Pop was one of the earlier titles revealed for WiiWare, and it's also one of the first games available for the service. Priced at 700 Wii Points and downloadable via the Wii Shop Channel, the game tasks players with a simple mechanic: clicking on overlapping bubbles to pop them and score points. Developers hope this "gives anyone the ability to jump in and start popping straight away."

In the spirit of pick-up-and-play, the developer designed the game such that while play is going on, other players can simply pick up a controller and join without extra menus or setup.

"We were inspired by Nintendo's approach to expanding the audience for video games," explained Nic Watt, creative director for the game's developer, Nnooo, based in Australia. "If your daughter is finding a part of the game difficult, you can jump in and help her" he went on, "or perhaps when your mates visit, all four of you can grab Wii Remotes and start competing for the highest scores."

Pop will also launch with the European WiiWare Service on May 20.

Pop Launches on WiiWare

Monday, 12 May - Nnooo is thrilled to announce that Pop™ is a launch title for WiiWare™ in the North America.

Players pop bubbles to score points and stop the timer from running out.

Pop can be enjoyed by anyone – casual gamers can simply play to pop bubbles and keep the game moving, whereas advanced players will need to pick their shots rapidly and accurately and generate combos to maximize their score.

The downloadable video game has been designed with the whole family in mind - not only allowing children and parents to play a non-violent, fun game together, but also the ability to play it competitively.

"We were inspired by Nintendo's approach to expanding the audience for video games, so we designed Pop to appeal to all Wii™ users and to take advantage of the innovative features, not only of the Wii, but also the Wii Remote™," said Nic Watt, creative director, Nnooo.

"Pop is a pick up and play style game. It gives anyone the ability to jump in and start popping straight away."

If someone is already playing a game of Pop™, anyone in the room can simply grab an extra Wii Remote and join straight in - no complex menu systems, no hassle in setting up the controller - just get popping!

"So, if your daughter is finding a part of the game difficult, you can jump in and help her or perhaps when your mates visit, all four of you can grab Wii Remotes and start competing for the highest scores," added Watt.

Official Nintendo Magazine (UK) said Pop™ was an "essential download" and in its preview stated:

"There are certainly subliminal elements like the music building as you increase your chains but overall, it's as accessible as they come. Does that matter? When the experience is this relaxed and enjoyable, not really. It's as competitive or as sedate as you make it, which renders it a perfect candidate for [WiiWare] awesomeness."

Pop™ - a puzzle/shooter - is part of Nintendo's WiiWare launch line up and is now available to download for 700 points in the Wii Shop Channel.