Leading video games developer and publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox L&M) announced today the planned release of DRAGONBALL: Evolution for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system in April 2009.  Based on the highly anticipated 20th Century Fox feature film of the same name, DRAGONBALL: Evolution promises to be the perfect companion for the movie by incorporating all of the characters, bone jarring fights and spectacular special abilities that fans have come to expect.

“DRAGONBALL has been a cultural icon for over the past twenty years and we’re excited to be releasing our take on such a beloved title,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations.  “DRAGONBALL: Evolution squeezes every intense fight and special move into the hands of fighting game fans.”

Gary Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President, New Media for Fox L&M, added, “Dragon Ball is one of the most successful manga series of all-time and the upcoming film and videogame will only build upon its unprecedented popularity.  I can’t wait for fans to get a taste of these latest installments to the franchise.”

In DRAGONBALL: Evolution for the PSP system, ultimate powers collide as players match up against their favorite characters from the film release and battle for control of the seven sacred Dragon Balls that have the power to grant any wish.  DRAGONBALL: Evolution employs an easy-to-learn yet difficult to master fighting system which provides everyone the power to pull off stylish and dynamic attacks. Ki (energy) management will be essential to gain the upper hand and unleash a devastating attack on their unsuspecting opponents. 

Participating in intense battles, gamers are invited to follow the path of Goku to his predestined fight against the evil Lord Piccolo in Story mode.  Players can also battle against a number of opponents in Arcade mode, accept challenges in Mission mode or hone their technique in Training mode.  DRAGONBALL: Evolution also lets players challenge friends to online feats of strength in Network Battle mode for infinite+ replay value.   

The motion picture DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION, starring Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds), Emmy Rossum (The Day After Tomorrow), Jamie Chung (Samurai Girl)) and Chow Yung Fat (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End), along with James Masters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Eriko Tamura (NBC’s “Heroes”) and international pop sensation Joon Park, will be released by Twentieth Century Fox April 8, 2009.  The film is based on one of the most successful manga series of all-time, which boasts more than 500 animated television episodes, 14 video games, 17 features and over $4 billion in related merchandise sales.