| Face Raiders | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | HAL Laboratory |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
| Director(s) | Toshiaki Suzuki |
| Producer(s) | Shinya Takahashi |
| Composer(s) | Shogo Sakai |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo 3DS |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Simulator, shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Face Raiders (Japanese: 顔シューティング, Hepburn: Kao Shūtingu, lit. "Face Shooting") is a 3D augmented reality shooter video game developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo. In 2011, it was released as preloaded software on all systems in the Nintendo 3DS line of hardware.
Gameplay
Face Raiders is a single player augmented reality shooter game that uses the handheld's gyroscopic controls and cameras. It was first released with the Nintendo 3DS and has been preloaded on all devices in the family. The game is an extended tech demo with a total of two modes and nine levels. Six of these are for experienced players, and the other three stages are meant for those unfamiliar with the game. After taking pictures of people's faces, the game creates enemies for the player, who must shoot them. The camera perspective is from the rear camera's viewpoint, which enemies will break through and hide behind. People walking in the background add on to the gameplay by giving more faces to the camera and thus creating more enemies. There are combos for repeating an action that multiply the number of points. There are butterflies which can be hit in order to refill health, and bombs are used as a quick way to defeat surrounding enemies. At the end of each stage, the player battles a boss. When the boss is defeated, its helmet will transform into an afro. Local high scores are recorded on a leaderboard. By pressing Y on the level select screen, the player can hear some advice, and can turn on surprise snaps for taking photos while playing a level.
Development
The game was developed by HAL Laboratory alongside other built-in software for the Nintendo 3DS. The team wanted to create a game that would interest people who had played the training software. The prototype used the player's and other people's faces to create a comedic experience. HAL first started building using filters, which ended up being included to attack enemies. The merge lens was popular among developers, where two faces would be combined. At the end of development, HAL added a feature where the player can point the 3DS at someone else's face and it would become an enemy. The game's AR features were created with the Nintendo 3DS Camera Team.
Reception
Prior to the release date of the 3DS, Face Raiders received generally positive feedback when it was shown at E3 as a tech demo with blocks instead of faces. When the use of faces were included, reviewers felt satisfied with the fun and humor created by using faces and a live background. The point-and-shoot gameplay with gyroscopic controls was said to be novel and easy to use. The free price was also cited as a positive aspect of the game, though some noted that it would be worth an eShop purchase if it had instead been offered there. The varied tactics to defeat enemies and bosses were applauded. However, the minimal amount of content was criticized. Reviewers also felt that the 3D effect could be compromised by using motion controls. The game was also seen as an introduction to the features the 3DS could offer.
References
- ^ "Iwata Asks : Nintendo 3DS : Using Frustration as a Springboard: Face Raiders". Nintendo. Archived from the original on 2021-01-30. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
- ^ "Face Raiders (Nintendo 3DS eShop) Review". Negative World. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ "Face Raiders 3DS Review | Systemic Gamer". Gamepeople.co.uk. 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ "Face Raiders Review - Review". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ Yoon, Andrew (2011-01-19). "Face Raiders preview: seriously, it's called Face Raiders". Joystiq. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- "Face Raiders: The Basics". IGN. 2011-03-17. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ Maxwell McGee (Jan 19, 2011). "Face Raiders Hands-On - 3DS Previews at GameSpot". GameSpot. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
- ^ "Face Raiders review [3DS]". BeefJack. 2011-03-11. Archived from the original on 2013-10-04. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- ^ Seedhouse, Alex (15 March 2011). "Face Raiders review". Nintendo Insider. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
- "Face Raiders (Nintendo 3DS) Review #1 at Nintendo Cubed3". Cubed3.com. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
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