Shopping Guide
One Piece is a series popular not just in Japan but the world over, and now the series is expanding into China as well. China’s first official One Piece smartphone app launched in January. That app is titled Koukaiou Keikou and is available on iPhone and Android devices in China. First to release was a paid version on Jan. 20, and this was followed by a free version with a portion of paid content on Jan. 28. Even in China, a casual game market with popular characters is being cultivated in response to ever increasing smartphone usage.
Koukaiou Keikou is a joint development between major Japanese game company Bandai Namco Games and content platform DeNA. The app is an adventure RPG based on the world of the hugely popular One Piece anime. Players collect and train up characters from One Piece to create their own pirate crew, with the overall aim of becoming the “Pirate King.” Fans will be able to experience what it’s like to become a character from the series.
The TV anime One Piece is already in China and it is hugely popular, with official distribution on major video sites. Koukaiou Keikou aims to have a synergistic effect with the series’ popularity. At the same time, related businesses are making use of the series’ high popularity through the distribution of the anime.
In truth, the developers are eager to link up with the anime. The anime’s first opening theme, “We Are!,” is included on the app along with character voice samples by the anime’s voice cast. The game’s story also follows that of the anime, so fans can enjoy their favorite scenes.
In China there is no shortage of anime apps illegally pirated from Japan. A huge push against this are the perks that come with official content.
Koukaiou Keikou
© Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha Inc., Toei Animation Co. Ltd.
© BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc.
Source: animeanime
