Roll up! Roll up! L.O.B.S.T.E.R Mode has arrived in Early Access! The first of three planned Party Games for Nippon Marathon, L.O.B.S.T.E.R Mode is a pass-the-pad test of skill and endurance for 2-8 players.
After every player picks and names their own contestant, they must run Surfin’ Jack Cactus’ gauntlet: a precariously narrow, randomly generated assault course filled with swinging hammers, pneumatic boxing gloves, basketball cannons and irate American footballers, as well as paper targets that grant bonus time when hit. There may be some beached fish flopping around, too… The player who records the longest distance before the timer expires wins the round, while all others shellfishly grab a letter. Between each round Surfin’ Jack Cactus spins his bonus wheel to see whether more time’s added to the clock or the course is re-rolled, and the sole winner is the player who manages to avoid being dubbed the LOBSTER, PRAWN or EBI (depending on the chosen length of the game).
In addition to the four key Nippon Marathon contestants, LOBSTER Mode also introduces a selection of playable spectators to ensure everybody has a unique avatar during eight-player parties. Like the full Nippon Marathon itself, L.O.B.S.T.E.R Mode will evolve during the game's Early Access period, with additional course elements and contestants planned for future updates. We'll be listening to suggestions in the comments below and on the Community boards during the creation of these new course features (check out the pinned thread). So be sure to let us know what you think of L.O.B.S.T.E.R Mode - your suggestions could be implemented in the future!
And for our huge Asian fanbase, today's update brings an extra-special addition to Nippon Marathon. Japanese, Chinese and Korean localization is now available, plus our talented commentator Sora has recorded all the announcer dialogue in Japanese as well, for added authenticity. We want to thank you all for the immense support so far, and we hope you love today's new features. This first big content update is just one of many we have planned for 2018, and we can't wait to expand the wacky world of Nippon Marathon even more in the coming months.