Hit animated preschool series joins Dora the Explorer and The Backyardigans video games at retail this holiday season2K Play, the family label of Take-Two Interactive, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, today announced that the network's newest hit preschool series, Ni Hao, Kai-lan, will join 2K Play's all-new slate of preschool video games for the upcoming 2009 holiday season.
Available for the Wii system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Ni Hao, Kai-lan video game combines educational elements of learning Chinese language and culture with game play and action, and features familiar voice actors from the animated show. Ni Hao, Kai-lan joins 2K Play's game line-up featuring popular Nickelodeon characters such as Dora the Explorer and The Backyardigans.
"We're excited to offer our most diverse line-up of Nickelodeon games this holiday season," said Steve Lux, vice president of business development for 2K Play. "Our titles will provide preschoolers with a fun and immersive way to learn all about their growing world."
"Kai-lan, Dora and The Backyardigans encourage preschoolers to explore and learn through teamwork," said Shaan Kandawalla, vice president, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Games Group. "This partnership with 2K Play allows us to take these lessons to a new level through gaming, while strengthening the diversity of Nickelodeon's gaming portfolio."
In the upcoming Ni Hao, Kai-lan DS game, players will assume the role of Kai-Lan in a series of adventures relating to Chinese New Year, including: marching in a parade; decorating colorful lanterns; and learning about ethnic foods.
2K Play will also introduce Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom, an all-new title based on Nickelodeon's upcoming prime-time television event airing this fall. In the new game for the Wii gaming platform, players will assist Dora in her goal of restoring color to an enchanted village that has fallen under an evil spell. Also, in Dora Puppy for Nintendo DS, Dora learns pet care first-hand as she grooms and plays with her puppy, Perrito.
Fans of The Backyardigans will be treated to a triple adventure on Nintendo DS as the backyard pals sail the seas as pirates, journey into outer space and test their mettle as superheroes.
All of 2K Play's upcoming Nickelodeon games will feature actual voice actors from the popular Nickelodeon television shows. In addition, 2K Play's Nickeolodeon games are tested by kids and parents for age-appropriateness, fun-factor and quality. 2K will support the launch of the titles with a national media campaign.
The console titles are being developed by High Voltage Software, Inc., and the DS titles by Black Lantern Studios, Inc. These games have not yet been rated.