System 3 is proud to announce the return of one of gaming’s most loved mascots: Putty!

The stretchy blue blob is all set to go digital in VITA Vision by way of the critically acclaimed Putty Squad videogame. Cited by many gaming publications as one of the best games of its time, Putty Squad follows the story of unlikely hero Putty in an old-skool platform-adventuring quest for his kidnapped friends. With reviews such as “this game is fantastic – 94%” (CU Amiga), “quite simply the best – 91%” (Amiga Power) and “just about perfect – 90%” (Amiga Format), there can be no doubting this game’s proven pedigree.

The return of the game marks the beginning of a revival of System 3’s classic IPs to tie in with the company’s 30-year anniversary in 2012.

The very same year also marks Putty’s 20th birthday, with his first Amiga outing setting screens alight in 1992.

The VITA version of the game takes things further than ever before with a complete graphical overhaul.

Every background, bitmap, enemy and ally has been redrawn and re-rendered to take advantage of the VITA’s gorgeous display.

On top of that Putty Squad will also take advantage of several of the VITA’s unique capabilities such as front and rear touch-screen controls and location-based unlockables!

While the VITA is set to enjoy cutting edge 3D adventures in its launch window, Putty Squad stands out by offering jaw-droppingly beautiful 2D vistas married with tried, tested and improved upon platform-adventure gameplay that has stood the test of time and come out fighting.

Putty Squad is also the perfect handheld companion, offering up a huge adventure split up into perfect journey-sized chunks.

Below you will find more information of Putty Squad VITA’s many features:

COMPLETE GRAPHICAL OVERHAUL

A gorgeous graphical style that combines the original designs of Phillip Thornton with the fidelity and resolution afforded by the VITA’s cutting edge display. Every element of the game has been redrawn and re-rendered.

FINE TUNED GAMEPLAY

The original team of Mark Cale and John Twiddy have spent months tuning, retuning and fine tuning the gameplay so that  not only stands up to the test of time but also sets a benchmark for this style of gamplay.

EXCLUSIVE LEVELS

The VITA version will also allow gamers access to a whole host of secret levels, which were previously not available. Gamers will be rewarded for their VITA support with nearly double the amount of levels. A number of these exclusive levels will only be unlocked as part of the VITA’s location-based services and others will be made available every few weeks as downloadable content.

LOCATION-BASED SERVICES

Some levels and Avatars will only unlock and become available when the player takes their VITA to a specific location. For example, going to a football stadium will unlock a correctly attired Avatar, visiting the natural History Museum will unlock an ancient Inca level or visiting the Science Museum will unlock an outer space level (specific locations and rewards tbc).

FRONT AND REAR TOUCH-PAD

Rather than go crazy with touch-screen controls System 3 has chosen to map the actions that make for the best and most natural gameplay experience. The rear touch-pad will be used for various actions in the game, such as inflating/floating. Gamers will also be able to quickly zoom into the action for difficult jumps and even just to appreciate the detailed graphics even more. This can easily be done with a flick of a finger to or fro on the front touch pad.

NEW ARTWORK

Along with the redrawn world comes brand new artwork, which has never been seen before. This brand new artwork, designed by original designer Phillip Thornton, can be seen in various places including as intros to each level.

GAME-SHARE

Multiplayer game-share options that allow up to four people to compete in tournaments, either versus or in Team Play.

Only one person needs a copy of the game in order for their friends to be able to experience Putty Squad, albeit in a limited fashion. When the link is severed the other players will no longer be able to play the game but they will immediately be given the option to buy it from PSN (exact details of game sharing tbc).

AVATAR SUPPORT

Dozens of Avatars will be made available, both via PSN and via location-based service downloads.

ONLINE LEADERBOARDS

Easy, constant access to online leaderboards.

Putty Squad (Vita) will be available for VITA’s launch in Europe.

For more information please visit the System 3 press site at: www.system3live.com

About System 3

Formed in 1982 System 3 is globally renowned for heartwarming entertainment experiences that formed the very foundations of the modern videogames we know and love today. From the behemoth that was The Last Ninja, to the platforming brilliance of MYTH: History In The Making, to the legendary status of International Karate and the joyous simplicity of Putty Squad, System 3 has been responsible for some of the greatest videogames of the past 29 years.