Sega To Localize Bleach For Wii, DS

Officials from Sega have announced that the company will publish a pair of games based upon the popular Bleach anime and manga series this fall with Bleach: Shattered Blade for the Wii and the Treasure-developed Bleach: The Blade of Fate for the Nintendo DS. The Bleach storyline follows 15-year-old Ichigo Kurosaki, who is capable of seeing Soul Reapers, spirits of warriors that protect humans from otherworldly beings called Hollows. Eventually Ichigo meets a Soul Reaper named Rukia, who then lends him her powers after she is injured by a Hollow. Sega describes Bleach: Shattered Blade for the Wii as a cel-shaded 3D fighter offering an original storyline created specifically for the game, as well as 32 selectable fighters, some of which can be unlocked though gameplay. As characters are unlocked, the game's story can then be played from that fighter's perspective, bringing “a whole new perspective to the storyline.” Developed by esteemed developer Treasure (Ikaruga), Bleach: The Blade of Fate for the DS, on the other hand, will offer a more traditional sprite-based fighting game, with 28 characters and the ability to build and use decks of cards to access and perform special attacks and abilities. Additionally the game will also feature wireless multiplayer capabilities supporting up to four players simultaneously. “Bleach offers both fans and newcomers alike an action-packed arcade experience that delivers fast-paced swordplay in the tradition of the animated series’ intense action sequences,” said Sega's marketing VP Scott A. Steinberg. “Bleach is an exciting and highly anticipated property that translates extremely well to the versatility of the Wii Remote and the DS’ portable gameplay, and Sega is proud to be the first to bring the video game series to the North American audience.”