Official Afrika Thread - Out Now in North America

[FriskyTanuki]

http://media.ps3.ign.com/media/826/826943/vid_2129435.html

Download from GameVideos (http://www.gamevideos.com/download?videoId=14898&url=http%3a%2f%2fdownload.gamevideos.com%2f14898%2 fgv.com.AfrikaTGS2007TrailerHD_1280x720.wmv) or Watch it. (http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/14898)

It seems to have some gameplay scenes, which definitely say that it's about photography (by vehicle or on foot). Looks good, visually.

[shaunLEGEND]

Lol, I honestly thought they left it to die and would just never mention it again. Surprise.

[reiji]

I always had a feeling that this was going to be like Pokemon Snap, but actaully good.

[Thomas96]

I wonder if they could use the photage from Planet Earth to render the african environtments. [i.e. like how it was done in Motorstorm].

[Draekon]

...I wonder if you can be gored by getting close to carnivores.

[reiji]

...I wonder if you can be gored by getting close to carnivores.

I get the impression that Sony would want this game to be rated 'E'.

As cool as it would be to be mauled by a pack of starving hyenas, it probably won't happen. :lol:

[SteveMcQ]

Needs some Les Stroud.

[dallow]

http://www.globalstudio.com/cody/afrika.gif

I'm in the BUSHES!

[Chacrana]

Meh, no interest in taking pictures of animals. Poaching animals in Africa though... that would be fun.

Though really, Africa is a boring setting for anything and I don't care about animals, either, unless they're domesticated.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.globalstudio.com/cody/afrika.gif

I'm in the BUSHES!
It's missing the biggest opportunity for a great game: http://www.personal.kent.edu/~areischu/Burger%20King.jpg

[aknowlesjr]

Does anyone else care about this game? I'm kind of excited about it.

[Sinistar]

When is it supposed to come out? I saw a trailer a while back, looks interesting.

[seanr1221]

Only if it involves elephant fighting.

[PapiChullo]

This game definitely looks cool. Don't know if I'd buy it though.

[Thomas96]

they should call this Planet Earth

[Ikohn4ever]

they would need to take the African chanting songs from Lion King to make it a success

[Thomas96]

they would need to take the African chanting songs from Lion King to make it a success

or a custom soundtrack

[smiggity]

If all you do is walk around and take pictures, it better be a PSN title for under 10 bucks...I must admit this game looks really cool and I would definetely get it though...

[dallow]

I was hoping it'd be my next Pokemon Snap.
Maybe it still will be.

[primetime]

It's missing the biggest opportunity for a great game: http://www.personal.kent.edu/%7Eareischu/Burger%20King.jpg

Yeah, but this is rumored to be the rarest find in the game

http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/weekinpictures/media/getty_bush_dance405x291.jpg

[Oktoberfest]

photo games aren't that bad, actually

[FriskyTanuki]

Yeah, but this is rumored to be the rarest find in the game

http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/weekinpictures/media/getty_bush_dance405x291.jpg
:-s What?

[smiggity]

Well, a couple things. It looks like Play Asia is saying that the game will ship August 28th. Second SCEJ has put a teaser site up for the game.
http://scrawlfx.com/2008/05/afrika-is-still-alive-teaser-site-launched

[VanillaGorilla]

Someone has probably said this before, but this game needs to be like Pokemon Snap. That game was awesome. And no, I am not being sarcastic. I liked it.

[dallow]

I hope it is VG, but I have a feeling it won't be.

[smiggity]

I am hoping for some sweet Big Game hunting. Maybe like a next-gen Oregon Trail with the RPG elements. That would be sweet.

[depascal22]

I can't wait for this game. It's one of the reasons I bought a PS3. I wouldn't even mind if it's just a picture taking game.

[RelentlessRolento]

oh shit!

this is the first tailer to sell me on the game. I R GET!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bG2SgbkcpKc


this just went up yesterday on the Japan PSN I think...

damn, looks better than most of the other trailers. If it's like pokemon snap I'm in.

[DarkNessBear]

Yea, I am excited for it.

I like picture games.

[pete5883]

Pokemon Snap for Adults looks cool.

[aknowlesjr]

I think this will be the game to make me jump on the PS3 bandwagon, oh and maybe adding backwards support to the 40 gig model, if i can't find an 80 gig model.

