Narnia Fans » PlayStation 2

Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia will get to experience two unique film scenes only one way – on their home consoles or Windows-based PC. Disney Interactive Studios announced today that two original scenes for Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game were filmed exclusively for the product and appear separately from the film. The unique scenes link The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Prince Caspian stories with Dr. Cornelius (Vincent Grass) telling Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) the story of how Narnia fell to the Telmarines hundreds of years ago.

The scenes were shot on the film set in Prague, Czech Republic, during principal shooting and feature dialogue revealing plot based on the events of the book, game and film. The creation of the live action content was directed by Andrew Adamson, the film’s director. The two original scenes are part of 18 live action moments in the game, which include 16 excerpts from the feature film.

“The special filmed content that is exclusive to the video game provides insight into Narnia and the events around the ‘Prince Caspian’ story like nothing else,” said Andrew Adamson. “With movie fans’ enthusiasm for unique experiences in video games as well, these scenes are ideal to complement the ‘Prince Caspian’ game’s action.”

The England-based game production and development teams worked in cooperation with the London-based film crew and Andrew Adamson to assure the game’s overall accuracy to the film. Capturing two original scenes was only possible through the collaborative partnership between Disney Interactive Studios; and Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media.

“The close partnerships we maintain with our film division and Walden Media allowed us to utilize the cast, crew and set to create two unique scenes exclusively for the video game,” said Ed Bainbridge, vice president of European production, Disney Interactive Studios. “These entertaining and memorable scenes enable us to portray a part of the Narnia history that is drawn from the fiction and played out in the game.”

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ home video game system, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC. A separate Nintendo DS™ version will also be available.

Developed by Traveller’s Tales, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for home consoles and Windows-based PC takes players throughout Narnia and includes a gameplay level, which is unique from both the novel and the film. The level, which is set between the events of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” and “Prince Caspian,” takes place at the castle of Cair Paravel and tells the story of how Narnia fell to the Telmarine hordes. In “Prince Caspian,” Cair Paravel is seen only as abandoned ruins the Pevensies discover hundreds of years later.

The action/adventure game offers gameplay for one or two players on the same system and drop-in/drop-out features, allowing either player to join the game and leave. With combat, exploration and puzzle solving that extends beyond the film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is the ideal complement to the movie-going experience. The game features more than 20 playable characters including the ability to play as Prince Caspian. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian console game is the sequel to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe for consoles, which received the prestigious IGN.com Editor’s Choice Award.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS, which is an action/role playing game, will include the debut of DGamer, Disney Interactive Studios’ innovative new technology that provides a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans. With DGamer, players earn content, interact and chat with others on Nintendo DS through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or on a computer through the Disney.com website. DGamer will be offered in North America in future Nintendo DS games from Disney Interactive Studios with a future launch scheduled in other global regions. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS and DGamer are being developed by Fall Line Studio, the Nintendo platform-dedicated development studio of Disney Interactive Studios.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for consoles and Windows PC is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Wii for $49.99; and the PLAYSTATION 2 system and Windows-based PC for $29.99. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for the Nintendo DS has an ESRB rating of E10+ for Everyone 10 years and older and will be available for $29.99.

For more information about The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game, log on to www.princecaspiangame.com.

Those who long to spend their days in Narnia will be able to revisit as old heroes return 1,300 years later and a new hero must rise. Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game will be released at retail stores throughout the United States in time for the film’s May 16, 2008, opening, Disney Interactive Studios announced today.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ and Windows-based PC.

Developed by Traveller’s Tales, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for home consoles and Windows-based PC takes players throughout Narnia and includes a level, which is unique from both the novel and the film. The level, which is set between the events of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” and “Prince Caspian,” takes place at the castle of Cair Paravel and tells the story of how Narnia fell to the Telmarine hordes. In “Prince Caspian,” Cair Paravel is seen only as abandoned ruins the Pevensies discover hundreds of years later.

