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Messages - Jonnyboy117

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5276
TalkBack / Free Gameplay Movies from E3 2003
« on: June 08, 2003, 08:11:00 AM »
The last movies article seemed to have a problem associated with Talkback, so I'm hoping that posting a reply to the new one will help it stay healthy.  We'll see...

By the way, I would appreciate feedback on whether the links work correctly and how you like the MPEG format.  Thanks!

5277
TalkBack / Free Gameplay Movies from E3 2003
« on: June 08, 2003, 08:01:24 AM »
Better late than never, right? And of course, our movies are totally free. Now in MPEG format! Updated: New movies include Custom Robo, FF Tactics Advance, and Mario Golf.

Keep checking this page for more movies to be added!


After a lot of feedback, we're going with the MPEG format this time.  The files are pretty big, but they should work on practically any computer.  They're all totally free, so just click on the links to start downloading!







5278
TalkBack / We're back!
« on: June 07, 2003, 09:35:55 AM »
I think you're right, ssj4.  I'm going to consult Rick and find out what to do about it.  I really want the movies to be available tonight; you guys have waited long enough.  Until then, check out the new preview and impressions, and we'll have other content going up as well.

5279
TalkBack / We're back!
« on: June 06, 2003, 07:59:17 PM »
After nearly three days of server problems, we're finally back online...and should stay that way.

Other than a few very brief, sporadic periods of uptime, PGC has been out of commission for the past two or three days.  Now, thanks to the hard work by Adam, Jonathan, and the other good folks at our hosting service, we're finally back online in full.  Special thanks to Justin Nation, Josh Hogan, and everyone else who lent us their expertise to get the site working again.


Now it's time for us on the staff to work hard...we've got a lot of catching up to do!  Luckily, we stayed pretty busy during the downtime, and you'll see quite a few articles posted over the weekend.  Also, don't miss our free E3 movies, as more will be added to the list on a regular basis.  Do us a favor and help spread the word with your gamer friends, as we don't have a newsletter or anything to announce our return.


Please note that there will be no Planet Trivia or Radio Trivia tonight, since many people won't know we're back online until it would be very short notice or just too late.


5280
TalkBack / Free Gameplay Movies from E3 2003
« on: June 03, 2003, 10:57:12 AM »
As a rule of thumb, it doesn't do much good to compress files that are already compressed.  MPEG is a compression format for raw AVI video, so zipping it up wouldn't help much.  I haven't checked exactly what it would do, but to give you an idea, zipping MP3s (which are compressed WAV files) only reduces the size by 1-2%.  It's just not worth the trouble.

We are very open to suggestions and feedback on video format, and we're trying to strike a good balance between format compatibility and file size.  One solution we may look at is encoding all the videos in both MPEG and DivX, so people who can use DivX will benefit from the smaller sizes, and everyone else can use the ubiquitous MPEG format.  The only downside there is asking more time to encode videos from Rick, who I've already got running around doing tons of other stuff.  ;-)

5281
Nintendo Gaming / New Pokemon
« on: June 02, 2003, 09:03:09 PM »
Pokemon Pinball for GBC is a masterpiece.  I once played a single, continuous game that lasted over three hours.  My final score was something like twenty billion points.  It was a combination of weeks of practice and an incredible lucky streak.

The new one looked awesome at E3, although I didn't get to play it hands-on.

5282
TalkBack / Annual E3 Award Nominees Announced
« on: May 29, 2003, 11:38:44 AM »
In response to several comments...

I'm not upset that there are so few Nintendo games on the list.  That's just how it goes.  Nintendo had a broad but not a very deep lineup this year, and I would have a hard time picking out the two or three best games in their booth.  I fully expected F-Zero and Mario Kart to take a couple of nominations, and that's about it.  So don't think that I'm just bitter at these awards because Nintendo games don't dominate the nominations.  That's not it at all.

I'm also not going to bash awards in general.  In fact, I love industry awards.  Sure, the Grammys are complete BS. (Would you believe it took them more than twenty years to give Bob Dylan an award for Best Song, and Pink Floyd have never gotten Best Album?)  And the Emmys, who cares.  But the Oscars...I love them.  Even when I disagree with their choices, I can see that they are, for the most part, interested in only the best movies.  I can respect their nominations and awards because the process has integrity.  There aren't any stupid loopholes for being eligible.  The rules are simple and clearly stated.  The awards aren't just based on hype.

