EA confirms a very early 2009 release for the Wii and Nintendo DS exclusive title from The Sims label...

Electronic Arts has revealed the first details of the Wii and Nintendo DS exclusive title, SimAnimals. The game, which is scheduled to arrive on the two platforms during January 2009, takes players right to the heart of the natural world, interacting with any number of animal species.

SimAnimals features a host of animals, from 'friendly' ones like hedgehogs and deer to more 'mischievous' creatures like raccoons and bears, with the player interacting with them through the forest. No doubt future expansions will see gamers travel to more exotic locations where lions and meerkats roam the plains...

"SimAnimals opens up a new world of creativity with wild animal adventure, fun and mischief," said Rod Humble, Head of Studio for The Sims Label. "For the first time in an animal game, you can reach out and touch, engage and play with a huge cast of wild animals in their natural surroundings. SimAnimals offers an immersive and tactile experience using the Wii remote and the Nintendo DS stylus that allows you to easily and intuitively become part of the wood's expressive, quirky and sometimes surprising narrative. Classic story-telling about wild animals comes to life in SimAnimals."

Both editions have their own unique features, including touch screen support for the Nintendo DS, and co-operative gameplay for up to four players on Wii. It's unclear whether the multiplayer will include Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection functionality, or whether it's restricted to local play is unclear.