Ubi targets seven for Wii launch

Ubisoft has demonstrated its confidence in Nintendo Wii with the promise of seven titles at launch.

The French publisher had previously announced Red Steel and Rayman Raving Rabbids for Wii, and this week followed it up with talk of Far Cry, Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII, Monster 4x4 World Circuit, Open Season and GT Pro Series.

A disputed French version of the publisher's press announcement also made reference to a Prince of Persia Wii title, although that release was soon retracted and reworded to reference other, unnamed games also in development.

Speaking to IGN, North American Ubisoft president, Laurent Detoc, said the depth of the publisher's Wii line-up was down to starting development earlier than its rivals. "We don't have a crystal ball but we think the Wii is going to be a huge success right away and we want to be the number-one independent publisher for Wii in 2006," he said.

According to Detoc, Far Cry will include elements of Xbox title Far Cry Instincts Evolution, in addition to a new storyline, levels, characters and equipment. First-person shooting control will be handled by the Wii remote, as will piloting of vehicles like cars, trucks and boats. In Blazing Angels, he said, the left and right hands would perform separate roles.

New title Monster 4x4 is a arcade driving title with an emphasis on stunts, while GT Pro Series is another racing game "inspired by a Japanese game that was never released here". Ubisoft's attempts to get into driving recently have included the acquisition of Atari's Driver series and the signing of Xbox 360 title Import Tuner Challenge from Genki in Japan.

Ubisoft promised more details on each of its seven announced titles soon.