Last week we brought you the news that Nintendo of Europe had altered its official website to show that the release date for Capcom’s Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barboras’ Treasure had been shifted from early December until early 2008. Today the firm’s have released a joint statement to explain themselves in wording that translates as “It’s for the best, please don’t hate us.”

Here’s what Nintendo and Capcom had to say for themselves (translated from Wiiz):

“Nintendo and Capcom have both decided to launch this game early 2008 to ensure that this great title is given to both the marketing and media coverage it deserves. Nintendo wants to deliver this product at the right time and we hope that the decision to delay will not sadden too many Wii owners.”

We can’t say that we aren’t disappointed, particularly when you consider that Capcom’s imaginative point-and-click-er has been receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews surrounding its North American release.

Wiiz reports that instead of the planned release of December 07, Zack & Wiki will reach Europe on January 18 next year.