Atari introduce Arthur and the Minimoys to mobiles and handheld consoles

French film directors have a reputation for going their own way, treading a fine line between madness and genius. Luc Besson has tip-toed this path, gifting us the brilliant The Big Blue, Nikita and Leon along the way, with the slightly crazy The Fifth Element being a particular fave.

His latest creation, Arthur and the Minimoys, however, is arguably his most ambitious project yet. Based on his own best-selling childrens' book range, the film combines four film technologies (2D and 3D animation, real film footage plus a brand new graphical style) as well as the talents of David Bowie, Madonna and Snoop Dogg to rack up the highest ever budget for a European animated film at $85 million. Suffice it to say that the film should look amazing and Atari has equally high hopes for the video game versions, which will be available on just about all pocket gaming gadgets.

While exact game details are nearly as hard to discern as the miniature Minimoys themselves, we do know that the game will follow the action of the movie, which sees Arthur and his Minimoy pals Princess Selenia and her brother Bétamèche trying to save the miniature Minimoy world.

We also know that players will be required to use teamwork, combining all three character's skills (Arthur is an acrobat, Selenia a warrior and Bétamèche a sharpshooter) to overcome obstacles and prove that "everything is achievable if you work together", which is nice. Aside from becoming better people we can expect to encounter driving, flying, fighting and puzzle solving bits, and probably have our eyes widened by the general gorgeousness of it all.

The mobile game is due to pop onto handsets this November and PSP, DS, GBA will be walking the tight-rope by Christmas, but we'll be keeping our magnifying glass trained for the smallest developments on all four formats before then. Click "Track It!" to be kept informed.