Sure, in the end, awards mean very little.  But it's something for people to talk about, something to get us excited about the industry.  The E3 awards don't do that for me, or for most people.  The process has become so corrupted that no one really cares who wins anymore, and that's when awards truly do become meaningless.

5283
TalkBack / Annual E3 Award Nominees Announced
« on: May 27, 2003, 10:56:40 AM »
IanSane is totally right.  I wonder how many years it's been since a playable game won Best of Show.

To be clear, a game does TECHNICALLY have to be playable in order to get nominated.  That is to say, either the critics or a developer must be able to manipulate the game in real-time.  What this amounts to is that critics actually judge the games based on the same videos that any showgoer can see, and then they get taken backstage where some programmer moves the character around for a few seconds, just to make the game eligible.  They don't at all judge these games on the playable portion, because the playable part isn't a demo at all...it's just the game as it stands in development.  It's full of bugs, unfinished art, and all manner of problems that the developer doesn't want the public to see.  You can bet that most of these games aren't even truly "playable", in that their gameplay hasn't been incorporated yet.  It's just a tech demo with a movable character.

If these awards were fair, the games would have to be judged on the playable portion alone, and critics would have to be able to play the games, not just some developer who knows which rooms and moves won't crash the system.  In a perfect world, the games would have to be playable to everyone at E3 in order to be eligible, but I'm trying to compromise here.

5284
Nintendo Gaming / Nintendo Power's Defense of GameCube
« on: May 25, 2003, 08:14:57 PM »
Mmm, smells like OXM!  Except Nintendo Power has been around for over a decade and should know better.  This kind of propoganda only serves to prove how desperate Nintendo really is.  Don't tell us why you're the best...show us.  Prove it.  If Nintendo marketing and PR were really doing their jobs, people would already know that GameCube kicks ass.

5285
TalkBack / Aonuma Confirms Wind Waker Sequel
« on: May 24, 2003, 10:38:32 AM »
It's still early, but he plans to have it playable at E3 2004.

Computer & Videogames, a European gaming site, interviewed Zelda director Eiji Aonuma at last week's E3 Expo in Los Angeles.  In the interview, Aonuma confirms that he is already working on a follow-up to The Wind Waker, much like Majora's Mask was a follow-up to Ocarina of Time.


Aonuma: I am unable to give you any details right now. I am hoping to have a playable version ready by next year's E3, so I'm hoping you'll be patient and look forward to that.


As I did between Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, I will use the same engine and the same graphics of Wind Waker for its sequel. However, I do plan on powering everything up a bit.


Be sure to visit C&VG with the link above to read the rest of the interview.


5286
TalkBack / Iwata Discusses Online Plans
« on: May 21, 2003, 09:23:01 AM »
And it's not just the usual dismissal, either.

In a Los Angeles Times article supplied by Reuters, Nintendo Co. Ltd. president Satoru Iwata has offered a bit of insight into Nintendo's online plans.


The article focuses on whether consumers are willing to pay for online features, and how much they are willing to pay.  Of course, this has been a major issue for Nintendo all along, as their main concern is how consumers will pay for and how Nintendo can profit from online games.


"I don't think its reasonable to make someone pay for a game and then make them prepare a network connection and charge a monthly fee," Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo, told Reuters recently.


Meanwhile, Nintendo's Iwata said his company was working on a service that would not require users to cough up regular fees for games.


"In the near future we are hoping to announce something that addresses this issue," he told Reuters.


Be sure to click the link above to read the full article.


Thanks for Bryan McGovern for the tip!


5287
TalkBack / Billy's New Job Revealed
« on: May 20, 2003, 11:34:50 AM »
Although he is in the newest issue of the print mag, Billy's destiny remains online...

Game Informer Announces the Launch of Game Informer Online


MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2003--Game Informer, America's fastest growing consumer magazine, will be launching a new, companion venture, Game Informer Online during the summer of 2003.


With over 1 million paid magazine subscribers, Game Informer is constructing a site unlike any other, which will become a complimentary asset to the industry's leading publication. At the helm of Game Informer Online, Billy Berghammer serves as Managing Editor. What began as a hobby, four years ago Billy created the PlanetN2000 / Planet GameCube web site, which very quickly became the world's largest independent Nintendo fan site. Billy Berghammer said, "I have always rated Game Informer as one of the best magazines, so when this opportunity presented itself, I had to take it. In addition, I now have the chance to accomplish new and different things online and take my skills to the next level."


