Topics

[Choose your car and prepare to race. Have you got what it takes?]

1226

TalkBack / Ignition Reveals Demon Driver GBA

« on: March 28, 2003, 08:08:45 AM »

Choose your car and prepare to race.  Have you got what it takes?

Demon Driver - Drive to impress

WALTHAM ABBEY - 28th March 2003 Ignition Entertainment Ltd, a worldwide publisher, developer and distributor of entertainment software, has launched a range of games for the Game Boy® Advance platform.  A total of nine games have been released all with a very aggressive recommended retail price point of £14.99 inc. VAT.  Each title is also the perfect companion for the Game Boy® Advance SP console.

Demon Driver is a driving genre for players aged 6 years and up.

Choose your car and prepare to race...

Speed through 32 different and challenging tracks. Collect the tokens and upgrade your car in order to gain the advantage over your rivals. Just beware of the hazards!  Challenge a friend (via the Multi-Pak Link) and battle it out to see who really is the 'Demon Driver'.

Have you got what it takes?   Demon Driver is now available in leading retail outlets and on line stockists for Game Boy® Advance.

[Solid Snake is a cool guy, but Midway is banking that someone with psychic powers on top of that is cooler.]

1227

TalkBack / Midway Announces ESPionage

« on: March 28, 2003, 07:55:21 AM »

Solid Snake is a cool guy, but Midway is banking that someone with psychic powers on top of that is cooler.

Midway Unleashes First-Ever Psychic Combat Game -- ESPionage -- Featuring Combination of Lethal Weapons and Psi Powers

ESPionage is the First and Only Action/Stealth Game to Integrate Weapons Combat with Extensive Use of Psychic Mind Powers Including Telekinesis, Pyrokinesis, Remote Viewing and Mind Control

 CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2003-- Midway Games Inc., a leading software industry publisher and developer, announced today that ESPionage™, is in development and is expected to ship in Fall 2003 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube™.  ESPionage challenges players to use their most powerful weapon -- their mind -- as they try to master the first action/stealth game to integrate traditional weapons combat with extensive Psi (psychic) mind powers. Combatting a terrorist movement set to overthrow world order, Nick Geller -- an elite American Psi-Operative -- fights using telekinesis (lifting and throwing objects), pyrokinesis (controlling fire), remote viewing (going "out-of-body" to plan attacks), mind drain (draining Psi energy from enemies), aura view ("seeing" elements that aren't visible in the real world) and mind control (taking control of enemies) to fight against an army of programmed, psychic terrorist super soldiers that will stop at nothing to reach their goal.  

"Never before have players been given the ability to use Psi mind powers in an action/stealth game," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway. "ESPionage provides a highly entertaining experience that opens up unique and creative combinations of the way gamers can play the game."  

As Geller, players must conquer a programmed super soldier army and its psychic agents while using Psi powers. In addition to Psi capabilities, players have access to traditional weapons such as handguns and automatic weaponry. As players strategically navigate seven huge immersive levels within four distinct compounds, they encounter multiple ways to solve missions, which greatly adds to the replay value.  

ESPionage Key Features:

• Psi Powers - The first and only action/stealth game to integrate weapons combat with extensive and unique Psi mind powers including:  
  • Telekinesis - The ability to lift people and objects and hold, move or throw them in any direction.  
  • Pyrokinesis - The ability to launch a wall of fire that ignites everything in its path.  
  • Mind Control - The ability to take control of enemy bodies.  
  • Remote Viewing - The ability to go "out-of-body" to see through doors to plan your "attack" and/or get information you would not be able to get in physical form.  
  • Mind Drain - The ability to drain Psi power from enemies, which results in death to the victim.  
  • Aura View - The ability to "see" elements that are not visible in the real world.
• Action and Stealth Combination - Intense, fast-paced action with strategic stealth elements. The emphasis is on action, with elements of stealth.
• Traditional Weapons - In addition to Psi mind control powers, traditional weapons, such as handguns and automatic weaponry, still play a major role in gameplay and combined with the Psi powers create an extraordinary and powerful gameplay dynamic.
• Intense Storyline - An engaging and compelling storyline reveals the mystery of Nick's identity and the origin of his Psi powers while infiltrating the compounds of "The Movement," a powerful psychic terrorist organization.
• Multiple Levels and Compounds - Seven huge and immersive levels within four distinct compounds spread throughout the world.
• Deep AI - Adaptive artificial intelligence makes enemies extremely aware of the player's actions and delivers more intense, realistic fighting.
• Multiple Methods for Solving Missions - The non-linear design allows the gamer to conquer the mission in multiple ways, allowing for endless replay value.

