| Vib-Ripple | |
| Developer: | NanaOn-Sha |
| Publisher: | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Designer: | Masaya Matsuura |
| Genre: | Action |
| Modes: | Single-player |
| Platforms: | PlayStation 2 |
is a video game developed by NanaOn-Sha and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2. It was created by Masaya Matsuura, who also created the 1999 PlayStation game Vib-Ribbon,[1] to which Vib-Ripple is a sequel. It was exclusively released in Japan in 2004.
The game was first mentioned in a catalog list of presentation at the 2002 Game Developers' Conference with a talk by Masaya Matsuura titled "The Game Design of Vib Ribbon 2".[2]
Vib-Ripple is notable for allowing the player to import photographs to be used as the game's playing field.
The player takes control of Vibri, a simple, vector-shaped rabbit from the game's predecessor Vib-Ribbon. The game puts the player on top of various photographs, using each one as a trampoline. Jumping on a photograph loosens up 2D items called "Peta Characters", which Vibri must collect before a time limit expires. An icon on the left side of the screen gives the player a hint as to what part of the photograph to jump on to find the item; the icon's color, shape, and size corresponds to a certain combination of the three on the photograph.[3] When Vibri is close enough to the item, a drumming sound is made and the controller vibrates. Vibri must also avoid creatures called "Boonchies" that inhabit the surface of the picture. Coming in contact with a Boonchie will cause Vibri to de-evolve from a rabbit, to a frog, to a worm, and eventually cause a Game over. However, it is possible for Vibri to evolve into a form called "Super Vibri", allowing the player to temporarily disable a Boonchie, as well as see hidden Peta Characters.[3]
Vib-Ripple has 60 default photographs. The player can create their own stages by uploading their own photographs from a digital camera or cellphone via the PlayStation 2's USB port, or even send pictures across the system's online network. The game automatically scales photographs down to 256 by 256 pixels.[4]