How to Play

How to Play is a set of tutorial videos in Kid Icarus: Uprising, accessible through the "How to Play" button on the file select menu, or through the book icon on the home menu. Each tutorial ranges between 30 seconds to over a minute, and their purpose is to demonstrate the basics of Uprising ' s gameplay to the player.

The following is a transcript for the English version of each tutorial.

Getting Started

 * [This conversation is only viewable through the "View All" option, or by pressing the L Button while viewing the "Three Basic Controls" conversation.]

Palutena: I'll help you get prepared for the battles ahead, Pit.

Pit: Thanks! I'm honored to be at your service, Lady Palutena! But before we get started, there's something I've been meaning to ask you.

Palutena: And what's that?

Pit: Who is this "Icarus" character this game is named after? Can I meet him?

(The top screen displays the logo of Kid Icarus: Uprising, with an arrow pointing at the name "Icarus.")

Palutena: Um...actually, no. But let's not worry about that.

Pit: ...Why not? What happened to Icarus?

Palutena: Let's just focus on you right now.

Three Basic Controls
Palutena: This game has three basic controls: Move with the Circle Pad.

(The top screen displays the Circle Pad being rotated.)

Palutena: Shoot with the L Button.

(The top screen displays a zoomed in image of the L Button.)

Palutena: And aim with the Touch Screen.

(The top screen displays a stylus touching the Touch Screen.)

Palutena: And...that's it!

Pit: Move!

(Pit is shown walking forward in the Practice Range.)

Pit: Shoot!

(Pit is shown shooting into the distance.)

Pit: And...aim? How do I do that?

(The top screen displays the word "[AIM?]" against a black background.)

Palutena: You aim your weapon by using the Touch Screen to target enemies.

(The top screen displays the reticle sliding over a Monoeye.)

Palutena: Get them lined up in your reticle, then press the L Button to shoot!

(The top screen displays the Monoeye disappearing upon taking damage.)

Palutena: Those are the basics. I'll go into more detail later.

Flow of Battle
Palutena: Our goal is to stop Medusa and the Underworld Army.

(The top screen displays footage of Medusa emerging from beneath the clouds during Chapter 1's Air Battle.)

Pit: Ah, geez. She was a huge pain 25 years ago. And that was only in two dimensions!

Palutena: Even so, we can't ignore those who threaten the earth and the heavens.

(The top screen displays footage of Palutena, then displays a diagram of Skyworld, the Overworld, and Underworld troops.)

Palutena: We are here, in Skyworld.

Pit: But the Underworld Army is wreaking havoc on earth!

(The screen scrolls to the right, revealing Twinbellows in a coliseum.)

Palutena: Yes, but don't worry. I have created gates that can take you near our targets.

(The screen scrolls to the gate on the diagram.)

Palutena: However, we should discuss your...flying issue.

Pit: I know, I know. I can't fly. Don't remind me.

(Pit is shown running through the gate and flying into the sky.)

Palutena: Oh, no need to get upset. You see, I'll be granting you the power of flight.

Pit: Uh, what's that?

(The screen displays Pit flying through the Title Screen of the game.)

Palutena: It'll keep you airborne, although only for about five minutes at a time.

Pit: That's amazing!

(Pit is shown flying during the Air Battle of Chapter 1.)

Palutena: Exceed five minutes, and your wings will catch fire and burn off.

Pit: That's not amazing!

Palutena: To keep this from happening, I control your flight path.

Pit: Fine by me. That lets me focus on attacking and dodging!

(The screen displays footage of the Land Battle from Chapter 1.)

Palutena: When the power of flight runs out, you'll have to fight on foot. While on the ground, your job is to seek out the boss and defeat it.

(Pit is shown confronting Twinbellows.)

Pit: Can't you just fly me over to the boss?

(The screen shows a diagram of Pit first starting in the sky, then traveling on foot and heading for the boss.)

Palutena: Sure, if you don't mind your wings on fire.

Pit: I mind.

(The screen displays Chapter 1's Land Battle again.)

