Tembo the Badass Elephant

Last updated
Tembo the Badass Elephant
Tembo the Badass Elephant cover art.jpg
Developer(s) Game Freak
Publisher(s) Sega
Director(s) James Turner
Producer(s) Tetsuya Watanabe
Kagasei Shimomura
Designer(s) Shin Kimura
Masayuki Onoue
Kazuhiko Takata
Programmer(s) Hiroto Ito
Kaori Hayashi
Yoshiharu Kuwabara
Composer(s) Hideaki Kuroda [1]
Platform(s) PlayStation 4
Windows
Xbox One
ReleaseJuly 21, 2015
Genre(s) Platform, side-scrolling
Mode(s) Single-player

Tembo the Badass Elephant (stylized in all caps) is a side-scrolling platform video game developed by Game Freak and published by Sega. The title was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on July 21, 2015. [2] The game allows players to play as an elephant called Tembo, who has different abilities to smash through structures and objects, and is on a journey to rescue the metropolis known as the "Shell City" from an invading evil army known as "Phantom".

Contents

Gameplay

A gameplay screenshot of the game showing Tembo, the playable character, smashing through objects Tembo screenshot.jpg
A gameplay screenshot of the game showing Tembo, the playable character, smashing through objects

Tembo the Badass Elephant is a 2D platform side-scrolling game in which players take control of an elephant named Tembo, as he progresses through Shell City to stop the invasion of a military force called the Phantom. [3] The title features visuals similar to that of cartoons and comic books, and divided into three different zones with three basic levels and an enemy base, followed by a boss stage each. Each enemy base can only be unlocked by killing a set quota of enemies on previous levels. Once all three zones are completed, a fourth, last zone consisting of two levels and the final boss stage is unlocked. The major goal of every level is to reach the end of the level while destroying as much of the enemy force as possible, while innocent citizens held prisoners are scattered around the stage, waiting to be rescued as well, and a medal is awarded for rescuing all hostages in a stage. [4] [5]

Tembo can perform different movements, like smashing objects with his tusks, jumping, dashing, punching and stomping with his body to destroy structures, enemies, and enemies' vehicles like tanks in order to progress. [6] Tembo can also store water on his trunk to put out fires or shortcut electrical traps. [4] Players are also tasked to solve puzzles throughout the game. [7] Momentum and destruction are emphasized in the game. Tembo's health can be replenished by collecting special crates located throughout the stage, and, by collecting 300 peanuts, Tembo is awarded an extra life that comes in the form of a can of peanut butter. [4] The game environments are interactive, allowing Tembo the chance to unleash more destruction. [8] Additionally, Tembo is accompanied and assisted by a bird called Picolo throughout the game. [3]

Development

The title was officially announced on March 11, 2015, by Game Freak, which had previously developed the main series Pokémon -video games and Sega, a video game publisher. [6] The collaboration between Game Freak and Sega was revealed one week prior to the game's announcement. [9] According to director James Turner, Tembo was "Rambo in elephant form". [10] Inspirations were also drawn from several action movies of the 1980s, Dumbo as well as other video game franchises like Metal Slug , Donkey Kong Country , and Yoshi's Island . Inspirations were also drawn from HarmoKnight , one of Game Freak's earlier games. [7] Developers also once thought to turn the game into an endless runner but the idea was later scrapped. [10] The title was released on July 21, 2015, for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. [11]

Reception

The initial reception of the game was positive, with critics surprised by the nature of the game and the game's protagonist Tembo. [5] Comparisons were drawn between the game and the Sonic the Hedgehog series. [19]

