In June of 2010, 505 Games and developer Behaviour broke my tiny plush heart. Naughty Bear was to be everything I'd ever wanted in fluff-soaked teddy bear gore. Instead, it was simplistic, unattractive and unsatisfying. I wanted Dexter. They gave me Texas Chain Saw Massacre Lite. Can the downloadable Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise give me the carnal satisfaction my empty soul craves?
I don't want to get my hopes up, but the laundry list of improvements Behaviour has made in the sequel has certainly piqued my interest. They've completely rebuilt their graphics engine. They've created a combo-based combat system. There are collectible weapons and costume parts everywhere.
And you can grab. Grab those little heartless bear bastards and rip stuffing out.
No longer must we lie in wait for our cuddly victims to come into range. If we want to stuff their heads in a tree trimmer we damn well are gonna grab them and drag them there, kicking and screaming.
It's not that often a game that failed as badly as Naughty Bear gets another chance. From the looks of it, Behaviour isn't wasting it.
Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise stalks the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade this October.
Naughty Bear: Panic In Paradise Turns On The Charm [PlayStation Blog Europe]