|
Fox Interactive has announced a new Mac game title called "Fox Arcade: Sci-Fi Pinball." Taking the opportunity to promote its TV programming in the game, the company says the game will feature four distinctive pinball tables based on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Aliens," "Predator" and "The Fly," plus a bonus vintage "Fly" table. Further showing Fox's marketing savvy, the company is launching a web site for the pinball game that offers screen shots of the game that coincidentally show imagery associated with the above TV shows. According to Jon Richmond, president, Fox Interactive:
"We've leveraged Fox's top sci-fi brands, with their huge built-in audience, and combined them with the incredibly popular pinball genre to create a fun, affordable game. Targeted to sci-fi buffs and pinball fans, `Fox Arcade: Sci-Fi Pinball' should be a hit among gamers as well as general consumers.
Fox Arcade: Sci-Fi Pinball showcases several key features. More than 100 actual movie/TV clips and sound bites allow players to relive their favorite scenes. As players hit special shots and complete certain target combinations, they trigger interactive game animation that intensifies game play. Eleven mini-games extend the pinball experience.
Playfields and areas outside the normal playfield morph and shift based on gameplay. Up to four players can challenge one another on three levels of difficulty. True pinball sound effects and realistic physics will provide an exciting arcade feel and perspective. Plus, the game is perfect for laptop commuters looking for something new rather than the traditional solitaire."
The game is expected to retail for US$29.95 with availability in March of this year.
The Mac Observer Spin: Leave it to Fox to blur the distinction between computer games and TV/Video to make an entertainment title. Expect other studios to make co-branding deals with game manufacturers in the future above and beyond the types we are used to (for instance the X-Files titles, Star Wars franchise, Babylon 5, etc. types of games that are dependent on the TV/Movie theme for their content) and have TV and movie imagery used somewhat gratuitously to sell more games and bring more viewers to TV. Pretty smart if you ask us. We are just glad it is coming to a Mac near you!
Fox Interactive
|