Sony’s most recent State of Play was filled with a solid number of updates and reveals, and while not everything seemed like it was destined to be a hit, the same can’t be said forTchia. Being developed by just 12 people,Tchialooks likea wonderfully charming Indie gamethat puts players in the shoes of the titular young protagonist as they explore an island in search of their kidnaped father. Along with some truly breathtaking visuals,Tchiaappears to have some pretty unique gameplay, letting players “soul jump” into animals in order to solve puzzles and fend off foes.
WhileTchia’s recent trailer was enough to gain attention on its own, the real surprise came when it was announced thatTchiawould be coming to PlayStation Plus Extra on launch day, meaning anyone with a subscription can pick up the game for free on its release. This is an incredibly smart move from Sony andTchia’s developers, and it could lead the way toTchiabecoming the nextStray.
Tchia’s PS Plus Launch Is Following in Stray’s Pawsteps
Based on its recent trailer alone, it seems as thoughTchiais already doing enough to separate itself from an incredibly crowded Indie market. A beautiful, vibrant art style dominatesTchia’s trailer, with lush fields of grass and deep blue oceans perfectly capturing that island exploration vibe that it’s going for.Tchia’s gameplay mechanics also set it apart, with swimming, sailing, soul jumping, and rhythm minigames all combining to make a unique and calming experience. On top of all that, it’s also clear just how muchTchia’s development team cares about this project, with a PlayStation Blog post stating that the team hasbased a lot of the game on their homeland of New Caledonia, and has even sourced local talent to provide the voicework.
All that being said, the harsh reality is that even despiteTchia’s unique features and atmosphere, the vast majority of gamers still wouldn’t pick it up, at least not on release day. The gaming market is a constantly crowded one, with AAA games, Indie titles, mobile experiences, and more all fighting for the player’s attention at the same time, and the unfortunate truth is that most players just don’t pick up experimental Indie games likeTchia. But that’s where PlayStation Plus comes in.
Back in July 2022,Strayreleased day-one on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. WhileStrayhad already been building hype over the course of a few years, with trailers appearing during several State of Plays, its inclusion on PS Plus made it more successful than anyone could have thought. For the first few days after its release,Straywas everywhere online, and though its time in the spotlight faded quickly, it burned bright while it was in it, becoming the most popular game on PS Plus. Hopefully,Tchia’s place on PlayStation Plus Extra can give the game at least a similar level of success, allowing gamers who are on the fence to try it out for no additional cost.
Tchiawill release March 21 for PC, PS4, and PS5.
