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Ubisoft's Seven Wii Launch Titles
Yes, we wrote launch. From Far Cry to Blazing Angels, Ubisoft has Wii covered. Get the full scoop right here.
by Matt Casamassina

August 3, 2006 - Wii fans, Ubisoft is your new best friend. The publisher has supported Nintendo's Wii console since it was first revealed, eagerly readying such anticipated exclusives as the first-person shooter Red Steel and the action-platformer Rayman Raving Rabbids, both of which are set to debut with the system in a matter of months. But guess what? The French videogame giant is hardly stopping there. It has another five - yes, five games planned for Wii, and they'll all arrive in time for the platform's launch window.

Ubisoft today announced that it is in development with versions of Far Cry, Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII, Monster 4x4 World Circuit and Open Season for Wii. In addition, the studio is bringing an all-new racer called GT Pro Series to the system.

The publisher also said that it has "many more titles in development" for Wii.

"We're thrilled that Ubisoft will be unveiling Wii versions of both exclusive new IP and established franchises," said Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer for Nintendo of America. "Bursting with creativity, innovation and unadulterated fun, these Ubisoft games embody the qualities that will make Wii a huge hit with gamers new and established, young and old."

"Media and analysts agree that Ubisoft has the greatest potential for reward with the new console's launch because we believed in its potential from the beginning," said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America. "With an impressive lineup of launch games that offer something for everyone, we are in a unique position to benefit from the Wii's success in appealing to both new and hardcore gamers."

The popular first-person shooter Far Cry pits players on a mission through lush Amazonian jungles and equips them with a variety of weapons, vehicles and special powers to attack the enemy. The game will make full use of the Wii-mote for enhanced maneuverability and will likewise boast new content.

Blazing Angels utilizes the Wii controller for intense dog fighting scenarios set to the backdrop of WWII.

The racer GT Pro Series is developed by MTO and optimized by Ubisoft for Wii. Through a deal with MTO, Ubisoft is able to distribute the project everywhere in the world except Japan. GT features more than 80 licensed cars, detailed tuning options, fluid drift-style controls and physics, and more. The title has been specifically tailored to make full use of the Wii's revolutionary remote.

Open Season is an adventure game based on the Sony Pictures Animation's CG animated film of the same name.

Monster 4x4 World Circuit is a truck racer that has been completely revamped to make full use of the Wii control system. The title takes players fully off-road for some muddy displays of mechanical power.

Finally, previously announced bigwigs Red Steel and Rayman Raving Rabbids round out the selection.

IGN interviewed Ubisoft North America's president, Laurent Detoc, about today's news. We highly suggest readers comb the interview for brand new information on Far Cry, Blazing Angels, GT Pro Series, and Monster 4x4: World Circuit for Nintendo's new console. Readers may be surprised to learn that these are much more than mere ports.

In addition, IGN has posted new screens of Red Steel and Rayman Raving Rabbids, as well as first screens of Monster 4x4: World Circuit in our their related media sections.

With seven official launch window titles from Ubisoft, the ever-expanding library of holiday Wii games is nearing 30 titles, and there are still more to come.

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The Wiire recently reported that French publisher Ubisoft affirmed it had seven Wii titles in development. Today, the company pulled back the curtain on all the games and confirmed they would appear on or around Wii's launch.

Joining Ubisoft's known Wii game list of Red Steel, Rayman Raving Rabbids and Open Season comes a new iteration of Far Cry, Blazing Angels: Squadron of WWII (a military dog fighting sim), Monster 4x4 World Circuit and GT Pro Series, a new racing IP. As stated previously, all seven titles will appear within Wii's launch window, which ranges from launch day to approximately two months following. On a separate note, Ubisoft France revealed in a press release today that a Prince of Persia Wii title is in development and slated for release next March in the publisher's home country. No word yet on a release date for other territories.

In addition, media conglomerate IGN spoke with Ubisoft North America President Laurent Detoc following the announcement, in which he revealed several details regarding these newly unveiled games.