Tembo the Badass Elephant received mixed-positive reviews upon release. Aggregating review websites Metacritic gave the PlayStation 4 version 71/100 based on 20 reviews. [13] Chris Carter from Destructoid gave the game an 8 out of 10, praising the game's open-ended level design for allowing players to use different approaches to complete their objectives. In addition, he praised the game's artstyle, which he compared to works from Cartoon Network. [15] However, Tom Orry from VideoGamer.com was much more negative about the game, giving it a 6 out of 10. While applauding the game's gameplay, which he described as "a neat mix of Sonic the Hedgehog and the sidescrolling parts of Crash Bandicoot ", he strongly criticized the point unlocking system, which tasks players to gain enough points before proceeding to the next level, as he considered such features "a forced grind". [18] IGN awarded it a score of 7 out of 10, saying "Tembo stumbles at times, but its overall charm, and moments of rhythmic zen keep it fun throughout." [17]

Related Research Articles

Game Freak Inc. is a Japanese video game developer, best known as the primary developer of the Pokémon series of role-playing video games, and as one of the co-owners of the Pokémon series.

In the history of video games, the sixth generation era is the era of computer and video games, video game consoles, and handheld gaming devices available at the turn of the 21st century, starting on November 27, 1998. Platforms in the sixth generation include consoles from four companies: the Sega Dreamcast (DC), Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2), Nintendo GameCube (GC), and Microsoft Xbox. This era began on November 27, 1998, with the Japanese release of the Dreamcast, which was joined by the PlayStation 2 on March 4, 2000, the GameCube on September 14, 2001 and the Xbox on November 15, 2001, respectively. On March 31, 2001, the Dreamcast was among the first to be discontinued. Xbox in 2006, GameCube in 2007 and PlayStation 2 was the last, in January 2013. Meanwhile, the seventh generation of consoles started on November 22, 2005, with the launch of the Xbox 360.

2001 saw many sequels and prequels in video games, such as Madden NFL 2002, NBA Live 2002, NBA 2K2, WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It, Capcom vs. SNK 2,Dead or Alive 3, Final Fantasy X, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, Grand Theft Auto III, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Myst III: Exile, Crazy Taxi 2, SSX Tricky, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Sonic Adventure 2, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, and Virtua Fighter 4. New intellectual properties include Ace Attorney, Advance Wars,Animal Crossing, Burnout, Gothic, Black & White, Devil May Cry, Fatal Frame, Ghost Recon,Halo, Jak and Daxter, Max Payne, Oni, Onimusha: Warlords, Operation Flashpoint, Pikmin, Pro Evolution Soccer, Red Faction, Serious Sam, and Tropico.

<i>Sonic the Hedgehog</i> (2006 video game) Platform game by Sega

Sonic the Hedgehog is a 2006 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. It was produced in commemoration of the Sonic series' 15th anniversary and intended as a reboot for seventh-generation video game consoles. Players control Sonic, Shadow, and the new character Silver, who battle Solaris, an ancient evil pursued by Doctor Eggman. Each playable character has his own campaign and abilities, and must complete levels, explore hub worlds and fight bosses to advance the story. In multiplayer modes, players can work cooperatively to collect Chaos Emeralds or race to the end of a level.

<i>The Incredible Hulk</i> (2008 video game) 2008 video game

The Incredible Hulk is a 2008 video game published by Sega and developed by Edge of Reality for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, and Microsoft Windows. The game, based on the film of the same name, follows scientist Bruce Banner as he defends himself from the military and the Enclave organization while searching for a cure to a condition that transforms him into a monstrous being known as the Hulk. The game takes place in an open world recreation of Manhattan, and the Hulk has a variety of attacks and abilities for destroying enemies and causing environmental destruction. Apart from the main story, there are numerous mini-games and collectibles that can unlock new content.

<i>Golden Axe: Beast Rider</i> 2008 video game

Golden Axe: Beast Rider is an action-adventure hack and slash video game available on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It was published by Sega, and developed by Secret Level. It is the first 3D entry in the Golden Axe franchise. The game was released in North America on October 14, 2008, in Europe on October 17, and in Australia on October 23.

