A 'Spiritual Successor': Puzzle Quest: Galactrix:

The most obvious changes in this semi-followup to Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords are the space theme and the new circular game space, which allows for some interesting mechanics that are a slight-but-satisfying shift from the typical match three rules of play. As is obvious from screenshots, Galactrix has a galactic setting, with spaceships, stars, and planets. In this incarnation, players can have up to three ships with various capabilities and stats, so they can swap up play styles easily throughout the game.

I found the new layout of the play area, now in a circle shape, interesting — instead of falling down in a straight line, game pieces can slide in from all sides. The direction from which they slide depends on how you play your line of three (or however many) — while casual players probably won't notice this feature, it does add an extra bit of strategy. The game is due out in the first quarter of '09, for PC, XBLA, and DS.

Aliens for the Kiddies: Ben 10: Alien Force

Ben 10: Alien Force is a Cartoon Network property that features a kid (the titular Ben) who, while on summer vacation, comes to possess a watch known as the Omnitrix. The Omnitrix allows Ben to transform into a variety of alien forms in order to battle evil and save the world. A game based on the series (Ben 10: Protector of Earth) was released last year, and Ben 10: Alien Force is seeking to follow up on the apparent success of that game.

The game is an 3D action-brawler; it features 5 playable characters. While only Ben can transform into aliens, these aliens are selectable and each have unique qualities. The Wii and PS2 versions will feature a multiplayer coop mode; the DS version more strongly resembles a side scroller, but does feature three exclusive aliens. The game also features puzzles, though it was mentioned that it is not a puzzle heavy game — the focus is supposed to be on accessible, fun gameplay, estimated at 6 to 11 hours if one is breezing through and not focusing on collecting all the unlockables.

The game will see an October 28th release, launching simultaneously on the DS, PSP, Wii, and PS2. Yuri Lowenthal, the voice actor for Ben in both the cartoon and the game, wandered over to offer some thoughts on the challenges of recording for games — namely, most sessions are done alone, sometimes with very little context for what is going on beyond the actual lines.

My, That's Some Rack You Have: Onechanbara

Despite the enthusiasm of the person demonstrating this Wii game from Sandlot, which was compared to Earth Defense Force, I came away pretty unimpressed regarding this hack and slash — and I do love me some ridiculous hack and slash games every once and a while. 'It's like playing a cult-following B horror movie!' cried the demonstrator as he hacked and slashed his way through hordes of zombies with the Wiimote. It certainly had enough ridiculous costuming, jiggling cleavage, and blood to qualify.

The game features two sisters, Aya and Saki; players can choose to play as either and also engage in coop modes. Perhaps the most 'interesting' feature is the 'blood coating everything including your character' aspect of the game — if your sword gets covered it blood, it becomes dull and starts getting stuck in your zombie enemies. You must clean the sword off to return your weapon to its slashing glory. Furthermore, your character can become completely coated and go into a special rage mode, doing tons of damage ('The developers really like this because she looks naked!').

The game only has a Wii release planned in first quarter of 2009; it will be a 'budget title' and clock in for less than $59.99, actual price not yet decided.

Classical Shmup: Bangai-O Spirits

A follow up to Bangai-O, a side scrolling shmup released for the Dreamcast and N64, Bangai-O Spirits is a pretty retro looking game that features some playful technology. Featuring over 160 levels with an old school arcade feel, most of the presentation focused on the level editing and sharing capabilities.

Every level can be customized as you play to tailor your play experience, and for those among us who like creating things, levels can be created and shared. The interesting part is the delivery method, known as 'sound load.' It was a little hard to hear in the D3 room, but as a level was saved, it was possible to hear a sort of melody. This melody — the level save — can be uploaded or saved to computer as a .wav file. To transfer a saved level to the DS, one plays back the .wav while using the DS microphone. I didn't get an exact explanation of precisely how all this works, and it does seem ripe for mistranslation somewhere, but it's a cool idea nonetheless.

The North American release features some exclusive content, including eight all new levels and can support one to four player local wifi play. It will be released August 12th, and will be going for $29.99.

Baa, Baa Black Sheep: Shaun the Sheep

OK, I love sheep. I think real sheep are pretty cute, if kind of stupid, and really like the variety that don't barge through fences (i.e., trapped in a video game). Shaun the Sheep is an animated series from the Wallace and Grommet people, Aardman Studios — shown on Disney in the US, it's now getting a darling DS title to go with its adorable show. These are really, really cute sheep, and I had to stop myself from squeeing when the DS was fired up to demonstrate the game.

Shaun is a preternaturally intelligent sheep who is tasked with finding fifteen of his less cerebrally endowed herdmates in the game; the puzzle/adventure title is, unsurprisingly, being marketed as family friendly and fun for kids. Shaun features lots of mini and micro games and lots of cute sheep. The nature of gameplay is designed for kids, but also won't bore the pants off adults, especially those who are fans of Aardman productions.

The game will be released for DS on September 23rd and will retail for $29.99 — and feature lots and lots of cute and fuzzy sheep. Lots of sheep.

