The game was said to be an African safari simulator, allowing gamers to feel what it's like to be on safari and experience being close to wild animals from around the world.
Well, in terms of game-play, little has been revealed about the title since, but in this month's Famitsu magazine they've uncovered a few bits and pieces that suggest that the game will be more about observing animals in their natural habitat, rather than chasing after them, whilst frothing at the mouth and armed with a sniper rifle. We know which one we'd prefer.
Famitsu say that we'll be able to jump in a jeep or take to foot across the open fields, sneak up on the animals and take photographs of the likes of Elephants and Giraffe. We'll also be able to use bionoculars to take long range shots.
The premise sounds similar to the PC game from Super X Studios, Wild Earth: African Safari, which is a simulation set in Africa’s Serengeti National Park where players are rewarded for taking top quality photos of the wildlife. Thoguh Famitsu tell us that Afrika will feature multiple camera angles including, third person view, bird’s eye view and the animal’s point of view, we were hoping for much more.
You can't deny the game looks fantastic and we're sure it will be pleasant watching Hippopotamuses frolicking around in the water, but we'd much rather have the opportunity to hit a Gazelle right between the eyes from a few hundred metres.
Of course, Afrika still could be exciting. We still don't know how the animals will interact with humans. Will we have to flee from a pack of lions chasing us across the open ground? Will a herd of Elephants trample us to death? Or perhaps we'll get to ride on the back of a wild boar?
Whatever it is, we're hoping there's much more to Afrika than just taking photos. We should find out sooner rather than later. Famitsu has confirmed that the Japanese release date for Afrika will be August 28, 2008.
UPDATED: CVG claim that Afrika will not be released in the UK. Ahh, no need to worry then.
