While Two Tribes' top priority is finishing RIVE — a space-themed, robot-centric shooter set to release sometime this year — the Toki Tori developer saw fit to package the creative sequel to their most well-known work for the PlayStation 4 audience. Originally released on the Wii U as Toki Tori 2 and then later on Steam as Toki Tori 2+, it's true that the project's tragic lack of financial success led directly to the studio's restructuring. But hopefully, years later, Toki Tori 2+ can still find a new group of puzzle fans to endear.
What's especially intriguing about this release is that the game has been adjusted from a creative standpoint. Done as a concession for players who couldn't fully comprehend the subtleties of Toki Tori 2's decidedly voiceless storytelling, the PS4 version features Yoda-like messages that provide direction and shed light on the story. These messages come in the form of thought bubbles, delivered telepathically by the ancient frogs you meet on your journey.
On the one hand, this will mean less ambiguity for new players. But it's telling that Two Tribes felt the need to adjust the game's conceptual premise — originally intended to rely solely on the environment for gameplay instruction and directional clues — for this new audience. Given that Toki Tori 2(+) didn't perform well financially (sigh), they can't be faulted for tweaking it so as to be given a second chance. Still, there's something troubling about needing to compromise on a well-executed creative vision to appease the masses.
Toki Tori 2+ will be added to the PlayStation Store on February 23. Give the yellow one some love — he won't disappoint.