[VanillaGorilla]

Game looks sweet, but some of those animals could stand to look a lot better. Come on now, Ratchet had awesome looking fuzzy fur, why can't the animals in Afrika have it? However, I am stoked on this game. Hopefully it's played like a "hunting" game, where bosses could be really hard to find, hard to picture animals.

[elwood731]

Game looks sweet, but some of those animals could stand to look a lot better. Come on now, Ratchet had awesome looking fuzzy fur, why can't the animals in Afrika have it? However, I am stoked on this game. Hopefully it's played like a "hunting" game, where bosses could be really hard to find, hard to picture animals.

I thought the same thing, though in fairness it appears they're putting great emphasis on draw distance. If the game is really as open as it seems, and the animals more dynamic, I could get them some slack for less than ideal visuals. But a touch up wouldn't hurt.

[xeno]

hmm this does look interesting....ill give it a rent

[FriskyTanuki]

I thought the same thing, though in fairness it appears they're putting great emphasis on draw distance. If the game is really as open as it seems, and the animals more dynamic, I could get them some slack for less than ideal visuals. But a touch up wouldn't hurt.
It's not much of a comparison to put up Ratchet versus the numerous animals they'll have in Afrika. Having to only render Ratchet let Insomniac add a ton more detail to the character then Afrika, which has large groups of animals that inhabit the world. It looks fine for what the game's offering.

[aknowlesjr]

Game looks sweet, but some of those animals could stand to look a lot better. Come on now, Ratchet had awesome looking fuzzy fur, why can't the animals in Afrika have it? However, I am stoked on this game. Hopefully it's played like a "hunting" game, where bosses could be really hard to find, hard to picture animals.

i thought the same thing. Like one of the videos shows the cheetah running and I thought that was awesome looking, but other animal shots look kinda underwhelming. The latest video trailer is more interesting b/c it has shots of real life animal videos. This seems to be an education game and an interactive national geographic special, which for old dudes like me is the relaxing experience we need after working 8 to 10 hours.

[depascal22]

They still have time to sharpen up the visuals. I'm still really stoked about this game. It's gonna be like an interactive Discovery or National Geographic show.

I wonder if there's any survival elements in it. It would be really cool to have to climb a tree to get away from crocodiles or something like that.

[Thomas96]

remember that focus tracking tech demo that people were using, where they had the game look it was in 3d coming at you. when the eye toy camera and tracking devices. I'd be nice if they could incoporate that while you're taking pictures in this game. [they probably won't] but it'd definitely be a nice addition if they could add it.

oh well, I hope this game has some online support, where you can trade pics, and lots rare animals, and rare scenes to take picks of.

[DetroitSportsFan]

The Japanese release date is August 28th, and there's a possibility it won't be released outside of Japan.

SCEE already said that it won't be coming out in Europe.

So those who want it might have to import.

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/06/06/new-afrika-trailer-and-japanese-release-date/

[depascal22]

That's all right. This looks like a very import friendly game.

[gum_drops]

If it involved hunting down and killing poachers I would be all over this title.

[dallow]

Game has been renamed for outside Japan.
Yay it's coming.

New name.................. Hakuna Matata.

[RelentlessRolento]

Game has been renamed for outside Japan.
Yay it's coming.

New name.................. Hakuna Matata.


with a name like that at least just name it lion king

[depascal22]

Really....hakuna matata.....??? What was wrong with Afrika? Did people get pissed because it's spelled like Rommel's Afrika Korps?

[happy]

If it comes out before christmas time this could be great for marketing to parents and casual gamers, which seems to be the goal.

[depascal22]

Very true. I can't argue with the need for positive marketing. Afrika made the game sound dark and mysterious kinda like "The Dark Continent" but I can't be mad if it's still going to be the same game.

[NamPaehc]

This game come out next week (In Japan), here is a commercial. (http://www.gamekyo.com/video12668_afrika-japanese-tv-commercial.html)

[dallow]

Hoping it's import friendly.......