[Londonites can hobnob with their favorite stars and look at many different types of pockets. Oh yeah, there's a GBA SP party going on too.]

1228

TalkBack / Nintendo 'Pockets' Exibition Gets Underway

« on: March 28, 2003, 07:41:38 AM »

Londonites can hobnob with their favorite stars and look at many different types of pockets.  Oh yeah, there's a GBA SP party going on too.

'POCKETS' EXHIBITION - EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW AND LAUNCH PARTY

London's West End is currently playing host to an extraordinary exhibition celebrating the humble pocket in all its forms. High profile guests were invited to the exclusive private viewing of the exhibition and to attend the launch party on the evening of March 27th. Attendees included Ralf Little, artist Dan MacMillan models Sienna Guillory and Catalina and the infamous Cheekie Chappie from Channel 4's Banzai.

The party took place in the same space as the exhibition allowing guests to preview the pocket retrospective with a drink, some pocket sized nibbles and music from Rob Da Bank (Sunday Best / Radio One), Norman Jay (Good Times), and The Bikini Beach Band. Guests also received the exclusive Nintendo goodie bag containing a Game Boy Advance SP in sleek metallic silver and the independently designed limited edition bespoke carry case. Designed and produced by couture accessories designer KIMCHI, the premium leather piece is the highest form of function for style aware boys and girls - perfect for the preview attendees.

Guests were able to take a stroll through time, tracing the origins of the first pockets and how their appearance and use has evolved. They took a closer look at the role of the pocket in the world of fashion and clothing, from its early incarnations, to perhaps the ultimate in trouser storage facility, the military cargo pant. Hugely popular amongst all the guests was the opportunity to enjoy the gaming experience of the Game Boy Advance SP prior to its launch. Closet skater Ewen Macintosh star of 'The Office' was spotted getting gnarly with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 whilst Catalina and Danny Goffey of Supergrass enjoyed bone crunching with the Bruce Lee. Competitive gamer Ralf Little quickly mastered the art of one hand gaming without drink spillage.  

Further elements of the exhibition are dedicated to the representation of the pocket in film, music and literature, showing how this simple cloth device has infiltrated the rich cultural tapestry of the world, and to really pique the curiosity of visitors, the pocket content of famous people as they died is also described in detail, revealing the secrets of icons as diverse as Kurt Cobain and Abraham Lincoln. Pocket sized technology naturally features, with examples of the first machines & gadgets designed to fit into pockets, through to the latest remarkable advances in miniaturized surveillance technology.  

Curated by Wayne Hemingway, the exhibition opened to public on Friday 28th March and is taking place to mark the launch of Nintendo's sleek new Game Boy Advance SP.  

Exhibition open to the public from Friday 28th March to Thursday 3rd April 10am - 5pm Admission Free

Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.

[The limbless wonder is a hit in Paris, London and Berlin. When your hands and feet float in mid-air, how can you not be?]

1229

TalkBack / Rayman 3 Tops the International Charts

« on: March 28, 2003, 07:35:17 AM »

The limbless wonder is a hit in Paris, London and Berlin.  When your hands and feet float in mid-air, how can you not be?

RAYMAN®3 AND SPLINTER CELLTM TOP THE CHARTS

March 27, 2003 - Ubi Soft Entertainment, one of the world's leading video game publishers, is proud to announce strong sales for Rayman®3: Hoodlum Havoc. The title ranks number one for Game Boy Advance® sales in France, Germany and the United Kingdom and number two for NINTENDO GAMECUBE™ sales in France and Germany.