Cartoon Network Launches New Build-Your-Own Ben 10: Alien Force Game on CartoonNetwork.com

New Ben 10: Alien Force Game Creator and Current Record-Holding Ben 10 Digital Offerings Build Excitement for Newly Revamped Series of Hit Animated Show

ATLANTA—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Cartoon Network New Media today launched Ben 10 Alien Force: Game Creator, a new, free online game that merges the popular animated action franchise with user-generated content, marking the first game of its kind.

Beginning today, fans can access the tools and animations they need to build their own action-adventure game featuring the new series Ben 10: Alien Force, which premiered with record-breaking ratings April 18 on Cartoon Network. The game is based on the new Ben 10 series, which advances the plot five years into the future. The Ben 10: Alien Force Game Creator lets users easily build their own online games and share them with fans everywhere. Players choose their own hero from four of Ben's new aliens — Swampfire, Humongousaur, Jetray and Spidermonkey — each of which has unique powers and abilities that impact game play. Completed games can be shared with friends and sent to CartoonNetwork.com's game gallery for other fans to play and rate.

Ben 10 games are consistently among the most popular of the 190+ free games at CartoonNetwork.com. Most recently, the first game based on the new series, Ben 10 Alien Force: Forever Defense, smashed records on the site, scoring more than five million game plays in its debut week of March 10 - 16, 2008. The previous game-play record-holder for the site was also from Ben 10 with Ben 10: Savage Pursuit, which grabbed more than four million game plays its first week online in October of 2007.

"This year we will launch thousands of new games — or, rather, our audience will," said Paul Condolora, senior vice president, Digital for Turner's Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media Group. "Ben 10: Alien Force Game Creator gives kids the power and creative freedom to build and publish their own games and is a first step in our ambition to become the number one online destination where kids go to create, play and share games."

Ben 10 games currently dominate the top 10 most popular games at CartoonNetwork.com, holding five of the top ten spots, including Ben 10: Alien Force Forever Defense at No. 2; Ben 10: Alien Force Action Packs at No. 3; Ben 10: Battle Ready at No. 4 and Ben 10: Cannonbolt Pinball at No. 5.

Ben 10 characters are also part of Cartoon Network New Media's upcoming foray into the massively multiplayer online gaming market with Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall. In addition, Ben 10 has invaded the mobile space with its title on Cartoon Network's games channel on Smashing Games for Verizon subscribers. Ring tones and wallpapers for mobile devices also are available at CartoonNetwork.com.

Ben 10 premiered on Cartoon Network in January 2006 and has consistently been the network's #1 show on Saturday mornings. Along with the new series, Ben 10 has also spawned a tremendously successful toy and video game line as well as two hit television movies. The live-action movie Ben 10: Race Against Time set record ratings for the network when over 13 million viewers watched during its 2007 Thanksgiving weekend premiere.

The newest Ben 10 series, Ben 10: Alien Force, premiered Friday, April 18, 2008 at 8 p.m. (ET, PT), and was the most-watched original series premiere in Cartoon Network history. The new series began the next chapter in the Ben 10 saga five years later, when 15-year-old Ben Tennyson chooses to once again put on the OMNITRIX. He discovers that it has reconfigured his DNA and can now transform him into 10 brand new aliens. Joined by his super-powered cousin Gwen Tennyson and his equally powerful former enemy Kevin Levin, Ben is on a mission to find his missing Grandpa Max. In order to save his Grandpa, Ben must defeat the evil DNAliens, a powerful alien race intent on destroying the galaxy, starting with planet Earth. Ben joins forces with other young heroes to save the galaxy and his Grandpa Max, while passing along his knowledge to a whole new generation.

Ben 10: Protector of the Earth Website

All the graphics guys have to do is make it look like the cartoon, which they seem to be doing a passable job of here. I'll be the graphics guy. Developing gives me a headache. Michael Fahey

The DS version is being worked on by 1st Playable of Puzzle Quest fame, with all other developing duties going to High Voltage, makers of the Family Guy game. Oh boy.

After my initial posting about this game I went and bought the entire first season on DVD, so now I'm going to be even more upset if they take this charmingly quirky license and mangle it beyond recognition. I warn you D3 Publisher, should you fail you're in for one hell of a strongly worded letter. Michael Fahey

D3Publisher of America to Bring Cartoon Network's Hit Show Ben 10 to Video Game Systems This Fall with Ben 10: Protector of Earth

LOS ANGELES —(Business Wire)— D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) announced today that it will bring Cartoon Network's hit original series Ben 10 to video game systems for the first time this fall with Ben 10(TM): Protector of Earth for the Wii(TM) home video game system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS(TM) portable handheld system and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system. In Ben 10: Protector of Earth, players take on the role of Cartoon Network's popular everyday-kid-turned-superhero, Ben Tennyson. Using the power of the Omnitrix, which has embedded itself on Ben's wrist, players will be able to battle as one of five popular alien heroes from the show - soon to be revealed! By taking on these amazing powers, players can save the world through the game's diverse challenges, puzzles and skirmishes.

