Ai Space
A 3D social game featuring heroines from three visual novels.
Ai Space (stylized as ai sp@ce) was a Japanese virtual 3D massively multiplayer online social game (MMOSG) launched on October 15, 2008 for Windows PCs. It allowed users to interact through motional avatars with bishōjo game heroines from three visual novels: Clannad, Shuffle!, and Da Capo II. The game closed down on June 30, 2011.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Ai Space Production Committee
- Released
- October 15, 2008–June 30, 2011
- Genre
- MMOSG, Virtual world
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Platforms
- Windows
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Before playing, a user must download a client program unique to Ai Space. The player customizes a motional avatar that can be male (described as cool) or female (described as sweet), with options for facial expressions, figures, hairstyle, and personal information such as birthday and blood type. Gameplay begins when the player selects one bishōjo character from Clannad, Shuffle!, or Da Capo II, known as a character doll or chara-doll. The chara-doll can wear different costumes obtained as in-game items, memorize motions to act out or dance, and eventually develop a unique personality for each user, called an aitune. The player and chara-doll live together on one of three virtual islands patterned after the worlds of the three visual novels. The player's house contains furniture, with additional items purchasable for the chara-doll or player. Inside the house, the chara-doll moves independently; outside, it stays with the player. Conversation with the chara-doll occurs via text displayed at the bottom of the screen, similar to visual novels. The three islands connect through a central Akihabara Island, modeled after the real Akihabara, where players and chara-dolls gather for chatting and events. Names of avatars and chara-dolls appear above their heads on Akihabara Island. The game is free to play, but players can buy Nico Nico Points from Nico Nico Douga to purchase special items such as clothing and furniture. Points are sold in sets of 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000, with one point costing roughly one yen.
Development
Ai Space was a collaborative effort of several companies forming the Ai Space Production Committee, headed by Dwango, which developed the virtual world's infrastructure and Internet service support. Planning began in 2006, according to Dwango executive vice-president Toyoki Ōta. The initial concept involved only the Da Capo II franchise, but was expanded to include Clannad and Shuffle!. Dwango's experience with Internet service came from launching its subsidiary video sharing site Nico Nico Douga, which enabled the project to proceed. Primary development was handled by Headlock, working with Key under Visual Art's, Navel with Omegavision, and Circus for the design of the bishōjo heroines. The game was originally planned as a text-based visual novel but changed to a 3D environment. Dwango's subsidiary Niwango integrated the Nico Nico Anime Channel from Nico Nico Douga, allowing users to upload gameplay sequences. The trading card company Bushiroad also participated. Kotoko, a member of I've Sound, sang the first theme song, titled U Make Ai Dream, released as a single on December 3, 2008. Other music came from the three visual novels.
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