Game Informer Editor-In-Chief, Andy McNamara said, "Game Informer Online will augment and add a new dimension to the magazine. Because it will function as an extension of the magazine, our 1 million plus readers will receive additional blowout coverage online, which will include more screenshots, movies, demos, etc. As we continue to feature exclusive content from game publishers, we will now empower the effective combination of Game Informer Magazine, the largest video game publication, and Game Informer Online. Not only does Online add a new dimension to the magazine it equally benefits game publishers who chose Game Informer for their exclusive stories."


About Game Informer


Game Informer Magazine was founded in 1991 as The Final Word On Computer & Video Games. Today Game Informer has achieved more circulation growth more rapidly than any games magazine in history to become North America's largest paid circulation games publication, nearly 100% larger in total paid circulation than its closest competitor.


5288
TalkBack / Triton Labs Announces Stealth Link
« on: May 19, 2003, 01:34:09 PM »
The creators of the Afterburner have revealed their next big project.

With the release of the GBA SP, the Afterburner internal light has become somewhat obsolete.  Triton Labs has dropped its price to only $25, but you still have to install it yourself or pay someone to do it for you.


We reported earlier this year that Triton Labs would be announcing new, non-light peripherals to follow up on their highly successful Afterburner release.  Now Adam Curtis, founder of Triton Labs, has reported on the company's forums that the Stealth Link is their next big product.


The Stealth Link is a wireless alternative to GBA link cables.  The idea is that you can play multiplayer on GBA without being tied down by link cables...and you can even play through walls and from reasonably far away.  There is currently little information as to what the Stealth Link will look like or how it will be implemented, but you can check our hardware profile for all the info we have.  The Stealth Link is expected to debut in Q3 2003, and Triton Labs plans to sell it in retail stores throughout the United States, not just through their website as with the Afterburner.


Thanks to Jan for the tip!


5289
TalkBack / Metroid: Zero Mission Details
« on: May 14, 2003, 12:15:20 PM »
A video of the mysterious new GBA game reveals lots of interesting new details.

Metroid: Zero Mission, the newest GBA title in the series, was just announced yesterday in Nintendo's E3 press materials.  Although it is not playable on the show floor, there is a lengthy gameplay movie revealing quite a bit about this surprise sequel.


Zero Mission is clearly either a remake of the original Metroid or a prequel to the series, most likely the latter.  It's possible that the character in the video is a different bounty hunter, but he or she certainly looks like Samus...so it should be quite interesting to see how the story plays out.  It's unlikely that we'll have any confirmation on the game's plot or setting in the near future.


The gameplay is based on Metroid Fusion, with all the new moves such as hanging on ledges, rolling up into small areas in walls, shooting at an angle, wall-jumping, etc.  However, all of these new moves are set within the context of the original Metroid's environments, which are easily recognizable despite the graphical makeover.  There are also quite a few new areas shown...presumably, these are previously unseen areas of Zebes.  They are certainly not taken from the original Metroid or Super Metroid.


The graphics are even more impressive than Fusion's, and especially nice to see all the old areas and enemies completely redrawn with full GBA-quality art.  One scene shows Samus hiding from at least four large, red Space Pirates, each quite large for a GBA character and very detailed in art and animation.


5290
TalkBack / Namco Reveals E3 Lineup
« on: May 09, 2003, 09:02:09 AM »
Soul Calibur II, Tales of Symphonia, and the successor to Ridge Racer headline the company's GameCube titles.

NAMCO TO UNVEIL SLATE OF BLOCKBUSTER GAMES AT E3  


 Line-up features best-selling franchises and new original content including the much-anticipated SOULCALIBUR®II


San Jose, Calif., May 9, 2003 – Leading video games publisher,  Namco Hometek Inc. announced today the company’s stellar line up of video games to be unveiled during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, May 14-16, 2003.  At booth #946 in the South Hall, Namco will be showcasing the following new titles: SOULCALIBUR®II, R: Racing Evolution, Spawn® (tentative title), Breakdown, kill.switch, Time Crisis® 3, I-Ninja, Tales of Symphonia, and Extreme Force: Grant City Anti-Crime.  


SOULCALIBUR®II is the ultimate sequel to one of the most revered weapons-based fighters of all time.  Set for release in August 2003, the game will be available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system,  the Nintendo GameCube and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft.  More than 15 warriors, both familiar and new will battle each other in search of Soul Edge -- including a character named Necrid, created by Todd McFarlane exclusively for the home console versions.  Also, each console will have special guest characters exclusive to that platform, such as Tekken’s Heihachi for PlayStation 2, The Legend of Zelda’s Link for the Nintendo GameCube, and Todd McFarlane’s Spawn for Xbox.  The game will feature over ten exciting game modes: the all-new Weapon Master Mode, Time Attack Mode, Survival Mode, VS. Mode and Team Battle Mode.  In the Weapon Master Mode players can collect and utilize over 200 different weapons, thus adding a deeper level of strategy to every new battle.  


