Buena Vista Games Reveals Soundtrack For "Lumines II"
First Handheld Video Game with Actual Music Videos to Include Variety of Popular Artists
BURBANK, Calif. - (July 18, 2006) - Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG), the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced details of the soundtrack and music videos that will appear in the highly anticipated music-based puzzle game, "Lumines II," from renowned developer Q ENTERTAINMENT. As the first handheld video game to feature artists' actual music videos, "Lumines II" for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system is a mesmerizing sequel to the popular game, "Lumines."
"With some of today's most popular artists involved, 'Lumines II' is an amazing project," said Michael Ryder, senior vice president of global production, Buena Vista Games. "Combined with an exceptional game design from Tetsuya Mizuguchi, 'Lumines II' delivers an exhilarating experience."
"In order to showcase my vision for 'Lumines II,' we needed to find music and videos with just the right tone, mix and energy to incorporate into the game," said Tetsuya Mizuguchi, chief creative officer of Q ENTERTAINMENT. "I couldn't be happier with the result and am excited to get the game into players' hands."
Music videos appearing in the game will include (artist and song):
Beck - "Black Tambourine" Black Eyed Peas - "Pump It" Chemical Brothers - "Star Guitar" Fatboy Slim - "Gangster Trippin'" The Go! Team - "Bottle Rocket" Gwen Stefani - "Hollaback Girl" Hoobastank - "Born to Lead" Junior Senior - "Take My Time" Missy Elliott - "Lose Control" New Order - TBDTwo additional songs will also appear on the game's soundtrack:
Junkie XL - "Breezer" Stigmato Inc - "Reality Check""Lumines II" is the highly anticipated sequel to the extremely addictive puzzle-based video game, "Lumines." To play "Lumines II," gamers control squares made of four smaller block pieces that are dropped into the playing field, one at a time, to form same-color rectangles. The vertical "timeline" sweeps across the playing field from left to right, and wipes the same-color rectangles from the playing field. Unmatched blocks pile up and the game ends when the pile gets to the top of the playing screen. Advance through many action-packed levels, each with its own musical theme and sound effects.
"Lumines II" also features music written exclusively for the game by Japanese artist Shinichi Osawa, also known as MONDO GROSSO, who provided the opening track for the original "Lumines." Tracks from Ken Ishii (DJ/producer) and TECHRIDERS, both from Japan, are also in the game. With more than 60 stylish skins, wireless two-player ad hoc gameplay, all new battle modes, sensational new 3D backgrounds, and all-new graphics and streaming video, "Lumines II" promises to deliver an addictive video game experience on a whole new level.
"Lumines" earned widespread acclaim and has sold more than 700,000 units worldwide, to date. According to video game review score compilation site Gamerankings.com, "Lumines" is one of the highest-rated PSP system titles, with an average review score of 90 percent.
"Lumines II" will be available in November throughout North America.
About Buena Vista Games
Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) is the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company. BVG publishes, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with third-party interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. For more information, please log on to www.bvg.com.
About Q ENTERTAINMENT
Q ENTERTAINMENT, Inc. specializes in multiplatform development and global marketing. Q ENTERTAINMENT creates, produces, and consults in digital entertainment software such as game console, PC broadband and mobile units.
Principal game creator & Chief Creative Officer 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.
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CONTACTS:
Buena Vista Games
Eric Wein
(818) 553-4137
Kohnke Communications
Eddiemae Jukes
(415) 777-4000
eddiemae@kohnkecomm.com