I was able to receive a preview build of three upcoming eShop games by Two Tribes, the developer responsible for bringing us the amazing Toki Tori 2+. Now, they are back with three classics for the Wii U: Toki Tori, EDGE, and RUSH.

Toki Tori

While Toki Tori 2+ is an open-world puzzle game where you are left to your own devices while solving the puzzles to advance, the original Toki Tori is a simpler version with levels where you must obtain a certain amount of eggs to complete the level. Of course, that’s not to say the game is not challenging. It certainly is.

As the game advances, you are introduced to a number of tools that can be used to solve a level and aid in rescuing the lost eggs. These tools include the ability to freeze enemies with a freeze gun, teleport in four different directions at a limited range, build a bridge, and so on. Some levels may require you use only one tool while other levels may have you use multiple tools, but limit how much of each you can use. This does a good job of creating challenging encounters.

Visually, the game is gorgeous. Everything is now in full HD mode and crystal clear. Like Toki Tori 2+, the game, including the music and sound effects, gives off a warm and welcoming atmosphere that just makes you want to explore every level. As you might expect, the game features Off-TV Play, which will surely be a welcome sight. When used, the game will zoom in on the main character as you move about the level. The controls for the game also handle very well.

EDGE

Another puzzle game from Two Tribes is EDGE. The puzzle element takes a more active approach in terms of action gameplay mechanics. Not only that, but the game is played in a 3D environment instead of 2D.

You control a cube that can roll over a grid of obstacles and over walls to get to your destination. You won\’t be able to just roll over anything, of course; for example, if a wall is too large, you will just fall back down due to gravity. The main objective of each level is to make it to the end while picking up little colored cubes that are scattered about. How many you pick up, as well as any deaths suffered, will determine your score’s ranking.

The game gets quite clever in how you must progress forward. This includes moving platforms, pushing buttons, as well as having to hang on to the edge of moving platforms as if your life depended on it – because, well, it does. The game becomes quite challenging as it progresses, especially if you intend on picking up every little cube.

The game is a simple look into 3D, with all the platforms and walls being white while the rest of the world is empty and dark. There is some color, such as the cube you control that gradually changes as you advance, as well as the colored edges to other objects. EDGE is nice visually, despite being very simple.

The greatest aspect of the game, beyond the fun gameplay itself, is the music. The game features amazing retro electronic background music and I found myself wanting to play a new level after beating the previous one, just so I could continue to be surrounded by it. Each level made me feel engulfed and I wanted to keep playing until it was 2 am.

RUSH

Last, but not least, is RUSH. This game is very similar to EDGE; in fact, you could easily call EDGE a sister game. The main difference comes from how you play it. In RUSH, you no longer have control over the cubes, but instead, help direct a bunch of different cubes to their goals. You will need to do this without the cubes falling off the level or running into each other.

Each level of the game features an unique objective to solve. This can be several cubes on screen at once to just one cube dispenser firing them at a fast speed. To guide your cubes to their goals, you will be given a set amount of tools to use. There will be many different tools you will be introduced to and, with so many tools and cubes on the stage at the same time, it will start to become quite challenging.

The game not only features Off-TV Play, it is actually played entirely with the Gamepad. You use the Gamepad to zoom in and out, as well as move the camera about. This can be done with the left analog trigger or the touch screen itself. The camera is focused on the center of each level so, while you can move the angle, you will still be viewing the center of the level. On open levels, this is fine and quite useful, but on certain levels, this can become quite an issue. Floor pieces can become a little hard to place and set tools because you are still looking at the center of the level, no matter the angle. In the end, it’s just a little inconvenient. It’s one that might make you annoyed, but won\’t impede you too long in finishing the level.

Each level ranges from being very easy and simple to being complex and off-the-walls difficult. Don\’t worry – if you are having trouble solving any level, you can use two type of hints to guide you back on track. The first hint tells you if any of your current placements are correct or not. If the placement turns green, you know you might have the correct tool placement on top of that block. I say \”might,\” as this type of hint only tells you that something does indeed go there, but not what specifically. The other hint type tells you exactly where placements go to finish the level. Like the first hint, this will only tell you where a placement might go and not what the placement tool will be. Except for the very challenging levels, all levels contain these hints for you to use.

In what must be a first for a Nintendo system, GLaDOS and the Companion Cube from the Portal series makes its way to the Wii U for the first time, thanks to this game. You won\’t be able to play Portal 2, of course, but you will hear many GLaDOS insults and teases in the more challenging levels. There is also an extra mode of levels that features Companion Cubes, too.

All three games are officially finished and are now awaiting final lot check with Nintendo. These games should be up on the eShop sometime in the next few short months. Each game will be available for $3.99 with a special launch price of $1.99. So ,if you are interested in any or all of the above games, I highly recommend purchasing them at launch and not pass up a great opportunity to own them for mere pennies.