The action/adventure game offers gameplay for one or two players on the same system and drop-in/drop-out features, allowing either player to join the game and leave. With combat, exploration and puzzle solving that extends beyond the film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is the ideal complement to the movie-going experience. The game features more than 20 playable characters including the ability to play as Prince Caspian. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian game is the sequel to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe for consoles, which received the prestigious IGN.com Editor’s Choice Award.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian game is an epic adventure that provides memorable experiences as it takes players throughout the familiar areas of Narnia from the second film,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Fans of the films and books will re-live the excitement, the battles and the memorable characters while going beyond the events of the film.”

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS, which is an action/role playing game, will debut DGamer, Disney Interactive Studios’ innovative new technology that provides a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans. With DGamer, players earn content, interact and chat with others on Nintendo DS through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or on a computer through the Disney.com website. DGamer will be offered in North America in future Nintendo DS games from Disney Interactive Studios with a future launch scheduled in other global regions. Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS is being developed by Fall Line Studio, the Nintendo platform-dedicated development studio of Disney Interactive Studios.

I went to Toys R Us today to pick up a game for Wii when I found a calendar at the check-out counter. It is a Disney/Toys R Us 2008 Calendar. I started flipping through the calendar, eventually stumbling upon the month of May. In the top left, there was Aslan, and on the top right: the logo for “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.” In the bottom right, King Peter in his armor. Miraz’s castle is in the background of the calendar itself.

At the bottom there are two coupons. Both are valid from May 1, 2008 – May 31, 2008. Play Along Toys (we’ll have more on them very soon, they’re the licensee this time around for the Narnia toys) have a coupon to “Save 10% on any Play Along Narnia role play item.” The other coupon is from Disney Interactive Studio: “Save $5.00 on the purchase of any Narnia Prince Caspian video game.” It’s good for the game on any system, including: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3.

The calendar can most likely be found at any Toys R Us. It does ring up for a penny at checkout though, as a “Promo Item” but then that penny is removed from the sale, making it free.

Either way, it’s our pleasure to announce that Play Along Toys is releasing an incredible line of Prince Caspian related toys as the master licensee for the film.

Following on the heels of its successful videogame based on Disney Pictures blockbuster, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Disney Interactive Studios and developer Traveller’s Tales ares collaborating on the second live-action adaptation of author C.S. Lewis’ beloved Narnia works. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian game will ship in May 2008 in conjunction with Disney Pictures’ theatrical release that summer for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP, and Nintendo DS. (Disney-owned Fall Line Studio is creating the Nintendo DS game.)

According to Samantha Parker, producer of the game at Disney Interactive Studios, the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian will feature even more collaboration between the filmmakers and the game creators than the first venture.

“Just as there is continuity between the crews involved in the first and second films, there is also with those responsible for making the videogames,” said Parker. “As such, the relationships formed during the making of the first film will be built upon. In regards to the videogame’s development, there are elements of the land of Narnia and the characters, which we are now more familiar with. Our intention is to develop those characters in line with the film narrative but also to put their abilities to the test in situations not directly portrayed in the film.”

Parker said Traveller’s Tales also has access to the assets they used to generate the first game, but now the developer can re-visit those models in the context of next generation hardware. She added that their hope is to create even closer videogame representations of the amazing creative content depicted in the film.

The new game is being developed in tandem with the big budget movie and the creative teams from the film side have opened the doors to the interactive team.

“We work closely with the filmmakers in terms of content,” said Parker. “There is a steady stream of assets, which we use to build the content of our game. Particularly with the creatures and the characters. The better the reference we get, the more we can faithfully represent them in the video game. The same goes for the locations, although there is an amount of deviation when the game warrants it; some of the film’s sets just aren’t big or complex enough to allow for exciting gameplay.”

With many more Hollywood creatives now familiar with videogames, Parker said the filmmakers consequently give the game makers the latitude where they believe it will benefit the game. She said they understand that gamers have different needs that they need to cater for.

“Obviously, we get to see the script and physical assets taken from the shoot itself, as well as some bespoke items,” said Parker. ” In Prince Caspian, we are intentionally building out some of the story elements alluded to but not shown in the game or the book. Similarly, where the game will not do justice to set pieces in the film, we won’t try to emulate these scenes, but we’ll be sure they’re included in some form.”

