If you’ve been following along these past few weeks, you probably remember that Alex and I have been chatting it up with Operation Rainfall regarding Pandora’s Tower. It’s like catnip for us fans of Metroid, Castlevania and JRPGs. I can report that Alex has a copy of the game in his possession and will be spilling the beans on its finesse and foibles in due course.
Until then, we took part in our penultimate roundtable. This time, dark games (with mature themes) are the topic du jour.
It’s long been Nintendo’s rep that they are a family-friendly company. Mario is as bright and cheerful as gaming mascots come, so long as you aren’t counting personalized mascots like the Mii you created to look like your grandmother. So where does that leave those looking for more unnerving fare (like Pandora’s Tower)? In the same boat with games like this, I suppose.
Remember that one? No? Perhaps something a little closer to home, then:
The same company that published the cuddly Wind Waker made a game that was like an unhinged Groundhog Day meets the apocalypse. Nintendo also showed a decade ago that they aren’t afraid to publish M-rated content with Silicon Knights’ disturbing psychological horror game.
So why not do something similar now?
No, really. I’m asking. With a wonderfully twisted tale already localized for an English-speaking audience by Nintendo of Europe, why should Pandora’s Tower not see an American release? If Alex’s impressions are anything to go by, Ganbarion’s first foray into making an action/RPG hits quite a few good notes (and although we all love Kirby, a collection of the pink puffer’s greatest games isn’t going to sate our desire for darker-themed gaming). Is it all flowers and candy? You’ll just have to wait for his full review.
Until then, check out our full roundtable with Operation Rainfall.