[NamPaehc]

New trailer. (http://www.gamekyo.com/video12696_afrika-new-video.html) >>>Might be better place (faster DL) to see it. (http://www.gamersyde.com/news_6966_en.html)

Famitsu review = 29/40 (8/7/7/7)

Mag scan 1. (http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61091420080820_062205_0_big.jpg)

Mag scan 2. (http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61091420080820_062206_1_big.jpg)

[NamPaehc]

Afrika teams up with Japanese hotel chain to create pseudo-safari experience (http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/08/27/afrika-teams-up-with-japanese-hotel-chain-to-create-pseudo-safar/)

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.ps3fanboy.com/media/2008/08/jpnhotelafrika.jpg (http://www.haneda-e.tokyuhotels.co.jp/ja/room/plan/Tokyu_Hotels_e-haneda-t-tn_1176720717511.html)

We love bizarre Japanese promotions, like this one between Sony Computer Entertainment and Tokyu Hotels. During the month of September, they'll have a special campaign which starts at 19,000 yen. Special Afrika-themed rooms will include a special projector screen displaying high-resolution images from the upcoming PS3 safari game. A special exotic meal will be prepared and delivered to your room as you enjoy the digitally rendered African environment from the PS3. At the very least, this beats having to stay in a boring non-Afrika themed room, right?

[Sharp Katana]

so you just go around taking pics of animals? Has good graphics though.

[NamPaehc]

so you just go around taking pics of animals? Has good graphics though.

Yeah, but you can upgrade your camera and it gives you different situations to take the photos. Along with different equipment like jeeps or that odd remote controlled camera.

Here a video of the intro+game. (http://www.gamersyde.com/news_7045_fr.html)
Direct link to streaming if you have hard time navigating the site. (http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_8454_fr.html)

[NamPaehc]

I'm getting error from link, but reports is that this sold 20,000 Units on the first day in Japan.

[smiggity]

Not bad.

[NamPaehc]

Yeah, I think SCEA is brain-dead for not bringing this over to the states! Hopefully the Asian version has English like everyone else as that seems to currently be the only option that MIGHT work.

>>>You can go HERE to read about someone who owns the game account (http://www.bob.com.sg/forum/showthread.php?t=52538&page=6). And lit looks like no go for English in the Asian version. Boo...

Oh, here are some mag scans:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/KyleRipman/th_review1.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/KyleRipman/review1.jpg) http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/KyleRipman/th_review2.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/KyleRipman/review2.jpg) http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/KyleRipman/th_review3.jpg (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/KyleRipman/review3.jpg)

Translation of the last page:

Afrika
Playstation 3
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
On sale August 28 5980 Yen (including tax)
Nature – Animals / Adventure Game For all ages
The setting is the realistically reproduced land of Africa. As a photo journalist you will carry out surveys as requested and enjoy the sights of your “safari experience’ as you come in contact with animals and nature in all their colorful forms.

Developer Survey:
Target Audience: Anyone waiting for a new experience on their PS3.

Average play time: It will take over 25-30 hours just to complete all of your survey requests. However, at that stage the real thrills of your safari still haven’t even begun!

Review 1: (8)
It seems like evaluations for this could be different depending on whether or not you prefer the freedom to explore your own personal scenery over having missions. It really is moving when you discover scenes of animals being one with nature. However, it’s common to see animals push other animals out of the way causing them to run and disappear, which is the one unfortunate aspect about using realistic models.

Review 2: (7)
Amongst the abundant nature discover a colorful array of animal life and take pictures, take pictures, take pictures!! This sounds simple, and it really isn’t an exaggeration to say that’s everything in this game. It takes a lot of patience to stick around until the decisive moment to snap a picture. People who have their own goals, saying to themselves stuff like “This angle is no good!” or “I want to take pictures of each animal’s tail” should have fun.

Review 3: (7)
It’s interesting driving around wherever you want to in a jeep and collecting your own best shots. It’s also a delight to just relax and watch all the different animals. However, basically you’re just taking a picture, which leaves you with the impression that there is still a little something to be desired. It’s nice how the more you play the more you’ll be able to see some really special National Geographic shots.

Review 4: (7)
My concern is how much of a game this can be when it tries to fuse the spirit of challenge that comes from seeing how well you can reproduce wild animals and the fun of taking pictures of them with a real-life camera. As a result, the fun level is really dependant upon the type of player. As a database it’s top notch, but you can feel a bit of something lacking in the animal models and movements. There’s still a lot of room for development here.

WallStreet Journal article. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121986729206877209.html?mod=2_1571_topbox)

This part (among others) is interesting:

"I think there's room for a gorgeous game that can be lazily played," says Katsumoto Tatsukawa, who created the game with just 25 developers, far fewer than the 100 or more developers that would typically be assigned to a high-profile game.

