Buena Vista, Jupiter Partner For Original DS Game

Disney video game subsidiary Buena Vista Games has announced that it is creating and publishing the company's first video game based on an original property, Spectrobes, set to release exclusively on Nintendo DS, and apparently poised to transition across to other media such as TV or merchandising. Spectrobes is an anime-inspired action/role playing game that is being developed by close Nintendo affiliate and Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories developer Jupiter Corporation in Kyoto - the company also developed titles including Mario's Picross, Pokemon Pinball, and Pokemon Pinball Ruby and Sapphire, which has sold over million units worldwide. According to the company, 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. Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games commented of the announcement: "We've experienced tremendous success developing new intellectual properties such as Kingdom Hearts in Japan... 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."