"Ben 10: Protector of Earth authentically portrays characters from the hit animated series, including Ben, Gwen and Grandpa Max, evil Kevin 11, the Forever Knights and even Ben's arch-enemy Vilgax," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development for D3PA. "The Omnitrix's most popular alien heroes will be accessible as playable characters, and a familiar summer vacation storyline including all-new locations and content for players will immerse gamers in Ben's world like never before!"

"Taking the action-packed world of Ben 10 to the next level and creating an immersive gaming experience for our fans is really exciting for us," said Christina Miller, vice president of Consumer Products for Cartoon Network Enterprises. "D3PA has a proven talent for turning Cartoon Network's popular characters into authentic and well-designed video games. The variety of powerful action play in Ben 10: Protector of Earth will engage players of all levels and keep them coming back."

At first glance, 10-year-old Ben looks like your average, everyday kid, but upon closer inspection it's plain to see he's the world's youngest action hero, stopping evildoers from Earth and space! With the help of the Omnitrix, Ben can transform into heroic alien forms with extraordinary powers. The evil Vilgax, with the help of Kevin 11 and the Forever Knights, has set in motion a plan to capture the Omnitrix and the world is in danger ... Ben 10: Protector of Earth is an exciting game full of familiar characters on a quest to stop Vilgax and save the day!

Ben 10: Protector of Earth for Nintendo DS is under development by 1st Playable Productions, LLC. All other versions are under development by High Voltage Software, Inc. The game is currently rated "RP" ("Rating Pending") by the ESRB and is slated for release in Fall of 2007.

The Emmy(R)-winning Ben 10 on Cartoon Network has a devoted fan base with over five million boys tuning in each month over the summer and millions more logging on to play Ben 10 games online. Building on that momentum, the network has also announced two long-form movies for the show, which will debut later this year.

The series has also been doing well at retail with a top-selling, award-winning toy line and numerous deals in place for consumer products including sporting goods, apparel and home furnishings.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

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Cartoon Network has awarded D3Publisher of America the video game rights to the popular cartoon Ben 10, which features a young boy named Ben who discovers an alien device that allows him to transform into different alien heroes, each with their own unique form and powers. It's kind of like the old DC Dial H for Hero comic. Speaking of which, someone needs to secure those rights. Dial H would make an awesome game...just think of the downloadable community created content possibilities alone. Boggles the mind it does.

Anyway, Ben 10 has all the properties in place to make an excellent video game. A morphing hero that can adapt to many different situations, a Cthulu looking alien enemy complete with minions, a human nemesis named Kevin 11 who would be perfect for two-player competitive gameplay...the list goes on. Of course, as a licensed Cartoon Network children's property whichever developer the license ends up with will mangle it horribly, but a guy can dream. Michael Fahey

Cartoon Network Awards D3Publisher of America The Gaming Rights to Ben 10

Letting Any Kid Be an Alien Superhero

What kid wouldn't want to be Ben Tennyson - a boy who can turn into hundreds of different alien heroes? Soon they can. Cartoon Network Enterprises, the global licensing and merchandising arm of the network, has awarded D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) the gaming rights to the hit action-adventure series Ben 10. D3PA, a leading publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, has worldwide publishing rights to develop and publish console, handheld and PC games based on the Ben 10 series. The first Ben 10 interactive video game is scheduled for release in fall 2007.

"Interactive gaming has proven to be a leading category for our core audience," said Christina Miller, vice president of U.S. consumer products for Cartoon Network Enterprises. "We are fortunate to be partnering once again with an industry leader who knows the trends and gaming formats that will appeal to our fan base and allow them to experience Ben's world in a whole new way."

"Cartoon Network's Ben 10 has all the right ingredients for a successful game," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development, D3PA. "Working with this strong franchise will give D3PA the opportunity to translate the smart and edgy action of the series into a fantastic gameplay experience for its large fanbase."

Ben 10 follows the exciting adventures of 10-year-old Ben Tennyson who discovers a strange alien "wristwatch" called the Omnitrix, that enables him to transform into different alien beings, each with unique powers and abilities—all while retaining his 10-year-old personality. The series launched in January 2006, ranking #1 in its time period on basic cable for delivery with boys 6-11 and 9-14.

Ben 10, which was recently greenlit for a fourth season, can be seen on Cartoon Network Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. ET/PT where it anchors the popular Miguzi programming block. New episodes of Ben 10 will debut on Saturdays at 10 a.m. beginning February 17th.

The Ben 10 game from D3PA will help to round out an already robust Ben 10 consumer products program, which includes toys, games, apparel, footwear, accessories, home furnishings, back-to-school items and publishing.
Cartoon Network has a strong partnership with D3PA which has produced games for Nintendo's GBA and DS platforms based on the network's animated rock adventure Hi Hi PuffyAmiYumi.

D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube , Nintendo DS , PlayStation game console, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of marquee animation franchises including Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd and Eddy, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, My Gym Partner is a Monkey, Camp Lazlo, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Adult Swim and more. Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

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