New for Namco in the racing genre is R: Racing Evolution, which is being created by the same team that developed the critically-acclaimed Ridge Racer and MotoGP franchises.  The game will be available on all three console platforms and will ship in Q4 2003.  Featuring licensed cars, 11 real-world and fantasy tracks, and 8 different race types (Circuit, Rally, Drag, etc…), R will showcase 4 game modes: the Racing Life Mode, Time Attack Mode, Arcade Mode and Vs.  The Racing Life Mode focuses on the human-natured competitiveness of racing and gives players a cinematic story of two female racers and their rivalry.  Also featured in R is the “New Interactive Driver AI System” that enhances realistic racing situations.  


The system is indicative of the pressures that drivers feel during real races.  Races can be won or lost depending on how a driver reacts to pressure from other racers.  In-game communications allow for incoming transmissions from crew members and even in-race trash talk from rival drivers!


Spawn® (tentative title), based on Todd McFarlane’s best-selling comic book character, will make its debut at E3.  Scheduled for release on all three consoles in Q3 2003, Spawn is a 3D action/adventure game that will give players access to all of his distinctive abilities – his superhuman strength, hand-to-hand combat techniques, his arsenal of weaponry, his Hell Powers and, of course, his living symbiotic costume.  Caught between the battle of Good vs. Evil, he struggles to break free from the controlling influences of Heaven and Hell.  


Breakdown, exclusive to Xbox, is a sci-fi thriller that combines the best elements of shooters and fighters in a first-person action/adventure game.  The game’s intense storyline is told through high-quality real time rendered graphics that bring an unprecedented level of realism to the player.  The game features fierce weapon-based first-person shooter combat, challenging puzzles to solve, surreal dream sequences, advanced AI, and massive detailed environments for exploration.


kill.switch is Namco Hometek Inc.’s new internal development project for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.  This 3rd person action/adventure game is scheduled for release in Q4 2003 and features a unique Offensive Cover System, allowing the player to engage the enemy from various cover positions.  The game also utilizes Blindfire, enabling the player to launch a frontal assault technique against the enemy without being exposed to counter-fire.  This feature encourages the use of warfare tactics, forcing players to strategically plan their moves and quickly adjust on-the-fly through each intense and challenging mission.  Enemies work together in teams and not only seek out and engage the player, but also thrive in team-based tactics and attacks.  Six war-themed missions are spread out across 18 different levels and feature environments from Middle Eastern deserts to an underground submarine base.  


Time Crisis® 3, scheduled for the PlayStation 2 in Q4 2003, marks the return of Namco’s premier light-gun shooting franchise.  Compatible with the GUNCON2 light-gun, this fast-paced shooter delivers superior shooting action and supreme excitement.  A new weapon select system enables players to chose from 4 weapons (machine gun, hand gun, shotgun and grenade) and optimize their game play strategy.  Time Crisis 3 includes the original arcade game as well as console-exclusive game modes.  Sniper combat provides intense and lethal sharp-shooting action, sure to be a winning combination for this popular franchise.


I-Ninja, scheduled for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube in Q4 2003, is an adrenaline-charged adventure game.  An ultra-cool ninja with major attitude meets extreme sports game play, I-Ninja is the consummate warrior who has spent years mastering his weapons and honing his skills. In true gravity defying game play, I-Ninja can scale buildings, "shred" on extreme rails, hover great distances with a "sword copter", ride drifting roller spheres and utilize specialized manga-style ninja moves to navigate through each dynamic environment.


A multiple weapon control system allows the player to throw lethal shurikens, use deadly chain-whips, blowguns, rocket launchers and more. I-Ninja’s quest includes a variety of comical missions that span across five expansive environments, each uniquely designed to incite I-Ninja’s special abilities.   The game features challenging enemies and ruthless bosses that must be defeated, ranging from foot soldiers of the Ranx Army to a menacing 150 foot giant robot.  I-Ninja is graceful in honor, but deadly in combat.


Tales of Symphonia, exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube with a release date yet to be determined, is Namco’s latest chapter in the Tales universe.  A fully immersive 3D experience comes to life as an adventure unfolds that will place the existence of two worlds in the balance.  Featuring high-quality Anime cutscenes and character designs by renowned artist, Kosuke Fujishima, the real-time 3D battles, formation attacks and combos, and customization of character abilities round out a fabulous epic.  


