If you're anything like me, the one question on your mind since the Wii was released has been "when are we going to get a virtual pet-based presidential campaign-themed mini-game / board game hybrid?" Namco Bandai answers that question for us, finally bringing the VPPCTMBG genre into the next generation with Tamagotchi Party On! Up to four players will be able to compete against each other in challenging mini-games such as "Shaking Hands" in order to become the next president of the Tamagotchi Planet, making it perfect for children with aphephobia who otherwise might never get to experience the joy of handshaking.

Definitely focused at the kids, the news of the Tamagotchi title coming out this spring does bode well for other quirky games that Japan gets on a regular basis that otherwise might never have made it here before the release of Nintendo's quirky little console. Perhaps the apparent payoff of the Wii gamble has opened some eyes to the sheer joy of doing weird things? Michael Fahey

NAMCO BANDAI ANNOUNCES TAMAGOTCHI(R) PARTY ON!(TM) FOR Wii

Become the Most Popular Tamagotchi on Tamagotchi Planet in the Quirkiest and Most Hilarious Game to Hit the Wii This Spring

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (January 16, 2007) - Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that Tamagotchi(R) Party On!(TM) for the Wii(TM) video game console from Nintendo will be coming to North America this Spring 2007. This 3D party game based on the Tamagotchi franchise promises tons of fun as up-to-four players can go head-to-head in the most comical and cute campaign race to become the most popular Tamagotchi on Tamagotchi Planet!

"Tamagotchi Party On! is a seamless blend of both party game and board game as players swing, shake, and turn their Wii controllers in order to control their favorite Tamagotchi," said Naruo Uchida, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.'s Vice President of Localization. "It's the wackiest and cutest popularity contest ever as up-to-four players compete in fun mini-games to become the president of Tamagotchi planet."

Swing your Wii controllers and turn the whole planet into your playing board. Tamagotchi Party On! allows players to choose their favorite virtual pet and engage in a hilarious campaign to become the next president of Tamagotchi Planet. Earn your popularity by going up against three friends or solo in over 15 unique and totally addictive mini-games including shaking hands, finding lost children, and testing your public speaking skills! In order to succeed at each of these mini games, players will have to swing, shake, point, turn and twist their Wii controllers in order to increase their popularity.

Gamers can also use Gotchi points that they earn along the way to level up their characters and customize their very own campaign headquarters. With over six different towns to win over and tons of popularity points to be earned in a number of fun and quirky mini-games, Tamagotchi Party On! brings out the fun in politics without all the mudslinging! Be happy! Be popular! Be president!

To download screenshots, please visit:
www.kohnkecomm.com/dl/bandai/tamagotchi-wii.zip

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