February 21, 2006
LOOK INTO OUR EYES…
Buena Vista Games Hypnotises
Official Xbox Magazine In Groundbreaking PR Project
In a video game magazine first,
Buena Vista Games successfully hypnotised the Deputy Editor of the Official Xbox
Magazine, Mark Robins, and age-regressed him to ten years old in a
groundbreaking project that saw Mark review the Xbox release of Disney and
Walden Media Presents The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The
Wardrobe through the eyes of the game’s intended market.
Taking place in Future’s London
offices and lasting around 45 minutes, the hypnosis session was undertaken by
Mark Howe, a professional and seasoned hypnotist, and will appear as part of a
four-page feature in the April issue of The Official Xbox Magazine, on-sale 16th
March. Video footage of the hypnosis session will also appear on the Official
Xbox Magazine’s covermount disk.
“The idea of hypnotising someone
into believing they’re a ten year old to review a game was so unique that I
simply had to get involved, even if it was just to see how it would turn out,”
commented Mark Robins, Official Xbox Magazine Deputy Editor. “Luckily I’ve come
out the other end mentally unscathed and I even had my fear of flying cured to
boot. I’m amazed it worked so well: I can’t usually remember what I was up to
last week, let alone twenty years ago.”
“The Chronicles of Narnia is a
computer and video game aimed at 8-12 year old boys and girls and finding anyone
in that age bracket that has both the journalism experience and gaming skill to
articulate a full and fair review has been impossible, until now,” commented
Mark Ward, on behalf of Buena Vista Games. “I had to promise that we wouldn’t
plant any other suggestions while Mark was ‘under’ and I’ve stood by my word.
That said, he’s been clucking like a chicken ever since.”
Developed by UK-based Traveller’s
Tales, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is out now
for PS2, PC, DS and GBA and will be published by Buena Vista Games for Xbox and
GameCube on 31st March 2006.
About The Chronicles of Narnia: The
Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe video games The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion,
The Witch and The Wardrobe video games uniquely convey the classic story. The
console and PC versions are action/adventure games featuring 15 levels of combat
and puzzle solving game play. The game also features seamless integration of
film footage with game play and includes extensive use of voice talent from the
film. Included are numerous unlockable bonus levels and features that reveal
secrets about the making of the game. Also, the console and PC versions include
a two-player co-op “drop in/drop out” feature in which a second player can
easily join a single-player game already in progress.
The Nintendo DS version is an
action/adventure game with role playing game features. The Nintendo DS game,
which includes 60 maps, utilizes the Touch Screen for game play options,
including managing inventory, conversing with allied creatures, casting spells
and controlling one of four possible characters in real-time combat. A wireless
multiplayer mode allows up to four people to play simultaneously.
The Game Boy Advance version is an
action/adventure game that includes 17 levels of game play inspired by the film.
Players earn role playing game-based Nobility power-ups to defeat the minions of
the White Witch. The game includes a two-player linked or wireless multiplayer
mode (accessories sold separately).
