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Two Tribes invites seven-year-old to design Edge level, warms hearts
Two Tribes received a request for EDGE swag (Two Tribes made the PC/Mac version of the iOS game) from the father of a six-year-old superfan about to turn seven. Instead of simply handing over some material, however, the developer invited Zias to come in and build a level in Lego, which would then be put into the game.Zias then came in, built a level out of blocks, and spent the day working with Two Tribes' level editor to implement it into the game. "It's not the way we normally design levels," said designer Hessel Bonenkamp, "and it might not be the best experience for the average player but to me it is fascinating. It also reminded me of my past self fiddling with levels for Wrecking Crew or filling pages and pages of grid paper with my own overworld for the original Legend of Zelda on the NES."The level is available for the Steam version of EDGE today. Try it out, but be warned: if you don't say you love it, you're a monster.
Toki Tori 2 media is here, chick it out
It's been over ten years since the first Toki Tori came out (though it has been remade and ported in the interim). We're guessing, then, that longtime fans of Two Tribes' birdy puzzle platformer are really ready to get a look at Toki Tori 2. The readiest. Please enjoy the above trailer immediately, in that case.Two Tribes plans to release Toki Tori 2 first on Steam, later in 2012. Versions for iOS and Wii U will follow, suggesting the company had a good experience on the original Wii -- Toki Tori was one of the first WiiWare releases, back in 2008.%Gallery-150438%
Wii U getting Toki Tori 2 digitally, says Two Tribes
You may not have played Toki Tori on the Nintendo Wii when it helped launch the WiiWare digital distribution service back in 2008, but Two Tribes is hoping you'll give its sequel a shot when it arrives on Wii U. The studio announced intentions to bring the sequel to Nintendo's next console in a blog post this morning, citing the recent information dump on the Wii U's internet connectivity as its reason for signing on -- Two Tribes is dedicated to releasing Toki Tori 2 digitally, it would seem!"The 3DS eShop has been a big step in the right direction compared to the Wii and DSi online shops, and it would be strange if they did not at least match it's functionality on Wii U. Since Toki Tori 2 is designed to be a downloadable title, these things are vital to making the correct choice of which platforms to develop for," the post reads. And though Two Tribes has ideas for how best to use the WiiPad beyond its bevy of buttons and triggers, the concept sounds very early in the production stages (if even there).The company does promise to offer a WiiPad-only option for playing the game, should you be simply unable to stop playing during sojourns to the water closet. It also outlined hopes for a level editor. All of this is of course highly nebulous considering that the Wii U has yet to receive even a release date, so don't go getting your hopes too high just yet.
Two Tribes announces Toki Tori 2, offers limited free development version
Two Tribes is working on a sequel to its adorable Game Boy Color (and later WiiWare, PC, iPhone, etc.) puzzle platformer, Toki Tori, ten years after the first game. Toki Tori 2 is scheduled to be released on PC and Mac in spring of 2012, with "subsequent releases on downloadable stores from Apple, Nintendo and more" to follow. If you're interested in playing the game before that release window (and before it's done), you can write to tokitori2[at]twotribes.com for a chance to get one of 200 copies of the "Steam development version." If you don't make it into that group, you'll just have to follow the development blog or (appropriately) Twitter for your baby chick updates.%Gallery-136975%
Go edging and win free games, your name in Edge, coming soon to MAS
You may remember Edge, the iOS game that picked up a little bit of controversy for a disagreement over the name's trademark. That disagreement has been settled, and the title is now coming out on Steam on August 11, and the Mac App Store a few days after that. To celebrate, Mobiegame and fellow developer Two Tribes are holding an "edging" contest with a very nice prize. Winners will receive each company's entire game catalog, including Edge, Toki Tori, the popular 2D RTS Swords and Soldiers and plenty more. Plus, the winner will get their name included in the Steam release of Edge. You'll be immortalized in the title forever. To enter, you need to take a video of yourself "edging," which is an activity similar to the recent fad of "planking," where you try to hang on to any overhead edge for as long as possible. You can watch the contest announcement video for some goofy examples of how to (and how not to) do it. Seems simple enough to me. Videos have to be submitted by August 15, so get edging right away. Good luck to everyone who enters!