Palutena: Also, as you make your way forward, wipe out as many enemies as you can.

Air Battles
Palutena: Each of your missions begins with an air battle.

(Pit is shown rushing to the gate and initiating Chapter 1's Air Battle.)

Pit: ...Knowing that enemies can fly and I can't hurts even more than their attacks.

Palutena: Moving right along...

Pit: Like a flying thing does.

Palutena: You use the same three controls in the air: "moving," "shooting," and "aiming."

Pit: Move with the Circle Pad...

(Pit is shown moving in a circle during the Air Battle.)

Pit: And aim the reticle using the Touch Screen.

(The reticle is shown rotating in a circle.)

Palutena: You move and aim at the same time. What do you think? Can you handle it?

(Pit is shown defeating Monoeyes.)

Pit: Of course I can handle it!

(The screen displays footage of Chapter 3's Air Battle, showcasing Pit moving in a loop to avoid enemy fire.)

Palutena: Anyway, try using the Circle Pad to glide around in a loop. Moving even a little makes you harder to hit.

Land Battles
Palutena: Let's talk land battles, Pit.

(The top screen displays footage of the beginning of Chapter 1's Land Battle.)

Pit: Uh, this area looks like a dead end.

Palutena: Try facing left. To do this, you slide the stylus to the left on the Touch Screen.

(The camera is shown scrolling to the left.)

Pit: Whoa!

Palutena: You can also use the Touch Screen to spin your view around.

(The camera is shown spinning around Pit.)

Pit: So, I can quickly change the way I'm facing by flicking the stylus.

Palutena: And you can tap the Touch Screen to stop.

Pit: Huh... It's like spinning a globe and stopping it with your finger!

Palutena: To boil it down: flick the Touch Screen to change the direction you're facing.

Pit: And then I can slide the Circle Pad forward to move in that direction.

(Pit is shown moving forward.)

Palutena: Right. Speaking of moving, you know how to dash, don't you?

Pit: Nope!

(Pit is shown running in the Practice Range.)

Palutena: Quickly flick the Circle Pad in any direction to dash that way. Hold it to run.

Pit: That move feels so familiar.

Palutena: I think they used it in that one series, "Super Bash Sisters."

Pit: You mean "Super Smash Bros."?

Palutena: Uh, I don't think it was that.

Pit: It's definitely that.

(The top screen displays footage of Chapter 1's Land Battle, showing Pit becoming exhausted from running too much.)

Palutena: You'll get winded if you run for too long, so mind your stamina.

Pit: Guess I can't just run past all the enemies. Darn you, balanced game play!

Ranged and Melee Attacks
Palutena: You can perform almost all of your attacks using the L Button.

(The top screen displays a zoomed in image of the L Button.)

Pit: That's easy enough.

Palutena: Yes, but there are many different ways to attack. First, let's talk ranged attacks.

Pit: I'm listening.

(Pit is shown shooting a Monoeye in the Practice Range.)

Palutena: You have two general types of ranged attacks: charged shots and continuous fire.

(Pit is shown shooting a Skuttler in Dark Lord Gaol's Castle.)

Palutena: Hold down the L Button for continuous fire.

Pit: Yes! I don't have to press it over and over!

(The screen shows Pit in the Practice Range, with an arrow pointing to the reticle as it changes shape.)

Palutena: If you don't shoot for a while, your reticle will change shape. When that happens, you can press the L Button for a charged shot.

(Pit is shown during Chapter 1's Land Battle, shooting a Gyrazer with a charged shot.)

Pit: They're accurate and pack a punch!

(Pit is shown dashing while attacking a Monoeye in the Practice Range.)

Palutena: Now combine charged shots and continuous fire with forward, side, and backward dashes.

Pit: Whoa, that's a lot of possible ranged attacks!

Palutena: Eight different ranged attacks, to be precise.

(The screen shows different screenshots of the varying ranged attacks.)

Pit: No way!

(Pit is shown in Chapter 1's Land Battle, performing a forward-dash charged shot.)

