I’m sure there’s a plundering gold pun to be had, but with 4 hours sleep last night, it eludes me, so I’ll stick with the fact hehe. NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. has announced that One Piece: Unlimited Adventure has gone gold for the Wii. Based on the hit animated TV series, One Piece, players will follow the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as their journey leads them to treasure and perilous encounters on an uncharted isle. Danger awaits swashbuckling players when One Piece: Unlimited Adventure is released on January 22 (US).

“One Piece: Unlimited Adventure is the perfect fit on the Wii system as gamers can come together to explore, compete and experience the world of the animated series,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “One Piece: Unlimited Adventure embodies our commitment to produce top-notch games that are an extension of its popular anime properties.”

While sailing the open sea, an island mysteriously rises from deep beneath the ocean waves, leaving the Straw Hat Pirates stranded on a strange land. Players will take control of their favorite One Piece characters to explore new areas, battle vicious enemies and solve challenging puzzles.

With the innovative Wii Remote and Nunchuck controller, players will pull, turn and swing to battle nefarious villains using each character’s own unique set of moves including Luffy’s “Gum Gum Storm” and Nami The Navigator’s “Cyclone Tempo”. Players can experience the exclusive new storyline in Adventure Mode with one of eight Straw Hat Pirates; put their skills to the test in Survival Mode; or go toe-to-toe with friends in Vs. Mode. Players can also unlock over 40 characters, secret items, and special costumes. With more characters to play as and hours of gameplay, One Piece: Unlimited Adventure marks the spot for fun and adventure on the high seas.

I’m always dubious when a press release states a title is “innovative”, because usually they’re not, but we’ll wait and see with this one and cross our fingers One Piece is just what the fans are looking for. It will be rated “T” for teen by the ESRB.