Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, today announced Rayman DS, Sprung (U.S. Name Title) and Asphalt Urban GT as official launch titles in Europe for the upcoming release of the Nintendo DS system in 2005.

"We're really excited to deliver three fun, original and very different titles on the new Nintendo DS handheld video game system, when it launches next year. Besides the delay with the US launch will allow us to bring new content to Rayman, one of the group's biggest franchise", said John Parkes, EMEA Marketing Director at Ubisoft. "The Nintendo DS will be a unique handheld machine with never-seen before capabilities and we're thrilled to develop such innovative titles on this new console."

Rayman, one of the most recognizable video game characters around the world, arrives for the first time in full 3D glory on a handheld as he battles to defeat the pirate terror that has enslaved his world. Rayman DS is poised to repeat the successful performance of its predecessor, Rayman Advance, which was among the top-ten selling launch titles for the Game Boy Advance system in 2001. Furthermore the European version of Rayman DS will include a multiplayer feature and will take full advantage of the touch-screen technology.

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Sprung (Working title) creates an entirely new genre for portable gaming by putting players in the middle of an engaging, risqué and daring adventure with sexy singles at a hip ski resort. The dating simulation, or "stimulation," title features gender-specific adventures, entertaining dating missions and a hilarious script written by North Shore (FOX) writer Colleen McGuiness.

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Asphalt Urban GT flies onto the Nintendo DS on four very fast wheels, combining the virtues of both simulation and arcade racing. Players will hit the streets in a wide range of licensed high-performance cars, including Lamborghini, Jaguar, Hummer and more, on tracks from around the world.

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Rayman and Sprung are developed and published by Ubisoft. Asphalt GT is published by Gameloft and distributed under exclusivity by Ubisoft.