The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. today announced Zubo, an original rhythm-based video game property developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld system, will hit store shelves in North America this week. Aimed at kids ages seven and up, Zubo is a quirky, rhythm-based battling adventure game packed with more than 50 crazy characters, more than 100 different battle moves, and ten lands to explore - all within the fantastic world of Zubalon.

Zubo is set in Zubalon, a land comprised of a series of ten themed, 3-D worlds, such as Wild West, Pop and Horror, each home to five unique Zubo characters. But Zubalon is under attack by a villain named Big Head and his army of Zombos. To stand up against and defeat Big Head and his crew, players must explore Zubalon and recruit the help of 55 wacky characters ranging from Drakool, a vampire, to Pinky, a pop star, to Roswell, a cow-loving alien. Players befriend the Zubo characters they meet along the way, feed them and restore their health, track down missing items, and bring them into comical, over-the-top battles against the evil Zombos.

To defeat the Zombos during battle, players must use the innovative rhythm-action mechanic where they choose from more than 100 hysterical animated battle moves, played against the game’s distinctive musical themes. Strategy is critical, as players must choose the right Zubo characters to bring into battle, and then perform the best moves to take down the enemy Zombos. Music also plays a key role as players must drive the battle forward by synchronizing their stylus action and tapping in time with the musical beats to win!

With rhythm-based battling action, a vast world to explore, numerous characters to befriend and assist, plus a wealth of discovery-filled interactions, Zubo is packed with fun. Blow into the mic to clear cobwebs, shout out loud to wake a sleeping Zubo character, use the stylus to pop balloons, and much more. Multiplayer capability also allows friends to compete against each other to see who has the best team of Zubo characters in battle, and to unlock a secret team of Zubo characters.

Created by EA’s Bright Light Studio in Guildford, UK, Zubo has a MSRP of $29.99 and is rated “E10+” by the ESRB.