EA unveils celebrity Wii party game

Play beach volleyball with Avril Lavigne and Nelly Furtado.

EA has today announced the winter 2008 release of Celebrity Sports Showdown, a new Wii party title from the makers of EA Playground.

The game will launch under the EA Sports Freestyle brand and will feature 12 outdoor sports games, with players able to take control of a host of celebrities from the world of pop music and sports.

"We feel that this game is the EA Sports Freestyle answer to a great Wii party game. It explores the lighter side of sports and pulls inspiration from the entertainment spectacles that are so prevalent in pop culture today," said Dave McCarthy, executive producer. "Celebrity Sports Showdown will bring people to the party with a collection of games and celebrities that appeal to everyone."

Games featured in Celebrity Sports Showdown include Beach Volleyball, Inner-Tubing, Wild Water Canoeing, Hurdle Derby, Slalom Showdown, Cliff Hangers, Smash Badminton, Rapid Fire Archery, Joust Duel, Curling, Arena Dodgeball and Air Racers.

What's a celebrity sport video game without celebrities? Thankfully EA has lined up a bunch that will be playable.: Fergie, Avril Lavigne, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Nelly Furtado, Paul Pierce, Mia Hamm, Kristi Yamaguchi, Reggie Bush and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Celebrity Sports Showdown is scheduled for release on Wii in winter 2008.