Midway Announces Game Party, TouchMaster sequels

Publisher and developer Midway Games has announced Game Party 2 for Wii and TouchMaster 2 for DS, both of which are scheduled to release this fall. Game Party 2 will feature 11 games in all, comprising of several favorites from the original, such as Skill Ball, Darts, and Hoop Shot, and new games as well, like Bean Bags, Horseshoes, Lawn Darts, and Puck Bowling. All of the games will benefit from Game Party 2’s new features, which include a four-player mode, customizable characters, and tournament play. Released for the Wii in November 2007 and February 2008 in the U.S. and Europe respectively, the original Game Party has reportedly shipped over one million units worldwide to date. Midway's Matt Booty previously commented on the casual game collection in an interview with Gamasutra, noting Game Party’s impressive sales in both U.S. and Europe and hinting at the company’s plans to create more Wii titles based on that success TouchMaster 2 adds 20 new card, action, strategy, puzzle, and picture games to its collection of casual mini-games, including twists on classics like Mahki, Poker and Solitaire. As with the original TouchMaster DS game, this follow-up mirrors the interactive touchscreen mini-games featured in Midway’s popular TouchMaster arcade machines, which are often found in bars, restaurants, and sports establishments. Said Midway Home Entertainment vice president of marketing Mona Hamilton: “Following the great success of the first installments, Game Party 2 and TouchMaster 2 are guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment, whether alone or in a group, for people of all ages. Casual game fans enjoyed the intuitive style of the originals, which have now been expanded and enhanced but still maintain that pick-up-and-play feel.”