Celebrating today's first-time launch of Popeye on mobile phones, Namco Networks and Sprint announced a sweepstakes to promote Namco Networks' latest mobile game to consumers nationwide.
"As a well-known brand seen in everything from DVDs, comics, merchandise, and even theme park attractions, Popeye is a character that appeals to all ages," said Scott Rubin, VP of sales and marketing for Namco Networks. "By coupling this evergreen brand and character with addictive game play, we are bringing a fun and entertaining mobile game to a mass-market audience based on a property and storyline that everyone knows and loves."
In celebration of the nationwide premiere of POPEYE on wireless phones, Namco will be hosting a POPEYE sweepstakes through Nov. 30 on Sprint. Fans of POPEYE and other Namco mobile games can enter for a chance to win one of 75 grand prizes: the authorized edition DVD four-disc set, POPEYE THE SAILOR: 1933-1938 VOLUME 1, distributed by Warner Home Video.
Sprint customers can enter the sweepstakes by accessing the game's home page on the Sprint wireless Web or by texting the word "popeye" to 26262 on a Sprint phone (standard text and data rates apply). Customers can check out the game and submit their phone number to gain an entry into the sweepstakes. Visit www.namcogames.com/popeyesweeps for the official rules and an alternate method of entry.
Capturing the spirit of the classic '80s arcade hit, POPEYE lets players relive the sailor's perennial quest to win back his sweetie, Olive Oyl, while overcoming the antics of his rival, Bluto. Players help Popeye win her back by collecting Olive's love tokens in this mobile-optimized update to the popular arcade classic. Collect the hearts, musical notes and cries of "H-E-L-P" that a captured Olive tosses down to collect bonus points, while avoiding the Sea Hag's thrown bottles, Bluto's punches and other dangers. True to the comic and cartoon series, Popeye is "strong to the finich" if he eats his spinach, temporarily gaining the strength to go after Bluto and knock him off the screen.
POPEYE on mobile includes both the original arcade version of the game, as well as an enhanced mode with bonus game play. Building on the action in the arcade mode, the enhanced mode features fresh new graphics, two brand new rounds ("A Dream Walking" round and "Spinach Run" bonus round), and additional characters, including cameos by Eugene the Jeep and Bernice the Whiffle Hen. Points earned throughout the game can be redeemed for downloadable Popeye comics on mobile phones.
"The launch of POPEYE at [E for All] brings more awareness to the mobile platform as an entertainment device, and is a reflection of Namco Networks' commitment to mobile entertainment for everyone," said Mary Dolaher, CEO of IDG World Expo, the owner of E for All. "We are very much looking forward to having Namco Networks at E for All this week."
Attendees at E for All can preview POPEYE on Sprint phones at Namco Networks' booth (#913).
Since 2002, Namco Networks America Inc., a subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) Inc. and a worldwide leader in the high-tech entertainment industry, has used cutting-edge technology to provide fun, quality entertainment to mobile consumers throughout the Americas. For more information, visit www.namcogames.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
