Joining up with the music-gaming genre this week is Disney Interactive Studios, who announced Tuesday they will launch ULTIMATE BAND, VARIETY reports.
Unlike GUITAR HERO and ROCK BAND, the new Disney title will work on existing controllers for Nintendo Wii and DS, using the motion-sensing capabilities of the Wii controller and the touch screen on the DS.
ULTIMATE BAND will be released exclusively on the two Nintendo consoles.
The DS version will use the same technology as the HANNAH MONTANA music game, also on DS.
Activision's GUITAR HERO generated the most revenue of any video game franchise in 2007, with three new games coming in 2008.
MTV's new ROCK BAND was also a solid hit, with a follow-up expected in time for the 2008 holidays.
THQ is also developing a music game title called BAND MASHUPS.
Disney expects their version to stand out with family-friendly play and songs, a visually different interface and a lower cost -- no extra controllers or peripherals.
ULTIMATE BAND will feature covers of songs like "Steady as She Goes" by the Raconteurs, the Who's "My Generation" and "Fell in Love With a Girl" by the White Stripes.
Fall Line Studio, a development house Disney Interactive created in 2006, is developing ULTIMATE BAND.
Disney Interactive is moving beyond their successful franchises, with more original titles expected this year, including stunt racing game PURE, a HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL game, and adaptations of upcoming films PRINCE CASPIAN and BOLT.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
