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Walt Disney Japan is getting into the game biz with "Spectrobes," a role-playing game with a manga-esque look aimed at young teens. Release is skedded for next spring on the Nintendo DS handheld machine.

"The game is made to suit Japanese tastes, but we are also thinking of the international market,"�said Disney rep Mikiko Yamazaki.

Produced by U.S.-based Buena Vista Games in partnership with Japanese game developer Jupiter, "Spectrobes" is being previewed on the Disney Japan Web site prior to its full-scale launch. In the sample version, players search for hidden items on the planet Genshi. In the longer version, two warriors battle evil aliens with the aid of monster allies, called Spectrobes, transformed from fossils buried in the planet's rocky soil. Disney also intends to develop a manga and anime series from the game, but release dates and other details have yet to be sorted out.

In addition to "Spectrobes," Disney Japan is also planning to develop games with Disney characters, in partnership with local game developers, for both the local and export markets.