[Richlough]

Yeah, I think SCEA is brain-dead for not bringing this over to the states! Hopefully the Asian version has English like everyone else as that seems to currently be the only option that MIGHT work.

>>>You can go HERE to read about someone who owns the game account (http://www.bob.com.sg/forum/showthread.php?t=52538&page=6). And lit looks like no go for English in the Asian version. Boo...

I'm bummed , I wanted this for my daughter .

[happy]

Assuming it sells decently in Japan I think it's a sure thing to come here, probably in time for christmas. Especially with this kind of coverage in WSJ. This is exatly what Sony needs to accompany LBP to stay in the mainstream press and appeal to all kinds of people and especially parents. Translation/localization should be easy too, I'd imagine there isn't that much dialogue.

[mrlokievil]

I hope someone will release this over here. I would import if it had an english option. Not sure why sony would choose to not release this outside of japan because it seems like a game that would get a lot of good press from the mainstream news.

[NamPaehc]

I hope someone will release this over here. I would import if it had an english option. Not sure why sony would choose to not release this outside of japan because it seems like a game that would get a lot of good press from the mainstream news.

They didn't plan to release it because Japan is always the testing grounds. The game was made by group 20ish staff members, it isn't a "main stream" sort of game, and the budget wasn't that huge.

20,000 in the first day is pretty darn good considering everything. But even if it does sell well, that doesn't mean that it'll be offered in other locations. Mainly because sometimes, what is good for Japan, doesn't work in other regions and Sony really has to look at their product and figure out if they can really sell it.

[NamPaehc]

I had a link to Aussie review site that said the game is import friendly, if you don't care about the story and such. I'll have to look for it when I can unless someone else can find it.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/39319.html

[Chase]

It looks like Short Round's in the passenger seat. ;)

I don't know why, but this appeals to me. I guess it's because I loved Pokemon Snap?

[basilofbkrst]

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-bp-49-en-70-33h6.html

Asia release coming out in December, supposedly with English text. $54 shipped from play-asia, anddd renamed to "Hakuna Matata", how can you pass it up!?

[dallow]

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-bp-49-en-70-33h6.html

Asia release coming out in December, supposedly with English text. $54 shipped from play-asia, anddd renamed to "Hakuna Matata", how can you pass it up!?
It's actually the Chinese release.

There's already an Asian version called Hakuna Matata, but it's Japanese only.

I'm really hoping the info on this Chinese one is right and it has English. Will buy as soon as it's confirmed, along with Aquanaut's Holiday HD.

[smiggity]

Looks like (http://www.gamezine.co.uk/news/game-types/simulations/rumour-sony%E2%80%99s-afrika-rebranded-western-release-$1250032.htm) we will be getting a release over here after all. With the National Geographic branding should help sales a bit as well.

[dallow]

Sweet! And the Sony guy at GAF confirmed it.

Finally, US release.

No wonder the "new" Asian version was just released (actually early next month) with English. It was Japanese only for months.

I hope this means Aquanauts Holiday is coming over stateside too. Though I just bought the new English language Asian version.

EDIT: Wow, and according to Nat Geo, the game is coming out this month, I guess on PSN?
That's pretty quick, but makes me want the disc version instead.

[smiggity]

Yeah they said November, presumably on PSN. Works for me b/c I cant see myself putting that disc in over some of the AAA titles out right now.

[The Mana Knight]

Actually, I'm hearing it may be a National Geographic game. I wonder if they'll do the same for Aquanauts Holiday.

[smiggity]

Actually, I'm hearing it may be a National Geographic game. I wonder if they'll do the same for Aquanauts Holiday.

Really? Did you hear that from the 2 posts above yours? ;) Look what happens when you take some time for real life TMK. Your CAG game starts slacking! :lol:

[RelentlessRolento]

oh please let it be published here !!!!!

[basilofbkrst]

Afrika in English, or Hakuna Matata in English. I think the choice is clear.

[Richlough]

I hope this is on a disc , I'd hate to buy it digitally .

[dallow]

I hope this is on a disc , I'd hate to buy it digitally .
If not, here's a link to the new English version coming out in Asia.

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-bp-49-en-15-hakuna+matata-70-33h6.html

Dec. 11

[starmask2k3]

Does anyone else care about this game? I'm kind of excited about it.

game looks great looks 3D and 2D

[starmask2k3]

how was the hoilday one (under water one )

[RelentlessRolento]

i hear it's just as good and uses similar elements like the ruins and stuff... I would get both to be honest.

