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Forums - Sony Discussion - An Unbiased Review: Tearaway (Video Review)

Platform: PSV Publisher: Sony Developer: Media Molecule
Reviewer: JayWood2010 Genre: 3D Platformer Rating: Everyone


A game that tries to break the barrier from reality and virtual reality by creating a unique design and throwing you into a beautiful fantasy world.  This is how I would explain Tearaway.  Media Molecule in 2008 released one of PlayStation’s most iconic characters with Sackboy in LittleBigPlanet.  On the other hand the question remained if it was a one-time thing or if they could manage to make another great new ip, but rest assured that Media Molecule returned to the PS3’s handheld brother with one of the most charming and original titles I have ever witnessed.

Tearaway much like The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker will forever have a timeless artistic style that will bring beautiful visuals to your eyes.  Built around cardboard paper Tearaway manages to make this papery world come to life whether it be animals, water, or even monsters.  It is a real visual treat and completely unique to its own.

It is also interesting how they play out the story of Tearaway.  It is about a messenger that “You” and I literally mean “You” will help guide him or her to your world so you can receive the message that they want you to receive. In essence you are two characters in Tearaway.  You are the messenger as well as yourself playing as a god in this beautiful world.  You will see adorable characters on your way that helps tell this charming tale and it actually succeeds in letting you feel as if you’re a god by using Vita’s mechanics to burst your fingers through the screen, shake the Vita to cause the world to shake, or to smash enemies with your thumbs.  No matter what is going on in the world of Tearaway you and your messenger has embarked on this adventure together However even though they succeeded, this story wasn’t something that you will be mesmerized by either and is mostly charming with little substance.

Where the game stands out for being original the gameplay also shows in likewise ways by using the controls as I mentioned before.  On the other hand I have the same complaint as I do with Mario.  It is overly easy and doesn’t challenge you in any shape or form.  Even dyeing doesn’t penalize you.  Instead you will be revived very close by and every enemy you killed previously is still dead.  There is lots to collect though including ways to edit your messenger.  In ways it reminds me of Banjo-Kazooie collecting Music Notes and Jiggies but much more linear and without any challenge I found myself wanting more.  Much more.  Do not take this as having a bad experience though as I did enjoy the game thoroughly, I just wish they would have given me a little bit more, both from a challenging aspect and a length standpoint as it is a short game that can be completed in a few sittings.

Just when you thought games were becoming stagnant Media Molecule shows the world that being creative can often times pique our interest.  If anything this game will offer you a beautiful world with a charming tale.  While it is an easy game it is also fun and an instant classic. 

  Score Positive Negative
Art Style/Audio  9.5 Timeless Artstyle  
Gameplay 7 Fun atmosphere and interesting controls Overly Easy
3D Platformer B Tier = 8 Charming with good controls Overly Easy
Story/Singleplayer 8 Unique idea Short Story
Overall 8.1    



       

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Another great review. Tearaway was never on my radar but I heard people on this site mentioning it. I may give it a go, eventually. How you find the time to play these games, review them, and make a video AND post on this site is beyond me.



Great review.



Great review man, If I ever get a VITA this game and Persona 4 Golden are going straight into my collection. Kinda bad that the game is too short but it was expected.



"I've Underestimated the Horse Power from Mario Kart 8, I'll Never Doubt the WiiU's Engine Again"

The game is short and unfortunately not sure how good the replay value is : /

It's still a wonderful game though and adds to the Vita's growing collection of quality titles!



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Anfebious said:
Great review man, If I ever get a VITA this game and Persona 4 Golden are going straight into my collection. Kinda bad that the game is too short but it was expected.


Oh you have to get Persona 4 for sure xD  Love that game, def one of my all time favs.  Playing through Persona 3 now xD




       

The audio is much much better this time around, although could use a wee bit more enthusiasm as your voice is a bit dull (NO OFFENSE MEANT!) Other than that, no complaints.

Keep up the good work, you are clearly getting better on each attempt.



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Great review man! I'm still yet to pick this up :( too many games not enough time. Maybe if I got off the charts Id finally get some games finished :P



Euphoria14 said:

The audio is much much better this time around, although could use a wee bit more enthusiasm as your voice is a bit dull (NO OFFENSE MEANT!) Other than that, no complaints.

Keep up the good work, you are clearly getting better on each attempt.


No offense taken xD  Recorded this at like 4am and was pretty tired.  I was not enthusiastic at all but wanted to get it out of the way lol




       

I'm not a Mario fan in the slightest and hearing the comparisons make me a little worried. Also sucks to hear about the length. Will give this a try at some point, I guess.



4 ≈ One