Ikachan
Encyclopedia
is a freeware
computer game
created by Daisuke Amaya, art-name
Pixel, and the predecessor to Cave Story. In the game, the player plays a squid named Ikachan, who swims through an underground cave, meeting and helping other creatures.
The game contains many aspects of Role Playing Games. Ikachan can level up after attacking enough enemies or eating fish.
Freeware
Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...
computer game
Personal computer game
A PC game, also known as a computer game, is a video game played on a personal computer, rather than on a video game console or arcade machine...
created by Daisuke Amaya, art-name
Art-name
An art-name is a pseudonym, or penname, used by an East Asian artist, which they sometimes change. The word and the idea to use a pseudonym originated from China, then became popular in other East Asian countries ....
Pixel, and the predecessor to Cave Story. In the game, the player plays a squid named Ikachan, who swims through an underground cave, meeting and helping other creatures.
Plot
Ikachan takes place in Ironhead's realm, an underwater cave system. A series of earthquakes had recently caused cave-ins that cut off Ironhead's realm from the open sea. As such, the inhabitants of the cave ran out of food and were required to carry pearls marking their allegiance to Ironhead. Ironhead himself remains stuck in a private cave, spreading paranoia and encouraging violence against non-citizens to keep the population of the cave from overthrowing him as their leader. Ikachan wakes up inside the cave and swims around, searching for a way to escape.Characters
- Ikachan is a squid-like creature who awakens inside Ironhead's realm. He is the main protagonist and playable character.
- Pinky is a young sea creature who helps Ikachan in his escape.
- Ironhead is a large fish with an iron helmet and the self-appointed leader of the caves.
- Storehouse watchman is the father of Pinky and guard of the remaining food supply.
- Carry is a large fish who guards Ironhead's cave.
Gameplay
Ikachan features unique gameplay; as opposed to using the arrow keys to move, the player uses the left and right arrow keys to tilt Ikachan in the respective direction. The player must then use the 'z' key to swim in the direction Ikachan is pointing. Thus, Ikachan cannot swim directly to the left or right at first, but he later acquires an item that allows him to charge horizontally. Also, while being unable to hurt enemies from the start, once Ikachan receives an item called the Dunce Cap, he can attack enemies by ramming them with the point of the hat.The game contains many aspects of Role Playing Games. Ikachan can level up after attacking enough enemies or eating fish.
Trivia
- To help promote the game and the WiiWareWiiWareWiiWare is a service that allows Wii users to download games and applications specifically designed and developed for the Wii video game console made by Nintendo. These games and applications can only be purchased and downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel under the WiiWare section...
release of Cave Story, Pixel made a mini game based on Ikachan for the Nintendo DS game, WarioWare D.I.Y. The game is available for download as a Big Name Game in North America since April 5, 2010. - As a result of Cave Story's success on WiiWare, Nicalis is considering ports of Ikachan and Guxt, other freeware games by Pixel, for DSiWare.
External links
- Developers' website
- English translation
- Doukutsu Monogatari LiveJournal community — site for news on Pixel's current endeavors