<i>Sega Superstars Tennis</i> 2008 sports video game

Sega Superstars Tennis is a sports video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. It is the second title in the Sega All-Stars series, preceded by Sega Superstars (2004), and crosses over characters, locations, and soundtracks from several Sega franchises, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Space Channel 5, and Super Monkey Ball.

<i>Sonic Unleashed</i> 2008 video game

Sonic Unleashed is a 2008 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega as part of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. The plot follows Sonic as he attempts to restore the world after his nemesis Doctor Eggman shatters it with a powerful laser to unleash Dark Gaia, an ancient evil which periodically transforms Sonic into a werewolf form. Gameplay features two distinct styles: daytime stages incorporate Sonic's traditional platforming and trademark speed; while night-time stages see Sonic transform into the Werehog and engage in slower combat against waves of enemies using the Werehog's brute strength.

<i>Worms 2: Armageddon</i> 2009 video game

Worms 2: Armageddon is a 2D artillery turn-based tactics video game developed by Team17 and part of the Worms series, released on July 1, 2009 on Xbox Live Arcade. The game is a follow-up to the 2007 Worms game, which in-turn was a port of 2006's Worms: Open Warfare.

<i>Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I</i> 2010 video game

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I is a 2010 platform game developed by Dimps, with assistance from Sonic Team, and published by Sega. It is a sequel to Sonic & Knuckles (1994), following Sonic as he sets out to stop a returning Doctor Eggman. Like the Sonic the Hedgehog games released for the Sega Genesis, Episode I features side-scrolling gameplay, with movement restricted to a 2D plane. The player races through levels collecting rings while rolling into a ball to attack enemies. The game also features special stages in which the player collects Chaos Emeralds and online leaderboards comparing level completion times and high scores.

<i>Sonic Colors</i> 2010 video game

Sonic Colors is a 2010 platform game published by Sega. It follows Sonic's quest to stop his nemesis Doctor Eggman from enslaving an alien race and taking over the world. The gameplay is similar to prior Sonic games, with players collecting rings and defeating enemies; the camera perspective often switches from third-person to side-scrolling perspectives. The game also introduces Wisps, power-ups the player can use to increase attack power and reach new areas.

<i>Earthworm Jim HD</i> 2010 video game

Earthworm Jim HD is a high definition remake of the original Earthworm Jim video game. While the original was released in 1994 for the Sega Genesis and then ported to many other platforms, the remake was released digitally through XBLA on Xbox 360 on June 9, 2010, through the PSN on the PlayStation 3 on August 3, 2010, and for Windows Phone 7 alongside its launch in October and November of 2010. While critics had mixed feelings with regard to how well the game had aged, they generally praised the new content, mainly the cooperative multiplayer mode.

Numerous video games were released in 2012. Many awards went to games such as Madden NFL 13, NBA 2K13, WWE '13, Borderlands 2, Far Cry 3, Journey, Mass Effect 3, Dishonored, The Walking Dead and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The year began with the worldwide release of Sony's handheld game console, the PlayStation Vita, originally launched in Japan in December 2011. The end of the year marked the worldwide release of Nintendo's home game console, the Wii U.

<i>Sonic Generations</i> 2011 video game

Sonic Generations is a 2011 platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, and Nintendo 3DS. Produced in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, the game follows Sonic and his sidekick Tails as they form an alliance with their past selves. It features two gameplay styles: "Classic", which plays from a side-scrolling perspective like that of the original Sega Genesis Sonic games, and "Modern", 3D levels similar to those in Sonic Unleashed (2008) and Sonic Colors (2010).

<i>Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed</i> 2012 video game

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a kart racing video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. It was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U in November 2012; for PlayStation Vita in December 2012; for Windows in January 2013; for Nintendo 3DS in February 2013; and for Android and iOS devices in January 2014. The PS3 and Wii U versions of the game were released in Japan on May 15, 2014.

