Saturday, December 29, 2012

12 import games I bought in 2012 but didn't tell you about until now: Orbital (GameBoy Advance)

What you see in the photo below is one of seven games that were released as part of Nintendo's bit Generations series for the GameBoy Advance.


All seven titles hit store shelves in 2006 and remained Japan-only affairs until three of them--this one (renamed Orbient in the west), Dialhex (aka Rotohex) and Dotstream (light trax) were remade into WiiWare releases in 2008, 2009 and 2010. (A fourth, Digidrive, made its way onto Nintendo's DSi shop in 2009.)

Although I'd love to own each of these bite-sized Q-Games- and Skip, Ltd.-made titles at some point, I decided to start with Orbital because I've thoroughly enjoyed the time I've spent with its WiiWare counterpart thus far.


I should note that I'd been warned before I bought the copy of Orbital seen above that gameplay found in the original version is often considered to be a bit less accessible than what's included in the follow-up.

Unfortunately, I can't yet support or refute that claim because, well, I've only booted up this Orbital cart (using my hot pink GameBoy Micro) long enough for me to know it's in good working order.


I promise to give it the attention it's due soon. In the meantime, consider picking up Orbient (and Cubello, if you've got the dough) via the Wii's (or the Wii U's) online shop if you're at all interested in captivatingly unique digital games.  

See also: Previous '12 import games I bought in 2012 but didn't tell you about until now' posts

8 comments:

Lizzi said...

Looks interesting but I have no idea what it is about ^^

Hey Bryan, do you know anyone who has an Ingress invite/key left?

I try to get one for such a long time but nothing happens.

My boyfriend received one and now I can't play with him :(

I really want an Ingress key but for some reason the google-staff members who hand out the key are ignoring me...

thegaygamer.com said...

I don't really know how to describe the game, Lizzi. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it: 'The objective of Orbient is to control a white star which grows larger by absorbing blue stars and collecting smaller gray stars to form orbiting satellites.'

That probably doesn't make much sense either, though, does it?

Basically, each stage is like its own galaxy, and the white star that the player controls moves through it. As you approach a planet, you hit one of the GBA's buttons to get closer to it while the other button pushes you away. You do this because you want to absorb each planet's stars (you have to absorb a certain number of them to move on to the next stage/galaxy).



It's more exciting that it sounds, BTW--or at least I think it is. I spent a good amount of time with the WiiWare version, and I really liked what I played of it.


As for having an Ingress key: I have to admit I don't even know what Ingress is! Guess I'll have to consult with Google...

sharc said...

"I should note that I'd been warned before I bought the copy of Orbital seen above that gameplay found in the original version is often considered to be a bit less accessible than what's included in the follow-up."

surely by some eminently wise and sagacious character, no doubt. *puffs on pipe*


i'll look forward to your impressions of the game proper whenever you do get some time for it. definitely plug your headphones in for this, although that's advice across the board for bit generations.

thegaygamer.com said...

Were you the one who warned me about this game, sharc? I honestly don't remember! Sorry if that's the case :)


Anyway, yes, I'll definitely share my impressions as soon as possible. I did enjoy what little I've already played of it, by the way--although I'd also say that thus far I prefer the WiiWare version...

Simon Lethbridge said...

I'd never heard of 'bit generations' but I've just been reading about Orbital and it seems mighty intriguing. I look forward to hearing what you think of it :)

Lizzi said...

Uhhh sounds interesting but I'm not sure if I can picture it right. ^^
I guess I will watch a youtube-video about it :D

thegaygamer.com said...

Yeah, that's probably a good idea. I'm willing to bet the video will be boring, though!

thegaygamer.com said...

Ah, you should read a bit more about the bit generations series, too, Simon, as it's actually pretty interesting--as is the 'art style' series, which is pretty similar.