NCS Product Synopsis
Update: November 30, 2005
«©NCSX» Larger-than-life personalities from the One Piece manga/anime compete in over 40 mini-games which are triggered through a board game format. Up to four players may participate at once but if you're alone, you'll play the mini-games against 3 computer-controlled competitors. After selecting your onscreen protagonist from a cast consisting of Luffy, Roronoah, Nami, Sanzi, Usopp, Chopper, and Nico Robin, a 21-square playfield appears and four flags are planted on each corner. The action starts with the flipping over of a square which will lead to a bonus or a mini-game. Once the game starts, rules and objectives are shown in a detailed primer screen to give gamers an idea of how to behave when the action starts.
NCS Game Notes™
* The intro to the game features a view of the ocean before Luffy's ship sails into view. The crew is on board fishing, reading, and lounging in general. The animation then continues with the crew performing their duties on an island and engaging in various escapades - there's a short sequence of Luffy in an eating contest. The intro ends with the gang eating underneath a billowing Jolly Roger flag.
* In the mode selection screen, Luffy sits on the masthead of his ship and is apparently looking for any indication of the Grand Line or enemy pirate ships in the distance. A pair of seagulls flap in the background and occasionally disappear from view behind the Jolly Roger flag.
* A Normal Game pits 1 player against three COM players but there's also 1P vs 2P vs COM vs COM or 4 human players may engage each other as long as a multi-tap is connected and four Dual Shock pads are plugged in.
* Selectable characters at the outset of the game are: Luffy, Roronoah, Nami, Sanzi, Usopp, Chopper, and Nico Robin. In the character select screen, the seven characters are shown walking briskly in place.
* Before each mini-game, a 2 or 3 page text tutorial box outlines the objective and a diagram of the Dual Shock joypad explains which controls are in play. Oftimes, only one button and the D-pad or analog pad are used but there are games that will use up to three buttons along with the D-pad. Above the joypad diagram is video of the mini-game in action as computer-controlled players attempt to navigate it with skill and aplomb.
* The format of Pirates Carnival is a board game of sorts where the playfield features four flags on each corner of the play board to represent each of the players. The board is split into 21 squares which are marked with skull and crossbones. As each player takes a turn, a card is presented which determines a bonus or the next mini-game that the players will engage in.
* After selecting characters, the first challenge commences at the base of a mountain. Each character is on a yellow-colored bird and must tap the SQUARE and O buttons alternately to rev up power. Once the power meter reaches near full capacity, press and hold the "X" button and the bird will squawk and run up the side of the mountain. As its energy peters out, hit the X button again to puncture its beak through the side of the mountain to hang on. Resume the power-up button smashing again to rev up and continue the sequence until the first player reaches the apex of the mountain and runs off into the distance.
* In another mini-game, the players are falling to the earth while using a purple spotted octopus as a parachute. Press the "O" button to buffet the winds and slow the descent of the player to cushion the plummeting action. As you're falling to earth, keep an eye on the arrow which shows where the landing target is. If you land too hard, you'll crash through the deck of a ship. If you land just right, you'll alight on the surface like a stomping angel.
* In yet another mini game, the player stands on the top of the screen while treasure chests are arrayed on pedestals throughout the screen. The other three players will try to steal the treasure chests one by one by bringing them down to their areas on the bottom of the screen. To stop them, turn around quickly by pressing the O button which will cause your character to shoot out starry projectiles that knock each thief for a loop and jumps the treasure chest right back on its pedestal. If the thief stops in time when you turn around however, they will be immune to the star shots. Only the O and X buttons are used in this particular exercise. Think of the kids game called Red Light, Green Light and you'll have a good approximation of how this particular game is played. The game ends once the timer on the top of the screen fills up or you're able to hit the thieves enough times to blow them out.
* Other mini-games include shooting darts at a big board in an attempt to high scoring areas and a Where's Waldo-like contest complete with targeting scope and a mass of characters on the deck of a ship. The first one to spot the target wins. A 2-player cooperative mini-game involves paddling around in a boat while collecting bobbing treasure chests in the water with the ultimate goal of reaching the finish line before your opponent. In this particular game, one has to avoid whirlpools and bombs that are shot from the left side of the screen. There's over 40 mini-games to be enjoyed so that everyone can have a good time and find something interesting to engage their time.
* Winning mini-games will allow you to steal points from opponents that you challenge.
* In the Now Loading screen, an animation of Luffy stands in the lower-right corner. He punches with rapid-fire staccato at empty air to the left of the screen.
View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX site.
Jan Code: 4543112378910
Region Lock-out
Please note Japanese Playstation 2 games will not boot on USA or European PS2 consoles due to the inherent region-lockout on Playstation 2 game discs.
This document is ©NCSX 2005, 2011. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.