July 7, 2008
Natsume
Celebrates 10 Years Of Harvest Moon with Two New Titles this Summer
Special Anniversary Packaging,
Plush Toys, Strategy Guides and an Exclusive DS Lite Kit Just Some of the
Specialty Items that will Commemorate the Beloved Series
Natsume announced today that the
company is celebrating the ten-year anniversary of its popular Harvest Moon
franchise this summer. In commemoration of the anniversary, Natsume is launching
two new Harvest Moon titles later this quarter and offering a host of retail
promotions surrounding the launches.
Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness
for the Nintendo DS and Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility for the Nintendo Wii
will both be available at retail later this summer, and will be branded with
special packaging marking the 10th anniversary. In addition, a line of
collectible plush toys featuring the cute and friendly animal characters from
the games will also be available as a pre-order bonus/gift with purchase at
select retailers. Other special promotions surrounding the anniversary include
an exclusive 10th anniversary Harvest Moon DS Lite Kit (with protective cover,
stylus, screen wipe and more) and two new strategy guides from BradyGames.
The Harvest Moon series began ten
years ago when it launched on the Super Nintendo. Since then, the RPG/Simulation
series has garnered a large and loyal fan base, and has appeared on most every
home and handheld console available, including GameBoy, GameBoy Color, GameBoy
Advance, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Nintendo DS, PlayStation, PlayStation2, PSP and
soon the Nintendo Wii.
The series has sold millions of
units in North America, with 20 incarnations over the course of 10 years. The
games are usually set in rural towns packed with interesting and friendly
characters where the player is tasked with running a successful farm, creating a
family by getting married, having children, and befriending the people in the
town to help build up their land. The games are great for players of all ages
because they provide wholesome, non-violent entertainment anyone in the family
can enjoy.
"The concept of Harvest Moon games
is simple: hard-working people should get rewarded for what they have done. We
want players to take this concept they get in the game, and apply it to their
real life, too," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. "We couldn’t
be happier that the series has caught on with so many fans. It’s their
tremendous enthusiasm and support that has kept the series growing and evolving
over these past ten years."
Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness
(DS)
In the largest portable Harvest Moon experience ever, Harvest Moon: Island of
Happiness for the Nintendo DS tasks players with building their own paradise as
they find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island. Starting off with an
abandoned farm, a handful of seeds, and the determination to start a new life,
it’s up to the player to attract settlers by making their farm robust and the
island prosper, By harvesting crops, raising animals, and mining for precious
gems, gamers will help the island grow into a vibrant town filled with people,
businesses, and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Players can take on the
role of a boy or a girl while falling in love and starting a family. For a
competitive feel, gamers can also play against other ranchers via the Nintendo
Wi-Fi Connection.
Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility (Wii)
In Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility for the Nintendo Wii, you find yourself in
a troubled island town which once prospered with life and energy, but is now in
serious trouble. The mystical Mother Tree that once watched over the island has
disappeared, and the Harvest Goddess is nowhere to be found! The island has lost
its connection with nature and the inhabitants don’t know what to do – it’s up
to you to save the island! You must help to rebuild the island by tending to the
earth, befriending and raising animals, nurturing friendships, and creating a
family. When the giant Mother Tree is reborn, the Harvest Goddess will return
and bring prosperity to the island once again. Long-time Harvest Moon fans as
well as new players will find an exciting, involving storyline and plenty of
activities including cultivating crops, caring for animals, and participating in
festivals. All-new controls for the Nintendo Wii Remote give players the chance
to feel like they’re really farming!
Both Harvest Moon: Island of
Happiness and Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility will be on display at this
month’s E3 trade show in the Los Angeles area and will be available at retail
later this summer.
For more information on either of
the new Harvest Moon titles, please visit
www.natsume.com.
