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Vib-Ripple | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | NanaOn-Sha[a] |
Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment |
Designer(s) | Masaya Matsuura |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
Release |
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Genre(s) | Action |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Vib-Ripple[b] is a 2004 video game developed by NanaOn-Sha and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It was designed by Masaya Matsuura, who also led the development the 1999 PlayStation game Vib-Ribbon,[2] to which Vib-Ripple is a sequel. It was released exclusively in Japan.
The game was first mentioned in a catalog list of presentation at the 2002 Game Developers' Conference with a talk by Masaya Matsuura titled "The Game Design of Vib Ribbon 2".[3]
Vib-Ripple is notable for allowing the player to import photographs to be used as the game's playing field.
The player takes control of Vibri, a simple, vector-shaped rabbit from the game's predecessor Vib-Ribbon. The game puts the player on top of various photographs, using each one as a trampoline. Jumping on a photograph loosens up 2D items called "Peta Characters", which Vibri must collect before a time limit expires. An icon on the left side of the screen gives the player a hint as to what part of the photograph to jump on to find the item; the icon's color, shape, and size corresponds to a certain combination of the three on the photograph.[4] When Vibri is close enough to the item, a drumming sound is made and the controller vibrates. Vibri must also avoid creatures called "Boonchies" that inhabit the surface of the picture. Coming in contact with a Boonchie will cause Vibri to de-evolve from a rabbit, to a frog, to a worm, and eventually cause a Game over. However, it is possible for Vibri to evolve into a form called "Super Vibri", allowing the player to temporarily disable a Boonchie, as well as see hidden Peta Characters.[4]
Vib-Ripple has 60 default photographs. The player can create their own stages by uploading their own photographs from a digital camera or cellphone via the PlayStation 2's USB port, or even send pictures across the system's online network. The game automatically scales photographs down to 256 by 256 pixels.[5]