More Spore!

It looks like Maxis will be growing its successful Spore franchise. Spore Hero Arena is coming to the DS.

An evil force is wreaking havoc across the galaxy, and only you can stop it! For the first time ever, build fully 3D Spore creatures on your Nintendo DS and take them into battle. Explore planets all over the galaxy, fight creatures, and gather parts to customize and enhance your mighty hero. Compete in a variety of arena battles against dangerous enemies in your quest to become the Galactic Champion and save the galaxy!

Sounds interesting -- very Pokemonesque. It might be a little too complex for young kids. But we'll have to wait and see. In the mean time, here is a video of the game:



But wait! There's more!

For the Wii, we have Spore Hero.

Spore finally comes to the Wii in this all-new adventure. Create your own creature hero and fight to save your planet. This all-new story begins as you crash land on a strange alien world. But something evil has followed you and is threatening to destroy the creatures of the planet. Only a true hero can save the world from this new threat! Earn unique new parts to adapt your hero for courageous battles and amazing adventures.

And the video:



You can pretty much apply my comments for Hero Arena to this game. Honestly, I'm not sure how much headway Maxis will be able to make into Pokemon turf. Pikachu et al have a 14-year head-start on the whole monster fighting thing, but we'll see.

Both games will be out this fall.