The early 2000s were an interesting time for a dwindling genre. Platformers, both the 2D and 3D variety were some of the most popular games periods with most players at the time having their favorites and even all then all-time classics in the genre were declared. As interest started to shift to more realistic graphics and the boom of first-person shooters, platformers started to gain less and less traction. That said, those years had a ton of attempts ranging from the genuinely awesome to the downright odd. Falling somewhere closer to the well-remembered games is Ty the Tasmanian Tiger, a game that is soon headed to the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and features, provided the now-live Kickstarter is successful.
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger is a game that many players have at least seen the cover of, sporting an orange, anthropomorphic, dual-boomerang wielding critter with a stern expression. It’s a game that I had seen all over since it was available on most platforms, but I’ve never actually played. Before this writing, I wasn’t even aware that there have been four mainline games with several ports, even to Steam with updated features.
Now, developers Krome Studios have set their sites on the Switch but have taken to Kickstarter to help add even more features to the port. Visuals are set to get more fidelity, optional motion controls (hopefully similar to what was seen in Super Mario Odyssey), and a Hardcore Mode where Ty only has a single life. Following a port to Switch, there may even be ports to the PS4 or Xbox One.
For those that enjoy the feelies (physical items for you younger folk) often associated with Kickstarters there are some cool rewards on offer. Things like Ty’s classic shorts, a funny mug, and a shark tooth necklace, to name a few.
We had the opportunity to send a few questions to Steve Stamatiadis, Creative Director.
What is it about the Switch that’s so appealing to having Ty’s first game on?
Two things – being able to play Ty on the go and finally being able to throw rangs with motion controls. It’s something we’ve talked about ever since we did the motion-controlled action of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed on the Wii.
If this goes well, can we assume the other games will follow?
Definitely. To be honest we would love to see all of the games on everything.
How has Ty the Tasmanian Tiger been received over the years in Australia?
I think the response to Ty here is generally pretty positive. He’s even been enshrined in part of a permanent exhibit of Aussie media at ACMI in Melbourne. We’re just across from the Mad Max interceptor.
Is the Ty the Tasmanian Tiger character one that you want to continue developing games for or are there other projects being kicked around Krome Studios?
Yes, we’ve been talking about a Ty 5 ever since we brought Ty back with the 2D platformer version of Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 4 a few years back. That rekindled our love of the Ty world and led us to do the PC remasters, and now the Switch Kickstarter. We have plenty of big ideas to make an awesome new game with the latest technology.
What would say to convince players who haven’t tried Ty’s adventures to give them a go?
Have a go ya mug!
As of this writing, the initial Kickstarter campaign goals have been funded and at this rate, several stretch goals are certainly a possibility. The crowdfunding campaign ends on September 5th.
With Ty headed to Switch and his games made available on Steam, there are lots of opportunities to jump into these Australian adventures. As with just about any other game, the Switch is a great place for more exposure so there will likely be new fans created by that launch.
For more information on the Switch port of Ty the Tasmanian Tiger, check out the Kickstarter Page. For more platforming fun, check out our reviews of A Hat in Time, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, or Trover Saves the Universe.
