Developer-turned-publisher Nnooo will be bringing bunny greatness to the Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox One. No matter what console you use, odds are you’ll be able to pick up Blast ‘Em Bunnies, which is being both developed and published from the Sydney-based company. The game was announced back in 2013 and Matt was able to try it out around the same time at EB World Expo, describing the game as “a rhythmical, hypnotic experience.”
Related reading: Nnooo looks to build Australian games development through publishing.
But October 2013 was a long time ago, so let me take this time to refresh you on what exactly Blast ‘Em Bunnies is. Actually, never mind, the title pretty much covers it. The player takes on the roll of Bang Bang, a cute little bunny rabbit who needs to defend his burrow against on onslaught of evil bunnies who have captured his offspring and are holding them hostage. No wonder the poor bunny starts shooting up the place!
The guns available are unusual but well-suited for a game about rabbit combat. Options range from a carrot rifle to a watermelon machine gun or a turnip mortar. Collect coins by shooting them, then use what you’ve earned to purchase new weapons (four total), upgrades, or ammo. The ammo options (16 total, or four for each weapon) are as fabulous as the weapons: sticky raspberries, heat-seeing chilli seeds, leek laster, and pumpkin bombs await those who dare attack your humble bunny abode.
Battles take place in an arena with enemy bunnies spawning around you. Enemy bunnies aren’t just clones though, as there are several different kinds: Runners, Walkers, Burrowers, Grenadiers, Blockers, Bosses, Throatslitters, and Golden Bunnies all pose unique challenges. For example, the Throatslitter tries to dispatch your young against you and the Golden Bunny is a champ at evading bullets.
The controls in Blast ‘Em Bunnies should be easy to learn, as I imagine they mimic the common shooter controls. Those playing with a motion-capable device (such as the PS4, PS Vita, or 3DS) can even choose to aim using the motion controls in addition to the traditional ones. Survival mode is offered in Easy, Normal, Hard, and Very Hard; slaughter mode can be played in Normal, Super, or Ultra difficulty. Missions will refresh upon past mission completion as well as daily, giving Blast ‘Em Bunnies what should be a good amount of replay value.
Blast ‘Em Bunnies is designed to start at a low price point, with lots of additional content available for purchase. The base game is priced at US$/€4.99. There are five arena packs, each costing €1.99 and containing a new area, day/night system, and three music tracks. There are five skin packs, each costing €2.99 and containing three skins for each bunny type (21 skins total per pack). Multiplier packs vary in price from free to €9.99, with different multipliers increasing how many coins are collected. For those too impatient to collect the game’s four weapons, the weapon pack will unlock everything for €2.99-4.99. Bundles are also available, some matching arenas with skins, and some containing everything (or almost everything). For €20, PS4, Vita, and Xbox One owners can purchase the game, all skins, all arenas, and all multipliers (which add up to almost €45 when purchased separately).
The release schedule varies depending on your region and console. On March 8, the PS4 and PS Vita versions will be released in North and South America; on March 9, these versions will also be available in Europe and Australia. PlayStations users can purchase the game as a part of Cross-Buy and receive the PS4 and Vita versions for one price. On March 10, the 3DS version will be released worldwide. On March 11, the Xbox One version will also be released internationally. Xbox One players may also preorder the game or Super Mega Bundle (the game, five arena packs, five skin packs, and three multiplier bonuses) beginning today.
– Lindsay M.
News Editor
