Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group (UPDPG) is creating a handheld video game based on Universal Pictures’ upcoming animated feature The Tale of Despereaux. The Nintendo DS title is being developed by Fizz Factor, a Foundation 9 studio, in conjunction with UPDPG, and will be published worldwide by Brash Ent.
The second self-funded game UPDPG has announced this year, The Tale of Despereaux will both follow and extend the storyline from the movie. Players will travel across the Kingdom of Dor, from the whimsical environs of Mouse World to the kitchen, library and other rooms of the main castle, and finally to Rat World, the dark and sinister dungeon domain of the banned and feared rats.
Players will help Despereaux build up his courage meter while he learns new abilities; challenge a host of creepy-crawly enemies including bugs, spiders and rats; and explore the nooks and crannies of the castle on a quest to rescue Despereaux’s beloved Princess Pea. The game utilizes unique movement mechanics like swinging, climbing and sliding, as well as challenging puzzle elements designed specifically for the Nintendo DS’ stylus input.
The game will debut this December alongside the feature film, which boasts a star-studded voice cast lead by Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson and Tracey Ullman. Fans of the movie will also be able to pick up console versions of the game for XBOX 360, PlayStation 2, Wii and PC on Dec. 2.
