Review: Tearaway Unfolded (PS4)

From the acclaimed creators of Little Big Planet comes Tearaway Unfolded, a reimagining of the PS Vita title, Tearaway. Media Molecule, the studio behind the original, now has the opportunity to introduce the game to a wider audience with this remake, available exclusively on Playstation 4. This title presents a distinctive take on the platforming genre, set within a singular and imaginative world.

One of the core challenges for the development team was adapting gameplay designed around the PS Vita’s unique touch controls to the DualShock controller. This adaptation has been executed effectively. Tearaway Unfolded leverages the DualShock 4’s features in an intuitive and clever manner, maximizing the functionality of the controller. The touchpad is utilized, for instance, to draw objects, which, due to its limited surface area, can present some challenges. The tilt function is employed to illuminate darkened areas. Furthermore, if a Playstation Camera is connected, it integrates into certain gameplay mechanics, incorporating images from the player’s environment into the game world. In addition to controller integration, the graphics have undergone a significant upgrade from the original release. Media Molecule has successfully translated the unique aspects that made the original adventure so memorable to the current-generation platform.

Tearaway Unfolded distinguishes itself with its innovative gameplay. Unlike many titles, it integrates the player directly into the game’s narrative. The player is consistently addressed as ‘You’ throughout the game, functioning as an external entity observing Tearaway’s world. Players can interact with the environments, customize the inhabitants, and capture images to share. The game shares similarities with Little Big Planet in its character customization and environment design. Alongside ‘You’, ‘The Messenger’ serves as the primary protagonist. Initially limited in his abilities, The Messenger gains new skills throughout the game, with the player’s assistance. The core objective is to aid The Messenger in sealing a tear in the sky that is causing destruction and darkness, necessitating collaborative effort. The journey involves encounters with various characters who offer side quests, and the collection of numerous objects.

In conclusion, Tearaway Unfolded is a distinctive title that showcases the creativity of its development team and their ambition to maximize the platform’s features. While the game’s origins as a portable title with touch screen functionality are sometimes apparent in the controller implementation, this is easily overlooked once immersed in the engaging and diverse gameplay within this imaginative world.