Sega is working with Pokemon developer Game Freak for the first time since Pulseman (on Sega Genesis) for a new sidescrolling platformer titled Tembo the Badass Elephant for Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC. It is scheduled for release in Summer 2015 and will only be available for digital release. It’s a bizarre choice of platforms given Game Freak’s relationship with Nintendo, however, keep in mind that Game Freak is an independent developer and have worked outside Nintendo Platforms from time to time. Sega’s blog detailed what the game is about and shared a debut trailer for us to watch.
Sega (in their blog post above) explained the story for us:
Shell City is plunged into a state of emergency after coming under attack from the devastating forces of PHANTOM, led by a mysterious masked commander. Terrifying war machines emblazoned with skulls tear through the city leaving a trail of destruction in their wake! As the National Army struggles to contain PHANTOM, General Krenman sees the mammoth task at hand and calls upon the only thing that stands between Shell City’s obliteration and its salvation; the peanut chompin’, villain stompin’, PHANTOM romping BADASS Elephantidae…TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT!
HRRAAANNHH!!!!!!!! (Is the last thing those PHANTOM goons will hear…)
Tembo’s gameplay involves charging and smashing your enemies and surroundings, using your trunk, collecting peanuts and rescuing people in 17 levels.
Gamereactor recently conducted an interview with artist and designer James Turner from Game Freak, who is also the creator of Tembo the Badass Elephant. James Turner’s games, HarmoKnight and Tembo, were part of Game Freak’s new initiative to support and green-light sideline projects between major games in development. Inspiration for Tembo came into being when Turner had an idea for an elephant character, and then wanted revolve the gameplay around how the elephant should be played. The idea to rescue people was put into development to show off Tembo’s heroic side. Turner cites the inspiration for Tembo with games such as Donkey Kong Country and Metal Slug as well as action movies such as Rambo and Commando. Interestingly, he also cites the Greek commander Hannibal, who is a man who never gave up and has worked with war elephants.
James Turner mentioned the game will focus on the its story mode, in which every stage can be revisited in case you missed any civilians or secrets and there will be leaderboards to share your high score.