Ah, the PS Vita. Once a promising console-in-your-pocket experience, backed up with the likes of WipEout 2048 and Uncharted: Golden Abyss, but now more of a indie machine, much to people’s dismay. It’s lucky they’ve got those indies, or the system might have been doomed. Anyway, I digress…
Tearaway was arguably the last AAA exclusive on Vita, coming soon after the brilliant Killzone: Mercenary and delivering an experience which you couldn’t really emulate on any other system, with the 3D platforming gameplay backed up with many unique control elements, utilising the Vita’s touch screen, back touch panel and even camera.
This was all matched with an incredible paper aesthetic, where everything could be remade out of bits of paper in real life, and this created almost stop-motion animations at some points, which really added to the tone of the game, alongside a superb score and quirky characters.
We scored the game a 9/10 in our review, and noted:
Tearaway is the kind of game that the PS Vita has demanded since launch, something crafted and tailored to its form and its capabilities, but rather than feeling forced, creating an easy sense of wonder fun and inventiveness. Continuing Media Molecule’s push to unleashing our creativity, it also features a story, a world and creations which delight at every turn, no matter how old you are.
Media Molecule are really the kings of innovation and creation, and proved it again here, despite the game lacking the same draw of LittleBigPlanet’s user-generated content. As Stefan mentioned in his review, it was suitable for all ages, and just a really delightful game to play.
But we know that not everyone is a fan of happy 3D platformers and some people may have even – gasp – disliked Media Molecule’s new IP.
So, if that’s you, just leave and never come back. I’m kidding, you’re all invited to share your thoughts on the game no matter how nice or how negative they are. That’s the beauty of opinions – people can disagree with you but they’re wrong and you’re right, so what does it matter?
Leave a paragraph or so below, and don’t forget to put a Buy It, Bargain Bin It, Plus It or Avoid It rating on the end. That’s right, we’ve done away with the Rent It option and switched it out for a more modern Plus It rating, which basically means “don’t pay for it, but download it if it shows up on PlayStation Plus at some point”. Get your comments in by Sunday afternoon and it’s likely you’ll be included in next week’s Verdict round-up.
dirtiestturnip
Buy it. This was the first game I ever played on the vita and I loved it. I wanted to tell the whole world about it. It made me smile lots of times, and I love how you feature in the game using the camera on the vita. It is a short game time wise, but that is the only negative thing I can say about it.
Tuffcub
Bought after it won loads of Baftas. Camera is a little niggly and it’s a bit repetitive, but very charming and sweet. Don’t play it on the bus or train tho, you get odd looks from people sitting beside you when you face keeps on appearing in the sun.
Buy it
wonkey-willy
judging by the fact that my 14 year old daughter hasn’t stopped playing it since I bought it,I’m guessing that its a good one?
think i managed to play about 30 mins of it before she got her sticky paws on it.
and from what i played it was probably the best use of the vita’s screens touch pads and camera.
hats off to mediamolecule for a wicked little game!
buy it!
elpablo79
Gorgeously imaginative, brimming with creativity and charm. This is a truly special game that anyone with a Vita should go out of their way to get. Buy it
XisTG
Oh man, I can’t tell how much I enjoyed this game :)
Forget LBP, this should have been the game that made MM famous. The story is quite nice, the whole world is adorable and this is actually the first game (not counting taking pictures of Meryl’s ass on MGS) that had me taking snapshots all around even when not needed (I hate forced things).
I would say the only downside of the game is that, once it is over, you won’t actually feel the need to play it again. But that is perfectly fine; the final bit is so rewarding you’ll be glad you stuck till the end. Actually, you might end up wanting to force other people to play it as well.
BUY IT!
Bonus points:
1 – you unlock cool origami figures! i never did any, as I’m not gifted in that way (I couldn’t even assemble the Origami Killer thing that came with Heavy Rain), but they sure look nice!
2 – my Vita actually ran out of battery while I was watching the final scene; thank god that once I plugged it in, it resumed right where it was! I really thought I was going to miss the best part of it all, but thankfully no :)
Andrewww
Liked this better than LBP, am somewhere in the middle and still got to finish it. Got sidetracked by Outlast, and the two games contrast quite well… :o)
Buy it.
But, I don’t want more games use the camera to take pictures of me. Was never quite sure what would be uploaded somewhere I don’t want it to. Got mocked enough for not having ears.
DividSmythe
If you’ve got a Vita and you haven’t got this what are you doing? It was cheap enough at release.
100% Buy it.
colmshan1990
Lovely game.
Not often you get to play a game which is both an exhibition in gameplay and a joy to take part in.
colmshan1990
Oops.
Buy it.