The Swedish developer behind the upcoming pinball platformer Yoku’s Island Express announced today that they would be joining Award winning international games label Team17. After its reveal trailer earlier this year, the game has received buzz regarding its unique take on the platforming genre.
Pinball games, be it in real life or in a video game, are a rather straightforward experience of hitting a ball with paddles to gain points and hopefully the high score. Yoku’s Island Express, however, has decided to combine the beloved pastime with the platforming genre to create a one of a kind experience.
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The game will follow Yoku the Dung Beetle, who has recently arrived on the island of Mokumana to relieve the resident pterodactyl postmaster of his duties. He quickly finds out that the job isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as the ancient Island deity is trapped in a restless sleep, plaguing its residents with quakes and storms brought forth by its nightmares.
The Dung Beetle must traverse the island using a unique blend of pinball mechanics and open world exploration to help save those in need. In order to do so, he will be Flipped and bumped around the stunning hand-painted island, rebuilding the post office, discovering mysterious Fruit Altars, and waking the deity from its slumber.
The independent developer behind Yoku’s Island Express, Villa Gorilla, is lead by veterans Jens Andersson and Mattias Snygg, each with respectable AAA pedigrees, having worked on titles like The Darkness, Chronicles of Riddick, Syndicate, and Colors! 3D.
“With Team17 we’ve found a publishing partner that cherishes innovation and style – something we recognized way back when we played Alien Breed on our Amigas. We feel that their commitment to quality and fun gameplay is a perfect match for us, and we are incredibly excited to be working with Debbie and the team to finish and release Yoku’s Island Express.” said Jens Andersson in a press release.
Yoku’s Island Express will be released on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC in 2018.
