shold buy this one or the Wii version."
I recall reading that the DS and Wii versions of Raid over the River are quite different.
#44 GSI:
"I think he was kidding/being sarcastic."
Who was? I've made comments to Judge Ito and myo pinion, so you'll have to be a bit more specific. :P