Yuji Naka’s Prope studio working on Ivy the Kiwi? for Windows Mobile
Sonic’s dad is embracing Microsoft’s new mobile operating system
Yuji Naka is famous for being the man who gave the world Sonic The Hedgehog, but these days he’s no longer part of Sega’s illustrious Sonic Team. He’s got his own studio - known as Prope - and has been working on several different titles, including the inventive Let’s Tap on the Nintendo Wii.
His team is also beavering away at a title called Ivy the Kiwi? (the question mark is intentional, in case you were wondering), a unique-looking game for Windows Mobile.
The game makes use of the touchscreen by allowing players to draw lines for Ivy to walk on. While this play mechanic is similar to many others we’ve seen - especially on the Nintendo DS - the thing that sets it apart is the ability to alter the line once you’ve drawn it, giving you a greater degree of control over where your on-screen avatar goes.
It all looks very nice indeed, with a lovely hand-drawn 2D aesthetic running though the game. Only the choice of format seems a little out of place.
However, Microsoft is starting to put its considerable weight behind WinMo as a gaming platform, and Ivy the Kiwi? is expected to be one of the titles that leads the charge.
Prope’s game will make its debut when the Japanese Windows Mobile marketplace opens its virtual doors in December.
Joystiq
