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Playdate: Chatting with the developers of 'Tearaway Unfolded'
Want a game with adorable stylized visuals and quirky gameplay mechanics that defy convention? Play Tearaway. Oh, you don't have a PlayStation Vita? Okay fine -- let us introduce you to Tearaway Unfolded, the high definition PS4 remake of Media Molecule's papercraft platformer. Not only will Tim Seppala and I will be streaming this stylized beauty at 3:30PM ET (12:30PM PT) right here, on the Engadget gaming homepage and at Twitch.tv/Joystiq, but we'll be doing it with Media Molocule's Rex Crowle. Join us, as we ask the developer how they folded this Vita game into a PS4 masterpiece.
Tearaway Unfolded arrives adorably to PS4 on September 8th
Ready to guide a papercraft "You" through a world of hugs, malevolent squirrels and craft projects again? Yes, Tearaway Unfolded is coming at last to Sony's PS4 console on September 8th. The game is a remake of the Tearaway on PS Vita, but reworked extensively with better graphics and support for the PS4's DualShock 4 controllers. For instance, you can use the DualShock as a torch to attract (and then dispatch) enemy critters or catch objects "thrown" by on-screen characters. It'll cost the same $39.99 as the popular Vita original, and early adopters will get a limited "Crafted" edition with custom decor, costumes and the Tearaway Unfolded soundtrack.
Themes coming to Vita in imminent 3.30 system update
If the aesthetics of your Vita handheld are looking a bit drab, don't worry: A system update slated to hit the device "later tonight" adds support for a host of themes that can alter the appearance of your Home screen, Start screen, icons and background music. Initially, the themes available for purchase from the PlayStation Network will be generic, colorful additions, though later themes will be patterned after hit games such as Tearaway, Freedom Wars and Uncharted: Golden Abyss. Sony has yet to reveal a price point for any of these themes, though if they follow the same pricing scheme as the PlayStation 3, expect the themes to fall somewhere between $1 to $3. [Image: Sony]
Vita looking for someone to share in Europe's Adventure bundles
Did you follow the Adventure Line all the way to the end, Stanley? Did you? Because if you had, we wouldn't be stuck here telling you about the new Vita Adventure Mega Pack that's coming to Europe this fall, now would we? You silly goose. Anyway, it bundles in voucher codes for five games including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, TxK, Tearway, Gravity Rush and Escape Plan. It also chucks in a 8GB memory card for good measure, and wraps up the lot in a 40 euro bow - that's normally the cost of a single new Vita game, Stanley. There's a new 200 euro Vita bundle that includes the handheld too. So onwards, Stanley! To destiny! [Image: Sony]
Tearaway Unfolded coming to PlayStation 4
Media Molecule took the stage at Sony's Gamescom press conference to announce Tearaway Unfolded, an upgraded, enhanced version of the Vita's Tearaway slated to hit the PlayStation 4 next year. Developing for the PlayStation 4 allowed Media Molecule to add wholly new gimmicks. One such gimmick featured a player exploring the game world by using the lightbar on his PlayStation 4 as a makeshift flashlight that can only illuminate objects in the game. Another saw a player catch an object thrown by a character in the game, only to shake it up, fling it back and destroy a building in the background. Don't be confused by these new tricks, however. This is not a new game. Instead, Media Molecule claims that Tearaway Unfolded is the "same overall journey as the Vita, only on the big screen." Following the press conference, the PlayStation.blog posted additional information on Tearaway. Almost all of it is contained in the trailer below the break, but keep in mind that the game will run at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second when it makes its PlayStation 4 debut. [Image: Sony]
Joystiq Discussion: Are you playing on PS Vita?
