Exclusive RPG coming to Wii on March 25

img8.jpgBurlingame, CA’February 7, 2008 – KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that Opoonaâ„¢, a new Role-Playing Game (RPG) exclusively for Wiiâ„¢ is scheduled for a North American release on March 25, 2008.

“With Opoona, developer ArtePiazza had a masterful approach to creating an Action RPG for Wii that includes intuitive and interactive controls using just the Nunchuk,” said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President at KOEI Corporation. “Opoona will give video gamers a refreshing and new perspective on the Role-Playing genre. The ”˜single-hand control’ combined with the modern fantasy world of Opoona is sure to captivate both veteran gamers and newcomers alike.”

About Opoona
While on an interplanetary family vacation, the young boy Opoona crash lands on Planet Landroll after his spaceship is involved in a mysterious accident. Separated from his family, Opoona is forced to live alone. On the planet, Opoona must find a job, search for his siblings, and defend himself and the people of Landroll against creatures known as the Dark Rogues. Luckily for Opoona, he is the descendant of a long line of warriors known as the Cosmo Guards. Thus, Opoona’s adventure begins as he struggles to establish a new life and reunite his family.

The game’s action-oriented battle system lets players use powerful “Energy Bonbons” against their enemies. Using just the Nunchukâ„¢, players can manipulate an Energy Bonbon’s trajectory in a number of different ways. All of Opoona’s commands are also controlled by the Nunchuk, to allow a complete “single-hand control” of the game.

Opoona is not just about battling; it is a “Lifestyle RPG.” As Opoona, players must adapt to a new environment, meet new people, and contribute to society through work, all while becoming aware of the precious world and people around him. As the game progresses, Opoona will develop relationships and uncover a broader range of activities including new jobs and clues to new adventures.

The unique characters and a modern fantasy world created by Art Director, Shintaro Majima, are sure to fascinate gamers. From futuristic buildings to ancient ruins and strange rock formations in the wild, the world of Opoona is a remarkable fusion of both contemporary design and whimsical fantasy.

Developed by ArtePiazza, the team behind four installments of the best-selling DRAGON QUEST® series of RPGs, Opoona showcases the talent of some of today’s most creative game designers including: Art Director Shintaro Majima, Planning Director Sachiko Sugimura, and Composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, acclaimed for his contribution to the FINAL FANTASY® XII soundtrack.