Did you know that LittleBigPlanet was the first game developed by Media Molecule? LBP was one of the best games released on the PlayStation 3 and LBP2 really showed the potential of the PlayStation 3 and the PS3’s “Play. Create. Share.” line of games. Of course, leave it to Media Molecule to also make a must-own title for Sony’s PlayStation Vita handheld console.

According to critics, Tearaway has vaulted to the top of the list of must-own Vita games. Considering that the most common complaint about the Vita is a lack of worthwhile exclusives, Tearaway certainly makes a case that you don’t need to tie into a big PlayStation franchise to be a good Vita game. Critics loved the charm and the way the game used just about every aspect of the Vita.

Destructoid (100%): Everything just works so well in unison. The soundtrack is delightful and odd, at times reminiscent of Paprika’s parade fanfare with its lively horns. The world, put together in paper scraps, is unbelievable in its artistry and function. Tearaway’s paper water and ripples as you walk through it are more impressive than any realistic water graphics I’ve ever seen. The level of unique detail in the world is staggering. Every moment spent immersed in it is heartwarming. Fittingly, it feels positively handcrafted.

Polygon (95%): Tearaway is a rare breed, the kind of game that was engineered to be supremely easy to fall in love with. It’s not just the inherent charm of its paper world, its infinitely catchy folk-electronic soundtrack or its cast of quirky characters. It’s the way the game involves you at every turn — the way the world moves when you touch it. I never felt like I was beating Tearaway as much as collaborating with it. From cover to cover, Tearway is an engrossing, spellbinding experience.

Game Informer (90%): Tearaway is brilliantly out of step with much of mainstream game development. It’s gentle, distinctly British brand of whimsy and imaginative visual style makes it an experience unlike any other you’ll have this year. The core gameplay isn’t exceptional, but it’s solid enough to let the brilliant puzzles, art, and level designs shine.

Eurogamer (80%): It’s not a long game, but for every section of simple platforming there’s a moment of pure creative delight that leaves most other games looking stuffy and sterile, locked away behind their joypads and glass, away from your prodding, inquisitive fingers. Tearaway’s tactile world may be no more real, but while you’re under its spell it certainly doesn’t feel that way.

Joystiq (60%): If only Tearaway hadn’t relied so much on a clumsy Vita control scheme, it might have been an enchanting bit of portable escapism, but instead it’s a lot of sighs boxed in an adorable wrapper.