One of the first products tailored for Nintendo's upcoming game download service, WiiWare (which launches on May 12), is a cute little platform adventure going by the name of LostWinds, currently in the works at indie studio Frontier Developments - better known in the '90s for their Elite series. As described in this week's announcement, LostWinds is a high quality, enchanting adventure bursting with new gameplay ideas that embrace the innovative controller of the Wii.

"Built with Frontier's in-house 3D game-engine technology LostWinds puts "the power of the wind in the palm of your hand" as you wield the awesome powers of Enril the wind spirit - from raging tornados to the gentlest breeze - to guide and protect Toku, a young boy who is the only one who can help you release the curse placed upon the world of Mistralis by evil Balasar. Mistralis is a stunningly presented, magical land full of wonder and intrigue that bursts to life with your every action and exploration. The game's novel, playful control mechanism lets you use Enril's elemental powers to help Toku in your quest to overcome Balasar - powering his jumps and glides through Mistralis' different regions, buffeting and smashing enemies, and solving puzzles."

More about this unremarkable good-vs-evil story can be found on the LostWinds website, and here's hoping the gameplay itself will be at least as remarkable as the screenshots below.

Tags:  Wii, adventure, fantasy, Frontier Developments