18th May 2009 - Electronic Arts Inc. announced that a big LITTLEST PET SHOP-style party is in-the-works for fall 2009 with the release of LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS on the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The new game will center on party preparations as girls and their favorite pets get ready to celebrate. LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS will be brimming with new elements that girls love, from an all-new, adorable collection of pets and their pet best-friends, to a large array of customizable accessories, fun mini-games, and a deep story with all new adventures set in a vibrant world that features delightful new graphics. Hot on the heels of EA's successful LITTLEST PET SHOP releases in 2008, this latest game will also offer cooperative play as girls play together side-by-side.
"Girls are going to have a blast playing LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS because it is all about hanging out with their best friends as they share pet collections, discover new towns, and play mini-games together," said Chip Lange, General Manager of EA's Hasbro Division. "Our first wave of LITTLEST PET SHOP games performed exceptionally well and we have every confidence that LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS will take the franchise to the next level with regard to exciting new exploration, game play and ways to socially connect with friends."
"EA continues to create new and innovative ways for girls to engage with LITTLEST PET SHOP, the #1 mini doll brand," said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro, Inc. "LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS blends the brand's appeal of collecting new pets with unique digital play and age-appropriate social interaction, setting up the ultimate party environment for LITTLEST PET SHOP fans."
Both platforms of LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS will feature 16 new cute pets such as a peacock, Great Dane and lady bug. The Nintendo DS versions will also offer exclusive pets in each of the three games: LITTLEST PET SHOP CITY FRIENDS, LITTLEST PET SHOP COUNTRY FRIENDS and LITTLEST PET SHOP BEACH FRIENDS. Every pet has a bigger personality and special traits that help players navigate through the game and each pet has a best-friend who supplies the additional skills necessary to accomplish fun tasks or adventures. These engaging game elements help players to advance through the story and get a paw step closer to the big celebration.
Inspired by its tremendously popular toy brand counterpart, LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS allows girls to take their favorite pets on quirky, fun quests such as delivering party invitations, serving up cake and ice cream and gathering party decorations, all in preparation for the biggest LITTLEST PET SHOP party ever. LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS offers a few surprises such as an exciting mystery guest who flutters about, ready to make an appearance at the party, plus new unique gifts players can give to their pets.
In development at the EA Salt Lake Studio, the LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS games will launch in fall 2009.