[HTML2]

Tie-in games can be a treacherous line to traverse. While there are exceptions to the rule, many tie-ins are seen as less-than-favorable. It is for this reason that it's a source of excitement and cautious optimism to hear that Bayonetta developer Platinum Games is working on a game set alongside the popular Nickelodeon show, The Legend of Korra.

Based on the TV show of the same name, The Legend of Korra will take the guise of a third-person brawler. For those familiar with the show, this downloadable game will take place between the events of the second and third seasons and will be written by series mainstay Tim Hedrick. If his work on the show is any indication of the quality that will be present in this title, then cautious optimism is warranted.

The Legend of Korra will find players taking control of series lead and Avatar - Korra - who will make use of her ability to manipulate the elements of water, earth, fire and air to take on hostile forces from the show like Chi Blockers and Mecha Tanks. Of particular note for fans of the show, players will participate in the pro-bending arena where two teams of three benders compete against each other for combat supremacy.

While most tie-ins and adaptations are handled by smaller, less prolific companies, Platinum Games is well known for their talent within the brawler genre. If ever there was a developer who could properly handle the high-octane action and fluidity of combat within the Korra world, it's Platinum considering their previous work with Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" ids="230841,230842,230843,230844"]

For those unfamiliar with the show, not only is the story mature far beyond its childish aesthetic, but it is also characterized by intense and fluid action sequences throughout. If ever there was an IP that lends itself to adaptation, this is it. Less-than-stellar offerings of the past aside, this title has the potential to impress tie-in naysayers and fans of the series alike.

While there's no doubt that this is simply a side project on the way to larger Platinum Games releases like Scalebound and the eventual sequel to The Wonderful 101, this could be the game that effectively brings Platinum's influence out of the hardcore gaming sphere and into the hands of those who may have passed their titles by in the past. With a fan-base as large as the Avatar series has, this could be the demographic breakout that helps an otherwise niche developer expand.

Do you think The Legend of Korra will buck the weak tie-in game trend? What would you like to see from a title like this for it to succeed?

_____

The Legend of Korra is set to release on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3 and PC in fall of 2014.

Follow Ryan on Twitter @ThatRyanB.