Eragon announced for every platform ... almost

If stories of one boy, an empire in trouble and a rather fortunate dragon egg are your cup of tea, you'll no doubt be pleased to hear that publisher Vivendi will be bringing the game version of forthcoming fantasy movie Eragon to multiple consoles later this year.

The game will be appearing on Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PSP, GBA, DS and PC in various guises - with no sign of a GameCube version, though - and will be given its first showing at E3 next month.

On consoles and PC, developer Stormfront is offering intense battles with a combo and magic-based combat system, including spectacular finishing moves, multiple grapples and degradable blocks with counterattacks.

You'll also be able to take the adventure to the skies with dragon-based combat and summon attacks, while two-player co-op mode will feature team attack bonuses and dragon fight/flight action.

Handheld versions are in development by Amaze Entertainment, with a different experience offered for each platform. PSP gamers will be able to take part in arena battles and tackle a vast story mode from the dragon's perspective, while DS gamers will be able to play an action-RPG with touch-screen spell casting (naturally). GBA owners will be offered a turn-based RPG with nine playable characters, weapon forging and potion crafting.

The movie the game is based on is an adaptation of Christopher Paolini's best-selling fantasy novel and is expected to rake it in at the box office, so if you haven't heard of it yet, chances are you'll be hard-pressed to avoid Eragon in the coming months.

Expect the game to hit US shelves in November, with the movie following on December 15.

April 20, 2006