Ubisoft has taken aback even the most confident Wii anticipators with news of its launch plans for the console, announcing seven games in development for the early phase of the Wii's release. Without a doubt, the most important title in the bunch is a version of Far Cry, the beloved FPS from Crytek.

The French outfit is perhaps the most striking case of a major third-party publishing force stacking up its chips in favour of the budget Nintendo console aimed at the mass-market. As you'll know, the Wii has seen a surge of support in recent weeks, details of which you can catch here.

Adding to Rayman Raving Rabbids and the impressive-looking Red Steel, Ubisoft today outlined plans to release a bespoke version of Far Cry, along with Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII, Monster 4x4 World Circuit and Open Season for Wii. A new racer called GT Pro Series was also announced. And it didn't stop there. According to Ubi, it has "...many more titles in development" for Wii.

"We're thrilled that Ubisoft will be unveiling Wii versions of both exclusive new IP and established franchises," said Reggie Fils-Aime, president of being a badly-dressed walking mouth for Nintendo of America. "Bursting with creativity, innovation and unadulterated fun, these Ubisoft games embody the qualities that will make Wii a huge hit with gamers new and established, young and old."

Far Cry is an all-new game in the series being made exclusively for Wii. Blazing Angels is a version of the existing WWII dogfighting title and is already rumoured by French sources to be something special. GT Pro seems to be a take on the Ridge Racer formula, featuring 80 licensed cars and tuning options. Open Season is a licensed game from the Sony Pictures animation, and Monster 4x4 World Circuit is a truck racing game with the WiiMote used as a steering wheel.

Media and analysts agree that Ubisoft has the greatest potential for reward with the new console's launch because we believed in its potential from the beginning," said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America. "With an impressive line-up of launch games that offer something for everyone, we are in a unique position to benefit from the Wii's success in appealing to both new and hardcore gamers." Share this item on... Comments >>