Buena Vista Games Inc. announced that it is creating and publishing the company's first videogame based on an original property, SPECTROBES. Set to release exclusively for the Nintendo DS, SPECTROBES is an anime-inspired action/role playing game that is being developed by Jupiter Corp. in Kyoto.
"We've experienced tremendous success developing new intellectual properties such as KINGDOM HEARTS in Japan, and the innovation and style of SPECTROBES are a perfect fit for the expertise of renowned developer Jupiter Corp.," said Graham Hopper, svp/gm, Buena Vista Games. "SPECTROBES is a new and unique property with endless potential for a dynamic entertainment company such as The Walt Disney Co. There is tremendous interest in this franchise from other divisions such as media networks, online and consumer products."
"Based on BVG's original concept and utilizing the creative style of Japanese anime, manga and traditional Japanese art, SPECTROBES is an innovative game developed by the outstanding team at Jupiter," said Kentaro Hisai, producer at BVG Japan. "The game's intense real-time battle and unique excavation features should enthrall gamers throughout the world."
SPECTROBES introduces two junior Interplanetary Patrol officers named Rallen and Jeena who learn of strange, prehistoric creatures called Spectrobes that possess special powers. These fossilized Spectrobes hold the key to defeating a vicious and merciless force, known only as the Krawl that threatens to destroy the galaxy. The two heroes embark on a mission to save their galaxy - to do so they must excavate, awaken, train and collect all the Spectrobes they can and battle to defeat the Krawl.
SPECTROBES allows players to excavate, train and battle with nearly 500 unique creatures utilizing every interactive feature of the Nintendo DS. Players must collect, train and help their Spectrobes evolve in order to progress and succeed in the game.
The release date for SPECTROBES will be announced later.
Buena Vista Games Inc. (BVG) is the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Co. BVG publishes, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform videogames and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with third-party interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. For more information, log on to www.bvg.com.
With headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, Jupiter Corp. designs and develops interactive entertainment software and publishes videogame titles licensed by Nintendo. Jupiter's worldwide best-selling titles include KINGDOM HEARTS: CHAIN OF MEMORIES, PICROSS Series (MARIO'S PICROSS, SUPER PICROSS), and POKEMON PINBALL (Game Boy Color version), as well as POKEMON PINBALL RUBY and SAPPHIRE, which has sold more than million units worldwide. For more information, log on to www.jupiter.co.jp/company/.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
