Game Info
GAME NAME: Kid Icarus: Uprising
DEVELOPER(S): Project Sora
PUBLISHER(S): Nintendo
PLATFORM(S): 3DS
GENRE(S): Action
RELEASE DATE(S): 23 March 2012
The Kid Icarus series was introduced in 1984 and prior to Kid Icarus: Uprising has only had two instalments, Kid Icarus on the NES and the lesser known Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters on the original Gameboy. Taking this into account it is safe to say that for most Kid Icarus: Uprising is essentially a ‘new’ franchise from Nintendo. This is a good perspective to adopt for this title as it sees similar gameplay to Sin & Punishment 2 while at the same time bringing something brand new to Nintendo’s various first party franchises.
The lead character, Pit, immediately starts the game with a short, informative, action-based tutorial which sets you on your way to battle Medusa and her various minions. While the controls will be embraced a lot quicker by gamers who are use to Nintendo DS touch screen control inputs, especially those of Metroid Prime: Hunters, gamers new to DS style gaming need not fret. You are spoilt for choice as far as the controls are concerned as you have plenty options to customize the scheme to your liking.
In addition this game is fully compatible with the Circle Pad Pro and also comes bundled with a surprisingly useful stand. While this stand isn’t ideal for on-the-go gaming it is a very comfortable way to optimise the touch screen controls. Stages are split into two sections. The first sees Pit take to the air in a rail-type shooting experience while the second half focuses on ground battles where you will need to guide Pit as well as taking control of the camera angles. This does take some getting used to but with a little persistence it becomes second nature.
Throughout the game players will experience quirky dialog, interesting characters and beautiful 3D enhanced environments. The boss fights become challenging but to compensate the difficulty level can be adjusted per stage. Multiplayer matches give you the option to change arenas, customize the amount of items available and most importantly go at it in an up-to-six-player ‘last-man-standing’ match. Uprising‘s multiplayer is the best online implementation you will experience on the 3DS to date and adds enormous value to the game.
In addition to the 3DS stand previously mentioned Uprising is also bundled with a number of AR card which are used to unlock character trophies knows as idols. Collecting these idols further add to the longevity of the game and are also obtainable through various minigames as well as the online modes.
Kid Icarus: Uprising is a superb action-based title which brings something new to the Nintendo franchise and in turn to the 3DS. Graphics are clean and crisp with outstanding environments and level design. The dialog between characters and the absorbing soundtrack add to the general experience with angelic delight. Once you have managed to master the control scheme and get hold of a screen protector for your touch screen you are in for hour of non-stop gaming pleasure. Online gameplay is addictive while the single player mode has plenty of unlockables which encourage you to replay stages on various difficulties. No 3DS owner should be without Kid Icarus: Uprising.
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Great review. I really want this game, need to get through some backlog first!
Hoo boy, i’m not done yet with the game but Uprising reminds me why i fell in love with games in the first place. Stick with the controls and it will ‘click’ – Sakurai outdid himself here, and he actually wrote the whole (Japanese) script himself.
You are not helping!
Is it true that long periods of playtime result in hand cramps?
I didn’t have that problem. Throughout most of the game I used the stand bundled with the game. For those of us with bigger hand I’d recommend using the circle pad pro if playing with the stand feels awkward.
The whole hand cramp/ control issue is overblown. Personally i javen’t touched the stand. Rest the 3DS in my lap, left hand on analogue and L1, right hand holding stylus.
I want a 3DS
…
Me too
seriously considering getting the ice white Super Mario bundle.
Yeah I have my eye on the Zelda bundle.
After Resi Evil, I was blown away at what this little 3DS can do. It’s the most fun I have had from a handheld. I can’t wait for this game, along with Metal Gear 3DS. The 3DS line up is getting better and better!
Damnit, now I feel I need to get kiddicarus too…
I’m getting my copy over the weekend. Who’s up for some multiplayer?
I may just need to get this too :/ After Resident evil. *Waits for price drop*
This game is flipping awesome! dangerously addicting!
Just beat Medusa last night, the real game starts… lol lot’s of character, attitude and fun with itself in this game. 
Something to learn from…