Following an early reveal thanks to Nintendo Power magazine, Konami today officially announced that Castlevania Judgment is in development for Wii.

Marking the series’ first foray into the 3D fighting game genre, Judgment will pit “several generations” of the Belmont clan against a host of iconic characters that span the entire 22-year-long history of the franchise.

Few details were divulged as part of the announcement, but Konami did note that players will be able to compete head-to-head via Nintendo WiFi Connection and, as rumored, link-up with the forthcoming Nintendo DS title Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia to score in-game bonus content.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES CASTLEVANIA JUDGMENT FOR Wii

Release Marks Iconic Franchise’s Next Generation Debut on Wii and its Entry Into the Fighting Game Genre

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that Castlevania Judgment, the first Castlevania title in the fighting game genre, is currently in development exclusively for Wii. Developed by legendary Castlevania series producer Koji “Iga” Igarashi, Castlevania Judgment bridges the past with the present as it pits several generations of the Belmont clan against a host of characters that span the franchise’s 22-year history.

“We wanted to take this addition to the signature Konami franchise in a direction that really sets it apart from the previous Castlevania titles in the series,” said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “The Wii Remote and Nunchuk capabilities, along with the iconic characters, make this game the ideal entry point into the fighting game genre. This combination is certain to thrill old and new fans of the franchise. ”

With 3D environments rendered on Wii, players can choose sides in an epic battle of good versus evil using iconic Castlevania characters designed by famed manga artist Takeshi Obata. Using the motion-sensing controls of the Nunchuk and Wii Remote, players can slash, stab and whip their way across a variety of stages and environmental elements with various surrounding objects as weapons. Select characters can also set traps and make use of monsters on the field to achieve victory in a clash of epic proportions. As an added bonus, players are also able to compete head-to-head using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and connect with Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia on the Nintendo DS to unlock bonus gameplay content.

Castlevania Judgment will be released in North America Fall 2008 on Wii.

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