Ubisoft puts extra Zs into Petz

Consistency is one of those attributes much lauded by business leaders, politicians, and the general mass of fine, upstanding citizens.

They're the kind of folks we imagine make up the ranks at upwardly mobile French publisher Ubisoft. So how has it managed to announce a spelling game on the same day as revealing the excessively 'z'-strewn Horsez 2 and Animalz Marine Zoo?

Okay, so they're part of the multi-million selling Petz range, but can we really trust My Word Coach, when we know it's from a company that plays so fast and loose (or should that be fast and 'looze') with the English language?

As for these particular games, Horsez 2 follows on from the original title, where you have a choice of five breeds and have to pass weekly equestrian tasks in horse care, cross country, dressage, showjumping, foal care and learning. Further aspects of the game include chatting to the other riders in the student centre, taking photos of your horse, and buying it items at the horse shop.

Animalz Marine Zoo brings more of a simulation approach to the task of looking after sharks, dolphins and killer whales. Of course, feeding, healing, training and exercising your fishy charges is a main feature, but you'll also have to clean and maintain the tanks to ensure everyone is kept healthy and continues to attract the visitors.

Release dates for Horsez 2and Animalz Marine Zoo have yet to be confirmed, but are both expected to be out sometime in 2007.