TOKYO — (May 1, 2006) — Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG), the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that it is creating and publishing the company's first video game 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 Corporation in Kyoto. The announcement was made this morning from BVG's local offices in Tokyo.
"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 Corporation," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games. "Spectrobes is a new and unique property with endless potential for a dynamic entertainment company such as The Walt Disney Company. 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 is infused with the edgy, highly stylized look and feel of Japanese anime and manga, and uniquely combines original characters, a compelling story and breakthrough gameplay. Spectrobes allows players to excavate, train and battle with nearly 500 unique creatures -- utilizing every interactive feature of the Nintendo DS. Once the creature is excavated using the touch screen portion of the Nintendo DS, the Spectrobe is then awakened and can be utilized in real-time battles with enemies. Players must collect, train and help their Spectrobes evolve in order to progress and succeed in the game. With highly customizable elements and powers, each Spectrobe is unique to individual game players.
The release date for Spectrobes will be announced later.
About Buena Vista Games
Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) is the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company. BVG publishes, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games 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, please log on to www.bvg.com.
About Jupiter Corporation
With headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, Jupiter Corporation designs and develops interactive entertainment software and publishes video game titles licensed by Nintendo. Jupiter's motto is "Let's Play! Let's Smile!" and they continue to push boundaries with innovation and creativity. 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 over million units worldwide. For more information, please log on to http://www.jupiter.co.jp/company/
CONTACTS:
Buena Vista Games
Eric Wein
(818) 553-4137
Bender/Helper Impact
Lilit Baron
(310) 694-3110
[email protected]