Afrika (PS3)

[Mofoman]

it's not coming out in the West, I am pretty definite of this, now, i have both the jap and asian english version of the game, and I would buy the english asian version right now if i was you guys that are waiting, this is an aaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmaazzing game and was the game that made me get a ps3. I even loved the second playthrough on the english asian game even more, and the stuff you can do in this title is unreal. I think it's the only real reason for owning a ps3 along with MGS4, but for stretching the hardware, this is the game. It's truly stunning, and absolutely breathtaking at times, particularly when you are chilled out, as it's the most absorbing relaxing title on the next gen hardware. I love game's like this an Endless Ocean.

Honestly, anyone with a ps3 has to sample the delight's of this game, it truly is a spectacular title!!!!

[JP]

It was only late last month that National Geographic announced this game as a US only release.

They announced a few games at the time along with the publishers of those games:
National Geographic: Africa (Sony)
National Geographic: Panda (Namco/Bandai)
National Geographic: Herod's Lost Tomb (Nintendo)

As well as other games which didn't yet have a named publisher:
National Geographic: Rain Forests
National Geographic: Greencity
National Geographic: From the Bottom Up

As far as I know the only release date mentioned for any of them was 2009? It's certainly worth picking up any version of it but there's been talk of the encyclopaedia/documentary side of things being expanded now that National Geographic are involved in the game instead of it just using their branding as the current versions do.

I've really enjoyed the first time I played it but I really say that it's pushing the hardware in any way at all as there was times it was a technical mess. Didn't stop it being a lot of fun for me though.

[Mofoman]

It was only late last month that National Geographic announced this game as a US only release.

They announced a few games at the time along with the publishers of those games:
National Geographic: Africa (Sony)
National Geographic: Panda (Namco/Bandai)
National Geographic: Herod's Lost Tomb (Nintendo)

As well as other games which didn't yet have a named publisher:
National Geographic: Rain Forests
National Geographic: Greencity
National Geographic: From the Bottom Up

As far as I know the only release date mentioned for any of them was 2009? It's certainly worth picking up any version of it but there's been talk of the encyclopaedia/documentary side of things being expanded now that National Geographic are involved in the game instead of it just using their branding as the current versions do.

I've really enjoyed the first time I played it but I really say that it's pushing the hardware in any way at all as there was times it was a technical mess. Didn't stop it being a lot of fun for me though.

I know it was supposed to have been announced by National geographic, this is an edit, looked it up mate, and you are correct, I have seen Panda on the Ds and apparently they are releasing games for the ps3 and wii including Afrika, but I can't help but think tey will change this game. I think their schedule will have to wait for SCea's though, and this coud delay this game till summer, I think it will probably get an anoouncement round e3. There is alot to translate, and alot to add if they are doing some Nat geo stuff in there too.

Also the game is a MARVEL technically. Remembering that the PS3 has a powerful processor, but an average Video card, which is really closer to a Geforce 7 series card. I think the scope of the game, and the amount of stuff going on is a wonder that the managed to do that without having to have alot more Ram and alot more GPU power.

I do understand that you may not appreciate it the same way, but for me it's breathtaking, almost photorealistic at time's, and rank's right up there with any ps3 game graphically.

[saturn-gamer]

I agree with all the positive critics.

From a visual standpoint, this is one of the most beautiful games I've played. A technical marvel? I think it is. Its not that its blazing 60fps or anything... but it captures the savannah and its atmosphere really good. From the first time I entered the jeep, it drew me in and didn't let me go.

It felt so awesome, lurking in the bushes waiting for that drinking giraffe shot. And then a Vulture lands practically next to me... first instinct was popping the camera out. I can dig that kind of stuff.

Everyone should at least try this out.

[Balderak]

Hi folks, can I get clarification on a point please? I have the Asian version of Hakuna Matata, which comes with limited manual instructions in English and Chinese, although the in-game text is in Japanese.

Can anyone tell me which version has the full English text? I think it's the Korean version, but I have no idea where to buy it from.

Thanks for your help.

edit: Also, my Asian version has the Online option greyed out. Is this normal and is there anything I can do to access online?

[JamesS]

There was a second Asian release with English some time after the initial release. There's also the Korean version, which I think has an English option. I have the second Asian release, and I think the online is enabled in that version, but I'd have to check to be sure. I don't think you couldn't access it in the initial release though.

[yesteryeargames]

where can i get a english language version with the online options please?

[anephric]

eBay's your best bet. Failing that, somewhere like Renchi, but make sure they send you the right one (I'd recommend confirming by email when you order).

[Balderak]

Thanks for the info folks. Found an eBay seller selling the Chinese/English version

[yesteryeargames]

ive found a copy of hakuna matata from sum1 on a forum. will it have online options too? is there anyway i could tell . the guy claims its english lang cheers

[anephric]

He/you needs to look on the back, or send you a pic of the back cover. If it says:

SUBTITLE: Chinese - English
MANUAL: Chinese - English

it's the right one. The online stuff does very little, though. Just lets you upload pics and see other people's.

[yesteryeargames]

hi all are the hakuna matatas liek this authentic http://i.ebayimg.com/20/!BSeWj8QBGk~$(KGrHgoOKicEjlLmYvG8BKDYp1Jq)!~~_35.J PG
and the correct ones with eng and online? some have the diamond sony logo on the right and this version doesnt? is there any difference?

cheers

[anephric]

Can't see that image but mine has no Sony diamond on the front.

[museumsteve]

Confirmation that this is indeed getting a US release

Natsume Inc., a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, today announced that it will publish "AFRIKA" for the PLAYSTATION?3 computer entertainment system. The company's first title for PLAYSTATION?3, "AFRIKA" takes players on a photographic safari of Africa and its exotic animals. The game will be available at retail early fall 2009.

"We are very excited to be releasing "AFRIKA" in North America, and thrilled to be working with Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. "The team has put an incredible amount of work into replicating the African safari experience, and the results are simply breathtaking."

In "AFRIKA", players step into the role of a freelance photographer exploring a brand new conservation area. They'll document the wildlife and photograph incredible sights such as a titanic clash between hippopotamuses, a pride of lions watching over its playful cubs, and a cheetah's lightning-fast chase as it runs down its prey! All of the game's animals and environments are rendered in photorealistic detail with animals that move, behave, and interact with each other just like their real-world counterparts.

The photography in the game is as meticulously modeled as the animals themselves; players will need to learn from the game's innovative photo-grading system and compose their photographs with the eye of a professional photographer if they want to earn top dollar. The money they earn can be used to purchase new licensed lenses, cameras, and safari equipment. If players are good enough, they just might find their photograph on the cover of National Geographic.

Produced in cooperation with National Geographic, "AFRIKA" features a wealth of information about each of its animals, including footage and photographs from the magazine!
Players can take a safari with "AFRIKA" when it ships to retail early fall 2009. For more information, please visit www.natsume.com.

[merf]

Picked the US version of this up off the trade forum and we've been really taken with it, looks really nice and a relaxing change of pace.

The animal graphics aren't photo realistic but good enough to not look stupid.

It's kept my teenage son away from call of duty, rock band and F1 despite him scoffing at the stupid animal game I'd bought before sticking it on.

Nice surprise