Extreme Force: Grant City Anti-Crime, scheduled for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube in Q4 2003, is a 3rd person action/adventure game that takes place on the deadly streets of Grant City – a well-known setting from Namco’s blockbuster, Dead to Rights‘.  As a member of Grant City’s elite GAC Squad, the player will be submerged into the crime-fighting world of special weapons and covert tactics.  A diverse arsenal of weapons and equipment including night vision goggles, grenades and door charges can be utilized by the player to battle criminals. The player can also silently neutralize his opponents through stealth maneuvers and  “target rich” run-and-gun combat.


5291
TalkBack / Encore Distributes for Others
« on: May 06, 2003, 06:53:50 PM »
The relatively young publisher will soon distribute games for other companies in addition to its own titles.  First up: Rally Championship on GameCube.

ENCORE ANNOUNCES NEW AFFILIATE LABEL PROGRAM


Publishing partners can choose from a wide range of sales, distribution, marketing and public relations services customized to meet their needs; Conspiracy Entertainment one of the first participants in the program


 Los Angeles, CA - May 6, 2003 - Encore, a majority-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ: NAVR), today announced that it has launched a new Affiliate Label Program designed to offer developers and smaller publishers a new vehicle for bringing their CD-ROM software and console video games to market.  Via this new program, partners can select from a broad range of publishing and distribution services that can be combined into a comprehensive package or selected individually.  These services include sales, distribution, inventory purchasing and management, marketing, detailed reporting, and public relations, as well as customer and technical support.


"This program gives our affiliate label partners customized options to meet their specific needs," said Richard Lowenthal, Encore's Vice President, Licensing & Business Development.  "And, unlike larger companies with somewhat similar programs, Encore focuses on making affiliate label products a top priority.  This translates into greater retail success and profitability for our partners."


Added Michael Bell, Encore's CEO, "Encore has almost a decade of experience in the retail channel.  We've built a solid infrastructure that allows us to excel at bringing software to market, from packaging design, public relations and inventory management to retailer relationships, international market penetration and more."


The Newest Partner - Conspiracy Entertainment


Encore is kicking off the new Affiliate Label Program with Conspiracy Entertainment.  That company recently signed a distribution agreement with Encore in which Conspiracy will be responsible for the content, marketing and public relations for Rally Championship, a 3D rally racing game, while Encore will manage the game's North American sales and distribution.


Rally Championship will offer the ultimate rally driving experience with 29 officially licensed rally cars, 33 races and 6 rallies over 4 global regions.  This single- and multi-player console game (for up to four players) is based on the award-winning PC version of Rally Championship. In addition to a thrilling rally driving experience, the game will offer realistic car physics that simulate both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive car handling.


Rally Championship is expected on retailers' shelves this summer for the Nintendo GameCubeT for approximately $20.


Said Sirus Ahmadi, CEO of Conspiracy Entertainment, "Encore's strong retail relationships are critical in bringing Rally Championship to the broadest possible audience.  We're very excited that Encore is our partner for this game."


5292
TalkBack / TDK Mediactive E3 Lineup
« on: May 06, 2003, 06:10:02 AM »
Lots o' licenses.

TDK Mediactive Lineup Packs a Punch at 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo Video Game Publisher to Showcase Some of the Best Products in its History


WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. - May 6, 2003: TDK Mediactive, Inc. (OTCBB:TDKM), a global publisher of interactive entertainment software, is set to officially debut its 2003 product lineup, its most extensive and most powerful to date, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles May 14-16, 2003.  


The company will showcase many highly anticipated games across multiple platforms and genres. From the timeless excitement of Disney's Haunted Mansion to the furiousness of the newly acquired Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to the hilarious antics of The Muppets, TDK Mediactive offers something for every kind of gamer. With more than twice the square footage as last year, TDK Mediactive's booth (South Hall #1400), will feature titles for all gaming platforms, including PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, XboxTM video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCubeTM and Game Boy® Advance handheld system.  


"When it comes to popular licensed games," said Vincent Bitetti, Chief Executive Officer, TDK Mediactive, "TDK Mediactive is among the elite. With properties like Shrek, The Haunted Mansion, Star Trek, Corvette and Masters of the Universe Interactive, this year's 2003 E3 presence will undoubtedly be our strongest yet."  