Palutena: The punishing force of the forward-dash charged shot!

(The screen displays Pit performing a side-dash charged shot.)

Palutena: The evasive power of the side-dash charged shot!

(Pit is shown performing a backward-dash charged shot.)

Palutena: The unique strike of the backward-dash charged shot!

Pit: I think I need a strategy guide.

Palutena: Just be patient. You'll get the hang of it.

(Pit is shown striking a Shemum and a Nettler with a melee attack.)

Palutena: Also, when you get close to an enemy, press the L Button for a melee attack.

Pit: Close in on it and strike!

(Pit is shown performing melee combos on a Skuttler and a Shemum's vase.)

Palutena: When using melee attacks, try tapping the L Button repeatedly. This will let you perform melee combos.

(Pit is shown melee-comboing Skuttlers in Dark Lord Gaol's Castle.)

Pit: Prepare for a beat down, baddies!

Palutena: My, aren't we manly?

Pit: Hey, thanks!

(Pit is shown performing a melee dash attack on a Keron and a Skuttler.)

Palutena: Oh, and don't forget melee dash attacks! They're also quite powerful.

Dodging
Palutena: Pit, remember that the best defense is not getting hit at all.

(Pit is shown in Chapter 1's Land Battle, getting hit by Monoeyes.)

Pit: Agreed. If I take too much damage, I'm finished!

Palutena: A good basic strategy is to move left and right while facing enemies.

(Pit is shown walking from side to side to avoid incoming fire.)

Pit: I see: it helps me avoid direct attacks.

(The screen displays a screenshot of Pit dodging an attack from Twinbellows.)

Palutena: But the BEST way to avoid attacks is to dodge. When an enemy's attack gets close...

(Pit is shown dodging an attack from a Monoeye.)

Palutena: Quickly flick the Circle Pad to dash!

Pit: Ooh! Smooth!

Palutena: You can wait until just the last second and then dash out of harm's way!

(Pit is shown dodging away from a Wrecking Ball in Chapter 1, a Monolith and Skuttler Cannoneer in Chapter 2, and a Stackjaw in Chapter 3.)

Palutena: That said, you'll want to use your dodges strategically.

(Pit is shown dodging away from the Great Reaper in Chapter 4.)

Pit: What do you mean?

(Pit is shown dodging repeatedly in Together Mode.)

Palutena: Dodging repeatedly without any breaks makes it more difficult to dodge. While we're at it, let's talk about some other techniques.

(Pit is shown dashing around a Suit of Skuttler and an Armin.)

Palutena: Do a dash-around by keeping the reticle fixed on an enemy and dashing left or right.

Pit: Then I can attack from behind!

(The screen displays footage of various Air Battles in different chapters.)

Palutena: In air battles, if you don't shoot for a bit, you'll enter a gliding stance.

Pit: It's harder to hit me, and I'm building up charged shots!

Palutena: If you flick the Circle Pad left to right—or vice versa—you'll spin and avoid attacks.

Pit: So I'll lure homing shots at me one way, then fake 'em out and zoom the other way!

Powers
Palutena: Remember, Pit, you won't be fighting alone out there.

Pit: You're going to send me a machine-gun-robot girlfriend?

Palutena: ...No. I'll be guiding you on your journey.

Pit: That's manager speak for "fighting alone."

(The top screen displays various power icons.)

Palutena: Anyway, let me explain powers to you.

Pit: Sounds wicked!

(The screen displays the bottom half of a 3DS screen, zooming in on the power icons in the corner of the screen.)

Palutena: You'll notice icons like these in the lower-left corner of the Touch Screen.

Pit: OK.

(Pit is shown using the Reflect Barrier power on a Mega Mussel during Chapter 3's Land Battle.)

Palutena: You can use these in battle for different effects. Just tap the icon with the stylus.

(Pit is shown using the Heavenly Light power on a hoard of Reapettes during Chapter 4's Land Battle.)

Pit: Cool! Now THAT'S power!

