Bandai to Create Kamen Rider Games, Toy Line Out Soon

A range of handheld and console games based on live-action series "Kamen Rider Dragon Knight" will be created by Namco Bandai Games, according to Adness Entertainment. The games, published by D3Publisher, will hit stores November 2009 in North and South America.

"We are continually looking for creative and interesting ways to extend the Kamen Rider brand, and by building up the series with merchandising deals, such as the one with Namco Bandai Games, we're able to not only grow our business, but grow our property beyond the TV screen," says Takeshi Okajima, director of licensing at Adness Entertainment for the U.S. and Canada.

Bandai America, also the master toy licensee for the series, will be releasing a full toy line nationwide next month. The line features action figures, vehicles and role-play accessories.

"Kamen Rider Dragon Knight" is based on the original series "Kamen Rider Ryuki," produced by Toei Animation, which premiered in Japan in 2002. The current series is produced and distributed by Adness Entertainment and airs on TheCW4Kids' Saturday morning block in the U.S. It's expected to broadcast in Europe and Latin America this fall.