Meanwhile, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell™ is number one on PC in France and number two in the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain. Named Console Game of the Year by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Splinter Cell™ has performed extremely well since its initial console release.  

The PlayStation®2 version of the game is available in the UK as of tommorow, March 28th and is greatly anticipated.  

"We're riding the top of the sales charts for Rayman and Splinter Cell," says Alain Corre, managing director for Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and South America, "and it's thanks to the innovative spirit and know-how of our in-house development teams, our comprehensive distribution network and dynamic marketing activities. There is no doubt about it: both of these Ubi Soft blockbusters not only meet but surpass the ever-increasing standards of today's players. This is the first time we've simultaneously led the market around the globe on all formats and it feels great. It's increasingly clear that our strategy is right on target, taking us both upward and outward."

[If you Yanks are interested in playing some Aussie Rules Football, Acclaim wants to hear from you.]

1230

TalkBack / Acclaim Considers Bringing AFL Live Stateside

« on: March 24, 2003, 07:20:09 AM »

If you Yanks are interested in playing some Aussie Rules Football, Acclaim wants to hear from you.

Acclaim officially cancelled the original GameCube release of AFL Live 2003 in the Australian market, citing lack of time as an excuse.  Even though Aussies are getting the GC version later this year, there has never been a chance of the game coming up to the US.  However, that's going to change, now that the publisher is thinking about giving the game a shot in the United States market.

Acclaim has put up a small survey form on its US website, asking whether or not people would be interested in buying an Australian Rules Football League game.  If you or someone you know might want to give a game like this a try, fill out the form.

The GameCube version of AFL Live 2004 is due out for Australians in August 2003.  If Acclaim decides to release the series in North America, it's unknown if the game will come out yearly, or be a one-shot deal (such as EA Sports' Rugby title).  For more information about the AFL Live series, click to Acclaim's official game site.

[Snatch the Game Boy from my hand, grasshopper. Only then may you play this game in August.]

1231

TalkBack / Crouching Tiger, Hidden Tiger GBA Coming

« on: March 19, 2003, 08:38:07 AM »

Snatch the Game Boy from my hand, grasshopper.  Only then may you play this game in August.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Game to Hit Shelves in August 2003    Highly Anticipated Adventure Captures Martial Arts Magic of Academy Award-Winning Movie

SAN FRANCISCO--March 19, 2003--Ubi Soft Entertainment, one of the world's largest video game publishers, today announced that the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon™ action/adventure game will ship for retail in August 2003. 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 will be available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Ubi Soft China will also develop Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon for the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance.  

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the most innovative and exciting movies in 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 Ubi Soft Entertainment. "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 fiance). The gameplay experience effectively captures the martial arts magic and fluidity of movement that made the film a huge success:  

• Engage in the intricate sword-fighting and superhuman acrobatics of the movie
• Run, jump, leap, climb, hang, block, dodge, fight hand-to-hand, defy gravity, and use special combination moves unique to each character
• Explore environments from the film including the bamboo forest, the waterfall, the bar room, the Governors Palace, and the streets of Beijing
• Use strategy and strength to vanquish enemies on the ground, on rooftops, atop trees, and in the water
• Relive the film experience with rich storylines, distinctive characters, and Mandarin dialogue with English subtitles

[Yamauchi won't get to see his baseball team play this year, due to the threat of war. Too bad.]

1232

TalkBack / Yamauchi's Mariners To Not Play in Japan

« on: March 18, 2003, 07:03:02 PM »

Yamauchi won't get to see his baseball team play this year, due to the threat of war.  Too bad.

UPDATE: ESPN's website has a news article with a video clip of Mariner's CEO and former Nintendo exec Howard Lincoln commenting on the situation.  To find the video (in both low- and high-bandwidth versions), hit this link, scroll halfway down, then look to the right.

Thanks to one of our readers for the heads up!