Detoc first discussed the Wii version of Far Cry and its difference from past iterations. "Far Cry Wii will include elements from Far Cry Instincts Evolution, in addition to a fresh storyline, new maps, characters and equipment," he said. "Second and even more importantly, Far Cry has strong diversity of gameplay so the game is a natural fit for the Wii remote."

Continuing, Detoc noted, "You will be able to shoot using the remote; you will also be able to throw grenades, punch, jump, run and balance to keep from plunging to your death. You will also be able to drive cars, trucks and boats. If you're looking for a game that allows you to experience the true beauty of the Wii and its revolutionary remote technology, this is it."

When asked if having Far Cry and Red Steel, two first-person action titles, available in the launch window would harm Ubisoft's own game sales, Detoc responded, "At first glance people think the remote is perfect for swinging movements like in baseball. I think FPS with varied gameplay using the Wii remote will be a blast. Both games will be excellent and offer different experiences."

As for Blazing Angels: Squadron of WWII, previously only slated for Xbox 360 and its predecessor, Detoc mentioned the best mode of gameplay on Wii would have the hands kept separate. "The left and right hands will perform separate roles with less crossover and collaborative control patterns," he stated.

Moving on to Monster 4x4 World Circuit, Detoc clarified how the Wii version would differ from the previously released one. "For Monster 4x4 we rebuilt the controls to use the motion-sensing features and aimed for easy controls with a focus on intuitiveness," Ubisoft's North American president affirmed. "This enables the best emotion possible in a driving game: you feel like you're at the wheel. But it's an arcade game too so be ready for stunts. Your truck can do a donut when you make a circular movement."

Finally, Detoc touched on Ubisoft's new racing IP, GT Pro Series. The franchise "is inspired by a Japanese game that was never released [in America] and Ubisoft is optimizing for the Wii. It will have more than 80 licensed cars, tons of tuning options and fluid drift-style controls and physics," said Detoc. "Talk about how the Wii changes the way you play games, we're working to include an accessory in GT Pro Series that will make this game a must have. Stay tuned, literally."

IGN's interview with Detoc can be found here.

The Wiire will continue to bring you the latest details regarding all of Ubisoft's Wii games.

Wow,Nice find i <3 Blazing angels and Far cry..Ubisoft does it ounce agian.

The best part: All of the five new games are Launch Window titles, which means they will all come out within a month or two of Launch. Plus Red Steel and Rayman are both official Launch Day titles.

Yes, Nintendo is FINALLY allowing games like Far Cry this time around First time Far Cry won't be on PC or Xbox360. All the People on Xbox Live will be jealous

Red Steel, Far Cry, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Bros. Brawl are the games I really am looking forward to and want to get. I really do hope Super Mario Galaxy is at launch. That would make me the happiest person on Earth! *crosses fingers hoping SMG is a launch title*

I LOVE YOU UBISOFT!!!!!

This is the best news in weeks!

quote xtremepokemontrainer

Yes, Nintendo is FINALLY allowing games like Far Cry this time around

I still find it amazing how much Ubisoft love this console. I would never have dreamed that we would see Far Cry on a Nintendo console.

Ubisoft loves the Wii like Rare loved the N64.

This will bring Wii's status up especially with games like far cry.

Nice. I've nothing but good things about Far Cry. I haven't played it, but seen reviews and heard stuff, and it sounds really good. Looking forward.

Well done. Good find NintendoMan.

Far Cry looks great but I'm more excited about Red Steel.

quote WHY ME11

I dont think a deaf person thinks anything.

Far Cry is more likely to be better than Red Steel, but Red Steel has more potential because it's a new franchise.

Far Cry is a great franchise that is really well suited to the Wiimote. Shooting? Check. Punching? Check. Driving? Check. Handgliding? Check.

Everything about the Wiimote would work so well with this game.

So true, and I hope the graphics are amazing for the Wii

Well Wii is more powerful and more efficient than Xbox, and Far Cry Instincts looked amazing on that. You should have no fears - I would expect it to look like the 360 version but a bit fuzzier.

I'm expecting it to look different it will have it's own graphical appeal.