Parker said the goal for the new game is to include the film voice talent wherever possible. The game will also feature the likenesses of the actors. “There are even plans in the pipeline to create sequences, unique to the videogame, using some of the actors and sets from the film,” said Parker.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian will allow players to assume the role of 20 different characters from the film, including non-human Narnians. In addition, the game supports two-player, drop-in/drop-out cooperative gameplay.

The Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA), a non-profit international trade association for the home entertainment industry, announced the nominees for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube Game of the Year for its annual Home Entertainment Awards. The winners will be announced on July 11 during the VSDA’s Home Entertainment 2006 Awards Show at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Although primarily focused on DVD video releases, the list of nominees also includes a total of 15 video games across the three major console platforms, including popular titles such as Halo 2 (apparently so popular that it won last year, and can be nominated again this year) and Madden NFL ‘06, the latter of which was nominated for all three consoles. No Xbox 360 category has yet been added to the awards, though it seems likely that next year’s awards will feature one.

Besides Halo 2 and the latest Madden iteration, other Xbox video games nominated for Game of the Year honors include Need for Speed Most Wanted, Star Wars: Battlefront II, and Ubisoft’s latest adventure in the life of Third Echelon’s Sam Fisher, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. PlayStation 2 nominees include the aforementioned Madden NFL ‘06, as well as Namco Bandai’s 3D fighting game Soul Caliber III, Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland, Star Wars: Battlefront II, and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Titles nominated for the GameCube include Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe, Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland, Lego Star Wars: The Video Game, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and the previously mentioned Madden NFL ‘06 from Electronic Arts.

The award categories and nominees were determined by VSDA’s Home Entertainment Awards Nominating Committee, comprised of retailers, distributors, and journalists. 130 nominations were submitted for awards in 26 categories, with committee members taking into consideration the rental and sales success of each title and the strength of the marketing campaign launched by the studio or distributing label of the title, both to consumers and to retailers.

Well, here is a turn-up for the books…Tomb Raider: Legend débuts at No.1 this week, becoming the largest selling game in the series, mainly thanks to it launching across more systems than ever (although the PS2 version was unable to beat sales of Angel of Darkness). With the PSP version also coming in May and the DS/GBA/GC versions due later in the summer, the legend of Lara Croft is set to live on strong in 2006.

The Godfather drops half its sales and dips back to No.2, whilst Ice Age 2 is unsurprisingly spurred on by the amusing movie’s release, jumping ten to No.4. And look, Animal Crossing holds strong at No.6! This is probably due to the entrance advertisements in places like GAME, constant positive reviews and great word of mouth.

Narnia jumps from No.34 to No.9, but rather than being due to the GC and XBOX releases, it is because of the PS2 version being promoted alongside the DVD movie release…Championship Manager 2006 continues to fail to live up to Football Manager, slipping one place despite the release of the PSP version.

And the same goes for the GBA Top 20, Narnia returns at No.19, as does Need for Speed: Most Wanted at No.20.

The GameCube chart is not much more interesting to watch now, though. Sonic Riders is still No.1, with Ice Age up two to No.2 and Mario Party 7 back up four to No3, just ahead of FIFA Street 2. Clearly the kids are out in force on Nintendo formats. Pokémon is down three to No.5, Narnia sticks at No.6, but Odama is down three to No.8 already.

Buena Vista Games ships more than 2 million units of the Chronicles of Narnia video game to retail outlets in North America and Europe. The launch of Multiplatform Video Game Inspired by Epic Film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe marks BVG’s Largest Self-Publishing Initiative.

In anticipation of Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media’s epic feature film release of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” on December 9, retail support of the movie-inspired video game has been brisk throughout North America and Europe. Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG), the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), announced today that the company has shipped more than 2 million units of the multiplatform video game to retail outlets in the two regions. The video game is available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS , Game Boy® Advance system and PC.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe video game launch marks the largest self-publishing initiative executed to date by Buena Vista Games,” said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games. “There is great excitement building for the release of the film and that buzz has helped ignite an event atmosphere at retail for the video game. By building upon and expanding the Narnia entertainment experience, BVG is playing an important role as the next content creation engine for the company.”

