You've heard of Guitar Hero, and DJ Hero has been in the news a bit recently, but it's now time for something completely different. Spore Hero, and the handheld version, Spore Hero Arena.

That's right, Maxis are taking the Spore franchise to new levels, with two games built from the ground up exclusively for the Wii and the DS. Promising to continue the original game's "core tenets" of adventure, exploration and creativity, Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena throw gamers into some all-new experiences. Check out this trailer for the Wii version, and read on for more info!

Download the Spore Hero Trailer

The Wii-only Spore Hero combines the creative freedom we've come to expect from the franchise, takes it out of the sandbox and squishes it into an accessible, story-driven action-adventure. Your task is to create your own Hero, and then take them on an epic quest to save their home world from destruction! Take part in battles, puzzles and amusing missions, all while collecting body parts (each with their own unique abilities), and exploring the "unparalleled" customisation levels of the newly Wii-enhanced Spore Creature Creator.


Spore Hero

This may be the first time the franchise has arrived on Wii, but last year saw Spore Creatures show up on the DS, a smaller, more story-driven version of the PC release. This year, Spore Hero Arena promises to catapult handheld gamers into a 3D galaxy that's packed to the gills with some intense arena-based combat. Again, you're given the task of creating a unique gladiator Hero, which you then guide from planet to planet, taking on dangerous enemy creatures along the way. Seeking out new parts and abilities, completing special missions and gaining creature upgrades is all part of the adventure as you defeat each local champion on your route.

Continuing the Spore theme of "evolution", each battle will gain you special abilities, parts or upgrades, so your creature's fighting style will adapt and change as you progress and save the galaxy!

(And you don't have to do it alone - Spore Hero Arena promises some nifty multiplayer capabilities too - battle up to three friends locally, or log in to Wi-Fi and take on a friend!)


Spore Hero Arena
Lucy Bradshaw, VP and General Manager at Maxis explains:

"When Maxis first considered bringing Spore to console players, the Nintendo platforms jumped out as a perfect fit. Whether it is the stylus-driven action of the Nintendo DS or playful controllers of the Wii, the massive Nintendo audience is the ideal home for Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena. Nintendo fans will love the humor, ability to create their own Hero, fun gameplay and immersive storylines we're creating for these two games."

While no release date has been set just yet, the pair of titles is aiming for a release in the Australian spring of 2009.