(Pit is shown using Angelic Missile on a Daphne during Chapter 3's Land Battle.)

Palutena: I've created a wide array of powers for you, Pit.

(Pit is shown avoiding a Reaper during Chapter 4's Land Battle by using the Transparency power.)

Pit: How do I know which ones to use?

(The screen displays a power grid.)

Palutena: You can equip powers when prepping for battle, so try out different configurations. However, you'll have to take into account a power piece's size and shape.

Pit: Power pieces, huh? Cool! Looks like all that Dr. Mario is about to pay off!

Palutena: Arrange the power pieces as you like, then tap Autofill, and I'll fill in the gaps for you. Once you're in a level, you can select and use powers with the +Control Pad.

(Pit is shown fighting Hewdraw Reborn in Chapter 3, then Twinbellows in Chapter 1.)

Pit: So I'll press left or right on the +Control Pad to choose a power, and down to use it!

(Pit is shown using Celestial Firework.)

Intensity
Palutena: Whenever you defeat enemies, you receive hearts.

(The top screen displays a reticle sliding over a Monoeye and shooting it, receiving hearts upon its defeat.)

Pit: Then I can redeem the hearts with you for weapons, right?

(The screen displays the player browsing through weapons and purchasing a Viper Blade.)

Pit: Hey, I guess hearts are a lot like money.

Palutena: Well, they both make the world go 'round.

(Pit is shown obtaining hearts from defeating Monoeyes during Chapter 1's Air Battle.)

Pit: I thought that was love.

Palutena: Anyway, you're probably wondering how you can get even MORE hearts.

Pit: Oh my gosh, that's exactly what I was wondering!

Palutena: And you want me to tell you.

Pit: Two for two!

(The screen displays the Fiend's Cauldron and the player increasing the Intensity to 9.0.)

Palutena: Before a battle, add hearts to the Fiend's Cauldron to increase the battle's Intensity. Of course, this will make enemies much harder to handle.

(Pit is shown fighting several enemies in an Air Battle.)

Pit: I don't get it. Why would I spend hearts to make battles harder?

(Pit is shown fighting Skuttler Cannoneers.)

Palutena: Because with greater challenge comes greater reward. You won't earn many hearts if you always play it safe.

Pit: That's a good life lesson too!

(The screen displays a split screen of Pit in an Air Battle, showing him receiving different amounts of hearts.)

Palutena: The higher you raise the Intensity, the more hearts you can earn.

(The screen displays two different First Blades with varying stats.)

Palutena: And that's not all. You'll also earn better weapons on higher Intensities.

Pit: What a dilemma!

(Pit is shown being defeated by a Mik in Chapter 2's Air Battle.)

Palutena: But if you're defeated, hearts will spill out from the Fiend's Cauldron. You'll lose those hearts forever, although the Intensity will lower a bit.

(The screen displays hearts spilling out of the Fiend's Cauldron and the Intensity lowering to 8.0.)

Pit: Oh, I see. So I should try to strike a balance.

Palutena: The more hearts left in the cauldron, the stronger the weapons you've acquired will be.

Pit: So to get stronger weapons, I have to bet more hearts and avoid spilling them!

Palutena: Of course, you can always lower a chapter's Intensity if you're having trouble.

(The screen displays the player lowering the Intensity to 0.0.)

Palutena: Just keep in mind that this also costs hearts!

(Pit is shown surrounded by two Shulms, a Specknose, and a Skuttler Mage during a Land Battle.)

Pit: The road to riches is paved with careful choices!

(The screen briefly displays the Reaper Easter egg, then begins showcasing various weapons.)

Palutena: So is the road to stronger weapons! Challenge yourself, but don't overdo it!

Weapons
(Pit is shown using different types of weapons to fight enemies throughout various chapters.)

Palutena: There are nine different types of weapons you can use.

Pit: When you say types, you mean, like, blades and staffs, right?

(Pit is shown using different kinds of Blades.)

Palutena: Exactly. But even within a given type, there's a huge variety of weapons.

Pit: So many ways to beat down enemies... It's... It's beautiful.

