If you've never heard of The Game Factory's Code: Lyoko, that's probably because you're not from France. This game is based on the French animated series of the same name and borrows elements in animation similar to the context of its mother franchise. If you want to see what we mean, check this clip out:

A little out of the usual, eh? The graphics style alternates cohesively between the 2D, sidescrolling "real world," and an alternate 3D world. Elements of action, shooting and role playing compose the backdrop in how the story is told.

Four characters are starred in this game. they all live in the same boarding school where they meet a virtual creature that seeks their help to stop an evil program named Xana from attacking the real world. The plot thickens, following the series' pattern, and an elaborate tale of friendship and courage unfolds. Code: Lyoko is slated for release on the Nintendo Wii.

For the fans of the Code Lyoko TV series who were waiting for news on its Wii-bound game, we've got a treat for you all today. The Game Factory, has just sent out a new batch of screenshots to give you guys an idea of how the game's looking so far. The game promises to make full use of the Wiimote to pull of some cool moves.

And given the sort of powers the main cast (Aelita, Jeremie, Odd, Ulrich, and Yumi) already bear, we're imagining this will be one interesting ride. Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity for the Wii will be linked to the TV series' season #4, and is expected to launch this October. Enjoy this first batch of screenshots - we'll let you know if we pick up more in the near future.

The rest of the Code Lyoko screenshots are available in the Full Article

 

The Game Factory has officially announced a drawing contest that starts today up to June 13, 2007, 6 p.m. PST. Interested participants may submit their own rendering of a monster for Code Lyoko heading to the Wii, for a chance to win a Nintendo Wii console, the game and have themselves digitized into the virtual world of Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity.

You read that right the first time: the winner will get to become part of the Code Lyoko universe as a fully integrated 2D character in the game, along with Aelita, Jeremie, Odd, Ulrich and Yumi from the popular French animated series. The next 19 winners will get their drawings placed inside a "secret room" inside the vast supercomputer world, while taking home a copy of Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity.

Each participant can enter up to three drawings of an "original" monster. Each entry will be judged by a select panel of the development team behind the video game, including members from The Game Factory, Moonscoop Productions, and Neko Entertainment. The winner will be required to submit a recent photo to get immortalized - digitally - in the game.

Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity is targeting an October 2007 release date, according to the official press release. This second installment of the game is based upon the fourth season of the popular animated series that has been also made available over Cartoon Network.

The Game Factory, noted for their publication of Legend of the Dragon, has just announced they will be handling the publication of Neko Entertainment's upcoming Code Lyoko game for the Nintendo Wii.

An ongoing television animated series in France, Code Lyoko tells the story of boarding school students Aelita, Jeremie, Odd, Ulrich, and Yumi, and their adventures in the virtual world of Lyoko - itself housed in a supercomputer.

The series deals with the group's constant battles with the virtual entity X.A.N.A. who is constantly attempting to take over Lyoko. It also deals with the group's constant struggles in their daily lives.  Expect plenty of teen angst, love triangles, and healthy combinations of 2D and 3D animation.

Code Lyoko has already been running for three season, with the game taking off at the series' (still under works) season 4. For the long-time fans, expect these features to be present in the video game port:

• Battle through the 2D real world and 3D world.
• Interact with their favourite characters – Odd, Yumi, Ulrich, Aelita, and Jeremy.
• Explore 40+ different locations with a storyline based on the fourth season of the animated series
• Battle using a range of skills including shooting, fighting, puzzle solving and exploration.
• Delve into the digital sea with the new season 4 vehicle, in search of the mysterious creature which infected their world
• Discover a new 3D territory
• Fight new bosses

As for Game Factory president Henrik Mathiasen's thoughts on the publishing deal:

Fans of Code Lyoko, and those new to the series, will be able to immerse themselves in the game in new and exciting ways using Wii’s unique controls and gorgeous graphics. This game further demonstrates our commitment to both next generation consoles, and working with leading International children’s brands.

 
The game is expected to launch this Q4 2007.