In January we reported that ex-Nintendo president and current majority owner of the Seattle Mariners, Hiroshi Yamauchi, was going to finally see the team he owned.  Major Leauge Baseball has scheduled its opening series in Tokyo, between the Mariners and the Oakland A's.

However, due to the impending war against Iraq, MLB commissioner Bud Selig thought that it might not be a good idea to send planes full of MLB stars on their way to Japan while our troops in the Middle East are fighting terror, as there might be no telling what could happen.

We don't have an official comment out of Yamauchi, Howard Lincoln, or anyone else associated with the Mariners, but we do have the entire press release from Major League Baseball, which can be read below:

MLB reschedules opening series

Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today that next week's two-game opening series between the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners in Tokyo, Japan will be rescheduled stateside because of the tense world situation. The first game of the 2003 championship season will now feature the World Champion Anaheim Angels against the Texas Rangers, Sunday, March 30th, in Anaheim, CA. All other games will be played as scheduled.  "I have consulted with Don Fehr, the Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, which is our partner in this event. Given the uncertainty that now exists throughout the world, we believe the safest course of action for the players involved and the many staff personnel who must work the games is to reschedule the opening series," Commissioner Selig said. "It would be unfair and terribly unsettling for them to be half a world away -- away from their families -- at this critical juncture.  

"Baseball is a social institution with enormous social responsibilities and it is with that in mind along with great regret that I take this action. I hope our fans and business partners in Japan understand that this difficult decision is only made in response to the most serious of circumstances. While I don't doubt the exemplary security efforts that the city of Tokyo and the government of Japan were prepared to provide for our players and personnel, I had to weigh those security precautions against a very unpleasant and potentially dangerous set of variables that go along with a nation on the brink of war.  

"Major League Baseball and the Players Association value our relationship with Japanese baseball and have looked forward to Japanese stars Ichiro Suzuki, Kaz Sasaki, and Shigetoshi Hasegawa returning to their homeland to compete in regular season games. Our principal sponsor, Yomiuri, is always a most gracious host and we hope to return to Japan as soon as next season."

Fehr said: "With world tensions so high, this is the prudent course of action. We do regret, though, having to take it. As the Commissioner has observed, everyone in Baseball looks forward to playing in Japan and appreciates the most gracious hospitality always extended to us. We will be back, and soon."  

The games, both of which were Oakland home dates, will be rescheduled in Oakland on April 3 at 12:35 p.m. PT and June 30 at 7:05 p.m. PT. Also, both Mariners and Athletics spring training schedules will be modified to account for this change of plan.

[Climax is climaxing by clawing ex-Crawfish developers to advance its Game Boy Advance development.]

1233

TalkBack / Climax Snags ex-Crawfish Talent

« on: March 18, 2003, 06:51:12 PM »

Climax is climaxing by clawing ex-Crawfish developers to advance its Game Boy Advance development.

Climax Creates Handheld Development Dream Team!

18th March 2002, Solent, UK – As part of its on-going recruitment drive, Climax is today delighted to announce the creation of a handheld development dream team. Having handpicked the best talent from Crawfish and combined them with its existing people, Climax has created one of the most experienced and technically gifted handheld development teams in the industry.

The new recruitment sees Climax's specialist handheld development team swell to 20. Having worked on a variety of GBC, GBA and mobile games in the past, including Street Fighter Alpha 3 (GBA), Driver (GBC) and Nick Toons Racing (GBA), the team is arguably one of the most experienced in the world.

The team has already been put to task on two massively high profile but as yet unannounced GBA games. In the future Climax hopes to expand the operation still further by taking on more GBA games and exploring the possibilities of the mobile format, N-Gage.

As part of the new wave of recruitment, Cameron Sheppard, founder and MD of Crawfish, has been employed by Climax as Managing Director. Joining him is ex-Crawfish man Mike Merren, who joins the company as Development Director. Both Mike and Cameron are well-respected throughout the industry and bring a wealth of experience and skills developing handheld games to company. The two, together with the new recruits, give Climax an unrivalled level of expertise in the handheld market.  

