Puffins: Island Adventure Preview

Puffins: Island Adventure will be released for Nintendo DS on May 12, 2009 (some sites list a release date of April 28, 2009 – check your local stores).  Being Canadian, the name of this game instantly caught my eye because Puffin Island is in Newfoundland and Labrador.  When I read more of the game’s description, it was clear that this was an intentional association.

In the game, players will experience what it is like to be a part of a Puffin flock.  You will learn how to fly, dive and start a family.  It’s also pretty cool that you will have to interact with the other Puffins in order to gain the favor of your peers and start a family.

It’s not all serious wildlife stuff, though.  Players will continue to learn about real-life Puffin activities underwater, on air and land through a series of mini-games.  High scores will unlock real pictures and videos of Puffins in their natural Canadian habitat.  You can also unlock new levels.

Click on the screenshots to enlarge.

The game also includes traditional Atlantic Canadian music composed by Alan Doyle of the band Great Big Sea.  I definitely think of that group when I think of music from that region so I think that’s pretty awesome.

In addition to single-player mode, Puffins: Island Adventure also features 4 player local and 2 player Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection multiplayer modes.