"Working with Rising Star presented us an exciting opportunity to bring a wealth of appealing titles to the European and PAL markets," said Jean Michel Perbet, President of Atari Europe. "We're certain that our relationship will prove fruitful, generating sales that might have otherwise eluded this valuable marketplace."
"Atari has a first rate distribution network and wealth of expertise gained through many years experience of publishing and marketing a diverse range of interactive entertainment," said Martin Defries, Chief Operations Officer, Rising Star Games. "There is significant amount of high quality and popular Japanese video game software that the European and other PAL markets have long since demanded, and will now be able to enjoy as a result of our cooperation in bringing these titles to market."
The first wave of releases resulting from the deal include titles for PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo DSTM and PlayStation® 2, introducing new games alongside enhanced and updated versions of some of interactive entertainment's best loved franchises.
Space Invaders: Evolution (PSP)
Developed by Dreams for Rising Star Games, Space Invaders: Evolution is a surprising update of Taito's timeless classic and one of the most recognisable brands in video game history. Gameplay includes both the classic offering plus a totally re-designed invasion rendered in full 3D. The two player multiplayer makes use of PSP in a completely unexpected way by allowing two opponents to take up positions at either end of a single PSP, mirroring the vintage café tabletop console gameplay from the golden age of arcade machines.
Scheduled for release across Europe in January 2006.
Bubble Bobble: Revolution (Nintendo DS)
A next-generation version of the classic title from Taito, Bubble Bobble: Revolution makes full use of the Nintendo DS touch screen, giving players the opportunity to interact with the game's vibrant environments in spectacular and innovative ways. As well as 100 new levels, new characters and a multiplayer mode for 2-4 players, the Nintendo DS version includes an entire additional game in the form of the classic Bubble Bobble original.
Scheduled for release across Europe in November 2005.
Bubble Bobble: Evolution (PSP)
A distinctly different version of the Taito classic to that created for Nintendo DS, Bubble Bobble: Evolution boasts a design specifically created to take advantage of PSP, delivering a highly original gameplay experience and making full use of the console's wide screen. The gameplay, level design and game structure are differ greatly from all other iterations of the title.
Scheduled for release across Europe in February 2006.
Rainbow Islands: Revolution (Nintendo DS)
The next-generation remake of Taito's classic arcade follow up to Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands: Revolution takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS touch screen to provide a captivating gameplay experience. Advanced game design makes the most of the console's unique interface, and players must use the stylus and touch screen to draw rainbows and carry the game characters through each level.
Scheduled for release across Europe in February 2006.
Swords of Destiny (PlayStation 2)
An original PlayStation 2 hack and slash adventure, Swords of Destiny offers some of the most finely-honed combat and lavish environments yet seen on the Sony console. With an engine which makes the most of the PlayStation 2 hardware, players are treated to beautifully designed environments, rich in visual flair and atmosphere. The lock-on based fighting system is satisfying and simple enough to understand within a few seconds play, but deep enough to provide lasting appeal.
Scheduled for release across Europe in January 2006.