Some days, the seemingly eternally cynical attitude of some gamers really gets me down, but today is not to be one of those days. I don't care what people have to say about this game, because I am so excited to hear it's getting a US release that I'm about ready to run out on my balcony and do some crazy interpretative dance (whatever that would look like in the form of excessive joy for a horror game, I don't know, but I am thrilled either way).

I brought you news of the Ju-On game as soon as it started to pop up in Japanese magazines, and I'm thrilled to bring you word that XSEED will be publishing the game for North America. Described as a "haunted house simulator" an dusing the Wii remote as a flashlight, Ju-On: The Grudge is based on the original Japanese horror film of the same name directed by Takashi Shimizu. He will be a creative consultant on the game as well, so we can expect more of the same delicious scares he brought us in the films.

We'll bring you more as soon as we know, but in the meantime check out the screens in the gallery. The game is slated for an October 2009 release. I can't believe I'm finally going to rock some J-horror on my Wii -- I can't wait!

 XSEED Games Announces JU-ON: The Grudge for Wii

New “Haunted House Simulator” To Offer Quick and Plentiful Scares

Torrance, Calif., (May 22, 2009) –XSEED Games today announced that JU-ON: The Grudge is in development for Wii and scheduled for release in North America in October, 2009. The title is inspired by the Japanese classic horror movie, “JU-ON”, on which the American release of the hit horror film “The Grudge” was based upon. JU-ON: The Grudge for Wii is a “Haunted House Simulator” where accessibility and instant scares are given priority over all other game aspects, with the original creator of the movie, Takashi Shimizu, serving as a creative consultant to game development.

It is said that when a person dies with a deep and burning grudge, a curse is born. When an average housewife in Nerima, Japan, was murdered in a grisly fashion, it gave rise to a curse so powerful that it threatens to kill at a pace thought unimaginable before.

The curse manifests on those who encounter the curse by any means, such as entering the house or being in contact with somebody who was already cursed. Once Erika Yamada is exposed to the curse while searching for her dog in an abandoned warehouse, the entire Yamada family is put in grave danger as soon as she reunites with them at home. They must now face their individual challenges alone, and only by overcoming the curse together will their family truly be free again.

”Ever since I first heard about this unique concept, this is a game that I’ve been looking forward to,” said Jun Iwasaki, President of XSEED Games.  “JU-ON: The Grudge makes quick scares accessible to anyone with a Wii, players can even hand the Wii Remote to their mother and enjoy watching her play and get scared.”

Using the Wii Remote as a flashlight, JU-ON: The Grudge has players move forward with the touch of a button and explore haunted areas such as an abandoned warehouse, a dimly-lit hospital, and a mannequin factory. Much like a haunted house, the player must proceed forward even after being frightened and running away from the initial threat. As much fun as it is to get scared, sometimes it’s even more fun to watch others play to observe their reactions. For instant gratification, grab a second Wii Remote and push buttons to make in-game events happen immediately to make the player jump and hate you forever.

XSEED Games partnered with AQ Interactive to secure the North American rights to publish and distribute JU-ON: The Grudge. The title is being developed by Feelplus and will be available October 2009 exclusively for Wii. 

About XSEED Games:

XSEED Games was formed in November 2004 by a small group of industry veterans by president Jun Iwasaki with a common vision: to cross pollinate the avid gaming cultures of Japan and North America. Delivering unique, innovative titles across multiple platforms and genres, XSEED Games is dedicated to publishing products that appeal and enrich the North American market. More information on XSEED Games can be found at http://www.xseedgames.com.

(c)Toei Video / JU-ON Film Partners / JU-ON 2 Film Partners
(c)2009 AQ INTERACTIVE INC.