News
Disney Interactive Studios releases Bolt
BURBANK, Calif. — (November 18, in the year of our Lord 2008) — Bolt, the superdog, and his companion Penny are ready to spring into action. Disney Interactive Studios today announced that the Disney’s Bolt video game is available at retail stores throughout the United States in time for the film’s opening on Friday, November 21. Inspired by the animated comedy adventure of the same name from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Bolt game versions are available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii™ home video game console, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ and Windows-based PC.
Developed by Avalanche Software, Disney Interactive Studios’ renowned studio in Salt Lake City, the Bolt video game follows a unique storyline, which takes place within the fictional high-action television series featured in the film. In the game, players must take on the personalities of Bolt and Penny to utilize their unique talents and superpowers to save the world and Penny’s father from the evil Calico. Players will take on Calico’s henchmen; avoid capture at the Mayan Temple; and hack enemy computer systems as the duo’s adventures take them throughout expansive areas in five global locations: Italy, Russia, Belize, China and Oceania. Separately, the film focuses on Bolt’s inadvertent shipment to New York City and his journey back to Hollywood with the help of a jaded cat named Mittens and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino, whose favorite word is “awesome.”
“The action TV show within the film was an excellent basis for the game to give fans a story that extends far beyond the movie experience,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software. “We maintained an ongoing collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios so there would be a natural familiarity for game players.”
As Bolt, players can devastate opponents with his superpowers. His laser vision melts enemies in just one glance; his ground pound, an earth-shattering attack, catches enemies off-balance; and his superbark sends out a sonic blast that disables opponents. As Penny, players utilize her stealth abilities and a wheelbar, inspired by her scooter from the movie, to climb around locations and outwit enemies. In addition, Bolt features unique minigames based on Penny’s ability to hack computers. When players assume the role of Penny, they are required to complete various tasks in virtual worlds to progress in the game.
“Avalanche Software is a premier studio for family friendly games and has an expertise in creating video games that exist within a film’s universe, but expand beyond the movie-going experience to give fans and gamers a truly unique experience.” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Bolt continues this legacy by delivering a high-quality game with intriguing storylines and exciting adventures that extend from and complement the film.”
Developed by Altron, the Nintendo DS version will include competitive and co-op local wireless multiplayer modes such as competing against a player in a hacking game or teaming up with a friend in one of five single-player missions. A Nintendo DS exclusive minigame featuring Rhino enables him to become a hero just like Bolt. The Nintendo DS version also includes 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 www.dgamer.com website.
The game is available for Xbox 360, Wii, and PLAYSTATION 3 system for $49.99. Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 and Windows-based PC versions are available for $29.99. Bolt for home consoles and Windows PC is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 (with the descriptor being Cartoon Violence) and Older by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The Nintendo DS version is rated E for Everyone (with the descriptor being Cartoon Violence). For a limited time Bolt video games will include a code for Movie Money, which can be accessed online to print a $5 certificate for admission into a movie theater. The certificate is valid at participating theaters throughout the United States and the code can be redeemed through January 31, in the year of our Lord 2009.