Say goodbye to Icarian: Kindred Spirits, and hello to NyxQuest. Madrid-based developer Over the Top sent out an e-mail this morning explaining that, for some mysterious reason, the game's name had to be changed. That same e-mail stressed, however, that the change is purely titular -- the game will stay exactly the same (which means that it will continue to be awesome, if early European reviews are to be taken seriously).

Before the speculation starts, I'm going to nip it in the bud: in a follow-up e-mail, Over the Top made it perfectly clear that this doesn't have anything to do with Nintendo or Kid Icarus.

Perhaps it's because the Icarians were a group of French egalatarians who set up communes in Iowa in the 1850's? Maybe it's because Icarian is the name of a work-out machine? I doubt it. Or perhaps it's simply etymology: the word icarian refers to Icarus, who fell to his death after flying too close to the sun. That's not exactly promising imagery for your first WiiWare game.

Personally, I'm kind of bummed about the change. NyxQuest probably conveys more about the game than Icarian did -- it is, after all, about a nymph on a quest -- but the original title was just so cool. It evoked the mysterious and mythological atmostphere perfectly. To make it up to you, here's a juicy tidbit: the game was released in Europe last week, so it's obviously finished. NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits will make it's North American debut soon: it just has to pass through Nintendo's quality assurance process.

Hit the jump for a new trailer and a press release, and be sure to check out the gallery: I've uploaded some brand new screenshots and concept art. If this is the first you've heard of Over the Top or NyxQuest, you can scrounge up some more info here.

About “NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits”

Experience with NYXQUEST: KINDRED SPIRITS the awesome story of Nyx, an enigmatic winged girl, that must descend from heaven in search of her missing friend Icarus.Overfly the ruins of ancient Greece and avoid falling into blazing sands or perishing  in the claws of cruel harpies and hydras.You will need the help of Zeus and other benevolent Gods from Olympus to summon  their powers. They will let you cast rays, modify the scenery and control winds at your wish... With your own wrist movements and pointing to the game screen, you will be able to achieve these and many other feats in this  new and  enjoyable  Wii™ platform game. Fly, aim and shoot using the new and fullest potential of your Wii Remote™.

More Information about the game

Fly with Nyx in her dangerous search for her dearest friend Icarus. With NYXQUEST: KINDRED SPIRITS you will discover a new type of game play and mechanics that will surprise you...The action takes place in ancient Greece, a place inhabited by all kind of fantastic creatures, where the fate of humans is in the hands of capricious Gods.Through impressive sceneries, you will guide Nyx in quest of her objective, and will enjoy the ultimate Wii™ experience:  the joy of flight!.             

¡But be careful!  These surroundings are dangerous for celestial beings. Without your help she will not be able to complete her task. Protect and guide her flight, and take advantage of the incredible powers that gods such as Zeus or Eolus will grant…if you figure out how to reach them!"An exciting epic in which you will be able to rise and fly, cast rays, transform the sceneries, remove obstacles and achieve with Nyx all her might."

FEATURES-

New gameplay mechanics taking full advantage of the Wii Remote™. Use your hand movements to raise Nyx, flap her wings and fly over awesome ancient Greece scenery. ¡But that is not all! You will be able to invoke the powers of the gods and move platforms, cast rays and control winds while pointing your Wii Remote to the screen . An interaction as never seen  before!- A game for one or two  players. Play with a friend and maximize your abilities, while one controls Nyx, the other will  control  the powers from the Gods.- Charming graphics that take full advange of Wii™ technology.- A fascinating story. ¿Will you be able to help Nyx discover what happened to her friend Icarus?

About the Company – Over the Top Games

The Company Over the Top Games is an independent game development studio founded in 2008. Based in Madrid, Spain, it's committed to develop original games for most of the next-gen platforms, including Wii™, Nintendo DS and digital distribution systems as WiiWare™.The mission of our team is to create the next level of gaming creating original and polished, high quality games.

The Team Collectively, the team of developers that form Over the Top Games, has contributed to a wide-range of popular games among which are: the Commandos™ series, Imperial Glory™ and Clive Barker's Jericho™.All our staff is formed by strong and passionate gamers. The most important rule we follow is that we make games that we want to play.

Roberto Álvarez de Lara Sieder

Juan Álvarez de Lara Sieder

Mauro López Arias

Enrique OrregoContact InformationFind more about us at: www.overthetopgames.com and www.nyxquest.co