When most new games are launched, they typically receive little more than a mark on a calendar. Only the triple A titles get multiple television commercials and an exorbitant amount of hype. It's easy to forget that there are real people working very hard on the games that we love. Who comes up with these captivating stories, and who are the puppeteers that bring them to life?
This is the inaugural post in a new series of stories that will answer just that, covering the dates, specific platform(s), unique histories, and notable figures for most video games coming out that week, each week, every week. Let's start this bad boy off with a game that has both charming visuals and a distinguished team behind it.
"Tearaway: Unfolded" is the retelling of the multiple award winning, handheld game "Tearaway." Developed by the people at Media Molecule and Tarsier Studios (LittleBigPlanet), the new adventure allows players to manipulate the world on the screen via the DualShock 4's touchpad. Players can summon wind gusts, throw objects they "catch" with the controller and help launch their messenger off drum heads—all with just a tap or swipe of a thumb. Players can also aim the controller like a flashlight to help their paper partner see in the dark.
"Tearaway: Unfolded" will arrive exclusively for PlayStation 4 on September 8, 2015.
Subjectively: The LittleBigPlanet series was absolutely whimsical. The beautiful visuals in combination with using everyday objects as set pieces in a diorama come to life was simply magic. I'm a sucker for heartwarming stories, and I'm positive that "Tearaway: Unfolded will deliver."
The year 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the Super Mario series. To celebrate, Nintendo is releasing "Super Mario Maker." Rather than giving fans a new series of trials to save a princess from the clutches of Bowser, Nintendo is handing players the keys to The Mushroom Kingdom and allowing them to play, create, and even share new courses.
Creating your own levels can be a bit intimidating though, and Nintendo knows it. To help players that need a little kick in the overalls, all editions of "Super Mario Maker" will come with a collectible book containing concept art, ideas to getting a design started, and codes that will unlock access to exclusive videos. For those who choose to download from Nintendo's eShop, Digital copies will be given instructions on how to get their physical booklet.
It's important to note that every item from the series didn't make it into the launch version. This may have been a strategic move, or just an assumption that we wouldn't want to use certain items. Either way, DLC could certainly fix that in the future.
"Super Mario Maker" hits stores and the Nintendo eShop on September 11th, 2015.
Subjectively: I'm not sure if Nintendo is brilliant or committing suicide. Sure, everyone wants to try their hand at making their own levels, and I'm sure the sales will be impressive. But when the gaming community is making levels that can be downloaded and played by anyone interested, will they ever be interested in buying another Super Mario game from Nintendo? If the big N wants to keep the series alive, they will have to revolutionize how the game is played. Here's hoping for something that will shake up the series.
Happy Gaming!
