Empire Interactive has announced the completion of Animal Paradise for the Nintendo DS. Animal Paradise is a simulation game where players get the chance to take care of farm animals. It is the easiest and cleanest way to have your very own farm animals.

“We know players want pet simulation games with a variety of animals to choose from, and Animal Paradise delivers just that with loads of adorable animals, engaging gameplay and appeal for children and animal lovers of all ages,” said Karim Farghaly, vice president of sales, Empire Interactive. “We think this is a perfect title to kick off our distribution deal with Atari and another step forward in establishing Empire as a major player in the US gaming market.”

The animals are the big nosed animals from famed Japanese photographer Yoneo Morita. Players get to care for 18 different animals from every day pets, such as dogs and cats to more farm yard animals, such as pigs. Players have to feed, clean and play with the animals for them to survive. New animals become available as players work their way through the game.

Animal Paradise is set to be released on Sept 23.

Press Release Follows:

AUSTIN, Texas – August 18, 2008 Empire Interactive, a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software, today announced that development on Animal Paradise for Nintendo DS™ has been completed. The family-friendly handheld videogame release of the season will join kids on their journey back to school this fall. Shipping to North American retail stores on September 23, 2008, Animal Paradise has received an ESRB rating of “E” for “everyone.”

After the kids have finished their first week back at school – and their homework – parents can reward them with Animal Paradise’s stable of adorably friendly animals to care for and play with on their DS. Graced with the endearingly comical “big-nose” style of animal photography, from famed Japanese photographer Yoneo Morita, Animal Paradise promises to warm hearts and keep children entertained for hours. Under Empire Interactive’s recent partnership with Atari, Inc., Animal Paradise’s release will mark the first of four announced titles to be distributed exclusively by Atari in North America.

“We know players want pet simulation games with a variety of animals to choose from, and Animal Paradise delivers just that with loads of adorable animals, engaging gameplay and appeal for children and animal lovers of all ages,” said Karim Farghaly, vice president of sales, Empire Interactive. “We think this is a perfect title to kick off our distribution deal with Atari and another step forward in establishing Empire as a major player in the US gaming market.”

Animal Paradise takes players to a virtual farm where they can try their hand at caring for and raising 18 different animals including dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, pigs and more. Pets will need to be fed, cleaned, walked and played with in order to make sure they stay fit, healthy and happy. As they progress through the game, players will unlock new animals to care for and fun-filled mini-games like Treasure Hunting, Footprint Trail and Shampoo Scrub. Getting to know the animals, learning what kind of care each one prefers, and building a bond with them will be rewarded by unlocking exclusive pet photos for your virtual album. No other game this fall will entertain kids while teaching them how to be responsible caretakers like Animal Paradise.