Specifics about Ubisoft's latest Wii title, "Sports Party", arrived today as well as the announcement of a new label within Ubisoft known as "Play Zone." Play Zone's objective consists of providing Wii owners with party games that combine a recreational feel and a high fun-factor involved in mini-games meant for multiplayer parties. John Parkes, Ubisoft's EMEA Marketing Director, commented on the division's purpose with this:

"With our new PLAY ZONE party titles, the Wii gamers who like to spend time with friends and family will have fun with the Wii through innovative and involving mini-games. The PLAY ZONE label will provide them with the best games to mingle and compete together in a fun and friendly atmosphere"

Is that "Lawn Darts" I see?

Sports Party will be the first title released under the new division, scheduled for European release on July 11, 2008, and the background and gameplay look pretty simple. You are on a tropical island and have nine sports related mini-games at your disposale. Using the Wiimote, you'll go up against family and friends under one of three difficulty settings. The mini-games really are "mini", providing short sessions so a certain sport doesn't become monotonous due to prolonged playing.

One thing I'm curious about is are there too many similar party style games already out for the Wii? Wii Sports and Wii Play seem to offer the same type of gameplay, and even though it is nothing spectacular, also provide better graphics and the use of user created Mii's. WarioWare: Smooth Moves, EA Playground, and Mario Party 8 also have a similar style, consisting of mainly mini-games. Because of all the party games out there, will the titles released under the Play Zone division do very well at all?

The graphics don't look too amazing, and this screenshot gives off the impressions that croquet is similar to Wii Sports' Golf game.