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The (PR) Urbz Will Hit the Streets on the Nintendo DS

Thursday July 15, 9:00 am ET
EA Announces Its First Game for the Highly-Anticipated Handheld Platform

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 2004--Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS - News) today announced that The Urbz(TM): Sims in the City(TM), the latest franchise from the celebrated studio behind The Sims(TM), is in development for the Nintendo DS. EA, in conjunction with Griptonite Games, is developing the game in Redwood City, CA and will ship in November 2004 under the EA GAMES(TM) brand.

The Urbz(TM): Sims in the City (TM) will benefit from the unique Nintendo DS capabilities by offering players a wireless multi-player mode, touch-screen input a multitude of in-game features that are not available in any other version of the game. Exclusive features for the Nintendo DS version include 24 objects, a unique touch-screen menu system, 5 minigames, 7 characters and 8 pet species that players can create with the special in-game 'gene manipulator'.

These aren't your typical Sims. These are the Urbz - and they have a completely new look, attitude and outlook on life. Sims are living in the city and it's all about building, and improving, their reputation. For the first time, players will not only be able to create their own Sim, but in addition will also have the opportunity to create their own pet. Daddy Bigbucks is trying to take over the city of Miniopolis and keep Splicer Island a secret. It is up to you to uncover the truth by training your pet, increasing your reputation and keeping your crew on Splicer Island happy.

"We're thrilled that this new franchise is the first from Electronic Arts to illustrate the power of the Nintendo DS," said Sinjin Bain, Vice President and Executive Producer. "On the Nintendo DS, we are able to do things with The Urbz(TM): Sims in the City (TM) that we could not do with any other console. Like the system itself, this game is completely unique. Never before have Sims players been able to unleash their alter egos in an urban environment - complete with the sounds, scenes and settings of the city."
 

cja

Member
Quite impressed with the exclusive features. Urbz confirmed, Madden a lock, what else does EA have in development for DS?
 

FoneBone

Member
OK, now I'm confused... since when was the November date official? Not that I don't believe the reports, but Nintendo doesn't seem to have issued a press release or another official announcement.
 
FoneBone said:
OK, now I'm confused... since when was the November date official? Not that I don't believe the reports, but Nintendo doesn't seem to have issued a press release or another official announcement.
They said November at the NYC event in June. It's official.
 

Suikoguy

I whinny my fervor lowly, for his length is not as great as those of the Hylian war stallions
its interesting, we are still not taking preorders for the DS... which is coming out in a few months? Whats going on?
 

GDGF

Soothsayer
I had a strong feeling that the Urbz would end up on the DS, but I didn't think it would be EA's lead game. This could be a bit of a killer app for the casual market.
 

Syckx

Member
Gamestop has a reserve SKU for the DS, but we were told not to advertise it since Nintendo has told us our allotments will be very miniscule. We merely have it in case someone knows about the system and wants to preorder it without us telling them about it. We have no price point and no release date in the system, though. It is quite simply the dumbest idea I have ever heard regarding preorders.
 
Sounds great, I'd love a nice handheld version of the Sims... well of Urbz I guess. Nice use of the touch screen I must say, and November release date? News to me. Can't wait to see this in motion though.
 
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