Captain Rainbow - Another Japan-Only Game?

If you're not up on Japanese games, you're probably aren't aware that late last month, Nintendo of Japan announced that it will be publishing Captain Rainbow, a quirky and bizarre game from one of my favorite developers, Skip. Most people may know Skip through games such as Chibi Robo and Chibi Robo: Park Patrol, also published by Nintendo. However there a few games that Skip have been involved in that most people are unaware of. GiFTPiA is a Japan-only Nintendo Gamecube game that was developed by Skip and published by Nintendo. Though it was supposed to be released in North America under the name Giftopia, combing the words gift and utopia, it was late cancelled.

Then we have this, Captain Rainbow, Skip's next project. Though it may not have the words 'Mario', 'Pokemon' or 'Zelda' slapped on it, that doesn't mean it's not worth your time. Basically, Captain Rainbow takes all the forgotten characters in Nintendo's history and puts them all into one game. Like previous games developed by Skip, Captain Rainbow boasts vibrant and unique graphics, something Skip has been known for.

In Captain Rainbow, players take control of Nick, a boy coming from The Land of the Free. Nick's alter-ego is Captain Rainbow, a yo-yo wielding hero. Though it's not as popular as it use to be, Nick decided to come to Minmin Island with a dream of restoring his popularity. While on Minmin Island, Nick meets up with Birdo from the Super Mario Bros. series. Birdo game to Minmin Island to grow popular with the boys, but was wrongfully convicted of a crime and imprisoned. Also on Minmin Island is Little Mac from the Punch-Out!! series. Mac's dream was to become the world champion once again, but it seems as though his weight as taken over him. Hikari from Shin Onigashima, Takamaru from Nazo no Murasamejo, and Otsu-San from Famicom Golf are also on Minmin Island for various reasons.

Though details are scarce on this new title from Skip, three trailers have been released. Hopefully Nintendo of America will decide to release this game in North America. If they decide not to, I'll still be getting this game. Being a huge fan of Skip, I can't wait to see what else is in store. The game launches in Japan on August 28th, 2008.