"Honestly, Vita owners are the ****ing best," said Chris McQuinn, designer at Drinkbox Studios, in an April interview with GamesIndustry International. McQuinn's team has put their impressive talents to work multiple times on PS Vita, pumping out inspired games like Mutant Blobs Attack and Guacamelee. Some might say, though, Drinkbox would have been better off bringing its vivid slapstick adventures to Steam or home consoles first rather than a handheld with such sluggish sales. McQuinn disagrees. There may not be many Vita owners out there compared to PC players or iPhone owners, but Vita owners are proven game players. "People rag on the Vita so much, and I think people who rag on the Vita don't understand, at least from a business perspective, the purchasing power of Vita owners. Vita owners are serious purchasers of games. It's an amazing system." He's not wrong. PS Vita's blend of inputs, both traditional button controls and multi-touch surfaces, has proven revelatory in myriad games, from Sony and Media Molecule's Tearaway to scrappier independent productions like Roll7's OlliOlli. Those are just two games in what's become one of modern gaming's most quietly impressive libraries. For the classically minded player, Vita's got HD remasters like Final Fantasy X HD as well as a treasure trove of PS1 and PSP games on tap. For the modernity obsessed, it hosts a who's who of independent gaming, from Hotline Miami to Luftrausers. That's not to mention its handful of big budget originals like the sublime Gravity Rush. For all its merits, though, Vita's rough reputation persists. Why? Why is there a perception that Vita doesn't have any games when it's flush with new games and classics alike? For those that have resisted its wiles, why haven't you picked one up and what would convince you to take the plunge? Take the poll and discuss in the comments. Are you playing on PS Vita? [Images: Drinkbox Studios]
Play as Sackboy and Tearaway's heroes in Joe Danger 2 for Vita
Hello Games revealed plans to bring Joe Danger and Joe Danger 2: The Movie to PS Vita in August, and now it is offering more details on the games' portable versions. Namely, Joe Danger 2 will include cameos in the form of three playable characters courtesy of Media Molecule. Sometime this year, players will be able to perform tricks on Joe's motorcycle using Sackboy from the LittleBigPlanet series as well as Atoi and Iota from Media Molecule's latest game, Tearaway. Joe Danger 2 will include the 15 levels originally added to the game's PS3 version in the Undead Movie Pack DLC in October 2013. Additionally, both games will include online leaderboards and will automatically download ghost racer data for players to compete with asynchronously. Joe Danger first arrived on PSN in June 2010 and both games landed on Steam in June 2013. [Image: Hello Games]
Tearaway DLC adds LittleBigPlanet themed decorations
Media Molecule has rolled out the inaugural DLC pack for its PS Vita adventure game Tearaway, expanding its creativity-driven gameplay with new LittleBigPlanet-themed customization options. Originally released as pre-order DLC in Europe, the LittleBigPaper Pack adds 14 new in-game decoration items, letting players dress up their characters as Sackboy and Sackgirl from the LittleBigPlanet series. The pack made its North American debut last month, and is now available worldwide via the PlayStation Network. [Image: Media Molecule]
The Last of Us high-fives at BAFTA awards, indies do well too
The Last of Us only delivered wins on half of its BAFTA Games Award nominations, but since it was nominated ten times, the Naughty Dog game didn't do so bad. The Joystiq Game of 2013 picked up the Best Game award at last night's ceremony in London, along with Best Story, Action & Adventure, Audio Achievement, and Performer - that went to Ashley Johnson for her portrayal of Ellie. Other big-budget games did well with Grand Theft Auto 5 and Tearaway both walking away with three awards, but it was also a good night for indie games. The Gone Home team went home with Debut Game, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons won Game Innovation, and Papers, Please stamped its name on the award for Strategy & Simulation. For the full list of nominees and winners, head over to BAFTA. Also, be sure to check out Steam's one-day-only sale on a selection of the nominated games. [Image: Sony Computer Entertainment]
BAFTA nominations dominated by The Last of Us, GTA 5, Tearaway
The Last of Us leads the way in this year's BAFTA Games awards thanks to a hefty ten nominations, and a good thing that is too. It's about time someone recognized Naughty Dog's under-appreciated work. It's not the only one to dominate the British Academy's nominee list, with Grand Theft Auto 5 turning up in nine categories, and papercraft charmer Tearaway in eight. Both those games and The Last of Us are up for the Best Game gong, alongside competition from Assassin's Creed 4, Super Mario 3D World, and indie immigration-checker Papers Please. You can scroll the full list of nominees here, but you'll have to wait until the awards show on March 12 to find out the winners. Spoiler: The Last of Us might be one of them. [Image: Sony Computer Entertainment]
Joystiq's Four in February is upon us, behold our staff picks
February is a forbidding land, full of winter darkness and noisome Valentine's Day traditions that are only slightly balanced out by a steady trickle of new games. That's why Joystiq's very own Mike Suszek created Four in February, a gaming event to unify the world against the month's doldrums. Here's how it works: Pick four games to finish in February and then try to finish them. That's it. No crazy rules, no limits on what you play. Just choose four games and take them on with gusto. That's the 4iF way. The best part of 4iF is how we all get to share the struggle, though. We want you to go to the 4iF Facebook community page and tell us everything. Show us pics of what games you're playing, tell us why you're playing them, let us know when you're streaming them, and most importantly, proclaim your victories or failures. Meanwhile, over on Joystiq's Facebook page, we'll be running 4iF giveaways every four days throughout the month starting Tuesday, Feb. 4. On Twitter, we'll be tracking the action to those who shout @joystiq using the hashtag #4iF. This is war on our gaming libraries, and this is our solid battle plan. What's the staff playing? Read on.
Tearaway soundtrack has folk-dubstep mash-ups and more for $8
The soundtrack for Vita's charming papercraft-themed platformer, Tearaway, is now available on the PlayStation Store for $7.99. The soundtrack features 44 tracks of original music by Kenneth Young and Brian D'Oliveira, which ranges in style from folksy chants and sea shanties to dubstep. There's also folk-dubstep mash-ups, which - calling it now - is bound to become the next big thing to happen in music. Young states in the "Music of Tearaway" trailer that this is the first officially-released soundtrack from Tearaway developer Media Molecule, as well as their first soundtrack comprised entirely of original tracks - no licensed music to be found here. But seriously, folk-dubstep. 'Nuff said.
