The Pushmo series is one of the best kept secrets of Nintendo’s 3DS handheld- it started with the rousing Pushmo in 2011, which provided a unique and dizzying take on puzzle and platforming, and then continued with the equally great Crashmo. There has also been a Pushmo game for the Wii U since then.
Now, the newest game in the series has been announced. It is called Pushmo: Hippa Land. It will be for the Nintendo 3DS, and it will also be free to play, with additional levels being unlocked by paying money. You can choose to pay 500 yen (roughly $5) to unlock 100 levels, and 300 yen each for level packs of 50, each of which feature a new playable character.
Personally, I am not sure what I think of a free to play Pushmo game, but at the very least, Nintendo has so far avoided falling into the free to play trap of compromising core game design to prompt more payments from players.
No western release for the title has been announced yet, but it is only a matter of time. We will keep you posted.