While we wait for all 300+ Reiner Knizia games to be translated from a board to a TV, we will be treated to at least one other title from Merscom: Buku Sudoku. Gamasutra is reporting that Merscom is publishing the game and is excited about the game's chances on XBLA. Expect a release in Q2 2008.

The company emphasized three key strengths of the XBLA platform as the pillars upon which the "best console Sudoku experience" has been built. HD graphics allow for highly readable grids and markings (kinda important in Sudoku), the Xbox 360 controller offers "a very fast entry method", and finally, Xbox Live's multiplayer system which can create "multiplayer experiences never before witnessed in a Sudoku game." Of course, I've never played Sudoku in any form of multiplayer. Should be interesting.

Another interesting tidbit: despite their love of the Xbox 360 controller, the game will also leverage the "Big Button" controller that comes with Scene It!.

Either way I'm sure Sudoku addicts will be excited. Need a demo to form an opinion? You can check out the PC demo (60 minute time-limited) and see for yourself how Merscom did Sudoku in the past. However, I've been informed that while the PC version was the original basis for the XBLA game, this new version offers much more than the PC version. Chief among the differences is the presence of multiplayer (competitive and coop).

Screens for your perusal below. Full press release after the break.

Note: This game was announced at E3 under the title "Boku Sudoku". That was just a working title but Buku Sudoku is now the official title.

[via Gamasutra]

Merscom to bring Sudoku to Xbox LIVE Arcade~

Sudoku to launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade Q2 2008 with innovative multi-player

CHAPEL HILL, NC ~ January 31, 2008 ~ Merscom announced it will be publishing this Spring Buku Sudoku, the first Sudoku game for the Xbox LIVE Arcade system. The first, and only, Sudoku title for the Xbox LIVE Arcade, Buku Sudoku brings the worldwide Sudoku phenomenon to the Xbox LIVE Arcade while adding innovative competitive and cooperative play features.

Buku Sudoku uses three key features of the XBLA platform to create the best console Sudoku experience. First, the native HD resolution of the 360 allows for an easy to read grid with pencil marks. Secondly, the controller~s triggers and thumbsticks make for a very fast entry method, a usual barrier with electronic Sudoku games. Thirdly, the unique XBLA service allows for multiplayer experiences never before witnessed in a Sudoku game. All of this is wrapped up in a cohesive graphical style that manages to offer something for all users. In a similar fashion, multiple puzzle sizes, difficulties, control schemes, and tutorials offer appeal to any player whether totally new or a veteran.

~We are really excited about the release of Buku Sudoku, as it takes the proven and popular gameplay of Sudoku to a new level. It will appeal not only to Sudoku fans but anyone who loves a great gameplay experience,~ said Kirk Owen, CEO at Merscom. ~Given the popularity of Sudoku on other platforms and the quality of this game, we expect Buku Sudoku to be a phenomenal hit.~

About Merscom

Merscom is a global publisher of mass market computer and video games that distributes games through multiple channels, multiple platforms and multiple revenue models. Merscom's channels include retail distribution in the US and Europe, online sale through major portals worldwide and games on Microsoft~ Xbox Live~ Arcade. Merscom publishes games from leading casual game developers, including Sandlot Games, Reflexive Entertainment, Absolutist and Pi-Eye Games. Merscom publishes on multiple platforms including PC, console and handheld. Merscom produces entertaining products for gamers of all ages and guarantees all customers a great experience. For more information visit www.merscom.com.