In addition to the elaborate display of gaming titles, three of the UFC's top Ultimate FightersTM will also be signing autographs, meeting with the press and squaring off in matches of UFC: TapoutTM 2 all three days at the TDK Mediactive booth. Fighters scheduled to appear include Matt Hughes, Chuck Liddell and Tim Sylvia.  


TDK Mediactive's 2003 E3 Lineup:  


UFC: Sudden ImpactTM  Authentic fighting action is coming back to PlayStation 2 with UFC: Sudden Impact. This mixed martial arts fighter brings with it more realistic damage models than ever before, with lifelike bruises and cuts. Fighters can be created from scratch in the greatly enhanced Story Mode, while the Tournament Mode allows for up to eight human and/or computer controlled fighters to compete in elimination matches. Developed by Opus, UFC: Sudden Impact is scheduled to ship Q3, 2003.  


The Haunted Mansion  The theme park attraction that hosts millions of foolish mortals each year becomes both a major motion picture and video game. Solve unique puzzles, uncover hidden clues and put unwelcome evil spirits to rest, as you navigate through Disney's world famous Haunted Mansion. With amazing game environments inspired by the film and the ride, you'll be dying to give this game a try! Developed by High Voltage (PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube) and Pocket Studios (Game Boy Advance), The Haunted Mansion is scheduled to ship on all platforms in Q4, 2003.  


The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl  It's mutiny on the high seas as you steal and pillage your way to riches in the video game that accompanies Disney's major live action film for Summer 2003. Search for treasure as you sharpen your pirating skills with cannons, artillery and swords, all the while trying to unravel the mystery of the treacherous skeleton crew. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is being developed by Pocket Studios and is scheduled to ship Q2, 2003 for the Game Boy Advance.  


Corvette® (working title)  Live the dream. Drive the cars. Play the game! Celebrate the Corvette® 50th anniversary in style with over 80 fantastic Corvette models (14 on Game Boy Advance) to choose from. It all takes place on an obstacle filled race down Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. The Xbox version will also support Xbox Live. Developed by Steel Monkeys (PlayStation 2 and Xbox) and Visual Impact Productions (Game Boy Advance), Corvette is scheduled to ship in Q3, 2003.  


Muppets Party CruiseTM  The Muppets are starring in their first party game ever! Imagine you and three friends plowing through thirty mini-games with Kermit the FrogTM, Miss PiggyTM and all your favorite Muppet characters. It's madcap, side-splitting fun, with awesome in-game music to keep you rockin'! Developed by Mass Media, Muppets Party Cruise is scheduled to ship in Q4, 2003 for PlayStation 2 and GameCube.  


Star Trek® Shattered Universe  The universe is not as you know it... Think fast, shoot faster! Experience high-intensity space combat in a sinister alternative to the classic era setting of Star Trek: The Original Series®. Jump into the cockpit and pilot ten unique, never-before-seen fighters into battle where you'll engage enemies across 19 levels of incredible action. Complete with spectacular special effects and incredibly detailed environments, Star Trek Shattered Universe is developed by StarSphere in association with Activision, and is scheduled to ship in Q3, 2003 for PlayStation 2 and Xbox.  


Dinotopia®: The Sunstone OdysseyTM  Thwarting evil with an arsenal of high-flying attacks against a multitude of creatures and mechanical monsters, players control Drake Gemini in his quest to reunite his family and become a Guardian of Dinotopia, an island where humans and dinosaurs coexist. While Defending the island of Dinotopia from a rogue group of thugs, players navigate through 24 levels including swamps, villages, and ancient jungle ruins. When travel is prohibitive on foot, players can take to the air through desert canyons on a flying dinosaur called a Skybax, or along tropical trails atop a robotic beast known as a Strutter. Developed by Vicious Cycle, Dinotopia: The Sunstone Odyssey is scheduled to ship Q2, 2003 for Xbox and GameCube.  


Masters of the UniverseTM He-Man: Defender of GrayskullTM  By the power of Grayskull... I have the power! Direct from the popular animated television series, He-Man, the ultimate hero, battles his greatest enemies on foot or astride his trusty Battle CatTM through 34 levels within three huge environments. Spectacular special effects, sword fights and hand-to-hand combat await at every turn in this epic world of magic and mystery. Developed by Savage Entertainment, Masters of the UniverseTM He-Man Defender of GrayskullTM is scheduled to ship Q4, 2003 for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube.  


