Pirates to Raid Consoles and Handhelds

By Geoff Duncan Published March 19, 2007

Disney Interactive Studios has announced it plans a series of video games for launch this summer intended to capitalize on the release of its third (and, hopefully, final) Pirates of the Caribbean film. The Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End video games will let player play both within and beyond the scope of the At World’s End film, as well as play off events and characters which appeared in last year’s Pirates film, Dead Man’s Chest. And Disney plans to role them out for every major platform, including Windows PCs, next-generation consoles Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, as well as the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld systems.

“Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise will experience adventures inspired by the second and third films while going far beyond the events of those films,” said Craig Relyea, Disney Interactive Studios’ vice president of marketing, in a release. “With the action, excitement, unforgettable characters and expansive locations from the blockbuster films, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End will be the definitive ‘Pirates’ video game experience for fans. Our games go beyond the films to introduce legendary pirates, new locations and unique endings that will satisfy the pirate in each of us.”

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Disney promises the At Worlds End video games will offer gameplay and features which take advantage of each distinct platform, from next-generation game consoles to handheld systems. Disney promises next-generation consoles will offer “innovative dueling controls” and special moves which let players outwit and defeat enemies; for instance, the At World’s End game for the Nintendo Wii console will let players use swing and thrust motions similar to fighting with a sword.

The At World’s End film will take the Pirates cast to Singapore and beyond as they attempt to rescue Captain Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones’ locker. We understand Keith Richards finally gets a cameo. The movie is set to premiere in May, 2007, so it would be reasonable to assume Disney’s video game tie-ins will begin hitting retailers about the same time.

The At World’s End game for Windows PC and PSP is being developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software, and will be rated T for “Teen” by the ESRB. The Nintendo DS version of the game is being developed by Amaze Entertainment and will carry a E10+ rating from the ESRB. Other game developers and ratings haven’t been disclosed by Disney.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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