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First look at Ivy the Kiwi?

by: Sean Colleli -
More On: Ivy the Kiwi?
Just to be clear I'm not asking a question, the game really is called "Ivy the Kiwi?"

In any case it looks like a cute, artful little game, currently being developed by Yuji Naka's studio PROPE. It follows a lost newborn kiwi named Ivy, who has fallen from the sky and is just trying to find out what she is and where her family has gone. I'm really liking the art style so far--it reminds me of Okami--and I'm glad to see a creative new IP on both the Wii and DS. We should see more of Ivy at E3, and I wouldn't be surprised if her game turns into one of this year's sleeper hits. Check out the screenshots and art to get a feel for the game.

XSEED Games today is pleased to share storyline details for Ivy the Kiwi?, an all-new IP created by PROPE, the development studio led by legendary Sonic creator Yuji Naka.



Ivy the Kiwi? follows the storybook adventures of lonely baby bird Ivy as she traverses beautiful 2-D landscapes and challenging obstacles in search of her mother and identity. In a nod to classic adventure tales and heroines before her, Ivy the Kiwi begins her journey against great odds and with a grand entrance—a great fall from the sky. From the forest floor amidst a bed of leaves, her journey begins. It becomes quickly apparent that Ivy is alone. Frightened and unable to fly, she sets off through a dreamy forest on foot—or is it claw? Many creatures peek from behind leaves and rocks to investigate the mysterious little creature, but none with the same fiery red coloring as she. As she wanders, Ivy stumbles upon a single red feather and the first clue to her mother’s whereabouts.

But the journey to self-discovery is never easy, and Ivy’s is no exception. Her path is littered with danger and menacing obstacles. At any moment it seemed a pit of large spikes could appear, or vicious rat --or three!-- come rushing forward. Even raindrops prove themselves horrific, capable of washing away a small bird in a moment. But every story’s hero finds a way, and Ivy soon finds an ally in the unlikeliest of places—the strange vines that erupt forth to guide, protect and propel her on her way. She even finds that when pulled like a slingshot, she can soar through the air in a flurry of color and torpedo-like power. With a few new tricks under her tiny wing, Ivy finds herself well on her way to discovering where home is and just who, or what, she may be…

Currently in production, Ivy the Kiwi? will be released in North America by XSEED Games on DS and Wii during Summer 2010.