Two Tribes Touts Trial of Toki Tori Toys
This probably isn't the Toki Tori-related news at which Two Tribes hinted last week, but it's totally great for people who love a) Toki Tori, b) cuuuuuuute stuff, or any combination of the two. The developers have apparently desired the ability to produce toys of their WiiWare game's title character, but have been unable to do so due to prohibitive cost. Enter Shapeways, a company that uses a 3D printer to make figurines to order. The resulting Toki Tori model is perfect, aside from a lack of paint, of course. Now, with the experiment a success, Two Tribes' Collin van Ginkel has solicited fans' interest in owning one of these wonderful little birds. If you dream of having your very own Toki Tori, let them know! It would be, as far as we know, the first tie-in item for a WiiWare game since Mega Man 9's E-tank beverage.%Gallery-20255%
Toki Tori devs launch blog, tease news
Toki Tori developer Two Tribes (who also made Rubik's World -- we had no idea!) sent out a press release announcing the refresh of their official development blog, to appear simultaneously on their website and IGN. They've also begun posting new videos of the game on their own YouTube channel, the first of which appears above.But as interesting as ego-boosting videos and rejected concept art is (really!), the most intriguing statement is included in the press release: "Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning. We will be bringing you more blog entries and exciting Toki Tori news in the coming weeks!" Toki Tori news, you say? Could WiiWare's first sequel (to a WiiWare game) be on the way?[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
Two Tribes reveals original title ReWind
If you're not familiar with Two Tribes, then you haven't ever played Toki Tori or Worms: Open Warfare 2. Aside from the game's recent release on WiiWare, it was also available on the Game Boy Color. They also did a game on the GBA called Three Tribes. But, we digress. This new title, which is nothing more than some concept art right now, promises "a unique gameplay experience" in an on-rail shooter. Two Tribes also says that the controls will be accessible, as "average players will be able to complete the game while seasoned players will be motivated to go for higher scores and completion rates." %Gallery-27164% [Thanks, psyborg!]
New demos on Nintendo Channel: Timely Worms demo and others
Nintendo has added a new set of DS demos to the Wii Nintendo Channel, which in general is a happy development. However, the particular titles that Nintendo has chosen to advertise may not be of interest to you, with one possible exception. Without a doubt, the highlight of this week's offerings (online until June 8) is a Worms: Open Warfare 2 demo. Try it out right now, and if you like it, you can pick it up for $10 at Gamestop! We're personally interested in the Cake Mania 2 demo, but other than that, it's Disney's show. If this were TV and you were 12, that would be great, but in terms of DS game content? Not so awesome. Hit the break for the full, fully underwhelming list.
