505 Games’ Cooking Mama series has been a phenomenal success.
As of January last year it had sold 2.6 million copies worldwide, and that was before the release of Cooking Mama: World Kitchen on Wii.
However, with four games to her name, Mama has decided it’s time to step out of the kitchen and into the flower bed, in 505 Games’ Gardening Mama for Nintendo DS.
“Mama’s turning over a new leaf,” explains the game’s brand manager Rowan Tafler.
“Mama is always a sure-seller and we have high expectations for this exciting extension to the Mama range. This is an entirely new adventure for the brand – she’s moving out of the kitchen and into the garden for the very first time. Gardening Mama brings the same sense of fun to gardening that made her famous with cooking.
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“Through our success with Cooking Mama, we have broadened the target age range beyond kids to parents and gifters – we definitely see Gardening Mama following this trend.”
GARDEN FORCE
In the game, players use the stylus to dig soil, as well as plant and harvest flowers and vegetables. The better the garden looks the more extras the gamer will unlock, from rare plants, fruit and vegetables, to ornamental objects including benches, flower pots, gnomes and swings.
There are over 28 different plants to unlock and grow in the title, with plenty of mini games to play, and gamers can even turn their crops into special extras, including strawberry jam and Jack o’lanterns.
On top of that, the game features several four-player multiplayer modes, with the opportunity to trade produce with friends.
“Players can do everything from digging the flower beds to watering the plants and spraying away bugs,” continues Tafler.
“With 28 different plants to grow, players will return again and again to Mama’s garden. Four-player wireless multiplayer ensures that they’ll never get lonely.
“You can even put your own personal stamp on your garden. Choose the flowers for the right beds, relax on a swing seat or find the perfect spot for a gnome. How about sprucing up your toolbox with new trowels, spades and watering cans? Did someone say Mama needs a new apron?”
MAMA LOVE
The Cooking Mama series has been a big hit for 505 Games, especially in the UK where it has been a mainstay in the DS charts. And now the publisher hopes the success can transfer from the kitchen into the garden.
“Mama has been a tremendous success for 505 Games since its original launch. Sales to date have exceeded 1.3 million units in the UK alone – outside of Nintendo’s first party titles, Cooking Mama has been the biggest-selling DS title ever,” concludes Tafler.
“As ever, kids aged six to 12 will love the title but parents and gifters won’t be able to resist Mama’s charms.
“With such affection for the brand, retailers can expect a great reception for the game.
“Mama has proven herself to be evergreen and we’re sure that Gardening Mama will continue her fabulous success.”
MAMA MARKETING
Off the back of 505 Games’ recent Cooking Mama advertising campaign comes its Gardening Mama promotion.
The emphasis of the campaign is a three-week TV push. The television ads will run for 20 seconds and will appear on key children’s channels, including Nick, CiTV, Nick Toons, Boomerang and Cartoon Network.
The firm is also running an integrated online campaign on key children websites, such as on Disney’s web portal. The firm also has a dedicated micro website on Nick.co.uk.
Finally, 505 Games promises trade support for the title, with a special promotion running with catalogue retailer Argos.
