The Fruit Ninja phenomenon is set to continue into the next generation with the release of Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 for Xbox One, Halfbrick announced today.
Developed by Hibernum Creations in Montreal, Canada, Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 launches exclusively for Xbox One on March 18, 2015, with five new game modes, four-person multiplayer, a new progression system, and an expanded line-up of characters.
Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 builds on the success and foundations of 2011’s breakout hit, which took home “Best Casual Game” at the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards. It features all the excitement of the original title, plus five new game modes for the entire family to enjoy.
Each mode takes place at the Blueberry Moon festival, and is presented by one of the new Fruit Ninja team members – Katsuro, Mari, Han and Nobu. Players can dodge shurikens, hack through a forest of bamboo, and avoid spotlights to become true masters of stealth.
Brand new multiplayer modes allow up to four players to jump in on the action, with Battle and Party modes providing the perfect proving ground for seasoned competitors. A new progression system is also present, allowing players to earn blades, dojos and belts as challenges are completed.
“This is the most satisfying, complete, and accessible party game ever created,” said Shainiel Deo, chief executive at Halfbrick Studios. “The new Kinect sensor makes a world of difference, and Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 has been built from the ground up to take full advantage of the latest hardware.”
“Fruit Ninja is our baby – it’s what got us here today and we continue to maintain an incredibly high quality bar,” Deo added. “Hibernum have exceeded our expectations every step of the way, and we think fans will get a huge kick out of the finished product.”
“We are really excited to enter the console market with an amazing brand like Fruit Ninja,” said Louis-René Auclair, Vice-President and Chief Brand Officer at Hibernum. “It was a pleasure to work with Halfbrick on this game and we are extremely proud of what we’ve created together.”