Whether Americans are ready or not, Japan's Astro Boy is on a collision course with the U.S. and nobody can stop him. With a TV series set to go and a Sega developed PS2 game in the works, it appears we're all going to get an education in just a few short months. However, while Sonic Team's PS2 game is getting a lot of attention, Astro Boy will be gracing Nintendo's Game Boy Advance, and the teams behind this gorgeous portable shooter is enough to begin twitching in anticipation.

Knowing full well that Sonic Team can't do everything, Sega delegated the task of crafting Astro Boy's GBA adventure to Hitmaker, the developers of Crazy Taxi, but there's a catch, because co-developing the game alongside Hitmaker is Treasure, the legendary company that's responsible for some of the most beloved shooters in the industry. This is why the collaboration should produce a stellar product, because we have the masters of fast-paced arcade action joining forces with the masters of the hardcore shooter, which is what Astro Boy is. It's a 2D fighter/shooter not unlike Treasure's Gunstar Heroes for the Sega Genesis. It looks to be a fast-paced thrill ride full of explosions and enormous bosses, but before I go further, let's take a look at Astro Boy's origins.

Created by the late and legendary artist Osamu Tezuka in1951, Astro Boy is a classic Pinocchio-esque tale of a man (Dr. Tenma) who creates a mechanical boy to replace his dead son. However, while Tenma has evil intentions, Astro Boy knows only goodness, and through his love for humanity, he uses his special abilities (X-ray vision, lasers, rocket boots, 100,000 Horsepower Strength, Supersonic Hearing, and his fists, among others.) to save the world from various threats.

Gameplay wise, Astro Boy is a hybrid between a side scrolling beat-em-up and a horizontal shooter (Ala Gradius.). In some levels, you'll destroy hordes of enemies with your fists, while others will send you flying into the air to dispose of enemies using laser blasts and machine guns, and at several points along the way, you'll be able to upgrade Astro Boy's numerous abilities.

Visually, Astro Boy is one of the best looking GBA games I've ever seen. Presented in rich and vibrant color, this 2D powerhouse is chock full of highly detailed sprites and fluid animation. Some of the game's bosses are absolute huge, and explosions send forth this intense eruption of color that should look stellar whether you're hunched over your SP or chillin in your living room using the Game Boy Player. Hitmaker and Treasure should be commended for their work. If the game plays as great as it looks, we'll be looking at a great reason to buy an SP just to experience it.

In addition to the gameplay and the slick visuals, I'm impressed with how Sega and Treasure have made the efforts to immerse the player in the Astro Boy universe. They could've just tossed Astro Boy into a generic game and forced us to destroy the same enemies over and over, but they took the time to include over 50 of Tezuka's most famous characters including Zoran, Dr. O'Shay, and Atlas. It should give the game added personality and make it stand on its own when compared to its PS2 big brother.

Set to release this summer, Astro Boy: Omega Factor looks like a hit. If Sega and Treasure pull this off, it'll be a perfect compliment to the PS2 version. I already know I'm buying both games, and I guess that means I'll be watching the show as well. Make sure you ride Astro Boy's wave when he arrives this June.