Electronic Arts’ Spore franchise will make its console debut later this year with the release of Spore Hero for Wii and Spore Hero Arena for DS.

Developer Maxis says that the titles are being “built from the ground up” for Nintendo platforms and will "build on the franchise's core tenets of creativity, exploration and adventure."

Featuring battle and puzzle gameplay elements, Spore Hero will be a story-driven action-adventure title set in a “rich and vibrant 3D world.” Players will create their own hero and embark on a quest to save their home world from destruction. The title will have a heavy focus on customisation, with EA promising to deliver an enhanced version of the Spore Creature Creator for Wii.

Spore Creatures for DS will centre on arena-based combat. It will see players create a gladiator creature and guide it across the game’s 3D galaxy fighting opponents, in the process collecting new abilities. The title will feature multiplayer capabilities enabling players to battle with up to three friends locally or play with a friend over Wi-Fi.

"When Maxis first considered bringing Spore to console players, the Nintendo platforms jumped out as a perfect fit," said Lucy Bradshaw, VP and general manager at Maxis.

“Whether it is the stylus-driven action of the Nintendo DS or playful controllers of the Wii, the massive Nintendo audience is the ideal home for Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena. Nintendo fans will love the humour, ability to create their own hero, fun gameplay and immersive storylines we're creating for these two games."