D3Publisher announced today that ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME, based on Imagi Studios' highly anticipated CG-animated movie, will feature the voice talents of Freddie Highmore and Kristen Bell. Both actors will reprise their onscreen voiced roles of Astro Boy (Highmore), and Cora (Bell) in a video game that will take players on an epic adventure to save Metro City from the clutches of evil.
ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME will be available in North American retail stores for Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system on October 20, 2009 to coincide with Summit Entertainment's nationwide domestic release of the movie on October 23, 2009.
"We're pleased to work with both Freddie Highmore and Kristen Bell on ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME," said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3Publisher. "Their participation adds an even greater level of authenticity to the video game and further immerses players in the Astro Boy universe."
Erin Corbett, president of Imagi Studios U.S. and chief marketing officer worldwide, said: "ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME is a prime representation of the deep and wide-ranging partnerships we have lined up in all major licensing and promotional partner categories. We are pleased to be able to expand the Astro Boy universe along with the fan experience through the film's video game companion."
In ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME, players become the iconic hero, Astro Boy, and take to the streets and skies on an epic adventure to save Metro City from the clutches of the evil President Stone and his robot army. Utilizing Astro's entire arsenal of iconic weapons and abilities–Finger Lasers, Arm Cannon, Butt Machine Guns and Drill Attacks, players will battle hordes of robot enemies and colossal bosses including some never-before-seen enemies across Metro City and the mysterious Surface. Using an intuitive combat system that adds depth to gameplay, players will experience classic platform action and exhilarating flight combat levels as they use Astro's unique rocket boosters to hover, avoid enemies and zip out of the way of danger. ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME offers numerous unlockable and collectible elements that include exclusive art work, different versions of Astro Boy and more, as players live the story solo or side by side with a friend in 2 player co-op mode on Wii and the PlayStation 2 system.
ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME for Wii, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system is rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and up – Fantasy Violence) and is under development by High Voltage Software. The Nintendo DS version is rated "E" (Everyone – Fantasy Violence) and is under development by Art Co. Ltd.