[dallow]

Aquanauts Holiday HD also has trophies.

[Richlough]

There is an HD Hakuna Matata trailer in the HK PSN store .
It looks good , I wish it showed the footage completely in English .

I still really want this game , I'm even willing to buy it as a download now .

[dallow]

It's finally in stock at Play-Asia (the new English one) but I'm waiting to hear what Nat Geo's plans are.

Not sure what happened with them.

[Richlough]

It's finally in stock at Play-Asia (the new English one) but I'm waiting to hear what Nat Geo's plans are.

Not sure what happened with them.

The HK trailer has the NG logo at the beginning .

The plot thickens .

[dallow]

Ooooh! That's new!
I'll download that one tonight.

[Richlough]

Ooooh! That's new!
I'll download that one tonight.

That's what I was trying to say , silly .

[dallow]

That's what I was trying to say , silly .
Oh I know you said it was a new trailer.

It's just that I was surprised to hear of the NG logo being on the HK trailer.
I really don't think they added that to their game.

Does it show text in Japanese or just regular animal footage?
I'm wondering if it's simply a new video of the NG version.

Thanks for the heads up all the same.

[Richlough]

Oh I know you said it was a new trailer.

It's just that I was surprised to hear of the NG logo being on the HK trailer.
I really don't think they added that to their game.

Does it show text in Japanese or just regular animal footage?
I'm wondering if it's simply a new video of the NG version.

Thanks for the heads up all the same.

It has some sort of Asian text on the screen , leasving me to believe it's not an English enough of a version for me .

The part of the video where they show the real photos is still not fully English as well .
It looks like the educational part of the game .

[jling84]

Sort of related to Afrika, but does anyone know if Aquanaut's Holiday will come out here? It's sort of like Afrika, but for the ocean.

[RelentlessRolento]

I've heard Aqu Holiday may come here alongside afrika. I'll be all over both titles if they do release here, which seems to be the case.

[TctclMvPhase]

Has there been any recent news on when Afrika is going to be released? I thought the original NG press release said December.

[dallow]

Has there been any recent news on when Afrika is going to be released? I thought the original NG press release said December.Nope. :(

Still waiting.
If it has trophies, and it should have to if it comes out next year. I'll hold off on the import.

It's the only reason I haven't bought it yet.

[Richlough]

Nope. :(

Still waiting.
If it has trophies, and it should have to if it comes out next year. I'll hold off on the import.

It's the only reason I haven't bought it yet.

That HK trailer is sweet , don't you think ?

[The Mana Knight]

Nope. :(

Still waiting.
If it has trophies, and it should have to if it comes out next year. I'll hold off on the import.

It's the only reason I haven't bought it yet.I'm not sure how it will work since the game is a Japanese game (that had no trophies in the first place when it came out). I'm really curious myself to hear. I'm still kind of interested though.

[dallow]

That HK trailer is sweet , don't you think ?
It was. :(

I'm ordering Aquanaut's Holiday next week, that should hold me over.
I don't know why I love picture taking games.

All started with Poke Snap.

[smiggity]

Here (http://playstationlifestyle.net/2008/12/30/aquanauts-holiday-review-ps3-import/) is a good review of Aquanauts Holiday or whatever. Dallow be sure to leave your impressions here once you play it too.

[Richlough]

CheapyD picked this up , listen to his impressions on CAGcast #146 just before the 53 min mark .

[CAG 79]

Any news on a official release date for the U.S.? Should I just get the Asian version?

[smiggity]

I believe National Geographic plans on releasing it in the US

[Richlough]

Afrika Is Finally Coming To American PS3s (http://kotaku.com/5270889/afrika-is-finally-coming-to-american-ps3s)



According to IGN, Natsume has picked up publishing duties where National Geographic Games and Sony Computer Entertainment America appear to have left off. That doesn't mean the two companies won't be involved, however as both National Geographic and Sony are licensees for the title. It's just that Nat Geo Games' announcement that it was publishing the game from last year (it later deleted the title from its lineup) isn't accurate.

Still no date for the title, but we'll hope for one at E3.

Yay ! Now we know we'll most likely get a disc .

[RelentlessRolento]

just need aquanauts holiday announced and I'm good.

