October 19^th, 2005 (3:06pm) - Bandai today announced that Zatch Bell!: Mamodo Battles for the GameCube and PlayStation 2 is now in stores. A fast-action fighting game based on VIZ Media’s new animated series "Zatch Bell!" airing on Cartoon Network, Zatch Bell!: Mamodo Battles features a cast of unique characters, stages and voiceover by the TV show’s cast.

Once every thousand years, mamodo creatures descend to Earth to battle for control of the mamodo world, and "Zatch Bell!: Mamodo Battles" invites players to join the fight! In order to battle, the mamodo must partner with a human who can read from a spell book and release the mamodo’s powers. The game features 13 playable mamodo characters, and 18 different stages for white-knuckled duels. Brand-new spells and attacks add to the fast-paced action, and collectible trading cards that unlock special mamodo increase the game’s replayability and depth.

"’Zatch Bell!’ is one of the most popular new animation series, and Zatch Bell!: Mamodo Battles immerses fans in the world of the show with authentic environments and characters," said Rika Maruya, Co-Producer at Bandai."Zatch Bell!: Mamodo Battles makes it easy for fans to pick up and play and stake their claim for dominance of the mamodo!"

Zatch Bell!: Mamodo Battles is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $39.99.