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe video game takes the classic story from the renowned book from C.S. Lewis to new heights by bringing the feature film’s cinematic experience to life in a stunning interactive adventure. Players can take on the role of each of the four Pevensie heroes – Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy – to battle the White Witch’s sinister minions in team-based, action-packed combat.

In the action/adventure console and PC versions, players take on 15 levels of combat and puzzle-solving game play. The console and PC games also feature seamless integration of film footage with game play and includes extensive use of voice talent from the film.

“The ever-expanding video game marketplace is of great interest to me,” said Andrew Adamson, the film’s director. “It was such a thrill to work with the Buena Vista Games and Traveller’s Tales teams to provide creative input for the video game, which has resulted in a beautiful translation of the film into an epic interactive experience.”

“Transitioning from the movie into the video game area is an uplifting experience because every person who has read the book has longed to go to Narnia,” said Douglas Gresham, stepson of author C.S. Lewis. “With the video games, people can not only visit Narnia but they can control the heroes’ actions. In a sense, they can invent their own adventure within Narnia.”

In addition to strong retail support throughout North America and Europe, the game is receiving positive reviews from video game critics. IGN.com, a leading online video game site, recently awarded The Chronicles of Narnia video game the prestigious IGN.com Editor’s Choice Award, an 8.3 out of 10 review score and described the title as “a near perfect example of how to make a movie-based video game the right way.”

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and PC is developed by Traveller’s Tales and is rated “T” for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions carry a suggested retail price of $49.99. The PC version carries a suggested retail price of $39.99. The Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions are developed by Amaze Entertainment. The Nintendo DS version has an ESRB rating of “E10+” for Everyone 10 and older and carries a suggested retail price of $34.99. The Game Boy Advance version is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

About The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe film
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media Present “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” is a spectacular live-action/CGI motion picture adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved literary classic. The film marks the first live-action directorial effort for Andrew Adamson (director of the Oscar®-winning “Shrek” and “Shrek 2″), who also co-wrote the screenplay adaptation with Emmy Award-winner Anne Peacock (HBO’s “A Lesson Before Dying”) and scribes Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The film is produced by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Mark Johnson.

Lewis’ timeless adventure follows the exploits of the four Pevensie siblings — Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy –in World War II England. The children enter the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe while playing a game of “hide-and-seek” in the rural country home of an elderly professor. Once there, the children discover a land inhabited by talking beasts, dwarfs, fauns, centaurs and giants that has become a world cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis. Under the guidance of a noble and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan, the children fight to overcome the White Witch’s powerful hold over Narnia in a spectacular, climactic battle that will free Narnia from Jadis’ icy spell forever.

About Buena Vista Games
Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) is the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company. BVG publishes, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with third-party interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. For more information, please log on to www.buenavistagames.com.

About Walden Media
Founded by Cary Granat, former president of Miramax Films’ Dimension label, and education reformer Micheal Flaherty, Walden Media, a subsidiary of AFG, specializes in entertainment that sparks the imagination and curiosity of kids and provides parents and teachers with materials to continue the learning process. In association with The Walt Disney Company, Walden Media is producing the first live-action feature film adaptations of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, beginning with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

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* The game is console exclusive to PlayStation® 2 throughout PAL territories until March 31, 2006.

The quest to save the enchanted land of Narnia has begun. Buena Vista Games, Inc., the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company, brings gamers and Narnia fans an unforgettable adventure with video games inspired by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media’s epic feature film, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” scheduled to release in theaters December 9. The video games are now available at retail outlets worldwide for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance system and PC, Buena Vista Games announced today. Players are thrust into a mysterious frozen world where they will play as four heroes — Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy Pevensie — to free Narnia from a cold, bleak eternity under the control of the evil White Witch.

“‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ video games beautifully translate the film into an epic interactive experience,” said Andrew Adamson, film director. “They demonstrate the importance of having a film team that is involved in the production of the video games inspired by that film. Players will truly feel as if they have walked through the wardrobe doors and into Narnia, where they can control the destiny of the characters.”

