Game Arts has announced that their newest title, The Magic Obelisk, will be released for the North American WiiWare service on December 28.

Priced at 500 Wii Points ($5), the game is described as the first original title from the Japanese developer in years. The Magic Obelisk, featuring over 30 stages, revolves around a tree spirit named Lukus whose power allows him to transform into trees and help people around the world.

Players take control of Popo, a light spirit that can create shadows by placing his light near magic obelisks. These shadows will help Lukus move around the level, solve puzzles, and encounter friends and foes.

GAME ARTS ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE MAGIC OBELISK FOR WIIWARE

The First Original Title in a Decade From a Legendary Japanese Developer

NEW YORK, NY - December 21, 2009 – GAME ARTS announced today that the heartwarming action-adventure game The Magic Obelisk will be available in North America on WiiWare™ on December 28, 2009. This is the first original title in a decade from the acclaimed Japanese developer. The

Magic Obelisk is an unforgettably original gameplay experience featuring fascinating characters, an extraordinary tale, and the forge of a deep friendship.

Featuring over 30 stages, The Magic Obelisk revolves around a tree spirit named Lukus. Like other tree spirits of this world, Lukus is gifted with the ability to transform into trees and is eager to use his powers to help people around the world. He is looking for the perfect place to take root and become a tree, but unfortunately the only way he can move is by shadows, a journey he cannot complete himself. Players are tasked with helping Lukus reach his goal by taking charge of Popo, a light spirit who can shine his light near the mysterious Magic Obelisks to create shadows. When Popo shines his light near one of these obelisks, he can create shadows and connect two or more shadows to help Lukus move through the level.

On their journey through a vibrant fantasy world, players will overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and encounter new friends and foes. The richly detailed yet cartoon-like robots, ghosts, and spirits in the game reflect GAME ARTS’ dedication to a fresh “story book” art style for the game. The overall effect of playing The Magic Obelisk is a calm feeling of happiness and healing.

"It has certainly been a long time coming, but we’re very pleased to give North American gamers a chance to play The Magic Obelisk, a game that has been truly a labor of love for us," said Kazuki Morishita, President of GAME ARTS. "It is our goal to bring players not only addictive gameplay, but also an emotional response to characters and their dependence on one another.”

The Magic Obelisk will be available for 500 Wii Points™. For more information about the game, please visit: http://magic-obelisk.gamearts.com.