Video Gaming News - July 2003
San Jose, CA (July 3, 2003) - Namco Hometek Inc. announced today the
company has signed renowned animated filmmakers Don Bluth and Gary Goldman to
create and direct the in-game cinematics for the upcoming title, I-Ninja.
From Namco:
Famous for bringing memorable characters to life in the animated film world,
Bluth, Goldman and their team will create the in-game movies for I-Ninja. The
game, scheduled for release on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system
and Nintendo GameCube in Q4 2003, stars an ultra-cool ninja who combines his
major attitude with extreme sports game play mechanics.
“It is a privilege for Namco to work with such prestigious animators as Don
Bluth and Gary Goldman,” said Jon Kromrey, Producer at Namco Hometek, Inc.
“Their filmmaking legacy has spanned decades and they are making their mark in
the video game world again. We are confident they will help Namco make I-Ninja
the next new character game sensation.”
Bluth and Goldman will create and direct the in-game cinematics as well as
the opening and closing movies for I-Ninja. The team plans to combine high-end
CGI graphics with meticulous hand-painted environments for the ultimate animated
effect. In addition, they will utilize their years of experience to provide
direction for the development of the I-Ninja character and game storyline.
“Gary and I truly enjoy the video games industry and would like to help bring
the cinematic quality of video games to an exciting new level,” said Don Bluth,
co-founder of Don Bluth Films, Inc. “I-Ninja provides us a palette of dynamic
characters and enchanting environments that will be a pleasure to work with.”
I-Ninja is the consummate warrior, spending years mastering his weapons and
honing his skills. I-Ninja’s quest includes a variety of comical missions
traversing five expansive environments, each uniquely designed to incite
I-Ninja’s special abilities. In true gravity defying game play, I-Ninja can
scale buildings, "shred" on extreme rails, hover great distances with a "sword
copter,” ride drifting roller spheres and utilize specialized manga-style ninja
moves. A multiple weapon control system allows players to throw lethal shurikens
and use deadly chain-whips, blowguns, rocket launchers and more. The game
features challenging enemies and ruthless bosses, ranging from foot soldiers of
the evil Ranx Army to a menacing 150-foot giant robot. I-Ninja is graceful in
honor but deadly in combat.
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