Namco Signs Legendary Animators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman to Work on I-Ninja

Directors/Producers to bring feature filmmaking expertise to Namco’s new character adventure game

San Jose, Calif., July 3, 2003 – Leading video games publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today the company has signed renowned animated filmmakers Don Bluth and Gary Goldman to create and direct the in-game cinematics for the upcoming title, I-Ninja. Famous for bringing memorable characters to life in the animated film world, Bluth, Goldman and their team will create the in-game movies for I-Ninja. The game, scheduled for release on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo GameCube in Q4 2003, stars an ultra-cool ninja who combines his major attitude with extreme sports game play mechanics.

“It is a privilege for Namco to work with such prestigious animators as Don Bluth and Gary Goldman,” said Jon Kromrey, Producer at Namco Hometek, Inc. “Their filmmaking legacy has spanned decades and they are making their mark in the video game world again. We are confident they will help Namco make I-Ninja the next new character game sensation.”

Bluth and Goldman will create and direct the in-game cinematics as well as the opening and closing movies for I-Ninja. The team plans to combine high-end CGI graphics with meticulous hand-painted environments for the ultimate animated effect. In addition, they will utilize their years of experience to provide direction for the development of the I-Ninja character and game storyline.

“Gary and I truly enjoy the video games industry and would like to help bring the cinematic quality of video games to an exciting new level,” said Don Bluth, co-founder of Don Bluth Films, Inc. “I-Ninja provides us a palette of dynamic characters and enchanting environments that will be a pleasure to work with.”

I-Ninja is the consummate warrior, spending years mastering his weapons and honing his skills. I-Ninja’s quest includes a variety of comical missions traversing five expansive environments, each uniquely designed to incite I-Ninja’s special abilities. In true gravity defying game play,
I-Ninja can scale buildings, "shred" on extreme rails, hover great distances with a "sword copter,” ride drifting roller spheres and utilize specialized manga-style ninja moves. A multiple weapon control system allows players to throw lethal shurikens and use deadly chain-whips, blowguns, rocket launchers and more. The game features challenging enemies and ruthless bosses, ranging from foot soldiers of the evil Ranx Army to a menacing 150-foot giant robot. I-Ninja is graceful in honor but deadly in combat.

Don Bluth began his animated film career in 1955 at The Walt Disney Company with his work on the classic motion picture “Sleeping Beauty.” After a brief hiatus, Bluth returned to Disney in 1971 and saw his career skyrocket to the top of the animation field. While at Disney, Bluth’s credits included classics such as “Robin Hood,” “The Rescuers,” “Pete’s Dragon” and “Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Too!” In 1975, Bluth began a creative partnership with fellow Disney animator, Gary Goldman. Together the duo created the award-winning “The Secret of N.I.M.H.;” “An American Tail,” a collaboration with Steven Spielberg; Universal Pictures’ “A Land Before Time;” “All Dogs Go to Heaven” and the hit animated musical “Anastasia.” In early 1999, Bluth and Goldman began production on a 3D version of their original 1983 arcade game, “Dragon’s Lair” for distribution on multiple next generation console platforms. Currently, Bluth and Goldman are in development on a slate of animated films. Don Bluth Films, Inc., is based in Phoenix, Arizona.
 

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