This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Vivendi Universal Games and Sierra are hosting the PC demo of their upcoming game based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. You can download it at the link above. The file is 169MB, so you probably don't want to attempt it unless you've got a broadband connection. The download page also has system requirements for the demo.
Originally announced as an exclusive GameCube title, The Hobbit has been delayed several times so that it could be expanded to all the major platforms. Barring anymore delays, it will be released in November on GameCube, PS2, Xbox, PC, and Game Boy Advance.
Nintendo's official website has posted its upcoming theatrical trailer for the new "Who Are You?" advertising campaign. You can download the sixty-second trailer in three formats by going to the link above.
The ad takes place entirely in Japan and shows schoolchildren rushing out of class after a long day at school. They all seem to be racing somewhere, and some students exhibit powers like flight and enhanced agility. Finally, everyone congregates in front of a store that has just begun selling Nintendo games. An employee posting the sign turns to look at the crowd, whose heads have now been replaced with the heads of various Nintendo characters.
Nintendo also has a new website devoted to the marketing campaign, which you can view at http://www.nintendo.com/whoareyou.
Thanks to SuperLink666 for the tip!
According to a weekend article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Wizards of the Coast has filed a suit against Nintendo of America, Pokemon USA, The Pokemon Company, and two executives. Wizards created the Pokemon trading card game and oversaw the product for years until Pokemon USA recently absorbed those operations. Wizards of the Coast produces several other card games, including Magic: The Gathering.
The lawsuit alleges that Pokemon USA and Nintendo undermined their relationship with Wizards of the Coast, apparently so that the once-lucrative Pokemon card business could be transferred and rebuilt under Nintendo's umbrella. The suit also makes accusations of patent infringement and mishandling of trade secrets.
At the heart of the matter are two executives who once worked at Wizards but eventually were hired by Pokemon USA. The lawsuit basically says that these people went to Nintendo and gave away various information that they were bound to keep secret by non-disclosure agreements with Wizards.
Nintendo of America has denied any wrongdoing. The various companies involved are currently discussing a settlement. You can read more about the case at the link above.
KONAMI ESTABLISHES NEW COMPUTER & VIDEOGAMES OPERATION BASED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Konami Strengthens its Global Content Business
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES, CA - October 13, 2003 - Konami Corporation has established a strong foundation in the global computer and video games industry. To further increase its global market share, Konami Corporation (NYSE: KNM) will strengthen its content planning and production by expanding its operations to Los Angeles, California, which will become the base for Konami's global Computer & Video Games Business. Under the new name of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KDE), the Los Angeles operation will be led by the Executive Corporate Officer of Konami's Computer & Video Games Business, Kazumi Kitaue, who will serve as the Chief Executive Officer. KDE will focus on the areas of global product brand growth strategies, business development and licensing activities.
The company will also rename its Redwood City, California-based North American sales, marketing, and operations subsidiary, Konami of America, Inc., to Konami Digital Entertainment America (KDEA), a Division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Regarding the expansion, Kitaue said, "Los Angeles is known as the center for worldwide entertainment. We believe that Los Angeles is the ideal location for strengthening Konami's content business strategy. This move will provide us with the proximity to the partners that will allow us to maintain and expand Konami's position as a front runner in the digital entertainment industry, and lead to further growth in Konami's global business."
To learn more about Konami and its worldwide offices, please visit: http://www.konami.com
Ubisoft Ships Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon(tm) Video Game to Stores Nationwide
Highly Anticipated Adventure Captures Martial Arts Magic of Academy Award ®-Winning Movie
San Francisco, CA - October 9, 2003 - Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, today announced that the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon action/adventure game is now available on the PlayStationÒ2 computer entertainment system for a suggest retail price of $39.99, and on the Nintendo Game BoyÒ Advance for a suggest retail price of $29.99. Developed by Genki Co., Ltd. under license from Sony Pictures Consumer Products and based on Sony Pictures Classics' Academy Award-winning movie, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is rated "T-Teen."
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the most innovative and exciting movies in recent years, and we've dedicated ourselves to capturing the incredible look and feel that made the film such an amazing hit," said Tony Kee, vice president of marketing for Ubisoft. "With compelling characters, action-packed fighting sequences and stunning environments, the game will feature the martial arts magic of this classic film."
About Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Set in 19th Century China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial arts fighting game based on the classic teachings and techniques of the Wudan style. Combining adventure and intense, dynamic combat with the ability to explore lush, interactive environments, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon suspends the laws of space, gravity and the human body. Players represent one of four characters: Li Mu Bai, Yu Shu Lien, Jen Yu or Lo.
Each character possesses specific moves, talents, and deadly weapons; players must work to improve their fighting skills as they compete against intelligent foes and seek revenge against the sinister Jade Fox (killer of Li Mu Bai's master and Yu Shu Lien's fiancé). The gameplay experience effectively captures the martial arts magic and fluidity of movement that made the film a worldwide success.
Game features include:
· Fully Licensed: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the only videogame featuring the characters, story and locations from the Academy Award-winning film.
· Woo-Ping Yuen-Inspired Choreography: Faithfully recreates the grace and style of Woo-Ping's fight choreography (action choreographer for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Matrix, Kill Bill).
· Superhuman Martial Arts: Master all the whirling acrobatics, dizzying combos, impossible dodges and kung-fu fury from the film.
· Relive the Adventures: Embark on the personal quests of Li Mu Bai, Yu Shu Lien, Jen Yu and "Dark Cloud" Lo.
· Exclusive Moves: Each playable character has his/her own unique style of combat and special abilities for action-packed brawls, chases and duels.
· Award Winning Soundtrack: Features the Academy and Grammy Award winning music composed by Tan Dun with solos by internationally acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
· Bonuses: Special stages, new game modes, extra costumes and other secrets to unlock.
ATLUS U.S.A., INC. SHIPS "DemiKids: LIGHT AND DARK VERSIONS" FOR THE GAME BOY® ADVANCE
“Defeat an army of demons...? No one said 6th grade would be easy!"
Irvine, CA, October 7, 2003 – Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a leading publisher of console RPG’s, announced today that "DemiKids: Light and Dark Versions" for the Game Boy® Advance, an offshoot of the insanely popular Shin Megami Tensei series in Japan has shipped to retailers nationwide..
Synopsis
The year is 200X. Jin (main character of Light Version), Akira (main character of Dark Version), and Lena are 6th grade friends who have grown up together. They are also members of the “Mystery Club” which searches for interesting and mysterious things.
While snooping around the school’s library, they happen upon a mysterious book containing various spells and incantations. Curiosity overwhelms the group as they decide to carry out a summoning ritual, unprepared for the consequences... To their surprise, an evil demon appears and their only hope comes from a peculiar new student, Amy, who gives Jin and Akira the power to capture and summon demons by way of the gun-like Demolyzer. They are also joined by Rand and Gale, guardian demons sent to protect them.
Meanwhile, a time rift appears outside the school, and a strange phenomenon occurs. The flow of time has been disrupted, and the events in their world are locked in a recurring loop. Every time the main character tries to leave school, time reverts back to when school was dismissed. However, Jin, Akira, Lena, and Amy are the only ones who recognize the bizarre circumstances. The other students go about their business as if nothing's happened.
Trapped in a time loop, the main characters begin to wonder what will become of the future. Unexpectedly, Amy reveals that she has come from another dimension, Valhalla, to find a savior from this world. She insists that this mysterious phenomenon signifies a terrible turn of events in Valhalla.
Jin, Lena, and Amy go through the “Door of Time” to the world of Valhalla.
In this world, demons and angels brandish their powers under the emperor while humans are oppressed. Jin, Lena, and Amy team up with the DemiKids of Valhalla to fight as rebels against the emperor’s army.
DemiKids: Light and Dark Versions: Facts & Features
Role-Playing/Trading/Collecting, 1-2 Players · Collect over 350 demons by using the special fusion system! Unlock stronger ones by trading with a different version! · Demon fusion system allow for hundreds of possible combinations to create new demons or make existing demons stronger! · Avoid battles and even gain new allies by negotiating with the demonic denizens of Valhalla.
Differences Between the Light Version and Dark Version
· Scenario
Although the story in both versions occurs during the same time frame, the scenarios differ depending on which protagonist you are playing with. Jin, the protagonist of the Light Version, goes from the real world to Valhalla with Lena and Amy. They join the rebels at the request of Amy, and try to overthrow the emperor of Valhalla and his army.