Palutena: Also, two versions of the same weapon will often have different properties.

Pit: How is that possible?

Palutena: For example, two First Blades could each have different weapon modifiers.

(The screen shows a First Blade with a value of 100 and no weapon modifiers, then scrolls to another with a value of 299 and weapon modifiers.)

Pit: So every weapon can be completely unique! But what do I have to do to get stronger versions of weapons?

Palutena: Well, the first way you already know about: playing on harder difficulties. The second way is weapon fusion.

Pit: That sounds cool!

(The screen displays the weapon fusing screen, scrolling through the different possibilities.)

Palutena: Weapon fusion is combining two weapons to create an entirely different new weapon.

(The screen displays a Crusader Blade and a Rail Cannon fusing to create a Laser Staff.)

Palutena: Some of the old weapons' modifiers will carry over to the new one.

(The screen displays a 3DS with an arrow pointing to its right side, and a message reading "Push the wireless switch to enable wireless communication.")

Palutena: There are also the weapon gems you can receive from StreetPass.

(The screen displays two 3DSs exchanging Weapon Gems.)

Palutena: You can fuse these as well.

Pit: Using StreetPass to get weapon gems sounds pretty sweet to me!

(The screen displays gems of a Royal Blade and a Hawkeye Bow fusing to create a Violet Palm.)

Palutena: You can even convert unwanted weapons and weapon gems into hearts.

(The screen displays a Centurion Strongarm converting something into hearts.)

Palutena: You can also always buy weapons from me. The more you spend, the better the weapon.

(The screen displays the player purchasing a pair of Guardian Orbitars.)

Pit: I'd better start saving hearts now, huh?

Palutena: That would be wise.

Control Styles
Palutena: There are a variety of control styles, so choose the one that suits you best.

(The screen displays a 3DS being held normally.)

Palutena: One control scheme, for example, doesn't use the Touch Screen at all.

Pit: Wait a second... How does that work?

(The screen displays footage of Pit in Chapter 1's Land Battle, flipping the camera.)

Palutena: If you tap the R Button, you can swing the camera behind you.

(The reticle is shown rotating as Pit walks around.)

Palutena: Slide the Circle Pad while holding down the R Button to move the reticle.

Pit: That sounds like it takes dexterity.

(The screen displays the menu, going into the Options section.)

Palutena: You can also go into Options and further customize your controls. From here, you can invert vertical controls and change what individual buttons do. You can even set controls for left-handed play.

Pit: Oh, so move with the A, B, X, and Y Buttons and hold the stylus in my left hand!

Palutena: Lefties who want to use the Circle Pad can also use their right thumbs on the Touch Screen.

Light vs. Dark
(The top screen displays various stages from Together Mode.)

Pit: Light vs. Dark is Skyworld's mightiest sport!

(Fighters are shown hopping down, wielding different weapons.)

Pit: Step forward, brave fighters!

(The screen displays Light vs. Dark in the Together Mode menu.)

Palutena: In Light vs. Dark, two teams of three players square off against each other.

(Fighters are shown battling each other in Light vs. Dark.)

Pit: Whenever players die, their team's life gauge decreases.

(A Dark Fighter is shown defeating a Light Fighter in battle, decreasing Light Team's life gauge.)

Palutena: Players can equip any weapon from their collection.

(The screen displays the player scrolling through different weapon sets, settling on a Volcano Arm.)

Palutena: But the higher your weapon's value, the more life your team loses when you're defeated.

(The screen displays a split screen, showing the difference in a team's life gauge between a weapon valued at 100 and a weapon valued at 323 upon defeat.)

Pit: And when a team's life gauge is totally depleted, I show up!

(Pit is shown appearing in Light vs. Dark.)

Palutena: The last player defeated takes the role of the light or dark angel.

(The screen displays a brief battle, followed by Dark Team winning.)

Pit: And the first team to take down the opposing team's angel wins!

(The screen displays the player obtaining a Bullet Blade, a Throwing Boost power, and a Power Thief power.)

