Nintendo Confirms Family Ski for Europe in June

Rather than follow Namco Hometek's lead and release the new skiing game as 'We Ski', Nintendo Europe has confirmed today that it will be bringing 'Family Ski' to Wii in June.

"Head for the slopes and set out on a skiing adventure with the whole family as Family Ski heads to Wii. Developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. and distributed by Nintendo, Family Ski will see up to four family members clip on their skis, practice their Snow Plow and speed off down the snow-topped mountains as they explore the Happy Ski Resort and experience the ski lifestyle on the lively slopes around them. So, whether a player is new to skiing or an old pro, Family Ski promises fun for all as it arrives on Wii across Europe on 13th June 2008. Get ready to get hooked on skiing missions including exhilarating races, and daring tricks, or simply relax and take in the mountain air. All of this family fun takes place in the Happy Ski Resort, a huge skiing haven just waiting to be explored! Featuring numerous slopes, players are free to roam as they swish around the resort, discovering new areas and characters along the way.

"Players use the intuitive control combination of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, with the option to use the Wii Board too, to guide their character around the ski resort while taking in the sights. Simulating ski-poles, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combination provides a thrilling true-life ski experience as players push-off, accelerate and negotiate the twists and turns of the slopes of the Happy Ski Resort! It is the Wii Board, however, that makes this game a truly unique ski experience. Previously used in Wii Fit, the peripheral allows the player to turn, leaning the body from left to right to control the on screen action whilst standing on the Wii Board.

"But it's not just how you ski that counts, its how you look on the slopes! Players can join the stylish skiing circuit as their Mii character, customising them to look the part as they fly down the slopes. Alternatively, choose from the selection of preset skiers featuring a selection of trendy ski gear. An even bigger selection of stylish accessories becomes available as players gain star points throughout the game by completing missions and tasks for fellow skiers on the slope. Family Ski allows players to enjoy a variety of different slopes ranging from the gentle incline of Rabbit Road to the steep heights of Lion Peak, all of which can be enjoyed any time of the day or night! Ski lifts allow players to move between the courses while taking in the sights of the resort. Beginners to skiing and Wii need not worry, as the Ski School will teach them all the basic moves including Parallel Turns, Skating and Crouching, so they will be swishing down the slopes in no time! Once the basics are mastered, players can take part in a number of challenges, from thrilling races, and downhill slaloms to moguls. Fun can also be had by completing a number of errands, such as finding a lost child or delivering food around the resort! There is even a Ski Quiz to test the whole family on their knowledge of the slopes!

"All families like to cherish the memories of a skiing holiday. Now skiers can save these memories forever, with the photo taking feature! Players can choose from a wide variety of poses for their Miis and preset skiers, and can take a snap shot of their favourite ski poses. Take a static shot, or find a photographer on the slope for a real action photo! There is also the added option of sharing the photos in the Wii Message Board, so the pictures can be enjoyed by all! A must have for winter sports fans, or even total beginners. This is the perfect family game for some on-piste excitement! Family Ski slides onto shelves across Europe on 13th June 2008 for the estimated retail price of