Review: TSA Towers
TSA's first bit of fan fiction, dressed up in lovely LittleBigPlanet-burlap. Related stories (more)LittleBigPlanet Goes 3D
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Article written by Michael in Blog, on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 12:17.
We’ve reviewed many games on TSA, and probably hundreds for various other platforms over the years. We thought we’d seen it all, but occasionally something arrives that shatters your notions of what makes great games great. TSA Towers, the debut by our very own indie developer Andy Torr, is one such game. Developed exclusively with the Pop-It development tool, and taking inspiration from a legendary web site, TSA Towers tells the story of what happens when good intentions go bad.
Torr has taken the traditional platformer and imbued it with a sense of pervading darkness, not only in the gritty art style, but with the perilous puzzles and characters you meet along the way. Eschewing voice acting for subtitles, he’s been able to accurately portray the text-based communication of the site you are traversing. Cameo appearances by some of the most interesting characters from the real site, with hilarious yet doom-laden dialogue, are so well crafted that replayability is guaranteed. Perhaps the best is that of Michael the Receptionist, a stunningly beautiful realisation of TSA’s most active and well-loved writer. *
Often over-used in games is music, and it’s here that Torr has stuck to the less-is-more philosophy that serves him so well elsewhere. The mostly joyful ditty that accompanies even dark moments is an amazing contrast, and when the music does change you can almost feel the atmosphere growing more tense. Eventually, you’ll encounter the mighty Nofi, towering over the game as he does the site. It’s a brave depiction, but it pays off and gives the game the extra weight it deserves.
There’s more to discover than the main story, with Torr incorporating plenty of general platform foraging and fun in order to collect everything on offer. It often provides a nice distraction from the main story, allowing you to take a breather from the heavy stuff. Torr has said he’ll send a “crappy plastic key” to the first person to ace the level, but unit sales and therefore revenue will ultimately decide that. There have been many PSN debuts over the course of the PS3’s life, but TSA Towers eclipses them all. This is a masterwork of story-led design coupled with a never-ending mix of satisfying platforming.
We await what comes next from Torr’s twisted mind with barely contained glee.
10 – Unmissable.
As this review went to press we heard that the game may be supported with DLC, including new secret areas and some previously unseen comedy subtitles. Search for “TSA Towers” from within LittleBigPlanet to find the level.
* – as voted for by Michael.
Comments
Please note that all comments are the opinion of the individual author and not TheSixthAxis.
Jeebers | 19/11/2008 12:31
Member
240 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
I played it. It has changed my life.
andytorr | 19/11/2008 12:45
Member
431 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
Brilliant
Thanks dude.
jediryan123 | 19/11/2008 12:46
Member
22 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2008
ha ha ha great post. Now I may sound like a idiot but I can’t find where to search for levels, can anyone help?
hannes_truce | 19/11/2008 12:50
Member
2808 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
got to cool levels and in the search function hit the square button. voila
andytorr | 19/11/2008 12:52
Member
431 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
Dammit truce, with your ultra rapid reply abilities.
andytorr | 19/11/2008 12:52
Member
431 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
Go to ‘cool levels’, and then search on the right. Then on the next page press square and type in TSA Towers. I think this is right, can’t say for sure without looking, but I’m at work
Pingu | 19/11/2008 12:52
Member
69 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2008
This must have been the best review ever. And I couldn’t agree more. It is a great level.
hannes_truce | 19/11/2008 12:53
Member
2808 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
good review, i completely agree. awesome game, a must.
though i feel i didnt get enough credit or (any)money for my cameo lol
andytorr | 19/11/2008 12:58
Member
431 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
I will spice up your role in the revised version. Its a bit annoying how they’ve put a lock on the amount of characters to use in the text box. I had full on epic paragraphs set for everyone, then I was shot down.
RocketSOL | 19/11/2008 13:16
Member
512 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
everyone!?!?
hannes_truce | 19/11/2008 13:18
Member
2808 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
i agree, i’ve played some levels though where people have put much longer things in the speech bubbles. dunno how they did that though…
Thanks though, i was actually suprised and pleased to be in it! lol
funkyellowmonkey(ps3 id) | 19/11/2008 12:55
Member
285 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
I’m extremely intrigued now! Can’t wait to get outta the office! :p
jediryan123 | 19/11/2008 12:58
Member
22 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2008
thanks for the info
rothbury | 19/11/2008 13:20
Member
85 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Am i the only one who doesn’t know what the password is? did i miss something?
andytorr | 19/11/2008 13:23
Member
431 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
The clue is in the forum.
Michael | 19/11/2008 13:24
Team TSA: Development
2026 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Hush. Don’t tell him.
Michael | 19/11/2008 13:23
Team TSA: Development
2026 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Yep – the only one. Our plan worked.
rothbury | 19/11/2008 19:10
Member
85 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Thanks for the help :p
I just worked it out now, i feel stupid. The fact it has the letters T, S and A in it really through me off.
Pixl1983 | 19/11/2008 13:23
Member
439 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
I’ve been following this one for a while. Ever since it was shown at TGS 06 I’ve been scouring the nets for any drop of info.
I’ve pre-ordered my copy. Should be getting it as soon as I finish work.
It’s out now. I can’t believe it!
andytorr | 19/11/2008 13:57
Member
431 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
If anybody wants to be in the updated version of the level, just send me a pm on ps3. But If you’re not a regular on the forums, you’ve got no chance
Spotter5 | 19/11/2008 14:42
Member
714 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
does it support trophies?
yogh_wayne | 19/11/2008 15:04
Member
2718 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
Great review and a well deserved 10/10!! I think the Metacritic score is 97 at the moment.
Did I mention, that I have the high score of ~1400 points at the moment? Beat this!
gazo69 | 19/11/2008 15:47
Member
1061 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Definately a 10, i loved it, well done andy.
fredrikpedersen | 19/11/2008 16:37
Member
78 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
I haven’t played this, and I’m not going to pretend that I have, but surely TsA must have some kind of bias when you review a level dedicated to your site. The post was funny as always, but it lacks a youtube vid so I could see the goodness for myself.
Michael | 19/11/2008 18:49
Team TSA: Development
2026 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
We didn’t review a level – what are you on about? We reviewed a whole damn game, man!
colossalblue | 19/11/2008 16:48
Team TSA: Editor
1146 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
It is a great level. I too had problems with the (first) password but CC was there to help me. I had genuine lolz at many points despite my (very sick with stomach flu) Mrs sat beside me going “why is that funny?” and “who is that?” every 30 seconds.
TSA is not quite as funny when you have to explain the jokes.