October 10, 2008
Universal Picture Digital
Platforms Group Creating The Tale of Desperaux Game for Nintendo DS
Handheld Game to be Published by
Brash Entertainment Will Capture Fairytale Look of Animated Feature Film and
Showcase Advanced Acrobatics and Movement
Universal Pictures Digital Platforms
Group (UPDPG) announced today the creation of a handheld video game for the
Nintendo DS based on Universal Pictures’ upcoming animated-adventure feature
film, The Tale of Despereaux. The game is being developed by Fizz Factor, a
Foundation 9 Studio, in conjunction with UPDPG and will be published worldwide
by Brash Entertainment. The title is the second self-funded game UPDPG has
announced this year.
The Tale of Despereaux handheld game
shares the rich look and fairytale feel of the upcoming holiday film of the same
name, and will both follow and extend the storyline from the feature film.
Players will travel across across the Kingdom of Dor, from the whimsical
environs of Mouse World to the kitchen, library and other colorful rooms of the
main castle, and finally, to the dark and sinister dungeon domain of the banned
and feared rats, Rat World. In this modern fairytale about a small mouse born
too brave for his little world, several unlikely heroes will discover that what
you look like doesn’t equal what you are.
The Tale of Despereaux handheld game
will release alongside the feature film, and in conjunction with the console
versions of the videogame, including the XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 2, the Wii, and
PC, this December 2008.
Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman,
Emma Watson and Tracey Ullman lead an all-star voice cast in the animated motion
picture based on the Newbery Medal-winning children’s bestseller. Directed by
Sam Fell and Rob Stevenhagen and produced by Gary Ross and Allison Thomas, The
Tale of Despereaux movie features the additional voice talent of Kevin Kline,
William H. Macy, Stanley Tucci, Ciaran Hinds, Robbie Coltrane, Tony Hale,
Frances Conroy, Frank Langella, Richard Jenkins, Christopher Lloyd, James
Nesbitt and Sigourney Weaver.
“The Tale of Despereaux is fantastic
source material for family-oriented interactive games with its story of courage
and bravery and Despereaux’s adventures both as a mouse and as a
knight-in-training,” said Bill Kispert, vice president and general manager,
interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. “The Nintendo DS game
cleverly plays with the scale of the world as our hero journeys through more
than 30 levels of grand gameplay using amazing acrobatic moves and solving
unique challenges that will entertain Despereaux fans of all ages.”
Players will help Despereaux build
up his courage meter while he learns new abilities; challenge a host of
creepy-crawly enemies including bugs, spiders and rats; and explore the nooks
and crannies of the castle on a quest to rescue Despereaux’s beloved Princess
Pea. The game utilizes unique and exciting movement mechanics like swinging,
climbing and sliding, as well as challenging puzzle elements designed
specifically for the Nintendo DS’ stylus input, such as using candles and other
forms of light to Despereaux’s advantage. In addition, the game features
unlockable levels, costumes, and other secrets throughout for players to
discover.
The Tale of Despereaux will be
available for Nintendo DS, the Nintendo Wii, XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 2 and PC on
December 2, 2008. For more information about the film please visit
www.thetaleofdespereauxmovie.com.