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” video games take the classic story from the renowned book from C.S. Lewis to new heights by bringing the cinematic experience to life in a stunning interactive adventure. Playing as each of the four Pevensie heroes, gamers will battle the White Witch’s sinister minions in team-based, action-packed combat. Taking on a variety of creatures, including Minoboars, Cyclopes, Werewolves and Ankleslicers, gamers must utilize each hero’s unique combat skills, weaponry and special moves to defeat hoards of enemies, solve elaborate puzzles and advance towards restoring Narnia.

“‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ is one of The Walt Disney Company’s most highly-anticipated ventures this year,” said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games. “The Narnia video game represents collaboration between film making and game development at its best. The game immerses players into the land of Narnia and lets them experience an extensive adventure beyond the epic film.”

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and PC is developed by Traveller’s Tales and is rated “T” for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions carry a suggested retail price of $49.99. The PC version carries a suggested retail price of $39.99. The Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions are developed by Amaze Entertainment. The Nintendo DS version has an ESRB rating of “E10+” for Everyone 10 and older and carries a suggested retail price of $34.99. The Game Boy Advance version is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

About “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” video games

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” video games uniquely convey the classic story. The console and PC versions are action/adventure games featuring 15 levels of combat and puzzle solving game play. The game also features seamless integration of film footage with game play and includes extensive use of voice talent from the film. Included are numerous unlockable bonus levels and features that reveal secrets about the making of the game. Also, the console and PC versions include a two-player co-op “drop in/drop out” feature in which a second player can easily join a single-player game already in progress.
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The Nintendo DS version is an action/adventure game with role playing game features. The Nintendo DS game, which includes 60 maps, utilizes the touch screen for game play options, including managing inventory, conversing with allied creatures, casting spells and controlling one of four possible characters in real-time combat. A wireless multiplayer mode allows up to four people to play simultaneously.
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The Game Boy Advance version is an action/adventure game that includes 17 levels of game play inspired by the film. Players earn role playing game-based Nobility power-ups to defeat the minions of the White Witch. The game includes a two-player linked or wireless multiplayer mode (accessories sold separately).
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[Check out the Developer Diary here]
[Read Narniaweb's Interview with the DS Developer]

Buena Vista Games (BVG), the global interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company, today announced that the highly anticipated game The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, inspired by the upcoming film from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, will be console exclusive to PlayStation® 2 throughout PAL territories until 31 March 2006. The PS2 exclusivity does not affect PC or handheld releases in Europe, or the full line-up of games to be released in North America. The PAL PS2, PC and handheld titles will ship to retail in November, 2005.

The deal sees significant TV and marketing support from SCEE, including online and PS2 bundles across all PAL territories.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has all the ingredients of a hit videogame franchise: great characters, vast environments and dynamic gameplay,” commented Sean Ratcliffe, European marketing director, Buena Vista Games. “Through this co-marketing opportunity, Narnia will become a major entertainment event in Europe and around the world. The game is perfect for the PS2 customer and we predict great sales success for the title.”

“We are looking forward to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe on PlayStation 2. The time and effort BVG, Disney and Walden Media have made to develop CS Lewis’ classic adventure story for the game and movie worlds, will prove to be hugely popular for many PlayStation 2 owners. For this reason we are pleased to collaborate with BVG in bringing the game to them,” commented Simon Rutter, vice president of Product Marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

In the game, players enter the world of Narnia, a land frozen in a 100 year winter by the evil powers of the malevolent White Witch. In order to end this frigid captivity and free his people, the mighty lion Aslan invokes an ancient prophecy. It will become the destiny of four siblings from our world: Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie to work together and use their unique combat skills, weaponry and abilities to defeat the Witch and her armies to save Narnia. These four heroes must battle the evil forces of the White Witch by waging war against a vast variety of creatures, including, Minotaurs, Minoboars, Cyclops, Werewolves, Horrors, Ankleslicers, Wolves, Boggles and more.

