Wednesday, August 25 2004

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Dubbed "Pokẽmon meets Mario Party" by Game Informer; and featuring an innovative monster-creation set that GMR calls "excellent", SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced the launch of Amazing IslandTM exclusively for Nintendo GameCube®. Ideal for young players, the title can be enjoyed at home and on the playground, thanks to the unique integration of Nintendo's Game Boy® Advance connectivity.

Amazing Island takes place on a lush island in a far off world. The once happy Maboo tribe has been captured by the "Black Evil" and players must help rescue them and win back their land. Players create and personalize their own monster (drawing from nearly infinite creative possibilities) and enter it into a series of frenetic competitions involving speed, time, and head-to-head battles. Winners collect design accessories and magical orbs that unlock design abilities, encouraging the creation of new, more powerful monsters.

"This innovative title encourages young players to use their imagination while creating nearly unlimited combinations of monster pals," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of Entertainment Marketing, SEGA of America. "Children will be totally absorbed in the process of character creation, and the title's mini-games will give them an environment in which to compete head-to-head or share their creations with friends via GBA."

There are 28 mini-games in Amazing Island that support up to four players; and Game Boy Advance connectivity allows players to upload their creations to handheld units and challenge peers to RPG (Role-Playing Game)-style battles. Both play modes allow gamers to nurture and develop their digital pets, upping their attributes, and increasing their list of accessories, etc. Amazing Island will be a long-time favorite in any child's game library with its tremendous re-play value and satisfying gameplay for both single and multiple players.

Amazing Island (Nintendo GameCube; priced at $39.95) is rated 'E' for Everyone and is available at retailers nationwide.