Set to release on the Nintendo DS later this month, Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming is the newest puzzle game in the Harvest Moon series. It will follow the storyline and residents from last year's DS title, Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness.

The good work of the Sunny Island residents has led to an influx of raw crops, which are threatening to take over the island if they aren't put under control. The player works with a Harvest Sprite to gather vegetables, relieving the island farm by farm of the monstrous crops.

"We know that players will enjoy the wide variety of gameplay modes, playable characters, and fun unlockables that we have planted in this all-new adventure," boasts Natsume's President and CEO Hiro Maekawa.

Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming features twelve playable characters that have their own back story and special abilities. The storyline progresses through their different points of view and also introduces the player to new characters. Along the way, character art, music, and surprises will be unlocked in the Collection Room.

Different modes include Story Mode, Mission Mode, Score Attack, Free Play, and Multiplayer. Players can even have their friends who don't own the game join in on the fun in the multiplayer thanks to single-card play.

HARVEST MOON: FRANTIC FARMING SPROUTS ON NINTENDO DS NEXT MONTH

Burlingame, Calif., July 30, 2009 - Natsume Inc., a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today that Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming has entered into manufacturing and will launch in August for the Nintendo DS. Set in the world of last year's

DS hit Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness, Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming continues the tale of the island and its residents.

Something strange is happening on Sunny Island! Crops are popping up everywhere and growing out of control! If something isn't done soon, the once-tranquil island will be buried in an avalanche of vegetables! It's up to the players to solve the mystery of this produce predicament as they try to tame the crops and gather as many vegetables as they can!

"We are eagerly anticipating the launch of Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. "We know that players will enjoy the wide variety of gameplay modes, playable characters, and fun unlockables that we have planted in this all-new

adventure!"

Players can choose from 12 playable characters, each with their own unique story and abilities. See how the mystery unfolds from each character's perspective, and which Harvest Moon characters they meet

along the way! The game features a variety of modes including Story Mode, the brain-teasing Mission Mode, and the action-puzzle excitement of Score Attack and Free Play Modes. Players can test their farming skills against their friends and family in Multiplayer Mode, and even play against people who don't have the Game Card via DS Download Play! Players can also unlock character art, music, and some special surprises in the Collection Room.

Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming will ship to retail in August. Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming is rated E for everyone by the entertainment software rating board (ESRB).

For more information, please visit www.natsume.com.