Hear it. See it. Play it. Love it.
March 8, 2005
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Game Developer and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press]
Ubisoft | London, UK - 8th March 2005, - Today, Ubisoft, one of the world's leading videogame publishers, announced that it has joined forces with Bandai Company, Ltd to publish and distribute Lumines in Europe. This critically acclaimed music and luminary action puzzle is slated for release in conjunction with the official launch of the PSP in Europe.
Lumines is an addictive, hip, and stylistic musical puzzler reminiscent of Tetris that transcends any puzzle game to date. Created by renowned designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi of REZ, Sega Rally, and Space Channel 5 fame, this puzzle game delivers a unique gameplay experience that challenges players to bust blocks while grooving to evolving rock, techno, and pop musical scores.
"Ubisoft is thrilled to partner with Bandai and Q ENTERTAINMENT to bring Lumines for the PSP to the European launch," said John Parkes, director of marketing at Ubisoft. "Lumines is such a unique and exciting title, we're very pleased to add it to Ubisoft's lineup of superior games."
Game Features
A Simple Puzzler: Users are challenged to control a block until it lands on the ground, creating a square using blocks of the same colour. In order to delete the shape from the field, it must be larger than 2 squares by 2 squares. The larger the square you delete, the higher your score.
A Unique Puzzler: Any expanded square regions will be deleted when the Sequencing Bar passes by. A player's success is determined by how far you can expand the square regions in order to delete large boxes at once.
In Sync: Each key action generates sound effects. The flow of the Sequencing bar and the speed of the descending block are synchronized with the beat of the background music. Once a block is deleted, a music file is played. The more blocks destroyed in a sequence, the better the music.
Single Player Modes: Enjoy 24 stages of graphics and music in Challenge Mode, race the clock and beat the odds in Time Attack Mode, earn graphical skins and avatars as you battle CPU characters in Duel Mode and draw shapes with blocks in Puzzle Mode.
Multi-player Functionality: Through Wireless LAN technology, the user can compete with an opponent in the "VS." Mode
Multiple Game Stages: Four stages, each with its own musical theme and sound effects, offer increasing levels of difficulty tied to beats-per-minute.
Changeable Skins: Users can earn graphical skins as they clear various stages throughout the game. Skins can then be changed to the users liking, much like a media player.
Collectible Characters: Players can increase their collection of characters by beating CPU characters and clearing stages. They can show off their Lumines skills by using the characters they've earned as an avatar, giving themselves a unique identity.
Music led by J-pop artist Shinichi Osawa brings light yet funky tracks adding a depth to Lumines.
Since its December 2004 launch in Japan, Lumines has sold over 40,000 units, becoming one of the most popular launch titles available for the PSP handheld system. The European release of Lumines offers new enhancements including a quicker loading time and skin changes.
® 2005 Q Entertainment and Bandai. Program ® 2005 Q Entertainment and Bandai. Published and distributed by Ubisoft Entertainment under license from Bandai Games Inc. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. LUMINES is a trademark of Bandai. All Rights Reserved.
PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick DuoTM may be required (sold separately). "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
About Bandai Company, LTD
Bandai Co. Ltd. is the third largest toy company in the world, with 30 subsidiaries in 10 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, mobile phone contents, life style goods, plastic model, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and apparel. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd. and the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake and Tamagotchi product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at www.Bandai.com. Bandai Games Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai America Incorporated and the licensor for Lumines in the U.S, company information is available at www.BandaiGames.com.
About Q ENTERTAINMENT
Q ENTERTAINMENT, Inc. specializes in multi platform development and global marketing. Q ENTERTAINMENT creates, produces, and consults in digital entertainment softwares such as game console, PC broadband and mobile units.
Principal game creator & CCO, Tetsuya Mizuguchi came from SEGA as the president of United Game Artists, where he designed critically acclaimed titles such as the Sega Rally franchise, Space Channel 5, and Rez.
Q ENTERTAINMENT CEO, Shuji Utsumi had experience of executive position from Disney, SEGA & SCEA. He produced several famous titles such as Crash Bandicoot (SCEA), Sakura Wars (SEGA), and Kingdom Hearts (Buena Vista Games).
Q ENTERTAINMENT is comprised of veteran designers, programmers, and producers. Q ENTERTAINMENT collaborates with other creators, artists and development studios in Japan and overseas. With a large network and enthusiasm, Q ENTERTAINMENT always anticipates the trends and changes in times to come and develop new value in the videogame industry's business.
About Ubisoft:
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide. It is the fastest growing company in the videogame industry and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge videogame titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 508 million for the 2003-2004 fiscal year, an increase of 22.5 percent over the previous fiscal year at constant exchange rates. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
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