Topatoi – PSN puzzle-platformer coming this fall

[Shin-Ra]

http://topatoi.boolat.com/

Publisher: Boolat Games
Developer: Boolat Games
Platform: Exclusive to the PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System
Genre: Puzzle Platformer
Players: Single-Player, 2-Player Split-Screen
Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

Released on the PlayStation Store: Europe/PAL - OUT NOW | North America - Fall 2009

STORY & OVERVIEW

Raph, the brave explorer, and his companions encounter an emergency landing in the most mysterious corner of the planet. Now Raph has to look for the spare parts to fix his skyship and save his girlfriend as well!

Fortunately our hero has a special GEMMA-device. GEMMA stands for Gyroscopic Exploration Multidimensional Multiterrain Apparatus. It is basically a machine which works just like a spinning top toy which is just perfect for the weird part of the world our characters are trapped in.

Controlling GEMMA needs some practice. The top should be spun correctly, since the quantity of spin and thus the overall speed affects device's movement and behavior. Also GEMMA can obtain special abilities which will help you on your journey.

Sounds like a solid puzzle/platformer game, don't you think?

FEATURES

Topatoi is a mixture of puzzle and platformer game with original and inventive gameplay mechanics. Original, but pretty much in the old school traditions of games like The Lost Vikings or Bubba 'n Stix. Apart from immersive gameplay you should expect:

• Multiple worlds/environments. The environments not only look different, but also have some treats that affect gameplay.
• Various types of puzzles. Arcade game mode brings you various interesting puzzles, solving them you’ll have a lovely time.
• Breathtaking physics model. As you can see, Topatoi is mostly about physics so this part is particularly well-crafted to provide a truly unique experience.
• Multiplayer modes. Currently, split screen multiplayer is available so you can enjoy the game with your friends. Further updates will also bring several internet multiplayer modes.

Teaser Trailer

[Shin-Ra]

A little bit about the developer, Boolat:

Boolat is a game development company formed in 2001 and located in East Ukraine. Along with the production of our own titles, we're also one of the leading localization teams in ex-USSR with more than 100 completed projects to date and a well-established outsourcing studio.

Today Boolat is experiencing rapid growth and expanding its structure. After releasing a few of our PC projects we decided to move to console development, becoming the first East European developer of PSN-delivered PLAYSTATION 3 titles. Boolat also shifted its interest from traditional means of distribution to digital downloads, which currently is the main focus of the company.

As English isn't their first language I've tweaked the game description a bit, hopefully making it clearer.

[PVJAG]

Looks cool. I'll give it a shot..

[Shin-Ra]

Updated info in the first post and the first trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwu8pPMzhFc

[Shin-Ra]

Updated screenshots in the first post now.

[toef]

Originally Posted by Shin-Ra

Updated screenshots in the first post now.

The tree level reminds me a bit of Pandemonium, from the old days of the original PS.

[u_nick]

Looks interesting enough... Count me in for keeping an eye on this one!

[Shin-Ra]

Due Q2 2009 now according to Boolat's site.

[pmac]

Oops looks like I should have put this in the PSN area instead. Please move. Damnit I spelled the game name wrong too in the thread title.

A New PS3 Platformer “topatoi” Coming to PSN This Fall

Posted by Natalia Gorbanskaya // PR Manager, Boolat Games
Hello PlayStation Blog readers! My name is Natalia and I’m the PR Manager from Boolat Games, a game development studio from Donetsk, Ukraine. I’d like to introduce “topatoi” – a new captivating arcade platformer game for PLAYSTATION 3 / PSN.
The first part of arcade saga “topatoi: The Great Tree Story” was released 2nd of July in EU. Unfortunately we had no opportunity to get the game out in the US at the same time, but it will be available in the US PlayStation Store this fall and everyone will have a chance to take an unforgettable journey with inquisitive explorer Raph into fantastic world, and challenge yourself with a variety of platforming levels and game modes.

