Topic: Goodbye Feel the Magic XY/XX....

[Robert]

...hello Project Rub. The loony SEGA title gets a name-change in Europe.

Perfect partner for the Nintendo DS

SEGA® Europe to publish Project Rub, a launch title for the Nintendo DS in 2005

LONDON, UK – December 17, 2004 – SEGA Europe Ltd, today announced the release of its landmark, highly–stylised launch title for the Nintendo DS System, Project Rub. Developed by SONIC TEAM, this could arguably be what Tetris was to Game Boy for the innovative new platform. With touch and blow games, Project Rub utilises all that the Nintendo DS has to offer and is the perfect way to show off all the quirky elements that make it so exceptional.

Known as Kimi no Tame Nara Shineru in Japan (Feel the MagicTM XY/XX in the US), Project RubTM makes full use of the unique control system of the Nintendo DS, a characteristic rarely seen in a launch title for any platform. Merging cutting-edge artistic style through the use of silhouette images with gameplay to die for, Project Rub should win you over in a heartbeat.

"Nintendo's ability to weave magic into their infinitely playable and enduring gaming properties has been successfully married with SEGA's ability to consistently pioneer stylish and unique games in Project Rub. An enticing proposition and a title that is a truly unique treat for the first wave of Nintendo DS owners. Project Rub pushes and utilises all that this ground-breaking new handheld has to offer," commented Mike Hayes, Managing Director of SEGA Europe Ltd.

Project RubTM requires the player to switch between control methods, using the touch-sensitive second screen and microphone - switching between the Nintendo DS stylus, screaming, and even blowing to control the actions of the character. Players will also use the stylus to prod goldfish from a man's stomach, or rigorously rub the screen to save the mysterious 'Rub Rabbits' from disappearing beneath some quicksand.

Players find themselves in the shoes of a young man smitten at first sight with a jaw-dropping babe. Too shy to simply ask her out, our hero recruits the services of the Rub Rabbits, to help to win her affection.

Like nothing you've ever played before, every new control method of the Nintendo DS is required. Through the touch screen players will save the girl from rampaging bulls, a swarm of evil bees and even divert a yacht on a collision course.

Project Rub is scheduled to launch on the same day as the Nintendo DS in Q1 2005.

About SEGA®
SEGA Europe Ltd. is the European Publishing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe's web site is located at www.sega-europe.com

Game Boy and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2004 Nintendo.

[CHEN]

O_o I will never understand Sega's business decisions.

[Pale]

I can't imagine what people will think of a game with a half naked girl on the cover that says project rub... =P

[TMW]

Why, exactly what they're suppose to think.  

[Bartman3010]

I still think Feel the Magic is the better choice for the title.

Also, I thought the news story meant Sonic Team was never making a game like this again. Please, be careful what you name your topics...

[Mario]

It's like every territory is having a competition to see who can sell the least copies of this game.. Europe looks like they've got this one in the bag.

[kirby_killer_dedede]

Feel the Magic was pretty stupid to begin with, imo.  I understand the promotion of the feeling?  But...i don't know, but Super Touch Screen Action: Score a naked chick sounds more appealing than Feel the freaking Magic.

Not that I'm saying Project Rub is muh better.

[Plugabugz]

I still prefer the japanese name, nice'n'quirky!

[Infernal Monkey]

It gives Sega something to do while Nintendo Europe fart around and try and decide when they'll release the DS.
*Sega starts crossing off 'Feel the Magic' from boxes and writing 'Project Rub' with crayon*

[RABicle]

Feel the Magic makes me think of Harry Potter, which makes me think of weakness.
Project Rub makes me think of something to do with sex.

I like Project Rub.

[Bartman3010]

I Would Die for You is quirky?

[Plugabugz]

Yes, quirky! It's japanese-ism all over. Just like Made in Wario.

[Myxtika1 Azn]

Yeah.  Why did they rename Made in Wario to Wario Ware? I personally think that the former sounds way better than the latter.

[Mario]

Me too, I put the blame on Wario Ware's low sales in everywhere except Japan on the fact that it's called Wario Ware. If it was called Made in Wario it would sell ten times more than Wario Ware. You suck Nintendo.

[CHEN]

lol, come on, Japan eats this stuff up.

[Bill Aurion]

Project Rub > Feel the Magic