Tearaway Unfolded is a unique 3D adventure platform game for the PS4, set entirely within a vibrant, immersive world constructed to look like paper-craft. Developed by Media Molecule, the creators of LittleBigPlanet, the game is an expanded retelling of the original PS Vita title, redesigned to heavily utilize the features of the DualShock 4 controller.
Gameplay and Story
The story revolves around a plucky messenger, either Atoi (female) or Iota (male), who must deliver a top-secret message to a mysterious opening in the sky that reveals the player's face (referred to as "The You"). This premise constantly breaks the fourth wall, integrating "The You" as a god-like entity interacting directly with the game world and its paper inhabitants.
Enemies, known as Scraps, invade the world through the opening and burst into confetti when defeated. The gameplay is a mix of traditional platforming, puzzle-solving, and creative expression, where players can design unique objects and characters that appear in the game world.
DualShock 4 Integration
The game's primary innovation is its use of the PS4 controller's features for immersive interaction:
- Light Bar: Players can shine a guiding light from their controller's light bar into dark in-game areas on the TV screen to light the way, grow plants, or hypnotize enemies.
- Touch Pad: Swiping the touch pad creates gusts of wind to unfold hidden paths, blow away obstacles, or pilot a paper plane. Tapping the pad can also help the messenger bounce around the levels.
- Motion Controls/Catching: Objects can appear to be physically thrown out of the TV screen and "caught" inside the controller, where they might audibly rattle around before being flicked back into the game world to solve puzzles or hit enemies.
Additional Features
- Companion App: A second player can use a smartphone or tablet app to customize the world and characters with their own real-world images and designs as the main player progresses.
- Papercraft: The game encourages real-world creativity by providing printable papercraft templates of in-game objects and characters that users can make at home. The official website allows players to share their creations and in-game photos.
Tearaway Unfolded is a charming, visually distinctive adventure that emphasizes creativity and a unique bond between the player and the game's world. It's rated E for Everyone (ESRB) with Mild Cartoon Violence.