[guyjr]

i just came to this forum looking specifically to see if there had been any word about this title (last I checked was around Christmas last year)... good news, tho this is sort of kind of starting to take a slight turn in the direction of vaporware. First Nat-Geo / Sony were the publishers for NA, now Katsume... dare I say, but who next? *fingers crossed* for an E3 announcement next week.

[FriskyTanuki]

Vaporware? The game is already out in Japan, so it's a real game.

[Masterkyo]

MSRP $29.99 or $59.99 ??

[CoffeeEdge]

So I wonder what the heck happened to National Geographic Games? This was supposed to be their flagship for launching the brand. Guess they dropped the ball.

[dallow]

They have and are still publishing other games I thought.
I read somewhere else recently that the early Afrika blurb was an error.

[manthing]

tho this is sort of kind of starting to take a slight turn in the direction of vaporware.

Umm, I own a copy of this game right now, albeit the Asia region version.

Vaporware usually is not released in any form.

[CoffeeEdge]

I read somewhere else recently that the early Afrika blurb was an error.

It was mentioned in an official National Geographic Games press release. Couldn't have been a mere error.

I wonder why they dropped it...guess we'll nevar know. Their loss is Natsume's gain, though.

[Cheapoly]

I was thinking about ordering this game but I have a question to anyone that has it. Is the AI scripted? Thanks in advance...

[Richlough]

Finally listed in Gamestop's coming soon in this weekend's ad .

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/weeklyad/current/082809/olfsi_082809-2.aspx

http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=75692

[dallow]

Oh wow. Thanks Richlough!
Did you notice this yourself? There's been no news anywhere about this and all of a sudden it's in an ad and due in less than a month.

Man, I've been wondering what happened, I even emailed Natsume to no reply asking what was going on with this.

I even have a sealed copy of Hakuna Matata that I picked up for $30. A week before Natsume announced their plans.
Still not sure what to do with it, but might as well sell it now. Still the novelty of it is nice.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.gamefly.com/game/ps3/Afrika/139755/

It's listed as coming September 22 on Gamefly.

[dallow]

Same as GS and Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Afrika-Playstation-3/dp/B000ZKDOUI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1251516480&sr=8-1

Oh man, the placeholder art there is so UGLY.

[Sinistar]

Anyone know if the US version is going to have the option for inverted camera? I've been trying to play the import version but get frustrated with the "normal" camera haha.
If that's the case I guess I will sell my import copy and get the US version (unless any of you guys know if the import version will get a patch for that too).

[FriskyTanuki]

I don't think Natsume detailed anything beyond the announcement about them getting the rights to the game. There's new boxart on Gamefly for Dallow to admire:

http://gamefly.gameflycdn.com/images/games/p/139755p.jpg

[Sinistar]

Yeah looks like the FAQs link is not working :(
http://www.natsume.com/games/Afrika/index.html
Maybe we should email them for feedback?

[NamPaehc]

It has gone gold in the US.

AFRIKA FOR PLAYSTATION 3 GOES GOLD

Natsume To Bring Visually Stunning Safari Experience To Retail October
6th

Burlingame, Calif., September 17, 2009 - Natsume Inc., a worldwide
developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, today
announced that Afrika for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment
system has gone gold. Natsume's first title for the PLAYSTATION 3,
Afrika is a wildlife photography adventure set in a lush, unexplored
region of Africa. The game will be available at an MSRP of $49.99 and
is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

"We are thrilled about Afrika's upcoming release in North America. And
it's certainly been a pleasure working with Sony Computer
Entertainment Worldwide Studios on the project," said Hiro Maekawa,
President and CEO of Natsume. "Afrika is a truly unique gaming
experience. Anyone can pick it up and enjoy its beauty, but it has
enough depth and challenge to satisfy even the most hardcore players."

In Afrika, players step into the role of a freelance photographer
exploring a brand new African wildlife conservation area. They'll
document the wildlife and photograph incredible sights such as a
titanic clash between hippopotamuses, a pride of lions watching over
its playful cubs, and a cheetah's lightning-fast chase as it runs down
its prey! All of the game's animals and environments are rendered in
photorealistic detail with animals that move, behave, and interact
with each other just like their real-world counterparts. Produced in
cooperation with National Geographic, Afrika features a wealth of
information about each of its animals, including footage and
photographs from the magazine.

