Multiplayer Modes Galore in Kid Icarus: Uprising

Being ever so skeptical of any multiplayer on a handheld system, Super Street Fighter IV on the 3DS won me over in hopes that multiplayer online would start to become a thing we could all praise on a handheld platform.

Hopefully following up with that success, Nintendo released some info today on the multiplayer modes that will be in the upcoming 3DS title, Kid Icarus: Uprising, releasing on March 23rd. If what I’m reading below is true, I can’t wait to mix it up in Free-For-All mode.

Here is the original press release from Nintendo:

Nintendo News

Multiple Multiplayer Modes Revealed in Kid Icarus: Uprising Game for Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo has revealed new details on the different multiplayer modes in Kid Icarus: Uprising, which will launch exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS system on March 23. More than 25 years after the launch of the original Kid Icarus game for NES, Kid Icarus: Uprising brings the action and adventure of this beloved series to new heights. Modes and features in the new game include:

• Light vs. Dark: Team up with other players in Light vs. Dark multiplayer mode, in which two teams of three are pitted against one another. The ultimate goal is to empty the opposing team’s health meter, which transforms the last defeated team member into an angel. The team who defeats the opposing team’s angel wins. This unique multiplayer mode tests players’ ability to work as a team while keeping the match exciting as the focus constantly shifts from dealing out damage to protecting the team angel.

• Free-for-All: In this mode, up to six players (including CPU players) combat each other in a winner-takes-all match. Winners are determined by high score, heavily influenced by both the number of kills and the number of deaths.
• Match Set-up: Both Light vs. Dark and Free-for-All multiplayer modes are playable through local wireless play or online for players with broadband Internet access. CPU players will fill out the roster if there are fewer than six players in a match. Duration of the match, CPU difficulty, weapons and team handicaps are all customizable prior to beginning a multiplayer battle.
• Weapons and Weapon Fusion: The wide variety of weapons a player has collected in single-player mode can be used during multiplayer matches. Players can also earn additional weapons as rewards in multiplayer play. Players can choose set combinations of weapons and powers before entering into a match. This provides further incentive for players to continue collecting different and more powerful weapons as they play through the single-player campaign. Players can also fuse weapons together at the Arms Altar. Fusing two weapons will result in a single, more powerful weapon that retains some of the key benefits of each, giving players the ability to customize weapons to match their play style. Fused weapons can also be used in multiplayer matches.
• StreetPass: Through the StreetPass functionality of the Nintendo 3DS hardware, players have the ability to share one of their weapons with other Kid Icarus: Uprising owners. The selected weapon is turned into a Weapon Gem. Shared Weapon Gems can be converted into real weapons by paying Hearts. Players can also fuse Weapon Gems together by paying Hearts to create a more powerful Weapon.

Consumers who pre-order Kid Icarus: Uprising via GameStop, Best Buy and Amazon.com will receive a bonus download code for the 3D Classics: Kid Icarus game, a re-mastered 3D version of the NES original. The download code will be given to customers who pre-ordered Kid Icarus: Uprising at the time of the actual game purchase. Retailers may require a deposit for pre-orders. Kid Icarus: Uprising will carry a suggested retail price of $39.99 in the United States.

Kid Icarus: Uprising launches across North America on March 23. For more information, please visit http://kidicarusuprising.nintendo.com.