From the rather-obviously-on-the-way department: We got word today that there will be a game launched this summer to coincide with the release of Pixar's latest opus, Wall-E. Developer THQ is bringing the little robot that could onto just about every system imaginable outside of ENIAC (namely Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, DS, PC, and Mac).

THQ and Pixar have teamed up before, most recently on the Ratatouille tie-in game. This time, players will take on the role of Wall-E and, get this, relive some of the movie's most memorable moments! Apparently there will be ten playable worlds, as well as head-to-head multiplayer modes.

Normally, I don't go gaga over new game announcments, especially when they are movie tie-ins. But Wall-E has me particularly excited for several key reasons. First of all, it's a Pixar movie. And Pixar consistently makes the best movies of any one studio. Second is the fact that sound designer extraordianre Ben Burrt (the creator of the sound of light sabers, TIE fighters, Vader's breathing) has a "voice" credit. Next is the trailer for the movie that has been running for a few months:  

Look for Wall-E in theaters and on video game platform near you this summer!

Here's the full text of the release:

January 3, 2008 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced plans to release the WALL?E video game in conjunction with the film’s eagerly awaited theatrical debut from Disney•Pixar in the summer of 2008. WALL?E is anticipated to launch across all major gaming systems including the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii^TM home video game system, Nintendo DS^TM, Windows PC and Mac, as well as wireless devices.

The long-running relationship between THQ and Disney•Pixar has achieved shipments of more than 35 million units worldwide. THQ’s current agreement with Disney•Pixar, which was announced in 2004, includes rights to create games based on four newly created Disney•Pixar film properties. Last year’s Ratatouille video game was the first property released by THQ under this agreement.

WALL?E is expected to release this summer and will mark THQ’s next installment in the company’s well-established and successful association with Disney•Pixar. Development for WALL?E will be led by THQ’s internal Heavy Iron Studios.

About the WALL?E Videogame
Players will take control of WALL?E and EVE through a fast-paced adventure based on the upcoming Disney•Pixar film. The game will allow fans to relive some of the movie’s most thrilling moments as they explore 10 worlds filled with non-stop action and adventure, along with head-to-head multiplayer challenges. Players will recognize the storyline, characters and key locations from the WALL?E film as they carry out intense missions, dodge dangerous enemies and navigate their way through a futuristic world. In addition, the game will contain new storylines and environments that movie-goers will not see in theaters.