On the other hand, Akira, the protagonist of the Dark Version, makes a stop in the Demon World before heading to Valhalla to catch up with Jin and friends. During his adventures in the Demon World, Akira meets Mephius, the king of all demons, and learns more about the source of the time distortion.
Like Jin, Akira eventually challenges the emperor of Valhalla and his army, but there are significant differences in the storyline leading up to that event.
· The Fusion System
Each version of DemiKids uses a unique fusion system. Special fusions known as Relic Fusions and Skill Fusions can be performed in either version. While in the Dark Version you will be able to increase the parameters of all party members, in the Light Version you will only be able to increase those of your Partner, the guardian demon that accompanies you.
· Demon Appearances
While some of the demons available in each title will overlap, certain ones will be unique to either the Light or Dark Version. Furthermore, the circumstances under which the demons are encountered may also vary.
For gamers who wish to use the demon-recruiting aspect of the game to its fullest capacity, linking systems will be an exciting way to enhance their assortment of demon allies.
“DemiKids raises the bar in the monster collecting genre by introducing the sophisticated demon-recruiting system, an innovation sure to entice young and seasoned gamers alike," said Akibo Shieh, Project Lead, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. "This stylish RPG brings the most popular aspects of the hit Japanese Shin Megami Tensei series to the handheld market, and is sure to be an instant classic!"
For more information, please visit the Atlus website at http://www.atlus.com.
"DemiKids: Light and Dark Versions" are compatible only with the Game Boy® Advance and have a suggested retail price of US $29.99.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has not yet rated "DemiKids: Light and Dark Versions". For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.
LucasArts announced today that Gladius, their gladiator-themed strategy-RPG for all three consoles, has completed development and is now being printed to disc for retail. The game was originally scheduled for release in spring 2003, but it was delayed several times. The current release date is October 28th.
Hit the link above to see the official Gladius website, or use our Related Links on the right to check out the game's profile on PGC, where you can easily access our preview, impressions, and media.
According to Yahoo News (courtesy of Reuters), Game Boy Advance SP is set to be one of the hottest gifts for kids this holiday season.
The annual test, administered by FamilyFun magazine, began with a pool of over 470 toy submissions. The list was whittled down to 66 finalists, which were given to the hands-on testing department...a room of kids going nuts with all the toys. The kids are later surveyed to find out which products they liked the best.
Game Boy Advance SP, though actually intended to appeal more to older gamers, still made a big splash with the little ones. It lands on the Top Ten list at #7.
Namco Hometek Inc. Unveils Official I-Ninja Web Site
Pint-Sized Warrior Makes His Online Debut
Leading video games publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today the launch of the official Web site for I-Ninja, the popular new action adventure game scheduled for release on PlayStation®2, Xbox® and Nintendo GameCube in Q4 2003. The Web site, http://www.ininjagame.com, provides a wealth of information, including the latest news, detailed game information, screenshots and a short movie of game play footage. The diehard I-Ninja follower will feast on the latest online toys, including wallpaper designs, instant message icons, message board avatars and a soon-unveiled desktop communicator. Additionally, an online message board allows I-Ninja fans to discuss the upcoming release and participate in “Sensei’s Dojo,” a forum dedicated to the creation of new Ninja principles. By registering on the site, members can access the I-Ninja forums, receive e-mail updates and immerse themselves in the I-Ninja community.
I-Ninja delivers an adrenaline-charged action adventure experience in beautifully detailed environments, each uniquely designed to challenge young I-Ninja and his abilities. With a small, earthlike planet called “The World” as his stage, I-Ninja travels from island to island, obtaining new Ninja belts, recovering lost relics and facing his ultimate nemesis. Along the way, he fights fearsome enemies and overcomes obstacles as he attempts to outwit guardians, masters, mini bosses and evil army members. In a game play style challenging the powers of gravity, I-Ninja shreds rails, covers long distances with sword copter spins, utilizes chains and grapple hooks, runs on walls and displays specialized ninja moves to navigate through any challenging situation.
'BOMBERMAN JETTERS' BLASTS ITS WAY TO AMERICA AS MAJESCO INTRODUCES LATEST EDITION OF TOP-SELLING FRANCHISE
EDISON, NJ, October XX, 2003 - One of the most explosive franchises for the Nintendo GameCubeTM returns as Majesco, one of the fastest growing publishers of interactive entertainment software, today announced Bomberman Jetters, the Japanese smash-hit and newest installment to the 'Bomberman' series. The sequel to the widely-popular Bomberman Generations, Bomberman Jetters is scheduled to ship in time for the holidays, at a suggested retail price of $19.99.
