Afrika (video game)
| Afrika | |
|---|---|
|
North American boxart | |
| Developer(s) | Rhino Studios |
| Publisher(s) |
JP Sony Computer Entertainment NA Natsume |
| Composer(s) | Wataru Hokoyama |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 3 |
| Release date(s) |
‹See Tfd›
‹See Tfd› |
| Genre(s) | Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
.jpg)
Afrika, also known in Hong Kong and Taiwan as Hakuna Matata, is a photography and safari simulation video game for the PlayStation 3. Developed by Rhino Studios and published by Natsume,[2] the game was first announced in a promotional video during the Sony press conference at E3 2006. Afrika has been referred to as being similar to the Nintendo 64 title Pokémon Snap.[3]
Gameplay
In Afrika, the player assumes the role of a photojournalist hired to take images of various animals in Africa, as the name indicates. Gameplay is mission-driven; players receive e-mails at the base camp instructing them to which animals they must photograph. Players may then travel by foot, car, or hot air balloon to the areas where the requested animals are found in order to photograph them.[4] The in-game camera is controlled by the Sixaxis. Depending on the quality of the photograph taken, the player will earn in-game money. The money can then be spent on new supplies, such as an upgraded camera.[5] Real life photos and footage of the animals can be unlocked. When unlocked, the content is stored in the "Animal Library".
The soundtrack for the game was composed, orchestrated, and conducted by Wataru Hokoyama.[6]
Development
Sony first showed a trailer for Afrika at E3 2006. This generated buzz, however, other than the title, little was actually known about the project.[7]
In 2008 Sony put up an official website for the game.[8] Soon after a game description was posted on the Japanese retailer Gamestar's website with a trailer indicating the game was about a photojournalist.[9][10]
The U.S. version of Afrika was announced at E3 2009. The game's North American release date was October 6, 2009[1] The U.S. version has a downloadable trophy patch.
Afrika is known as Hakuna Matata in Hong Kong, Japan, and other places. The Hakuna Matata version does not have trophy support.
Reception
| Afrika Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
The game received mostly mixed reviews. Famitsu scored the game 29/40.
According to Media Create sales data, Afrika debuted in second place during its release week in Japan, selling 38,423 units.[17]
The game's soundtrack was awarded "Best Original Video Game Score" by The Hollywood Music Awards 2008.[18] Movie Music UK has the only review of the soundtrack and gave it 4.5/5.0, saying "Hokoyama has left a strong impression with the wonderful music he has composed. This is a soundtrack you cannot pass up".[19]
See also
References
- 1 2 IGN staff (October 6, 2009). "Natsume Announces Afrika For PlayStation 3 Now Available". IGN. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
- ↑ Michael McWheartor (May 26, 2009). "Afrika Is Finally Coming to American PS3s". Kotaku. Archived from the original on May 30, 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2009.
- ↑ The secret is finally out! Afrika details revealed | Destructoid offers reviews, previews, trailers, cheats, and more
- ↑ Gametrailers.com - Afrika - TGS 07 Trailer
- ↑ Afrika: Sixaxis Camera Controls, You Can't Drive
- ↑ IMDB Page for Wataru Hokoyama
- ↑ Clements, Ryan (May 26, 2009). "Pre-E3 2009: Afrika's Finally Coming1". IGN. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
- ↑ Plunkett, Luke (May 27, 2008). "Hey, Afrika Might Be Real After All!". Kotaku. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
- ↑ Plunket, Luke (June 6, 2008). "Afrika Trailer Released, Answers "What's This Game About"?". Kotaku. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
- ↑ Ashcroft, Brian (June 3, 2008). "Afrika Out This August, To Feature Photojournalist?". Kotaku. Retrieved August 30, 2012.
- ↑ "Game Review". GameRankings. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
- ↑ "Game Review". Metacritic. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
- ↑ Barnholt, Ray (October 6, 2009). "Game Review". Retrieved May 29, 2012.
- ↑ Gibson, Ellie (September 18, 2008). "Game Review". Retrieved May 29, 2012.
- ↑ Antoine Morcos (August 20, 2008). "Gamekyo: Afrika New Screenshots". Gamekyo. Archived from the original on September 16, 2008. Retrieved August 20, 2008.
- ↑ Greg Miller (October 6, 2009). "IGN: Afrika Review". IGN. Archived from the original on October 8, 2009. Retrieved October 8, 2009.
- ↑ Tanaka, John (September 5, 2008). "Afrika Debuts at Two in Japan". IGN. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
- ↑ Hollywood Music Awards Winners List
- ↑ Movie Music UK review
External links
- Official website (Japanese)
- Official Rhino Studios site