MaBoShi: The Three Shape Arcade
Encyclopedia
MaBoShi: The Three Shape Arcade ( Maboshi's Arcade in North America) is a WiiWare
puzzle video game developed by Mindware Corp. Its Japanese title, Katachi no Game: Maru Bou Shikaku translates to Game of Shapes: Ball, Stick, Square. It was released in Europe on August 29, 2008, in Japan on October 7, 2008 and in North America on December 29, 2008.
MaBoShi allows players to use their Mii
s as avatars in the game, as well as send replays to other players via WiiConnect24
. In addition, players are also able to download a version of the game for Nintendo DS
via Wi-Fi
.
s, Circle, Bar and Square, each played differently but with the same objective (scoring one million points) and played on the same screen. Each game can either be played separately or with two or all three simultaneously played by multiple players, with gameplay in one game interacting with and affecting the other games.
.
Each enemy type takes on their own behavior as they appear in the game area:
An expanded version of this mode was later released as a DSiWare title Flametail
tables helped influence the design decisions behind MaBoShi, in addition to a desire to create totally new and unique games, and one that is "both innovative and easy to get into". The idea to use only one button for play was made in the beginning of development, but the developer deliberately decided to avoid "swing and play" controls seen in other Wii games such as Wii Sports
.
In reply to a question about if the game was intended for a causal or hardcore audience, president of Mindware Corp Micky G. Albert responded "Our target is: Everyone. We always make our games for everyone so that they can understand them and have fun. When you develop a truly new and innovative game, that new and innovative element might hinder players' understanding because it's new! I think "The game had something new and innovative, but players could not understand it" is like a "Did Not Finish" in a race. This is worse than "Did finish in last place."
gave it a 9/10, calling the gameplay "deceptively simple, yet incredibly rich" and the multi-tiered system of interacting games "evil genius". IGN
called it "wonderfully original and challenging", giving it an 8/10.
WiiWare
WiiWare 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...
puzzle video game developed by Mindware Corp. Its Japanese title, Katachi no Game: Maru Bou Shikaku translates to Game of Shapes: Ball, Stick, Square. It was released in Europe on August 29, 2008, in Japan on October 7, 2008 and in North America on December 29, 2008.
MaBoShi allows players to use their Mii
Mii
A is a digital avatar used in Nintendo's Wii and Nintendo 3DS gaming consoles. They allow users to capture a likeness of themselves and others. After creating one using the Wii's Mii Channel or the Nintendo 3DS's Mii Maker, they can be used as playable characters in various titles for the...
s as avatars in the game, as well as send replays to other players via WiiConnect24
WiiConnect24
WiiConnect24 is a feature of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for the Wii console. It was first announced at E3 2006 by Nintendo. It enables the user to remain connected to the Internet while the console is on standby...
. In addition, players are also able to download a version of the game for Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
via Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
.
Gameplay
The game features three minigameMinigame
A minigame is a short video game often contained within another video game. A minigame is always smaller or more simplistic than the game in which it is contained. Minigames are sometimes also offered separately for free to promote the main game...
s, Circle, Bar and Square, each played differently but with the same objective (scoring one million points) and played on the same screen. Each game can either be played separately or with two or all three simultaneously played by multiple players, with gameplay in one game interacting with and affecting the other games.
Circle
The player must collide with all enemies as they appear onscreen and before they move off the game area. The player is in control of a constantly spinning circle, and is able to switch the direction it spins with the A button on the Wii RemoteWii Remote
The , also known as the Wiimote, is the primary controller for Nintendo's Wii console. A main feature of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with and manipulate items on screen via gesture recognition and pointing through the use of accelerometer and...
.
Each enemy type takes on their own behavior as they appear in the game area:
- Yellow: slowly walks in a straight line
- Blue: slowly walks in a straight line, halting frequently
- Pink: slowly walks bending to the right or left
- Green: wanders short distances back and forth, anti/clockwise direction
- Purple: wanders long distances back and forth, anti/clockwise direction
Stick
The player must maneuver a rotating stick through a level. The stick rotates around a core, which only moves using the momentum created by the stick and only when the A button is held. The stick can be used to defeat enemies and smash blocks, but if the core touches an enemy or a block the game ends.Square
The player controls a block with a trail of fire behind it. The trail of fire can burn obstacles. The screen scrolls when the player moves, and if an obstacle or part of the trail of fire hits the bottom of the screen, the game ends.An expanded version of this mode was later released as a DSiWare title Flametail
Development
Mindware Corp's prior work with pinballPinball
Pinball is a type of arcade game, usually coin-operated, where a player attempts to score points by manipulating one or more metal balls on a playfield inside a glass-covered case called a pinball machine. The primary objective of the game is to score as many points as possible...
tables helped influence the design decisions behind MaBoShi, in addition to a desire to create totally new and unique games, and one that is "both innovative and easy to get into". The idea to use only one button for play was made in the beginning of development, but the developer deliberately decided to avoid "swing and play" controls seen in other Wii games such as Wii Sports
Wii Sports
is a sports game developed and published by Nintendo as a launch title for the Wii video game console , and part of the Touch! Generations. The game was first released in North America along with the Wii on November 19, 2006, and was released in Japan, Australia, and Europe the following month...
.
In reply to a question about if the game was intended for a causal or hardcore audience, president of Mindware Corp Micky G. Albert responded "Our target is: Everyone. We always make our games for everyone so that they can understand them and have fun. When you develop a truly new and innovative game, that new and innovative element might hinder players' understanding because it's new! I think "The game had something new and innovative, but players could not understand it" is like a "Did Not Finish" in a race. This is worse than "Did finish in last place."
Reception
WiiWare World scored MaBoShi an 8/10, calling it "a very strange and unique game" and highlighting its simple but fun gameplay, its addictiveness, the bonus downloadable DS version and its "surprisingly excellent" soundtrack. EurogamerEurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
gave it a 9/10, calling the gameplay "deceptively simple, yet incredibly rich" and the multi-tiered system of interacting games "evil genius". IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
called it "wonderfully original and challenging", giving it an 8/10.