<i>HarmoKnight</i> 2012 video game

HarmoKnight, known in Japan as Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight, is a rhythm platformer developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. The game was released on the Nintendo eShop in Japan on September 5, 2012, and internationally on March 28, 2013.

<i>Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse</i> (2013 video game) 2013 video game

Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse is a 2013 2.5D platform game developed by Sega Studios Australia and published by Sega. The game is a remake of the original 1990 Sega Genesis/Sega Mega Drive video game of the same name, which was the first title in the Illusion series of Mickey Mouse video games. The game was released on PlayStation 3, Windows and Xbox 360, in September 2013, and later for iOS, Windows Phone, Android and OS X.

<i>Puyo Puyo Tetris</i> 2014 crossover puzzle video game

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a 2014 puzzle video game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. The game is a crossover between the Puyo Puyo series and the Tetris franchise, and features various gameplay modes incorporating both aspects. The game includes characters modeled and named after the seven Tetrominos, which are different puzzle pieces each made of four blocks.

<i>Beyond Eyes</i> 2015 video game

Beyond Eyes is an adventure game developed by Tiger & Squid and published by Team17.

<i>Little Town Hero</i> 2019 video game

Little Town Hero is a role-playing video game developed and published by Game Freak. It was first released for the Nintendo Switch in October 2019 before being ported to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows in 2020. It received mixed reviews from critics.

References

  1. ↑ Greening, Chris (22 July 2015). "Hideaki Kuroda scores Game Freak's latest title". Video Game Music Online. Archived from the original on 27 July 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  2. ↑ Matulef, Jeffery (July 10, 2015). "Tembo the Badass Elephant release date set this month". Eurogamer . Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  3. 1 2 Orry, James (July 10, 2015). "Tembo The Badass Elephant launches July 21 on PS4, Xbox One & PC". VideoGamer.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 Skipper, Ben (March 12, 2015). "Tembo The Badass Elephant preview: Dumbo with a vengeance". International Business Times . Archived from the original on August 30, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  5. 1 2 Martin, Michael (June 13, 2015). "Tembo The Badass Elephant Lives Up To His Name". IGN . Archived from the original on August 30, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  6. 1 2 Nunneley, Stephany (March 11, 2015). "Pokemon developer and SEGA announce Tembo The Badass Elephant". VG247 . Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  7. 1 2 Peeples, Jeremy (March 11, 2015). "Tembo the Badass Elephant Announced as Sega/Game Freak Collaboration". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  8. ↑ Dolan, Christian (July 10, 2015). "Game Freak trades Pokémon for Tembo the Badass Elephant". Eurogamer . Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  9. ↑ Hillier, Brenna (March 6, 2015). "Pokemon developer, Sega collaboration teased". VG247 . Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  10. 1 2 Eiser, Martin (March 11, 2015). "From HarmoKnight to Tembo: Game Freak Speaks". Gamereactor . Archived from the original on August 30, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  11. ↑ Makuch, Eddie (July 10, 2015). "Pokemon Dev's Xbox One/PS4/PC Elephant Game Gets Release Date". GameSpot . Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Tembo the Badass Elephant for PC reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 30, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  13. 1 2 "Tembo the Badass Elephant for PlayStation 4 Critic Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Tembo the Badass Elephant for Xbox One reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 30, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  15. 1 2 Carter, Chris (July 20, 2015). "Review: Tembo the Badass Elephant". Destructoid . Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  16. ↑ "Tembo the Badass Elephant Review Text". GameTrailers . Defy Media. July 21, 2015. Archived from the original on August 5, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  17. 1 2 Ingenito, Vince (July 30, 2015). "Tembo the Badas Elephant review: Elephant In A China Shop". IGN . Archived from the original on August 30, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  18. 1 2 Orry, Tom (July 20, 2015). "Tembo The Badass Elephant Review". VideoGamer.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  19. ↑ Kate Dale, Laura (March 16, 2015). "Tembo the Badass Elephant is a stuttering beauty". Destructoid . Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.