GameStop post-Christmas sale hacks $10 off select next-gen games, more
That money grandma tucked into your card this year? GameStop wants it, and is holding a post-Christmas winter sale to get it. The retailer's deals end on December 29 and take $10 off the following Xbox One and PS4 games: Call of Duty: Ghosts, FIFA 14, Battlefield 4, Need For Speed: Rivals, Madden 25 and NBA Live 14. Each game is $10 cheaper on their respective current-gen platforms as well. Additionally, Assassins Creed 4: Black Flag and Battlefield 4 are discounted to $39.99 on their other respective platforms (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC), though the former isn't on sale for PS4 or Xbox One. GameStop's sale page features a number of items that aren't discounted at all, including listings for available Xbox One and Wii U consoles. Among the other games and accessories on sale are Tearaway ($19.99), Grand Theft Auto 5 ($39.99), NBA 2K14 for Xbox 360 and PS3 ($39.99), Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Remix ($24.99) and Gran Turismo 6 ($39.99).
Tearaway review: Not quite a love letter
The charming platformer Tearaway gets so many tiny details exactly right. It fully commits to its papercraft aesthetic, putting everyday elements like glue and confetti to ingenious use. The way it makes you – starring as You – a driving element in the game is both clever and engaging, and don't even get me started on how cute the damn squirrels are. If only Tearaway hadn't relied so much on a clumsy Vita control scheme, it might have been an enchanting bit of portable escapism, but instead it's a lot of sighs boxed in an adorable wrapper.
Tearaway and Vita bundles are Europe market-bound
Tearaway, the Vita-exclusive game about a papercraft postman/postwoman that we called "emblematic of 'awww,'" will be getting bundle options in European markets, according to the PlayStation Blog. Sony and developer Media Molecule are offering three bundles, all of which will package the game with a PlayStation Vita system. The most basic package stops there, with a phsyical copy of the game and a WiFi-only Vita. The next step up includes the WiFi-only Vita, a 4 GB memory card and a download voucher for Tearaway. Lastly, a UK-exclusive bundle will include a WiFi-only Vita, a 16 GB memory card and voucher codes for both Tearaway and LittleBigPlanet Vita. To celebrate the announcement, Media Molecule have released a new trailer that shows off and explains how the Vita's unique features have been utilized in constructing the game. Don't worry; unlike your papier mache projects from junior high, there's a lack of glue and plaster to make a mess.
Gamescom trailers and screenshots giga-post
Psst, hey kid. You want some ... trailers? How about some Gamescom trailers? C'mere for a second. Yeah that's right, we got all kinds of trailers. Murasaki Baby, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Resogun, Infamous: Second Son, Watch Dogs, pretty much any kind of trailer you wanna put in your eyeballs, we can hook it up. Hey, and you know what? Since you seem like a nice kid, we're gonna throw in some screenshots too. Oh no, put your wallet away – the first one's free.
Tearaway tears away from release date, delayed until November
You might want to tear away a few tissues, because Media Molecule's next whimsical adventure, Tearaway, has been delayed. Originally slated to arrive in October, the game will now hit shelves on November 22. The delay has been announced by both the American and European PS Blog, so it appears to be worldwide. Tearaway takes place in a papercraft universe, allowing players to interact with the world using the PlayStation Vita's unique hardware features, including the touch screen and rear touch pad.
Tearaway hogs all of the pre-order perks in the US
Forget everything you know about Tearaway and focus on this one fact: It has an in-game, rideable pig. This little piggy is only accessible through pre-orders at participating retailers, Media Molecule Community Manager James Spafford writes on the PlayStation Blog. Pre-orders in the US get a slew of swine-related and assorted goodies: the Tearaway soundtrack with a bonus song, iota and atoi costumes for LittleBigPlanet, a Vita wallpaper, iota and atoi avatars for use on PSN, and a skin for a rideable pig and matching, real-life printable papercraft. These pre-order perks sound suspiciously similar to those announced for Europe, but those were split into two packs; one with the soundtrack but without the pig, and the other with the pig but no tunes.
Tearaway breaks off two EU pre-order bonuses: Soundtrack or pig
Tearaway, the Vita game coming from LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule, has split itself into two pre-order bonuses in Europe, both available at participating retailers. The first pre-order bonus – the Jukebox Pack – includes avatars, a background for the Vita and the game's soundtrack, complete with a bonus song. The second bonus pack, Special Delivery, includes in-game costumes and an exclusive skin for a rideable pig (yes, in-game), with printable papercraft plans (out-of-game, obviously). Tearaway hits retail and PSN on October 23 in Europe. And, once again, your choices for pre-orders in that region are soundtrack or rideable pig. We think you'll make the right decision.
Tearaway cuts loose on PS Vita October 22
Media Molecule's next game, Tearaway, will launch on PS Vita October 22 in North America, October 25 in the UK. Media Molecule's last game was 2011's LittleBigPlanet 2.Tearaway is an adventure game utilizing several hardware aspects of the PS Vita – such as the camera and rear touch-pad – to interact with the paper world. At the outset, players may choose the male messenger Iota or his female counterpart, Atoi.