Palutena: Sometimes you'll even be rewarded with weapons and powers.

(The screen displays footage of the Air Battle with Hewdraw in Chapter 3, and the boss battle with Dark Lord Gaol in Chapter 2.)

Palutena: Take the weapons you earn here into the battle against the Underworld Army!

Closing

 * [This conversation is only viewable through the "View All" option, or by pressing the R Button while viewing the "Light vs. Dark" conversation.]

Palutena: You are now armed with the information necessary for battle.

Pit: My brain feels bigger already!

Palutena: So with that out of the way, it's time to take on the Underworld Army!

Pit: Roger that, Lady Palutena!

(Pit is shown rushing through the gate to start a chapter.)

Air Battle (Overview)

 * [This conversation automatically plays the first time the player enters Chapter 1's Air Battle, or if the player remains on the Title Screen for an extended period of time. While it cannot be viewed through the "View All" option on the How to Play menu, it can still be selected manually.]

Palutena: Before you head out, Pit, let me explain the basics.

Pit: That would be great!

Palutena: This game has three basic controls: Move with the Circle Pad.

(The top screen displays the Circle Pad being rotated.)

Palutena: Shoot with the L Button.

(The screen displays a zoomed in image of the L Button.)

Palutena: And aim with the Touch Screen.

(The screen displays a stylus touching the Touch Screen.)

Pit: Move with the Circle Pad...

(Pit is shown moving in a circle during Chapter 1's Air Battle.)

Pit: Aim my attacks with the Touch Screen...

(The reticle is shown rotating in a circle.)

Pit: And fire with the L Button! Got it!

(Pit is shown shooting at nothing, then Pit flies in a circle during Chapter 3's Air Battle.)

Palutena: Moving slowly in circles is a good way to avoid enemy fire. Moving even a little makes you harder to hit.

(Pit is shown shooting Monoeyes during Chapter 1's Air Battle.)

Palutena: Hold down the L Button for continuous fire.

Pit: Yes! I don't have to press it over and over!

Palutena: If you don't shoot for a while, your reticle will change shape. When that happens, you can press the L Button for a charged shot.

(The screen displays an arrow pointing at the reticle as it changes shape, then Pit shooting the Monoeye with his charged shot.)

Pit: Whoa, that really mows down the enemies! Good to know.

(Pit is shown shooting Monoeyes during Chapter 2's Air Battle.)

Land Battle (Overview)

 * [This conversation automatically plays the first time the player enters Chapter 1's Land Battle, or if the player remains on the Title Screen for an extended period of time. While it cannot be viewed through the "View All" option on the How to Play menu, it can still be selected manually.]

(Pit is shown fighting Shemums during Chapter 1's Land Battle.)

Palutena: Now it's time to battle on land.

(The camera is shown rotating around Pit.)

Palutena: On land, you can use the Touch Screen to change the direction you're facing.

Pit: So, I can quickly change the way I'm facing by flicking the stylus.

Palutena: And you can tap the Touch Screen to stop.

Pit: Then I can use the Circle Pad to move forward.

(Pit is shown moving forward, then Pit is shown running in the Practice Range.)

Palutena: Quickly flick the Circle Pad in any direction to dash that way. Hold it to run.

(The screen displays a split screen demonstrating different dash attacks.)

Pit: Combining dashes with different attacks really gives me a lot of options!

(Pit is shown fighting Shemums in Chapter 1's Land Battle.)

Palutena: You can also use dashes to dodge enemy fire.

(Pit is shown dodging away from a Shemum and a Wrecking Ball during Chapter 1's Land Battle, then a Skuttler Cannoneer during Chapter 2's Land Battle.)

Palutena: Wait for enemy fire to get close to you, then flick the Circle Pad to dodge out of the way.

(Pit is shown dodging out of the way of a Monoeye during Chapter 1's Land Battle.)

Palutena: Take a look at the How to Play area to learn about many other techniques.

(The screen displays the home menu, with an arrow pointing at the How to Play menu icon.)