"Bomberman Jetters is already a huge success in Japan, and we are very excited to be publishing it here in the U.S.," said Ken Gold, Vice President of Marketing for Majesco. "We believe that Bomberman Jetters not only appeals to the large, established pool of Bomberman devotees, but will attract new fans to the franchise."
In Bomberman Jetters, the Hige Hige Bandits are at it again as they hatch a plan to crash the artificial comet, Dark Star into the unsuspecting Planet Bomber. As Bomberman, players must destroy the four powerful engines of Dark Star before it is too late and Planet Bomber is obliterated.
Bomberman Jetters features a variety of gaming options, including the stylish and adventurous single-player campaign and the franchise's trademark multi-player mode. The latest multi-player offering aspect will allows up to four players to compete in five new battle stages and through a ton of mini-games, creating endless replay potential.
Developed by Hudson Soft, Bomberman Jetters is scheduled for release in November. For more information on Bomberman Jetters or to view the complete catalog of Majesco games please visit www.MajescoGames.com.
Atari announced today that its official website for Mission: Impossible - Operation Surma is now up. The site features screenshots, videos, message boards, and more.
M:I - Operation Surma is set for release before the holidays on Game Boy Advance, while the GameCube version is arriving a little bit later, in 2004.
MAD CATZ SHIPS GAMESHARK FOR GAME BOY® ADVANCE SP!
- GameShark SP Loaded With More Than 15,000 Codes -
San Diego, California, October 1, 2003—Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSE: MCZ), the world’s leading third party video game enhancement and accessory manufacturer, announced today shipments of the first GameShark® product designed specifically for the Game Boy® Advance SP. Simply the hottest product with the most codes and game saves on the market, the GameShark SP packs in over 15 thousand codes for over 200 Game Boy Advance games. Shipping to retail outlets this week, the GameShark SP will be available for an MSRP of $29.99 U.S.
GameShark SP offers more codes from all of the latest and greatest Game Boy Advance titles including Pokemon: Ruby and Sapphire, Advance Wars 2, MegaMan Battle Network 3: Blue and White and Wario Ware, Inc. Players can also get codes for Japanese and European import games. Not only do you get more than 15,000 preloaded codes, but GameShark SP also allows you to add new cheats for new games or customize your code library. The included PC software communicates to an online database that contains all the latest codes and to gameshark.com each day to give the GameShark SP the most codes available.
"We are dedicated to expanding the GameShark product offerings for the large and still growing community of loyal GameShark and Game Boy Advance users," said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Operating Officer for Mad Catz, Inc. "Acquiring the GameShark brand earlier this year was a pivotal and strategic move for Mad Catz. It merged the leading accessory brand with the leading game enhancement software brand, creating the only ‘one-stop-shop’ and further solidifying Mad Catz’ leadership position."
Japanese gaming site Quiter (link above) is reporting that the new issue of Dorimaga magazine has a load of information on Nintendo's upcoming music game, Donkey Konga.
Apparently, up to four players can participate in the game's selection of 32 songs, which range from kids' songs to pop, latin, and dance music. There is also a game mode like Donkey Kong Junior; perhaps you control the younger gorilla by keeping up with the beat. A music game like this demands its own crazy controller, and Donkey Konga will be no exception. The controller is called Barrel Konga and is 30 cm (one foot) wide. It is made up of two side-by-side conga drums that you play with your hands. We assume that you have to take turns to play the four-player modes, but the controller does have the ability to recognize handclaps from bystanders, so everyone can join in and participate in the game
Nintendo of America's official website now lists a Q1 2004 release date for Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. The game was previously expected to come out before the end of the year in North America.
Nintendo.com does occasionally contain errors, though we doubt it's the case here. However, PGC will be checking up on this story with Konami and Silicon Knights for confirmation and further information.
Props to Gumby at the GA Forums for spotting this one.
Update: PGC reader General Oniram pointed us to further confirmation of this report. At Konami's official Twin Snakes website, the Staff page says "Early 2004" at the bottom.