Namco Bandai Pushes DSi

Timed nicely (although most likely coincidentally) to coincide with the announcement of the DSi's US release, Namco Bandai revealed itself to be the first third party publisher to support the DSiWare download service. The company shared first details on three upcoming titles with the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu.

Leading the way in name recognition is Korogashi Puzzle Katamari Damacy. Yes, this is a new rendition of Katamari Damacy, only it's not quite what you think. The game only uses themes from the Katamari franchise, and is otherwise another one of those games that can be described as "a falling blocks puzzle game with a tiwst." The twist here is that the blocks that drop onto the field have mini "katamari" clumps in them. These roll around in between the blocks and pick up stuff.

A Japanese release for this twist on Katamari Damacy is planned for March 25, priced at 500 DSi Points. As a somewhat unexpected feature, the game will include an actual voiced theme song from virtual idol Hatsune Miku.

Namco Bandai is also bringing Mr. Driller to DSiWare. Set for a February 25 Japanese release at 800 DSi Points (placing it in the upper pricing bracket for the service), Sakutto Hamareru Hori Hori Action Mr. Driller includes time attack, mission, and drill stone modes, all playable by a solo player. The latter mode disperses throughout the play field special blocks which have a variety of effects.

A WiiWare version of Mr. Driller is also on the way, so be sure and check IGN Wii later in the day for details.

The third DSiWare title from Namco Bandai is one that will likely stay in Japan. Mojipittan Shiritori Tokei is the latest entry in the company's addictive Scrabble-like word puzzle franchise that has appeared on every system since sliced bread. The DSiWare version is being priced at a low 200 DSi Points, but still includes a dictionary with 130,000 words! Japanese speakers can look forward to this download on February 25.

All the release dates in this story are for the Japanese DSiWare service only. We'll let you know when Namco Bandai makes an announcement for the games (well, for Katamari and Mr. Driller at least) on our shores.

http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/954/954943p1.html