Impressions: Astro Boy (Wii)
by David Hinkle 
{ Jun 5th 2009 at 1:15PM } 
The demo started in what appeared to be a factory, with plenty of deadly spikes and robotic enemies to encounter. Many of Astro's abilites were available, including his finger laser. Combat itself seemed kind of tired and repetitive, with the formula being beat up random enemy, collect orbs, use super move, rinse, repeat.
We were shown another segment where Astro was flying through Metro City, in a shmup portion of the game, though these will be few and far between, our rep told us. This portion seemed more enjoyable, as Astro flew through in a linear, 2D fashion, however the invisible track he was on went between buildings and through parks, giving the segment a very 3D feel, much like Ikaruga.
The High Voltage rep also confirmed that the game would incorporate everything from the movie, following its storyline. But, outside of what is based on film, it will also incorporate some extra stuff in the form of added levels, and four different difficulty settings, allowing players to make the experience as tough or forgiving as they like. The High Voltage rep told us this was to help recreate the punishing gameplay of Omega Factor, but still make it accessible to casual players.
Astro Boy releases October 23, in time for the film's release.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
misfit410 @ Jun 5th 2009 1:22PM
Shown, we were SHOWN
Wiizer @ Jun 5th 2009 1:37PM
But, it's spelled right! Spell check can't catch something like this!
What do you want him to do? Re-read through the ENTIRE article again?
David Hinkle @ Jun 5th 2009 1:57PM
It's been fixed. Thanks for the heads up, guys!
Shagittarius @ Jun 5th 2009 1:27PM
Another game for Chimos...this is really turning out to be a boon year for molesters.
Markez @ Jun 5th 2009 1:30PM
What does that mean? I tried to google it but came up with women's hockey, which is depressing enough as it is :(
Shagittarius @ Jun 5th 2009 1:46PM
Lol, Chimo = (Chi)ld (Mo)lester.
Shagittarius @ Jun 5th 2009 1:48PM
From Urban Dictionary:
Though short for "child molester," chimo is often used to describe high school seniors dating high school freshman.
"Man, did you see Matt with that frosh Carla? He is such a chimo."
Ridgecity @ Jun 5th 2009 3:38PM
That's just ridiculous.
Why isn't there an age restriction for commenting? men-child should not be allow to post.
Shagittarius @ Jun 5th 2009 9:37PM
Last night we found a small but great champ. His name is "Shagittarius".
NaeemTHM @ Jun 5th 2009 1:28PM
"The bad news is that this seemed less like a game inspired by Omega Factor and more a watered down version of one of the better GBA games out there."
And just like that...I've lost all interest.
Back to Omega Factor!
James @ Jun 5th 2009 7:30PM
God damn that was a fine game. So much to do and yet so easy to get into.
Rob @ Jun 5th 2009 1:29PM
Even with "we were shown," passive voice much?
Storm Eagle @ Jun 5th 2009 1:30PM
Is Astro Boy really popular in the States? I wonder how popular the game/movie will really be....
Stix Remix @ Jun 5th 2009 1:39PM
I've never been into Astro Boy, but that's just one person.
cuteSAVAGE @ Jun 5th 2009 1:42PM
I don't think any of Tezuka-san's works have meet with much mainstream appreciation in the west. Save for maybe Jungle Emperor, and the very brief surge of Astro Boy media and marketing in 2003ish. Reason they handed the film production to a mostly America/Western crew was so they could market it more in the states.
Alas, Astro Boy is in very, very, very poor hands this go around... They are even making him fight Nicholas Cage, the poor robotic bastard :(
Ridgecity @ Jun 5th 2009 3:41PM
What about the Lion King? they just changed the colors, added some broadway songs and it's considered a classic.
cuteSAVAGE @ Jun 5th 2009 4:00PM
@ Ridgecity - ...and they still deny its influence to this day.
Funny that what is arguably Disney's best "original" picture, is wholly derived from the work of a man who always cited Walt Disney as one of his greatest sources of inspiration.
I did mention Jungle King though, aka Kimba the White Lion.
cuteSAVAGE @ Jun 5th 2009 4:02PM
lol, *Jungle Emperor* - whoops!
Anticrawl @ Jun 5th 2009 1:39PM
Two games that rarely ever leave my Gameboy Micro Famicom are Astro Boy Omega Factor and SMB3. I sure hope they don't screw this one up because I love Omega Factor.
Feba @ Jun 5th 2009 2:02PM
How can they both usually be in there?
xGearSecondx @ Jun 5th 2009 1:43PM
I dont know how to feel about this..
tyetheczar @ Jun 5th 2009 1:51PM
HVS had better do a bit more researching on Omega Factor and other games for better design and MUCH less repetition. Maybe using an enemy A.I. Director, perhaps?
Jimbotron @ Jun 5th 2009 2:16PM
If I remember correctly from the Nintendo Power article, this game is based on the upcoming Astro Boy movie, not another Astro Boy game.
required @ Jun 5th 2009 2:21PM
Maybe I didn't have enough coffee this morning but what do you mean with "less like a game inspired by Omega Factor and more a watered down version of one of the better GBA games" ?
Omega Factor was a Game Boy Advance game.
Ridgecity @ Jun 5th 2009 3:45PM
Imagi is based in Hong Kong, only the voices are american.
Ridgecity @ Jun 5th 2009 3:46PM
if this look out of place, blame the comment system. lol
cuteSAVAGE @ Jun 5th 2009 3:55PM
Most of The Simpsons animation is done in Korea, does that make it a Korean production?
The CGi is coming out of Hong Kong, but the entire core production crew (Director, producers, writers, composer, cinematographer, art director, editor, and the actors) are all based in the west. This is a western production/bastardization through and through.
Leroy_Octopus @ Jun 5th 2009 4:24PM
I'm still hoping for the best from this. I love Astro Boy and I want this and the movie to be good.