Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG), the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Co., announced its largest and most diverse lineup ever of console, computer and handheld videogame titles at E3 last week.
"Buena Vista Games' 2006 portfolio features the most diverse and extensive product mix to date, with titles based on the rich movie and television brands of The Walt Disney Co. and new original properties that we look to build into evergreen franchises for the future," said Graham Hopper, svp/gm, Buena Vista Games. "We continue to strengthen our self-publishing business with compelling new games that have broad entertainment appeal across all audiences and all major markets worldwide."
Console Games
TUROK is an epic, story-driven FPS game set on a dark, mysterious planet in the near future. Players take on the role of Joseph Turok, a former Black Ops commando, now part of an elite Special Forces squad on a mission to take down a war criminal on a genetically-altered planet. After the ship is shot down while approaching the planet, Joseph Turok must use his instincts and elite military training to elude an army of well-trained soldiers, and the ravenous, unpredictable creatures that populate the dangerous environment. Joseph Turok's mission? Survive at all costs.Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3Release Date: 2007
LUMINES PLUS is a pulsing new version of the original PSP system game for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. LUMINES PLUS includes new skins and a two-player battle mode.Platform: PlayStation 2Release Date: Fall 2006
DISNEY'S MEET THE ROBINSONS, based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated film, is a time-traveling action/adventure game. Players will experience the adventure as Wilbur Robinson, helping him chase the dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his diabolical robotic hat Doris through multiple timelines in an attempt to thwart their evil plans. The game weaves in and out of the film's plot, expanding the Robinson world and offering an all-new adventure. Wilbur will have a host of gadgets at his disposal as he battles enemies and solves puzzles while pursuing Bowler Hat Guy and trying not to alter the future.Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Game Boy AdvanceRelease Date: 2007
Inspired by the "superhero movie within the movie" finale of Walt Disney Pictures' box office hit film CHICKEN LITTLE, DISNEY'S CHICKEN LITTLE: ACE IN ACTION features Ace, the superhero alter ego of Chicken Little, and the Hollywood versions of his misfit band of friends: Runt, Abby and Fish-Out-of-Water. The crew of the intergalactic Battle Barn faces off against Foxy Loxy and her evil Amazonian sidekick, Goosey Loosey, who have an evil plan to take over Earth. Battle evil alien robots through multiple levels across the solar system and combat your foes in one of three distinct game play modes: Ace on foot as a soldier, Runt as the driver of an armored tank, or Abby as the pilot of a spaceship. The original Chicken Little and his friends Abby, Runt and Fish we know from the film are featured in cut scenes throughout the game.Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DSRelease Date: Fall 2006
In DISNEY'S KIM POSSIBLE: WHAT'S THE SWITCH?, Kim Possible and her perennial nemesis Shego must grudgingly team up to bring everything back to normal when the minds of Dr. Drakken and Ron Stoppable are switched in this action-packed adventure. It's now up to Kim and Shego to save the day together.Platform: PlayStation 2Release Date: Fall 2006
Windows PC Game
A lifestyle simulation game for Windows based on the hit ABC/Touchstone Television phenomenon, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: THE GAME lets you become the newest housewife on Wisteria Lane, extending the experience from the TV series through new storylines. As a new housewife, you must uncover delicious scandals and reveal some shocking secrets of your own. The gameplay is a story-driven adventure, in which each episode contains unique plot points and secrets for you to uncover.Platforms: Windows XP, Windows VistaRelease Date: Fall 2006
Handheld Games
An original concept and new intellectual property from Buena Vista Games, SPECTROBES introduces two junior Interplanetary Patrol officers named Rallen and Jeena who learn of strange, prehistoric creatures called Spectrobes that possess special powers. These 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.Platform: Nintendo DSRelease Date: To Be Announced
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST, based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures' film, is a swashbuckling third-person action/adventure. Players will engage in game play that reflects the cunning world of the film franchise with an abundance of disloyalty, humor and revenge. Players embark on a daring adventure while sword dueling and hunting for hidden treasure in the quest for the legendary Dead Man's Chest.Platforms: PSP, Nintendo DS, Game Boy AdvanceRelease Date: June 27, 2006
LUMINES II is the highly anticipated sequel to the extremely addictive puzzle-based video game, LUMINES. Gamers control squares made of four smaller block pieces that are dropped into the playing field one at a time to form same-color squares. The vertical "timeline" sweeps across the playing field from left to right and wipes the same-color squares from the playing field. Unmatched blocks pile up, and the game ends when the pile gets to the top of the playing screen. Advance through many action-packed levels, each with its own musical theme and sound effects.Platform: PSP Release Date: Fall 2006
EVERY EXTEND EXTRA is a unique "puzzle shooter," brought to the PSP system by the creators of the critically acclaimed hit LUMINES. EVERY EXTEND EXTRA delivers an addictive gameplay experience through a fusion of arcade-style shooting action, cutting-edge music and visuals. Players evade enemy attacks and then use perfect timing to blast their foes in a colorful display of explosive chain reactions. The bigger the chain reaction results in the higher the score and the larger the rewards.Platform: PSP Release Date: Fall 2006
METEOS: DISNEY EDITION is a new version of the popular galactic action puzzle title Meteos featuring beloved Disney characters.Platform: Nintendo DSRelease Date: Fall 2006
Licensed Games
Published by THQ, CARS, the videogame, is a high performance interactive experience in the open world created in the film, challenging players to relive the excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends. Fans will discover unique characters and environments inspired by the film with more than 10 playable characters and 30 races and mini games to choose from. The game features a fully immersive recreation of all major environments introduced in the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, which will offer distinctive racing experiences to players while maintaining the artistic style of the film.Platforms: Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, PSP, Game Boy Advance, Windows PC, MacRelease Date: June 2006; Xbox 360 and Wii versions Fall 2006
In PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE LEGEND OF JACK SPARROW, players can be Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann as you hack and slash your way through fully interactive environments, including burning buildings, wrecked ships and misty moonlit caves. One minute you are fighting hordes of enemies and the next you're evading capture by the Royal Navy. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE LEGEND OF JACK SPARROW is being published by Bethesda Softworks.Platforms: PlayStation 2, Windows PCRelease Date: Summer 2006
Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) is the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Co. The division 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.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
