News

LUMINES™: UBISOFT DROPS IT LIKE IT’S HOT

Critically Acclaimed PSP™ Handheld Entertainment System Launch Title Earns Rave Reviews from Top-Tier Press

SAN FRANCISCO – March 23, 2005 — Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s leading video game publishers, announced that Lumines for the PSP™ handheld entertainment system is now available at all major video game retailers. Lumines was created by renowned developer Tetsuya Mizuguchi and jointly developed by Bandai Company Ltd. and Q ENTERTAINMENT. Lumines has an ESRB rating of “E10+” for Suggestive Themes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $39.99.

Since the U.S. announcement of Lumines, it has currently been the most popular PSP system title on all three leading video game websites: GameSpot, IGN and GameSpy*. It has also received spectacular review scores from USA Today, and GameSpot. USA Today named Lumines “the best game for the PSP” handheld system and gave it four out of four stars – the only PSP system launch title to receive a perfect score. According to GameSpot, “Lumines may very well be the greatest Tetris-style puzzle game since Tetris itself,” with a superb 9 out of 10 review score. Lumines also received IGN’s Editor’s Choice Award.

“Ubisoft is thrilled to have Lumines as its premier launch title for the PSP handheld system,” said James Regan, director of new business development at Ubisoft. “Lumines offers the player many ways to use the PSP handheld system’s innovative features; it’s incredibly fun combination of puzzles and music makes this game a ‘must-have’ for every PSP owner.”

Lumines takes full advantage of the PSP system’s vivid colors, sound and wide-screen features. Players delete sequences of 2x2, or larger, square blocks of the same color, and simultaneously groove to evolving musical scores of rock, techno and pop through the built-in stereo speakers. Numerous levels of graphics and music are available with single-player, wireless multiplayer and bonus modes. Players will earn changeable skins and can increase their number of collectible characters as they progress in the game. Lumines will bring a musical puzzle-fusion experience to all PSP handheld system owners.

*Ranking based on the aggregated unique visitors on GameSpot, IGN and GameSpy since March 1st – Source Gametrax and Gamermetrics.

© 2005 Q ENTERTAINMENT and Bandai. Program © 2005 Q ENTERTAINMENT and Bandai. Published and distributed by Ubisoft Entertainment under license from Bandai Games Inc. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. LUMINES is a trademark of Bandai. All Rights Reserved. PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately). “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

About Bandai Company, LTD

Bandai Co. Ltd. is the third largest toy company in the world, with 30 subsidiaries in 10 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children’s entertainment, video game software, mobile phone contents, life style goods, plastic model, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and apparel. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd. and the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children’s toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake and Tamagotchi product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at www.Bandai.com. Bandai Games Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai America Incorporated and the licensor for Luminies in the U.S, company information is available at www.BandaiGames.com.

About Q ENTERTAINMENT

Q ENTERTAINMENT, Inc. specializes in multi platform development and global marketing. Q ENTERTAINMENT creates, produces, and consults in digital entertainment softwares such as game console, PC broadband and mobile units.

Principal game creator & CCO Tetsuya Mizuguchi came from SEGA as the president of United Game Artists, where he designed critically acclaimed titles such as the Sega Rally franchise, Space Channel 5, and Rez. Q ENTERTAINMENT CEO, Shuji Utsumi had experience of executive position from Disney, SEGA & SCEA. He produced several famous titles such as Crash Bandicoot (SCEA), Sakura Wars (SEGA), and Kingdom Hearts (Buena Vista Games).

Q ENTERTAINMENT is comprised of veteran designers, programmers, and producers. Q ENTERTAINMENT collaborates with other creators, artists and development studios in Japan and overseas. With a large network and enthusiasm, Q ENTERTAINMENT always anticipates the trends and changes in times to come and develop new value in the videogame industry’s business.

About Ubisoft:

Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide. It is the fastest growing company in the videogame industry and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge videogame titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of ç508 million for the 2003–2004 fiscal year, an increase of 22.5 percent over the previous fiscal year at constant exchange rates. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.



For More Product Information
Lumines (PSP)