Shrek®2: The Game (working title)  Embark upon an exciting adventure that goes beyond the movie with Shrek 2: The GameTM. Inspired by the upcoming film and expanding its storyline, the game features Shrek®'s signature humor and comedic interactions. Players experience key moments from the film and encounter a variety of new personalities, environments and sub-plots as they switch between Shrek®, Donkey or one of their many fairy tale friends. The game is being co-developed and co-published worldwide by TDK Mediactive and Activision, and is currently in development by Luxoflux (PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the XboxTM video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCubeTM). The game will also be developed for the Game Boy® Advance and PC platforms, however, developers have not yet been named. Shrek 2TM: The Game has not yet been rated by the ESRB and is scheduled to release in Q2, 2004.  


Shrek®: Reekin' HavocTM  Shrek® it out! With already over a million units sold in this video game franchise, Shrek® returns to Game Boy Advance. Play as Princess FionaTM or Shrek® and save your fairy tale friends! Rescue them from The Ghost of Lord FarquaadTM using Princess Fiona's powerful martial arts moves, complete with tons of pick-ups and large levels with countless passages to explore. Developed by TOSE, Shrek®: Reekin' Havoc is scheduled to ship Q3, 2003 for Game Boy Advance.  


Spy vs. SpyTM  The rivalry that has played out for over 40 years in the pages of MAD Magazine makes its PlayStation 2 and Xbox debuts. Spy vs. Spy is fast paced sabotage-action at its best. Players will employ hilarious spy gadgets and weapons while catching their opponents in clever booby traps. With 12 captivating levels spanning six unique areas, Spy vs. Spy promises nonstop fun and multiplayer antics! Developed by WayForward, Spy vs. Spy is scheduled to ship Q1, 2004.  


TONKA Rescue PatrolTM  Now kids can save the day the TONKA way in the all new TONKA Rescue Patrol for GameCube! For the first time on GameCube, TONKA fans can put out fires, catch speeding trouble-makers and explore four large friendly environments in tough TONKA fire engines, construction trucks and choppers! Earn awards for a job well-done and explore exciting TONKA worlds that unlock as you complete missions. Developed by Lucky Chicken, TONKA Rescue Patrol is scheduled to ship Q3, 2003.  


Conan: The Dark Axe (working title)  Conan, the famed literary and feature film franchise makes its video game debut. The multiyear worldwide license is held by TDK Mediactive's sister company, TDK Recording Media Europe S.A., and includes all interactive rights for PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox and PC. Become the heroic Conan in this adventure / action packed journey featuring a host of tasks and puzzles to complete as you follow your quest. This 3rd person adventure was written by the official interpreter of the original Conan novels ensuring authentic interpretation of the story to the game. Conan: The Dark Axe is being developed by Cauldron and is scheduled for a European release in Q4, 2003. North American publishing plans have not yet been announced.  


Knights of the Temple  You are Paul de Raque, Knight of the Temple, as you set out on a holy crusade across a forbidding, mediaeval Europe to join your order in the Holy Land. Armed with your sword, axe, bow and shield, you must fight with all your strength to complete your journey, for saving the future of the world is your ultimate goal! The core of the game is medieval style fighting with the classical weapons of European knights, coupled with stunning graphics of the historical milieus of the 12th century crusades. Knights of the Temple is being developed under contract with TDK Mediactive's sister company, TDK Recording Media Europe S.A., by O3 Games / Starbreeze, Sweden and is scheduled for a European release in Q1, 2004 for PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox and PC. North American publishing plans have not yet been announced.


5293
TalkBack / Metroid Prime Record Set
« on: May 03, 2003, 08:08:33 AM »
Retro Studios' masterpiece has been completed in only 1 hour, 46 minutes.

Twin Galaxies, the organization responsible for recording and maintaining world records in gaming, has announced their newest world record holder.  Henru Wang from Berkeley, California has beaten Metroid Prime in just 1 hour and 46 minutes.


Wang accomplished this feat through a combination of speedy movement, strategic use of the Morph Ball and bombs for transportation, and knowledge of which upgrades can be skipped or obtained out of order.  He plans to continue improving his time, but the current milestone is enough to earn his place in the record books.


Hit the link above for an interview with Wang and more information about the record-setting run.


5294
TalkBack / Capcom Reveals Gotcha Force
« on: May 01, 2003, 08:47:53 PM »
It's sort of like a cartoon version of The Grid, with the obligatory Pokemon elements.

Capcom will be showing a new third-person shooter for GameCube at E3.  Gotcha Force is essentially a kid-targeted deathmatch game, similar to Nintendo's own Custom Robo series.  Players collect toys and make them fight each other in 3D arenas, apparently in real-time.


