SEGA is set to release DS and Wii games based on classic anime series Bleach with Bleach: Shattered Blade, expected to release in the US later this year in time for the beginning of the show on Cartoon Network.

Bleach: Shattered Blade for the Wii (pictured here) is described as a cel-shaded 3D fighter with an original storyline created specifically for the game, which features 32 selectable fighters in total.

Players use the Wii remote and nunchuck to slash, jab and lunge, with each character having their own special attacks.

The DS version of the game, Bleach: The Blade of Fate, will be a 2D fighter with 28 characters and battles that can move between the DS’s two screens. The handheld version also supports four-player combat via a WiFi.

“Bleach offers both fans and newcomers alike an action-packed arcade experience that delivers fast-paced swordplay in the tradition of the animated series’ intense action sequences,” said Sega's marketing VP Scott A. Steinberg.

“Bleach is an exciting and highly anticipated property that translates extremely well to the versatility of the Wii Remote and the DS’ portable gameplay, and SEGA is proud to be the first to bring the video game series to the North American audience", it says here, and why wouldn't it?