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 Bandai is set to update the 70’s Japanese anime Lupin the 3rd in a new 3D spy/action title due early next year. The show’s ensemble cast has been updated to next-gen standards and looks to take the wacky humor of the show and translate it into gameplay. Here are hands-on impressions of the latest preview build.
The title introduces three main characters in the first stage – Lupin, the master thief, Jigen, the marksmen accomplice, and Zunigata, the Interpol Inspector devoted to catching Lupin. The entire cast, including samurai Goemon, and hot spy Fujiko eventually make their way into the game. At the start Lupin disguises himself as a statue bust and Jigen carries him on board the train. In the cargo hold players learn the basic moves. Lupin can crouch, sneak, roll, or hide behind objects. All these actions are pulled off with the face buttons and are easy to access. Lupin can pull out a weapon with the R1 trigger and fire it with square. Equipped at the start is a sleeping gun. But later you’ll have access to more civilized weapons, like a frying pan. Lupin has to sneak in each area of the train to find the loot he’s looking for. On board are police officers that monitor each compartment. Lupin can sneak around MGS style. But if noticed, question marks appear above the officers head’s. If the question mark fills up red then Lupin is noticed and has to escape. To bypass the officers Lupin can use his sleeping gun to knock them out. New gameplay takes over when Lupin dons a disguise. On board the train is a police officers uniform that Lupin can use to get around the train. Lupin won’t be able to do any of the normal actions in disguise mode, but he’ll have one specific action that will make his presence less questionable. In the officer's uniform Lupin can salute. When Lupin gets close to an officer during a salute, a pickpocket meter shows up. Click the button at the right time and Lupin can nab an extra item in the process. The only problem with saluting is that once it’s done, officers will again question your presence. The visuals are great and reminiscent of the 70s anime. Everything is flat shaded to retain the cartoon look, and the music is full of swinging music to match the era. The control is a bit loose but manageable. The sneaky gameplay is fun and comical, though a bit frustrating at parts. Saluting every 5 seconds to an officer so that he won’t notice you is needless. Also the laser area aboard the train repeats the same scenario every time Lupin is caught – two officers spring out and Lupin is returned to his original place after every hit of a laser. Lupin the 3rd – Treasure of the Sorcerer King hits store shelves in February 2004.
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