TOMY And D3Publisher Of America Announce NARUTO Fighting Game For Nintendo's Wii System; Game To Feature Original Content Created For North America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES - March 13, 2007 - The rumors have been confirmed, but they were only the tip of the iceberg! TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) today announced the upcoming release of NARUTO: Clash of Ninja MVZ (working title) for Wii - a head-to-head fighting game with content created exclusively for the North American market! Anticipated to ship in Fall 2007, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja MVZ is based on episodes from VIZ Media's hit anime series SHONEN JUMP NARUTO and will include characters that have never been featured in the hit Clash of Ninja game series. The game will take advantage of the Wii Remote in fast-paced ninja action for up to four players in nine different gameplay modes.
"For some time we have wanted to give NARUTO fans in North America something they could not find anywhere else, and in NARUTO: Clash of Ninja MVZ we have a game with original, exclusive content that will amaze them," said Mark Shinohara, executive vice president, TOMY Corporation. "For TOMY, 2007 and the release of NARUTO: Clash of Ninja MVZ will mark a significant milestone in not only our relationship with D3PA, but in TOMY's expansion in the video game industry."
"NARUTO proved to be a significant brand on the Nintendo GameCube in 2006 staying near the top of the sales charts from the release of the first Clash of Ninja in March 2006, to the release of the second Clash of Ninja game in September 2006 and through the holiday season," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development, D3PA. "NARUTO: Clash of Ninja MVZ will take advantage of this exciting new entertainment platform and will reach out to a whole new audience for NARUTO."
The next generation in NARUTO games will include all new character animations, new special attack animations and for the first time new interactive environments. Developed by Eighting, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja MVZ takes advantage of the Wii system by allowing players to launch attacks with the Wii Remote using Ninja-like movements, and features special mini-games created exclusively for use with the Wii Remote.
NARUTO: Clash of Ninja MVZ will include 14 characters - including some that have yet to be featured in the Clash of Ninja game series. The fast-paced ninja action for up to four players will have nine different gameplay modes including Story Mode, Single Player and Multiplayer modes.
About TOMY Corporation
With U.S. headquarters in Santa Ana, California, TOMY Corporation is one of the worlds' oldest and most endearing toy companies. For more than eight decades, TOMY has developed and manufactured a broad portfolio of exciting and educational toys, games and video games for children of all ages. Known for its innovation, quality and safety, TOMY's mission is to produce toys, videogames and merchandise for North America that entertain and inspire children and adults. The Consumer Software Division currently publishes for the Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii. TOMY Corporation is a subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (aka TAKARATOMY in Japan). More information is available at www.TOMY.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.
Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and at www.VIZ.com.
About D3Publisher of America, Inc
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 DSÔ, Wii, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP portable entertainment 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
For Information, Contact:
Kirk Green
Gonzo Communications
(949) 459-2165
kirk@gonzocom.com
Tamara M. Sanderson
Publicity Manager
D3Publisher of America, Inc.
(310) 231-8879
t.sanderson@d3p.us