Voltron: Defender of the Universe is an action adventure game based on the Voltron

Voltron

Voltron is the titular super robot of an anime series that features a team of young pilots, known as the Voltron Force. The team’s individual vehicles join together to form the giant super robot, with which they defend the galaxy from evil...

 television series, developed by Behaviour Interactive and published by THQ

THQ

THQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...

. The game was released on November 29, 2011 for the PlayStation Network and released on November 30, 2011 for the Xbox Live Arcade

Xbox Live Arcade

Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...

. The game allows players to play as all five of the lions from the series. Original clips and voice overs from the show as well as remastered music is also be featured in the game. Starting in November, Voltron Force aired on Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon is a US cable TV channel.Nickelodeon may also refer to:-In television:*Spinoffs of the Nickelodeon channel:** Nickelodeon Magazine, a children's magazine.** Nickelodeon Universe, an amusement park....

 in the US and tied in to a pair of action-figure lines from Mattel

Mattel

Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...

.

Gameplay

Voltron: Defender of the Universe includes single player, local co-op and 1-5 player online co-op and features three distinct types of gameplay experiences. The first type of gameplay is "Lion Combat" which allows players to pilot one of the five lions across both ground and air levels. Each lion has their own individual stengths and weaknesses and will be able to shoot projectiles as well as utilize melee attacks in order to defeat enemies. Some of the melee attacks include lion bite, swipe and pounce. When players incur too much damage, the second style of gameplay "Survival Mode" is activated. Players are ejected from their lion and must make repairs. During this mode, players will be unable to utilize their lions attacks, and must rely solely on a laser blaster in order to defeat enemies. The third type of gameplay is "Voltron Battle Mode." Using a turn based combat system, players transform into Voltron and must work together to defeat an opposing Robeast. Players will be able to utilize Voltron's entire arsenal of weapons. The game includes a variety of different levels, some of which occur in space. Within each level, players collect star pieces, which can be used to purchase extra lives or temporary power-ups.

Development

The game was unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con, which included a Voltron panel. As part of the game’s promotions, there was a Voltron scavenger hunt that took place at the convention. The scavenger hunt entitled, “The Hunt to Form Voltron” had participants use their smartphones to find the five Voltron lion stands and their corresponding QR codes. At each stand, participants received an exclusive button and a chance to win a variety of collectible prizes from THQ, Mattel, WEP, Viz Media and Classic Media including: a 92-inch flat screen Mitsubishi television, an Xbox 360 console, classic Voltron action figures, Voltron retro t-shirts and DVDs.