Nokia announced last week that the highly acclaimed role-playing property Rifts will be brought exclusively to the N-Gage platform in 2005. The Rifts pen and paper role-playing series, published by Palladium Books, Inc., is highly regarded as one of the most compelling properties of its kind with an extensive base of dedicated fans.


Rifts on the N-Gage platform will incorporate characters and environments from the print series while at the same time introducing new characters, plots and storylines as it expands into the video game space. On the N-Gage version, gamers explore the chaotic Rifts world via an original 3D graphic engine and assemble a party of characters ranging from the metal behemoth Glitter Boy to the psychic Mind Melter. With an immersive storyline, up to four players can campaign collaboratively via Bluetooth wireless technology, or battle other players around the world via the N-Gage Arena.

"We're proud to introduce Rifts as the latest Nokia published title that will debut exclusively on the N-Gage platform," said Pasi Pölönen, Director of Game Publishing, Games Business Unit, Nokia. "The intricate and detailed world of Rifts is a perfect fit for our platform and consumer base. It's particularly well-suited for mobile multiplayer gaming, whether you want collaboration or competition."

"It's amazing to work with Nokia and develop Rifts for the N-Gage platform," said Kevin Siembieda, creator of the Rifts World. "We're creating a new storyline that is strong and compelling, with great characters and location choices and a winning combination of action, surprise and fun. I'm sure that Rifts on the N-Gage will please long-time Rifts players and attract a broad audience of video game enthusiasts.

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Rifts is expected to be available in the Summer of 2005.