As with any game of this sort, you can collect tons of different toys (there are 100 in all) and trade with friends to assemble the ultimate team.  The game supports battles of up to four players, and you can even team up and take on the computer in some kind of co-op mode.


Gotcha Force will be on display in Capcom's booth at E3 in just a couple of weeks.  We'll have more information and impressions at that time.


5295
TalkBack / Metal Gear Solid Confirmed for GameCube!
« on: May 01, 2003, 11:58:45 AM »
Game Boy is not a console.  A console sits on a shelf.

5296
TalkBack / E3 2003 Floor Plan Revealed
« on: April 30, 2003, 06:28:57 AM »
Guess which company has the biggest booth?

The Electronics Entertainment Expo has released its floorplan for this year's show.  Once again, Nintendo has the largest booth of the show, a title it has held for several years.


Nintendo's booth is always a sight to behold.  There are usually gigantic sculptures of Mario, Link, Pokemon, etc. right in the middle, with game cabinets set up around the perimeter and in clusters throughout whatever room is left.  The rear area is reserved for corporate meeting rooms.


For the past two years, Nintendo has held extremely popular contests in its booth, attracting thousands of showgoers.  Lines can often be seen stretching out from Nintendo's booth into other companies' areas.


5297
TalkBack / Nintendo Dominates March Sales
« on: April 29, 2003, 04:30:30 PM »
Zelda and Pokemon come up big in the US.

The TRST market data for March (actually March 2nd through April 5th) is in, and Nintendo features prominently.  The company took the top three software slots, with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker in first and Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire in second and third.


GameCube's market share grew from 18% in February to 22% in March, and its hardware sales since the beginning of 2003 have increased 48% over the same period last year.  Total GameCube software sales of 2 million trump Xbox's 1.6 million for last month.  The tie rate for each system so far this year is 9.8:1 for GameCube and 8.5:1 for Xbox.  The overall tie ratios since launch are 12.1 for GameCube and 10.0 for Xbox.  This means that GameCube owners are buying more games for their system.


Game Boy Advance also performed extremely well in March, with the release of the new Pokemon games and the upgraded GBA SP hardware.  Game Boy games accounted for half of all software sales during the five-week period.


With 826,000 units sold in March, The Wind Waker is currently the best-selling game of 2003.  The two Pokemon games sold a combined 1.2 million units.


Between GameCube and GBA, Nintendo took 58% of all hardware sales during March.  The SP model accounted for 85% of all Game Boy Advance sales.


Finally, Nintendo has retaken its position as the #1 publisher in North America.  It held 20% of the software market in March, compared to 12% for Electronic Arts and 8% for Sony, the second- and third-place publishers.


5298
TalkBack / NOA Confirms LAN Play for Mario Kart
« on: April 27, 2003, 11:45:48 AM »
We all knew it was coming, and now it's 100% official.

Nintendo's pre-E3 website has updated with the following remark about Mario Kart: Double Dash:


Pack eight players into your living room and turn up the fun when you connect two Nintendo GameCubes via the Broadband adaptor. It's intense action coming soon to 2 screens very near you!


We first told you that GameCube is capable of connecting via ethernet cable at last year's E3...where we actually saw the feature demonstrated.  Nintendo is expected to unveil a comprehensive GameCube networking plan at this year's E3, including games that will support the feature and possibly hardware that will make LAN gaming easier to set up.


Thanks to the guys at Console.Be for the tip!


5299
TalkBack / Climax Working on GameCube FPS
« on: April 24, 2003, 05:21:40 AM »
The British developer is working on a "AAA" first-person shooter for GameCube...and if you live in England, you may be able to test it.

Climax has posted a message on their website's main page asking for people to come playtest a secret GameCube shooter.


Do you want to be one of the first people to play a brand new AAA first person shooter for the Nintendo Game Cube, created by Europe's biggest independent developer?


No further information is given as to what the game may be.  Climax is perhaps best known for its racing games, including Moto GP, Rally Fusion, and ATV Quad Power Racing.  They are currently developing Sudeki for Xbox, plus a few titles for Acclaim.


If you live in the UK and are interested in testing this new GameCube FPS for Climax, hit the link above for more information.


5300
TalkBack / First Rogue Squadron III Details, Screens
« on: April 23, 2003, 08:13:55 AM »
It's true, the screens in EGM look much better than the ones at Gamers.com.  But we can't post those because they're copyrighted material.  I think Gamers.com got the leftovers.

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