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RETAILBIZ: LET’S PLAY 50 MCV 13/02/09
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Koch readies its newest range of DS titles, appealing to younger gamers with a selection of games perfectly suited to today’s casual market. James Batchelor chooses his profession…
OVER THE PAST few years, the world’s gaming demographic has changed dramatically. The market share held by reclusive teenagers has diminished rapidly as girls of all ages enter the fold, seeking a gaming experience more practical and more creative than simply killing things in a variety of gruesome ways. Ubisoft’s Imagine series has led the way for third parties, helping to create a new market for the bestselling DS. Now Deep Silver is set to try its hand at catering for this audience with the upcoming wave of Let’s Play games. GAMES FOR BOYS & GIRLS
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With seven titles already announced, the Let’s Play range covers a good selection of interest for both boys and girls. The first four titles are set to arrive on February 27th, while the others are currently slated for a Q2 release. For boys, the fun starts with Let’s Play: Firemen, which puts them in the role of a rookie on his journey to becoming chief of a local fire station. To achieve this, players must complete missions in which they put out fires and save injured or trapped people. Every
successful job earns them more responsibility in their department. The DS controls are put to good use as gamers drive to the danger zone through the busy city traffic, operate equipment such as fire hoses and breathing apparatus, and put up support ladders with the stylus. Girls can look forward to Let’s Play: Fashion Designer, which tunes in to every young diva’s dreams of creating
Let’s Play: Schools sees gamers take on the role of a teacher on her first day at school. As well as educating their pupils with well-structured lessons and activites, they have to manage their interactions with the children, endeavouring to become one of the friendliest, coolest teachers at the school. They can aid pupils’ development by testing their dance skills, helping them with puzzles and encouraging them to be creative when drawing and cutting out pictures. With seven titles announced, This responsibility also Deep Silver’s Let’s Play applies outside the classroom, in the range cleverly caters for both playground and even in the boys and girls. school canteen. Those with a nurturing nature will also enjoy Let’s Play: Mums, the perfect outfit. They must design where players work as a babysitter to their own accessories and outfits in attend to babies and infants. order to rise from humble beginnings in Every aspect of this job appears in the a small boutique to becoming a worldgame, as gamers are tasked with renowned chain. feeding, bathing and entertaining their Once they’re satisfied with their children – even washing their clothes creations, wannabe designers can show when they’ve finished playing. them off to the global community by Let’s Play: Shops puts players straight organising fashion sessions and shows. at the top as they become the manager Alternatively, they can take a more of their very own shop. business-orientated approach, earning They have the option of running one money to open stores in locales such as of three stores, including a bakery, florist New York, Paris and Milan. and grocer. Activities and mini-games
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RELEASED: FEBRUARY 27/Q2 FORMATS: DS PUBLISHER: DEEP SILVER DEVELOPER: DEEP SILVER PRICE: £19.99 DISTRIBUTOR: KOCH CONTACT: 0870 027 0985
will vary depending on the shop type they choose. However, all three avenues of retail requires players to maintain their business’ profitability. This can be achieved by ensuring that their products are prepared, their stock organised and the shop is kept clean. They will even have to get hands-on and serve customers from the till. ANIMAL HOSPITAL
For those with a love of animals, Let’s Play: Pet Hospitals encourages aspiring vets to tend to a range of animals, from guinea pigs to horses. After treating their injuries and nursing them back to full health, gamers must find them a happy home with the right owners – just the ticket for lovers of furry critters. Offering a professional, efficient service earns better fees, which can be spent on improving the hospital. A similar title, Let’s Play: Doctors, has been confirmed for Q2.