These ferocious creatures are modeled in the game after the characters being created for the motion picture, by the digital and visual effects geniuses at New Zealand-based Weta Workshop, whose credits include “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King,” “Van Helsing,” and “I, Robot.” Additional game features include intricate puzzle solving, two-player action featuring all four characters, and seamless game play integration with real film footage. The console and PC games are developed by UK-based Traveller’s Tales, and the handheld games are developed by Seattle-based Amaze Entertainment.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE is a spectacular live action/CGI motion picture adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved literary classic. The film marks the first live action directorial effort for Andrew Adamson (Academy Award®-winner for “Shrek,” “Shrek 2″), who also co-wrote the film’s screenplay adaptation with Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The film is produced by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Mark Johnson (“Rain Man”). The film will be released December 9, 2005.

For the first time in the history of Narnia, you are invited to take your very own steps through the magical wardrobe of C.S. Lewis’ masterpiece, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Through the intricate works of technology, Buena Vista Games has begun the journey of crafting an interactive adventure for the Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft XBox, Nintendo GameCube, and personal computers.

Unexpectedly nestled in the loud crowd of the Electronic Entertainment Expo in sunny Los Angeles, California, Buena Vista Games has recreated a small part of Narnia for eager spectators to travel. The first memorable steps are through a giant recreation of that mystical wardrobe we have all crafted in our imagination. Immediately, travelers are greeted with beautiful pieces of Narnian armor and weaponry (sadly protected behind beautiful curved glass cases), and the grotesque heads of the White Witches minions. At the end of the wardrobe hall, one is ferociosly greeted by Olmin the Minotaur (the actual suit and animatronic used in the movie). Recreated in splendid detail, Olmin is merely a breath-taking distraction of what Buena Vista is really showcasing.

Though in its early stages, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe video game is a wonderful adventure for all sorts of fans. Though very incomplete at this stage, the game immediately puts you into the shoes of Peter, Susan, and Lucy on desperate attempt to rescue their lost brother. Fighting on a frozen creek in Narnia, the player is able to at any moment switch between which character he/she is using, creating some very dynamic gameplay elements. In this first stage, the three siblings needed to fight off wolves and other nasty creatures while attempting to break through iced up dams (accompanied, of course, by beavers). Doing so involved using regular attacks (Peter’s sword, Susan’s bow, and Lucy’s punches), special attacks (Peter has a power strike, Susan sings a song to put creatures to sleep, and Lucy is able to heal the health of the entire party). Players controlled by the computer fight alongside of the human players, but can be rotated at anytime to vary the battle. Additionally, players must also “team up” with one of the sibling to complete objectives. In this first level, Lucy jumps onto Susan’s shoulders in order to reach high enough to break through the dam.

The second level involves only Edmund and Peter in a fierce battle against Ginarrbrik the Dwarf. Apparently, he’s been crossed and now needs to be put in his place. In order to do this, Peter and Edmund must run around, avoiding Ginarrbrik’s attacks. Eventually, the dwarf will become dizzy and the brothers can tie him to a tree. The brothers then proceed to attack him until he cuts through his ropes, and starts the whole party again until his health his drained. In the final version of the game, players will also need to light Ginarrbrik’s beard on fire.

After the dwarf is defeated, Peter and Edmund are confronted with anklebiters and two giant Cyclops. In order to break free of them, Edmund picks up a torch with which to light bails of hay on fire. Once on fire, either Peter or Edmund can kick the bails into the enemy in order to defeat them.

As you can see, the gameplay is quite varied and will make for excellent cooperation modes. Of note, the games graphics are very beautiful. The artists have accurately modeled the children’s faces, make great use of detail and precision. The games environments are also very well crafted, complete with shimmering ice, blazing fires, and lots of movement on screen. One scene that was particularly impressive was an invasion of Minotaurs against the children. The screen was literally full of the giant beasts, all while retaining very smooth gameplay.

Time with the LWW videogame was limited, as a full crowd of Narnia explorers waited to play the game. To add to the sadness, the exit of Narnia required a march past a museum of frozen Narnian creatures, captured in their despair. All said and done, however, the short adventure through Narnia is one that rekindled a passion for the world of C.S. Lewis. Expect big things with this game and, of course, the movie.

I leave you with an assortment of photographs – expect video, more in-game shots, and additional information tomorrow!

Click Here for Photographs