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Frantix Updated Hands-On

SOE gives us an updated look at its upcoming puzzler developed by Killer Game.

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SOE and developer Killer Game are throwing their collective hat into the puzzle ring on the PSP with their upcoming game Frantix. The third-person action game tasks you with navigating through a variety of themed environments and using the power of your brain to figure out how to get to the exit. Our last look at the game showed it to have a lot of promise, so we were very curious to see the updated version SOE had to show today.

Frantix will offer some neat bonus content based on an Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures CG short.
Frantix will offer some neat bonus content based on an Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures CG short.

The demo covered the expected bases in terms of showing off more of the levels in the game, as well as how you'll move boxes and interact with non-player characters. We got a peek at some of the other playable characters you can choose to use in the game, including one special surprise. We checked out a few of the different themed areas and the increasingly complex maps that you'll have to navigate, which were all well and good. Though the game is still being fine-tuned, it's still offering a solid puzzle experience.

The surprising new aspect of the game we got a look at was the inclusion of the ChubbChubbs. If the name doesn't immediately ring a bell for you, that's because it's been a while since we've seen the lovable furballs of doom. The ChubbChubbs were originally introduced in an animated computer-generated short from Sony Pictures that preceded Men in Black II. The short went on to win an Academy Award. The film focuses on the hijinks that ensue when a wannabe karaoke singer named Meeper meets the furry critters one day. The film is included on the Frantix disc as a freebie, but that's not the end of the ChubbChubb content. You'll be able to unlock Meeper as a playable character, and you can even play on a series of maps featuring the ChubbChubbs as interactive elements.

We had the chance to both check out the ChubbChubb level and give Meeper a try. Suffice it to say, we were pleased by what we saw. Though there doesn't appear to be any functional difference between the "Meepster" and the other playable characters--besides his physical appearance--it's a nice extra. As far as the levels go, the ChubbChubbs add a new mechanic to the experience because they spring to life like minibombs when touched. Furthermore, you'll have to accommodate them when playing.

Move over, Lumines! The PSP will soon have another puzzle game available.
Move over, Lumines! The PSP will soon have another puzzle game available.

Given the promising state of what we've seen so far, we have to say we're pleased by how Frantix is coming together. The gameplay is retro-solid, the visuals are nicely done, and the control is tight. The only other thing that would be good to see is some multiplayer support. Frantix is currently slated to ship this fall for the PSP, so look for more on the game shortly.

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