VC Monday Madness: WiiWare and Virtual Console play nice yet again
Just as expected, we're given some WiiWare love, as well as a Virtual Console download, this week. There's also Ubisoft's Protothea, which you know we've had our eye on. If WiiWare doesn't tickle your fancy, there's also a NEOGEO game up for grabs. So, who's going to download what?WiiWare games available for download: Protothea (Ubisoft, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points) Toki Tori (Two Tribes, 1 - 2 players, 1,000 Wii Points) This week's Virtual Console game available for download: Ninja Combat (NEOGEO, 1 - 2 players, 900 Wii Points) %Gallery-22560%%Gallery-20255%
Toki Tori hatches this Monday in North America
Wow, how nice is it to know a game is coming out before it's released? For once, we get to experience the luxury of being told what's coming out, or at least we think we do. GoNintendo reports that Two Tribes' adorable 2D puzzler Toki Tori will be available in the North American Wii Shop this Monday at a cost of 1,000 Points. We aren't sure where the info came from, but they certainly seem sure.10 bucks may be a lot of scratch for a WiiWare game, but this is a good one: reputable game blog Wii Fanboy called it "intelligent, charming, well-designed, and addictive." It's also hard, which means you don't run the risk of blowing through it in a couple of hours.%Gallery-20255%
Wii Fanboy Review: Toki Tori
I'll warn you now: do not be fooled by Toki Tori, for beneath its cute, feathery exterior and twee music beats the heart of a pure puzzler, not to mention one of the most taxing games I've played for a while. Despite the fact that it kept stumping me, Toki Tori almost never stopped being enjoyable, and in my mind is the dark horse of the WiiWare launch line-up.It's a consistently clever game that rewards lateral thinking and preparation, yet I fear that Two Tribes' title will be ignored in the breathless fanboy rush for Dr. Mario and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. It wouldn't be the first time that has happened, either -- the Game Boy Color version was greeted by rave reviews in 2001, yet was completely overshadowed by the new, swish Game Boy Advance.%Gallery-20255%
WiiWare lifts off in Europe and Australia
Right on time, Nintendo has pulled the appropriate levers, flicked the necessary switches, and sent a whole world of WiiWare goodness down the pipes and into Europe and Australia. Here's what greeted this blogger on his local servers just now: Dr. Mario & Germ Buster -- 1,000 Wii Points Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King -- 1,500 Wii Points LostWinds -- 1,000 Wii Points Star Soldier R -- 800 Wii Points TV Show King -- 1,000 Wii Points Toki Tori -- 900 Wii Points Expect reviews of Dr. Mario and Toki Tori in the very near future; in the meantime, let's hear what you've downloaded so far, PAL people! %Gallery-23089% %Gallery-20255%
Nintendo reveals first WiiWare titles for Europe
Nintendo has released a list of eight games described as "launch window" titles ahead of WiiWare's debut in Europe on May 20th. Included are four games that the U.S. is still waiting on -- Dr. Mario & Germ Buster, Star Soldier R, Toki Tori, and Pirates: The Key of Dreams -- though it looks like Europe will be waiting a little longer for Defend Your Castle and V.I.P Casino: Blackjack. Frankly, we'll live without a blackjack game.Once again, note that these are "launch window" games. How long is a launch window? No idea. "Launch window" is one of those infuriatingly flexible terms beloved by PR types. Anyway, the list of WiiWare games that Europe will be getting kinda near the launch is as follows: Dr. Mario & Germ Buster Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King LostWinds Pop Star Soldier R TV Show King Pirates: The Key of Dreams Toki Tori There's currently no news on pricing, but we'd fully expect European WiiWare prices to match those of other regions, assuming Nintendo hasn't found a totally new and unique way to rip European gamers off.
Rubik's World set to stump Wiis
This blogger is more likely to throw a Rubik's Cube into a raging fire than make a realistic attempt at solving one, but surely some of you superfreaks readers out there enjoy the challenge. It's for people like you that Rubik's World was conceived, as it combines the iconic 1980s toy with modern-day technology.This piece of software by The Game Factory promises "extremely addictive" puzzles that involve constructing 3D objects (therefore, you needn't worry, it won't simply be a virtual Rubik's Cube game). The press release also mentions navigating through mazes and creating your own soundtrack, the latter of which piques our interest.Local multiplayer will support up to four players, but sadly, there will be no online play (aside from picture swapping and leader boards).
