Oh, Nuts!

The ease of the flight controls is a main highlight of the Snoopy vs. The Red Baron video game, available for PS2, PSP and PC. Players attack from land, air or sea and have complete control where they go—six different worlds and 20 missions—in a WWI biplane. Yoko Nakao, director of marketing, Namco Bandai Games America, Santa Clara, Calif., recently told Playthings that they're hoping the game will let fans experience the brand for the first time in 3-D.

Does the game introduce the 'Peanuts' gang to younger kids as well as offer something to longtime fans?

The Peanuts brand is a timeless classic whose comics, television specials and characters are enjoyed by fans of all ages; we developed the game with this information in mind, paying careful attention to the game play style and level of difficulty such that the game is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by younger fans, as well as people who grew up with Peanuts. While kids will enjoy soaring through the sky in pursuit of the Red Baron and chugging root beer to replenish their health, older fans can try for better rankings on the stages and discover and complete the dozens of secondary objectives.

How is it different from other aerial-based games?

This is really the first flying game of its kind on today's consoles—a character-based flying game designed for young players that's exhilarating, yet still easy to play. We aimed to implement a flight model and control scheme that was approachable and rewarding for young players and casual gamers alike.

What other 'Peanuts' games will be created this year?

Be on the lookout for Charlie Brown's All-Stars, a new pick-up-and-play baseball game featuring Charlie Brown. With over 70 Peanuts characters, multiple modes of play, tons of unlockables and special abilities, Charlie Brown is bound to finally win a game!