Ikachan

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Ikachan

Developer(s)	Daisuke Amaya
Publisher(s)	Independent
Designer(s)	Daisuke Amaya
License	Freeware
Engine	Custom
Platform(s)	Windows
Release date	June 23, 2000
Genre(s)	Platform game
Mode(s)	Single player
Media	Free download
System requirements	Windows 98, 2000 or XP, DirectX 5.0+
Input methods	Keyboard

Ikachan ("Squid kid") is a freeware PC game created by Daisuke Amaya, art-name Pixel. It is the often-overlooked predecessor to his better-known game Doukutsu Monogatari (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.

1 Gameplay
2 Plot
3 Notable characters
4 Cameos
5 See also
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Gameplay

The arrow keys are used to angle Ikachan left or right. The Z key causes Ikachan to thrust in whatever direction he is pointing. Eventually, holding the Z key allows Ikachan to charge a thrust. Enemies are hurt by thrusting into them. Collecting fish increases Ikachan's level, and the higher a level he gets the faster he can maneuver.^[1]

[edit] Plot

Ikachan takes place in an underwater cave system referred to as Ironhead's realm. 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 found themselves running 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 in order 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.^[2]

[edit] Notable 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

[edit] Cameos

Ironhead and Ikachan as seen in Cave Story

Both Ironhead and Ikachan make a cameo appearance in Cave Story, Iron Head as the boss of the waterway. A school of Ikachan(s?) is seen if you defeat Ironhead without taking damage. You also receive 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.