Sonic the Hedgehog creator and NiGHTS Into Dreams producer Yuji Naka is a name that needs no introduction in the platforming space. His latest effort, entitled Ivy the Kiwi, is a charming platformer scheduled to make its stateside debut on Wii and DS later this August courtesy of XSEED and developer PROPE. Backed by lush colorful storybook-style visuals and intuitive gameplay mechanics, the world Naka has crafted brings forth a unique spin on the puzzle genre.

To be sure, devising a fresh take on a crowded genre and one that is accessible yet addictive is no easy task. We reckon the mastermind behind the original Sonic has nailed it, however. And with that said, XSEED has landed quite the publishing coup. We stopped by XSEED’s meeting room at E3 to check it out – read on for our thoughts.

Put simply, Ivy the Kiwi is a platformer with a twist. Assuming the role of a adorable baby bird, players do not directly control their character. You essentially guide Ivy through each level by drawing helper vines on-screen using the Wii Remote or stylus, depending on your platform of choice. Draw a vine perpendicular to a ledge looming overhead and Ivy will follow the path and climb up. Later levels are more complex in scope, requiring strategy and quick thinking to reach your destination.

For instance, players can catapult Ivy across the playing field by thrusting the Wii Remote towards the destination of your choice. Admittedly, manipulating the vines is a skill that takes a few tries to get used to — although on DS we found the stylus control set to be much more precise. Once you get the hang of it, movement becomes natural. We were able to easily ricochet Ivy across the screen, past treacherous spike-filled pits and imposing foes all with the flick of a wrist. Using the force of vines, you can also propel Ivy through breakable obstacles, akin to a human cannonball. She’s a tough little fellow.

Scattered and strewn across each level are feathers. Sometimes hidden in the most obscure location, any feathers amassed carry across multiple levels. Once ten feathers are amassed players are awarded a extra life. Additionally, collecting all feathers in a particular level will net players with a completion award, presumably for bragging rights.

As time was limited, after becoming accustomed with the gameplay mechanics in the single-player portion we jumped into multiplayer on the Wii version with a XSEED rep. In a word, multiplayer is frantic. Essentially, the object is to reach the end goal first, which is not as easy of a task as you may think. Certainly not as easy from navigating from point A to B.

As the action takes place in a split-screen session, other players can draw vines on your portion of the screen in an attempt to slow your progress. It’s quite competitive and at times frustrating, especially after being knocked back just after inching past that first ledge. And this was a one-on-one match. It’s hard to imagine the insanity of playing with three other people.

Make no question about it, Ivy the Kiwi is a rare sight. It’s always a delight to see innovation enhance a gameplay experience. Ivy is a title built around innovation — and it works. It is all too common nowadays to see developers hastily implement motion or stylus control in a title only to have it detract from the overall experience. Thankfully, Ivy bucks the trend. Add to the fact that it’s accessible while providing enough of a deep gameplay experience for the hardcore and XSEED has a winner on its hands.

Ivy the Kiwi is scheduled for a summer release on Nintendo DS and Wii.

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