"We're delighted to have Cameron, Mike and the best people from Crawfish onboard" stated Karl Jeffery, CEO of Climax. "Crawfish's unfortunate demise has enabled us to strengthen our handheld division with some exceptionally talented individuals who will add enormously to our existing team. And with such an exceptionally gifted team in place, we're now in a position to expand our handheld development programme."

[Get off the couch and take yourself to the ball game, you lazy doof.]

1234

TalkBack / Midway Ships MLB Slugfest 20-04

« on: March 17, 2003, 06:36:39 AM »

Get off the couch and take yourself to the ball game, you lazy doof.

Midway Sports Hits It out of the Park with 20-04 Version of Top-Selling Baseball Videogame Franchise MLB Slugfest

Exclusive Aggressive-Style Baseball Videogame Returns with Proprietary Blend of Lightning-Fast Gameplay, Key Baseball Features and Cover Athlete Jim Edmonds of the St. Louis Cardinals®

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 2003-- Midway Sports™, the sports brand of software industry publisher and developer Midway Games Inc., announced today that MLB™ SlugFest® 20-04 has shipped for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™ and Game Boy® Advance.    Officially licensed by Major League Baseball Properties and MLBPA, MLB SlugFest 20-04 is the exclusive aggressive-style baseball videogame, delivering a proprietary blend of hardcore, lightning-fast gameplay combined with key baseball features that please even the most diehard sports fan. MLB SlugFest 20-04 also features cover athlete Jim Edmonds, of the St. Louis Cardinals® along with real MLB teams, players and stadiums.  

"MLB SlugFest debuted as the best-selling PlayStation 2 baseball videogame its first year on the market," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway. "MLB SlugFest 20-04 will be another crowd-pleaser with its simultaneous launch across all gaming systems -- including Game Boy Advance -- and even more hardcore action combined with a robust list of all-new baseball features."  

MLB SlugFest 20-04 offers real Major League Baseball® athletes with over-the-top abilities, including turbo-powered running, play-of-the-week fielding and out-of-the-park hitting. In addition, all-new features add plenty of adrenaline, including new modes such as Create-A-Team, which allows gamers to form their own All-Star team; Customizable Instant Replay, allowing gamers control of the camera and the ability to view their towering home runs and diving catches; and Home Run Derby™, which pits gamers' favorite MLB players against the most feared long ball hitters in the league (PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions).  

Graphically, MLB SlugFest 20-04 combines more than 1,500 animations with revolutionary player models, resulting in each player being mapped to his exact likeness. Stadiums are also rendered to perfection. Authentic batting stances and wind-ups also add to the realism of the game as players in the field look and throw, and batters and pitchers look and move, just like their MLB counterparts.  

MLB SlugFest 20-04 also features music such as Hoobastank's "Crawling In The Dark," plus original DVD content that includes the behind-the-scenes making of the game and Jim Edmonds highlight footage: A Day in the Life with Jim Edmonds (PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions).  

About Jim Edmonds  

Entering his tenth full Major League Baseball® season, Edmonds has made his mark on the baseball world since his 1993 rookie season. In 1998, his over-the-shoulder, diving catch received an Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) award as the Play of the Year. Edmonds has won five Gold Gloves in the past six seasons, including three in a row since joining the St. Louis Cardinals in 2000. Edmonds finished the 2002 season with a career-best .311 batting average, helping to lead the Cardinals to the National League Championship Series. He ended the season ranked in the National League top ten in batting average (9th), slugging percentage (10th), and on-base percentage (6th). During his three seasons as a member of the Cardinals, Edmonds has accumulated better than a .300 batting average, hit over 100 home runs and collected more than 300 RBI.  

