Terraria Coming To Mobile Devices

The indie side-scroller Terraria is spreading to yet another platform. Publisher 505 Games says that the game will be hitting iOS, Android and Windows 8 devices sometime this summer.

Terraria is often described as a 2D Minecraft. Players explore an open-world and gather resources. These resources can then be used to craft new items or buildings. The game is a bit more action-oriented than Minecraft, though. Players will be able to journey through dungeons full of rare items and enemies. They can also fight powerful boss characters or defend against random monster invasions. By accomplishing certain goals, players will unlock new NPC's to live in the game world's buildings. It's more of a cross between Minecraft and a "Metroidvania".

Re-Logic, the creators of the game, will not be handling development duties for the mobile version. Instead, it's been farmed out to Dutch studio Codeglue. Codeglue previously created the official mobile game for Scream 4 as well as Xbox Live Arcade shooter Rocket Riot. They're also making co-op puzzle platformer Ibb & Obb for PSN and Steam for release in 2013.

Codeglue has redesigned Terraria's controls for mobile touchscreens. Mobile gamers can also expect leaderboards and Achievements. The Facebook integration will allow players to share screenshots with their friends. The press release from 505 Games says that every part of the game has been "tweaked" and "balanced" in some way in order to better accommodate the mobile experience.

Terraria debuted on the PC in 2011. The game spread to Xbox 360 and PS3 in late March. A PlayStation Vita version, in development at Engine Software, will arrive this summer alongside the mobile editions.

Pete Haas

Staff Writer at CinemaBlend.