The photography in the game is as meticulously modeled as the animals
themselves; players will need to learn from the game's innovative
photo grading system and compose their photographs with the eye of a
professional photographer if they want to earn top dollar. The money
they earn can be used to purchase new licensed lenses, cameras, and
safari equipment. If players are good enough, they just might find
their photograph on the cover of National Geographic!

With more than 70 animals to find, over 100 missions to complete, and
endless replayability, Afrika offers the safari experience of a
lifetime!

For more information, please visit www.natsume.com (http://www.natsume.com/).

[fizzywix]

Comes out tomorrow, anyone else interested in playing this? I really want to find a good deal on it, despite mixed reviews form the JP version.

[Sinistar]

Comes out tomorrow, anyone else interested in playing this? I really want to find a good deal on it, despite mixed reviews form the JP version.

If you get it can you post if they added in invert camera?
I play all my games inverted, and the import version does not have it at all, so I quit playing out of frustration. I will get the US version if they patched it in.

[dallow]

Amazon made their price $10 more than MSRP for some reason.
They don't have any instock online either now.

Would have ordered it if it was the correct price.
I'll probably pick this up at the TRU sale.

[NamPaehc]

3.5 from IGN. (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/103/1032352p1.html)

I don't think they had the right reviewer for this lol just going on the 1st sentence haha.

[whoknows]

Damn.

I still sorta want it though. Anyone play it yet?

[dallow]

B- from 1up.

Don't go by that absolute shit review by IGN. They got a moron who only likes to shoot and kill things to review Afrika. Fucking pathetic.

[whoknows]

Cool. Maybe I should grab it.

[manthing]

Damn.

I still sorta want it though. Anyone play it yet?

N.A. release Afrika? No.

Korean release Hakuna Matata? Yes.

It reminds me of a free roam Pokemon Snap.

[erectiontown]

does anyone want to buy my Hakuna Matata? It's completely mint.

[TctclMvPhase]

B- from 1up.

Don't go by that absolute shit review by IGN. They got a moron who only likes to shoot and kill things to review Afrika. Fucking pathetic.

Ars Technica had the game as their pick of the week, even over Operation Flashpoint, Demon Souls and the latest round of NBA games.

That said, I personally didn't like the title as much as Aquanauts or Pokemon Snap...it is a niche title, but rest assured if you make the decision to buy this game, you will not be dissappointed. It is everything it claims to be.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.ps3trophies.org/game/afrika/trophies/

Just got this from Gamefly and checked out the trophies to find out only three of them aren't secret, which is funny. It's also doing an install at the beginning, so I'll have to see how big that is.

Edit: The install is 2344 MB and a save takes up 387 MB.

[Masterkyo]

maybe it drop down $20-ish :)

[starmask2k3]

Yeah, but this is rumored to be the rarest find in the game

http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/weekinpictures/media/getty_bush_dance405x291.jpg

he was so high

[DarkNessBear]

Ohhh, it is out in NA? Wow, didn't see that. Seems like a sweet bargain bin item.

[Sinistar]

http://www.ps3trophies.org/game/afrika/trophies/

Just got this from Gamefly and checked out the trophies to find out only three of them aren't secret, which is funny. It's also doing an install at the beginning, so I'll have to see how big that is.

Edit: The install is 2344 MB and a save takes up 387 MB.

Frisky,

Since you have the US version can you confirm or deny if they added the option for Invert Y axis option for the camera?
I have the Korean version and I stopped playing it due to getting frustrated with the "normal" camera view.

Thanks

[FriskyTanuki]

Frisky,

Since you have the US version can you confirm or deny if they added the option for Invert Y axis option for the camera?
I have the Korean version and I stopped playing it due to getting frustrated with the "normal" camera view.

Thanks
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Just now got back to playing this since I first posted about it. If you mean you want the camera to move up when you push up and down when you push down, then that's the default and only option here.

Had a weird glitch that made the game unplayable until restarted the PS3, which kind of froze the game whenever I got out of the car, the sky would turn dark instantly, and I couldn't move. I could pull up the triangle menu, but that was all I could do.

[Sinistar]

Ahh thanks for the info Frisky.
I mean a camera option when you push up, camera looks down and you push down, camera looks up. But it sounds like The US version they did not add that option, either.
Is it true on the US version they removed the online portion (where you share photos)
I was considering getting the US version if they had an option to invert the camera, but sadly, this does not look like it's the case.
Anyone know if they added trophies for the import version?