Namco on the Move for Portables
Tekken creator sets up new PSP/DS studio.
With the ascension of the Game Boy Advance and the release of new hardware in the form of the Nintendo DS and the PSP, handheld gaming is being thrust to the forefront, dragging publishers along with it. One of the veteran publishers determined to make good on the opportunities offered by the current portable landscape is Namco.
The company has created a new internal division for the sole purpose of supporting these burgeoning platforms. And the titles currently being worked on cover franchises popular with both casual and hardcore gamers.
"With the rise in popularity in handheld gaming systems, gamers are no longer forced to the confines of their living rooms," said Jeff Lujan of Namco Hometek.
"We wanted to offer our fans the opportunity to play games from their favourite Namco franchises anywhere they go and our current line-up is just the beginning of the great products we'll have to offer."
Namco is currently working on a variety of portable projects, including Ace Combat Advance, Pac-Man Pinball, Klonoa 2: Dream Champ Tournament and Mr Driller 2 for Game Boy Advance.
Work is also already well underway on games for the Nintendo DS, two of which, Mr Driller: Drill Spirits and Ridge Racer DS, are scheduled for release in the upcoming months.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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