Sony’s PS Vita has had a hard few months.
Like the Nintendo 3DS before it, software releases on the hardware have been slow, with great software like Gravity Rush and Sound Shapes trickling out over the course of many months. Also like the 3DS, it raises questions about the long-term viability of dedicated portable gaming machines in the world of multi-purpose tablets and smartphones.
However, Tearaway could be the game to bring the PS Vita into its own later this year. The second original game from developer Media Molecule, who most players will know for the outstanding LittleBigPlanet series, Tearaway is a fourth wall shattering action/adventure with a beautiful paper craft esthetic.
Tearaway stars a charming little paper craft hero called iota with a message to deliver. But to get there the player will be helping directly though use of the PS Vita’s many in-put options. The first trailer shows off some of the ways you will have a direct connection with iota on his journey. The player can tear through the ground using the rear touch panel of the PS Vita to help iota solve puzzles or fight monsters, taking photos with the built-in camera to insert your own textures into the game or yelling into the mic to help iota blow away obstacles.
Giving the player a direct connection with the iota looks to be a major theme in the game, to help establish a more personal connection with the seemingly silent protagonist.
“Tearaway is kind of like a buddy movie,” says a post on Media Molecule’s website from the developers. “It stars iota, a messenger from a paper dimension whose envelope head contains an urgent message to deliver… to you! It’s a very special message, and one that’s unique for each and every player. In order to read yours, you’ll need to take up the role of co-star and, together with iota, journey through the vibrant papery landscape – two buddies going on an epic adventure to deliver this important message.”
Tearaway looks to be the game to watch and a much needed breath of fresh air in the PS Vita’s software line-up. There is no word yet on its release date, but be sure to keep an eye open for this one, it may be the game to take the Vita plunge for.
About Cody Johnstone
A journalism graduate and part-time freelance writer, Cody has covered everything from political elections, to business to entertainment writing for community newspapers and has recently been putting his talents to work writing features and reviews for video game blogs. Some of his earliest memories include stomping Goombas in Super Mario Bros. which lead to his life-love love of Nintendo. His love affair with portable gaming started with the Game Boy Color and now spends entirely too much time ruining his eyes with the 3DS. Twitter: @CodyJohnstone