MLB SlugFest 20-04 PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube Key Features:  

• NEW -- Create-A-Team: Create your own All-Star team SlugFest style. Combine your favorite players from both leagues into one powerhouse ball club, then work your way to a World Series® championship.
• NEW -- Customizable Instant Replay: Relive those towering home runs and diving catches. Take control of the camera and view highlight-quality plays from any angle you desire.
• NEW -- Home Run Derby(TM): Square off against the most feared long ball hitters in the league and decide once and for all who is the king of swing.
• NEW -- Play-By-Play and Color Commentary: Same popular announcers. All-new dialogue! "Jimmy Shorts" and Tim Kitzrow return with all-new SlugFest-style humorous color commentary.
• NEW -- Authentic Batting Stances and Pitching Motion: The batters look and swing, and the pitchers look and throw, like their real MLB counterparts.
• NEW -- Fantasy Stadiums and Characters.
• NEW -- Music featuring Hoobastank's hit song, "Crawling In The Dark."
• NEW -- Expanded Rosters: Now 20 players per team including six pitchers.
• Challenging Adrenaline-Style Gameplay: Turbo running, fielding, batting, and throwing. Midway pumps the adrenaline up a notch with hard-hitting batters, gas-throwing pitchers, and plays-of-the-week-caliber fielding to provide the best possible baseball videogame experience.
• Unmatched Player Animations: More than 1,500 player animations and nine motion capture actors deliver the smoothest running, fielding, batting, and pitching animations of any baseball videogame.
• Revolutionary Player Models and Graphics: MLB SlugFest is recognized for having the most beautiful graphics of any baseball videogame. Players have faces mapped to their exact likeness and every stadium is rendered to perfection.
• MLB- and MLBPA-licensed product: All your favorite MLB teams, players and stadiums.
• Updated 2003 Season Schedules, Uniforms and Stadiums.
• Cover athlete Jim Edmonds of the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Original DVD content that includes the behind-the-scenes making of the game and Jim Edmond's highlight footage: A Day in the Life with Jim Edmonds.

NEW MLB SlugFest 20-04 Game Boy Advance Key Features:  

• Challenging Adrenaline-Style Gameplay:  Turbo running, fielding, batting, and throwing. Midway pumps the adrenaline up a notch with hard-hitting batters, gas-throwing pitchers, and plays-of-the-week-caliber fielding to provide the best possible baseball videogame experience.
• Fast-Action Batter/Pitcher Interface: Some of the fastest baseball you've ever seen.
• Strategic Contact: Chin music, fist-first or spikes high? Your decisions affect the game's momentum and final outcome.
• Control: Intuitive, fast-action, adrenaline-style controls.
• MLB- and MLBPA-licensed product: All your favorite MLB teams, players and stadiums.
• Revolutionary Pitcher/Batter Interface: Carefully select your pitch or choose to put the batter on his back.

[If you're one of the first Europeans to get a Game Boy Advance SP, you can score a sweet deal on a GameCube.]

1235

TalkBack / GBA SP/GameCube Promotion For Europe

« on: March 14, 2003, 08:24:04 AM »

If you're one of the first Europeans to get a Game Boy Advance SP, you can score a sweet deal on a GameCube.

As part of its €20 million European advertising campaign (that's about the same as $20 million stateside), Nintendo will be giving the first 400,000 owners of the Game Boy Advance SP a €50 off voucher, good towards the purchase of a Nintendo GameCube.

These coupons will be included in the packaging for the GBA SPs, which hit Europe on March 28th in three colors: Platinum, Jet Black and Cobalt Blue.  The GameCube voucher is only good for a limited time, however, so for all the details on this wonderous promotion, read all about it here.

[If you want to be the next American Idol, consider giving this oddball contest from Nintendo a shot.]

1236

TalkBack / Pokémon Rocks!

« on: March 12, 2003, 07:42:58 AM »

If you want to be the next American Idol, consider giving this oddball contest from Nintendo a shot.

With the impending doom that is the release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire to the pre-teen masses, Nintendo is gearing up for the games' release with a contest.

Nintendo is looking for a few good singers.  All it wants to you do is come up with some lyrics to the Pokémon cartoon theme song, then record video of you singing it.  Send it in, and you could win a brand new (Lugia-styled Pokémon) PT Cruiser for your family.

