Ikachan

Infobox VG
title=Ikachan


developer=Daisuke Amaya
publisher=Independent
designer=Daisuke Amaya
license=Freeware
engine=Custom
released=June 23, 2000
genre=Platform game
modes=Single-player
platforms=Windows
media=Free download
requirements=Windows 98, 2000 or XP, DirectX 5.0+
input=Keyboard

"Ikachan" ("Squid kid") is a freeware computer game created by Daisuke Amaya, art-name Pixel, and the predecessor to his better-known game "Cave Story". In the game, you play a squid named Ikachan who swims through an underground cave meeting other creatures and helping them along the way.

Gameplay

Plot

"Ikachan" takes place in Ironhead's realm, an underwater cave system. A series of earthquakes had recently caused cave-ins that cut off Ironhead's realm from the open sea. As such, the inhabitants of the cave ran out of food and required to carry pearls marking their allegiance to Ironhead. Ironhead himself remains holed up in a private cave, spreading paranoia and encouraging violence against non-citizens to keep the population of the cave from overthrowing him as their leader. Players wake up inside the cave and swim around, slowly discovering the story thus far and searching for a way to escape the cave. [ [http://www.vector.co.jp/vpack/browse/pickup/pw5/pw005872.html いかちゃん ] ]

Characters

*Ikachan: A squid-like creature who awakens inside Ironhead's realm and who the player controls for the duration of the game
*Pinky: A young but clever sea creature that aids you in your escape
*Ironhead: A large fish with an iron helmet, the self-appointed leader of the caves
*Storehouse watchman: The father of Pinky and guard of the remaining food supply

Cameos

*Ironhead and Ikachan make a cameo appearance in "Cave Story", Iron Head as the boss of the waterway. A school of Ikachans are seen if the player defeats Ironhead without taking damage. The player also receives a prize, the Alien Medal with Ikachan on it.
*Ikachan makes a cameo appearance in "Guxt" if the player collects both weapon power-ups in level one.

ee also

*"Cave Story"

References

External links

* [http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA022293/ Developers' website]
* [http://www.tinsanity.net/ikachan English translation]
* [http://community.livejournal.com/doukutsu/ Doukutsu Monogatari LiveJournal community] — site for news on Pixel's current endeavors
* [http://www.popmatters.com/pm/multimedia/reviews/10274/ikachan Review] at PopMatters