Rubik's Cube coming to DS, screwdrivers no longer an option
Publisher The Game Factory has announced plans to bring a puzzle title based on the Rubik's Cube to the DS. Rubik's World will no doubt render our usual technique of solving the famous puzzle (that is, prying it open with a screwdriver) useless. Bah! We've heard that completing the Cube the "proper way" is "more rewarding," but we consider such views to be the ravings of madmen.Not all is cube-shaped in Rubik's World, however (though we can probably safely assume that the original Cube will be available to play with). Apparently, there will also be a number of different 3D shapes, objects, and mazes to solve, as well as a chance for players to create their own soundtracks, and to "connect to a community of Rubik's World enthusiasts."[Via press release]
GBC cult classic 'Toki Tori' coming to Wii Ware
You could be forgiven for missing out on Toki Tori, a cute little Game Boy Color puzzle-platformer released in 2001, just as the Game Boy Advance was swallowing up everyone's portable gaming attention. You'd also be forgiven for missing last week's trailer announcing that the game is being revamped for Nintendo's Wii Ware service. We sure did!Despite the week-old trailer, Netherlands-based developer Two Tribes for some reason waited until today to issue a press release officially revealing the new game's "Dozens of Levels" and "New Wii Remote Controls." Strangely enough, now that the press release is out, the game's official web site seems to be down for maintenance and a project page about the game on the Two Tribes site is similarly inaccessible. Come on guys ... this is no time to shrink from attention. Get that cute little yellow face out there to the public! Gallery: Toki Tori
Toki Tori to ruffle feathers in U.S. WiiWare line-up
Much like Shantae, Toki Tori was one of those Game Boy Color games released at the end of the handheld's lifespan that got swept away in the storm created by the Game Boy Advance launch. A charming and smart 2D puzzler featuring newly-hatched chick Toki Tori rescuing his unhatched siblings, the title was well-received by critics, but shunned by bovine members of the public, who instead chose to purchase GBA launch games such as Pinobee: Quest of Heart and High Heat MLB 2002. Thanks, public.Anyway, the similarities with Shantae don't end there, because like Shantae, Toki Tori is being updated for WiiWare. Developer Two Tribes confirmed this last October, but today announced that the game would arrive on time for the U.S. launch of the download service on May 12th. It also unveiled a further six screens of the game, an official site (currently with no content), and a list of the game's features, one of which is simply "Toki Tori!" Indeed.Make the jump for a trailer from last October's announcement that we're sure you'll have missed.%Gallery-20255%
Metareview: Worms: Open Warfare 2
The recent Worms: Open Warfare 2 only has a few major reviews under its metaphorical belt thus far, but if the current scoring trend continues, the title will take its place among some of the most beloved titles on the system. The latest Worms installment has racked up some high praise and has already snagged the 20th slot on Metacritic's list of the highest-ranked DS games. Of course, as more reviews roll in, all of that could change -- but for now, things are looking good for the wiggly warriors. IGN -- 87%: "Worms: Open Warfare 2 is a massive upgrade to the original game, so much so that it really should have been its own brand instead of "Number Two" of the 2005 release. Awesome single player campaigns, fantastic multiplayer support, and some unexpected treats specific to the unique features of the handheld. It absolutely trounces the first game in every category and finally gives the Nintendo DS the true Worms experience." 1UP -- 90%: "The first Open Warfare squashed the prolific series' typically sharp and colorful visuals into a fuzzy mess, and offered essentially one mode (skirmish). Open Warfare 2 simply blows it away with the first truly engaging Worms single-player campaign, an absolute bounty of customization options, the deep multiplayer we've come to expect from the series (with Wi-Fi this time), and even some entertaining DS-specific minigames. This is truly a Worms to be excited about, with portability that plays to the strengths of the series."
Worms: Open Warfare 2 gets the preview treatment
Over at IGN, they got their hands on an early build of Team 17's upcoming sequel to the horribly-received Worms: Open Warfare. With Worms: Open Warfare 2, the developer is set to make right the mistakes of the first title, confirming that Wi-Fi gameplay will be included this time around (get ready for Game Night, you silly little worms) and changing the core team out that worked on the original for Two Tribes. IGN confirms that just about everything has been improved; graphics are better, gameplay is more smooth (including the ninja rope) and the sound is way more crisp. What's most interesting, though, is the new "Laboratory" game type, which charges players with navigating a worm from one edge of the map to the other using a variety of the DS's unique features (blowing into the microphone etc.). See also: Worms: Open Warfare 2 trailer hits the internet trenches
