Atari to Bring More Japanese Titles to New Zealand

Atari and Rising Star Games have made a deal which will see Atari distributing a growing range of console and handheld titles from the new publisher. Rising Star Games Limited is a joint venture between Japanese publisher Marvelous Interactive Inc. and long-standing Japanese Nintendo distributor Bergsala AB. Rising Star's mission is to bring the very best Japanese titles to PAL territories worldwide, including Europe and Australasia, a goal now made possible through the deal with Atari.

"Working with Rising Star presented us an exciting opportunity to bring a wealth of appealing titles to the European and PAL markets," said Jean Michel Perbet, President of Atari Europe. "We're certain that our relationship will prove fruitful, generating sales that might have otherwise eluded this valuable marketplace."

"Atari has a first rate distribution network and wealth of expertise gained through many years experience of publishing and marketing a diverse range of interactive entertainment," said Martin Defries, Chief Operations Officer, Rising Star Games. "There is significant amount of high quality and popular Japanese video game software that the European and other PAL markets have long since demanded, and will now be able to enjoy as a result of our cooperation in bringing these titles to market."

The first wave of releases resulting from the deal include titles for PSP, DS and PlayStation 2, introducing new games alongside enhanced and updated versions of some of interactive entertainment's best loved franchises.

Bubble Bobble: Revolution:
A next-generation version of the classic title from Taito, Bubble Bobble: Revolution makes full use of the Nintendo DS touch screen, giving players the opportunity to interact with the game's vibrant environments in spectacular and innovative ways. As well as 100 new levels, new characters and a multiplayer mode for 2-4 players, the Nintendo DS version includes an entire additional game in the form of the classic Bubble Bobble original, scheduled for release in November 2005.

Rainbow Islands: Revolution:
The next-generation remake of Taito's classic arcade follow up to Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands: Revolution takes advantage of the Nintendo DS touch screen. Advanced game design makes the most of the console's unique interface, and players must use the stylus and touch screen to draw rainbows and carry the game characters through each level. Scheduled for release in February 2006.