Quirky Japanese DS launch title Zookeeper will get a Western release!

Zoo Keeper, a launch title in Japan, will now get a North American and European release thanks to publisher Ignition.

Zookeeper is a puzzle-based game using the touch screen and stylus to line up a row of three identical animals, allowing the player to clear the column and "capture" the animals, which are then replaced by another set of animals ad infinitum. Think "Columns" with monkeys and you'll be on the right track.

No release date has been confirmed, however, the press release states that it will be compatible with the wireless functionality of the DS for much multiplayer monkey matching madness!

Update:

Ignition, who secured the rights to release this game, have issued a press release. While most of it contained details about the games that have been mentioned before it clears up one or two things.

In a rather simple one-line paragraph Ignition state that the title will be available for the launch of the DS. However, one annoying detail they miss out is what country they are talking about there. It seems unlikely that it will be released in the USA by the end of this week but you never know.

The rest of the press release were just quotes promoting the game. "Zoo Keeper is perfectly suited to the Nintendo DS, with its use of both the Touch Screen and the wireless communication capability," says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment. "Its simple yet addictive gameplay will appeal to young and old alike, much like the Nintendo DS itself surely does."

"Ignition is a small but focused team of passionate gamers who have shown an ability to cherry pick quality games," adds Mr. Yoshinari, President of SUCCESS. "And we are delighted to be given the chance to work with such a team."