The story begins when Raph and his friends find their self in a strange place, after their aircraft was crash-landed. But it is not the only problem – Raph’s girlfriend is kidnapped by the evil Blackwing, so now they have to find spare parts to fix the airship, also attempting to safe Raph’s girlfriend. Not so easy to solve all these problems at the same time…
But don’t worry! Raph has a fantastic vehicle that looks like a futuristic whirligig. Unusual abilities of this device will help the main hero to overcome all obstacles. Check out the latest gameplay video and you will see what “topatoi” looks like:

Those 150 seconds of video capture the core values of “topatoi” and brings you to The Great Tree world, where you can communicate with strange and sometimes funny inhabitants, fight enemies, standing in your way, collect stars and take journey in search of new adventures.
Successfully passed story mode opens challenging arcade mode where you can test and improve your skill and coordination. Beautiful and various levels of arcade mode, which require quick reaction and thinking are full of puzzles of increasing difficulty and it’s very enjoyable to solve them with your friends in split screen mode or by yourself.
Hope you like the video! Stay turned, I’ll keep you informed with all game details and release date. If you have any questions, fire away in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them.
See you soon!
Natalia

Source
http://blog.us.playstation.com/

Looks like fun, platforming is one of my favourites.

[Mr.White]

The only Topatio I know is the hot sauce!

[alphapyro]

lol it's a failocaust.

[pmac]

Topatoi Available Today on PSN for $9.99

Posted by Natalia Gorbanskaya // PR Manager, Boolat Games
Hi guys!
My name is Natalia, I’m a PR Manager for Boolat Games, a developer based in East Ukraine.
I’d like to announce that the first episode of our puzzle-oriented PlayStation 3/PSN platformer Topatoi finally gets released in North America.

As some of you possibly know, Topatoi (which is basically one of the first East European PSN games) was released in Europe, Asia and Australia earlier this year. Check out the game’s official website for more information, including screenshots, in-game videos and trailers. Here’s the latest Topatoi trailer embedded here for your convenience:

In short, the core of Topatoi’s gameplay is based on the fact that the player controls a small explorer vehicle that works like a spinning top. The spin needs to be controlled carefully, as it affects the device’s movement and behavior. The game sticks to the old school traditions of the puzzler platformers (like, say, Bubba ‘n’ Stix or The Lost Vikings), including emphasis on the original concepts and unique immersive gameplay.

Try it and share your thoughts on Topatoi here — it’s really important for us!
More stuff is coming your way, so stay tuned for updates!

Source

[School]

how is it

[Spiderbri]

It's not bad. I hate platformers for the most part but me and buddy played it. Everytime one of us would die we passed it off to the other. Or if there was a tricky part. But none of it was tough. It's only part one of three however so the "story" such as it is doens't really mean much.

Personally I wouldn't say it was worth the $10, but that always seems steep for dlc games. maybe I'm just cheap.

If it was $5 I'd probably pick it up myself.

[Morphine]

Its actually not that bad, enjoying it so far, is a platformer like Little Big Planet with some puzzles thrown in the mix

[Stephie_is_a_dork]

I don't remember seeing a demo for this. Can anyone comment on the:

fun factor
controls
100% trophy difficulty
and if it's worth the $4.99 sale price?

[Shin-Ra]

There's a demo, for Europe probably if you missed it.

[Stephie_is_a_dork]

lol yeah, a while after posting that I remembered that there IS a demo for Topatoi, but not Numblast, which I was also considering. DLed Topatoi demo last night but was too tired to play it.

[Shin-Ra]

The spinner physics are different but not a different that I'm comfortable with. Especially around the tree with the fixed high camera that rarely gives the best angle for jumps and combat.

[Groo The Perverted]

Originally Posted by Shin-Ra

There's a demo, for Europe probably if you missed it.

I was just on the EU store and they only have two items for Topatoi that I could find. The game (for 6.29) and a free DLC. no demo that I could see.

EDIT: just realized the NA store has the demo.