Entries must be recieved by April 4th, so for all you wannabe stars out there, break out that microphone and get singing.  Nintendo is waiting for you.

[Rumor has it that those bonus discs might have something to do with it.]

1237

TalkBack / Wind Waker Most Pre-Ordered Game in History

« on: March 12, 2003, 07:35:48 AM »

Rumor has it that those bonus discs might have something to do with it.

Gamers Take Detour from Vice City and Head to Hyrule; The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker Generates Record Pre-Sell Numbers

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2003--Since it was first announced, The Legend of Zelda®: The Wind Waker™ pre-sell program for Nintendo GameCube™ has captured the hearts and attention of gamers across the country.

Still two weeks from launch, more than 560,000 Zelda fans have reserved their copy of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and received the nearly sold-out limited-edition disk featuring two playable, full-length games originally for the Nintendo® 64: The Legend of Zelda®: Ocarina of Time® and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest, for a suggested retail price of $49.95. This makes The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Nintendo's most successful pre-sell program in history.

"The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is the most anticipated video game in Electronics Boutique's history based on our pre-orders, even outpacing last year's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," says Jerry Madaio, vice president, merchandising, Electronics Boutique. "And the number of pre-orders is still growing! Clearly, this game's appeal is so wide, that it is a 'must-have' for any Nintendo GameCube owner."

"Given the history of the Zelda series, we expected overwhelming interest, and this solidifies the ever-growing phenomenon and attraction gamers have to the characters and story," explains George Harrison, senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Nintendo of America Inc. "It doesn't matter which system you own, gamers across the world respect and anticipate the launch of any Zelda game and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is a killer application that will move hardware."

Launching March 24, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is an epic adventure that will have the character Link sailing the high seas and searching for clues to his sister's mysterious disappearance. The game is brought to life with incredible toon-shaded visuals and a unique facial animation system. Link's eyes not only show his emotions but also provide hints and spot danger, inspiring a sense of wonder in players of all ages. Connect the Game Boy® Advance, via the Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance cable, and players can summon the mapmaker Tingle to uncover hidden secrets to help Link in his voyage.

To date, worldwide sales of The Legend of Zelda series have surpassed 36 million software units.

[Unlock new levels in the GBA version, and use an exclusive weapon in the GC version, among other Cube enhancments.]

1238

TalkBack / Exclusive Connectivity Features for Splinter Cell

« on: March 11, 2003, 10:20:28 AM »

Unlock new levels in the GBA version, and use an exclusive weapon in the GC version, among other Cube enhancments.

Console Game of the Year, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell™ Infiltrates NINTENDO GAMECUBE™ and GAME BOY™ ADVANCE

Connect Them Both To Enjoy Exclusive GCN Action!

Tuesday 11th March 2003 - Sam Fisher, the shadow agent starring in Console Game of the Year (AIAS), Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell™, has simultaneously penetrated Nintendo's GameCube™ and Game Boy Advance game systems. Developed by Ubi Soft Entertainment's Shanghai and Montreal studios respectively, both games will be released on May 6, 2003 in the US (June 5 in the Europe).

In bringing Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell to the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance, Ubi Soft focused on delivering a high-quality gameplay experience true to the high standards of the original Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell yet offering an experience unique to the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance platforms. This includes state-of-the-art connectivity that allows game fans to link their Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance to access unique content and capabilities only available through linked play. Once connected to the Nintendo GameCube, the Game Boy Advance can function as a remote extension for Sam's OPSAT (allowing Sam to view his surroundings on a radar-like mini-map) and providing him remote control of computers and weapons, including the wall mine. Furthermore, the connected systems allow gamers to take advantage of a brand new weapon exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube, the sticky bomb! Playing through the Nintendo GameCube version will unlock five exclusive levels on the Game Boy Advance version.

"Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell's high quality of gameplay and compelling storyline transcend platform boundaries. From the Xbox to the PlayStation2 to the PC, and now the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell consistently delivers a great gameplay experience, and provided a unique experience on each console." said Alain Corre, Managing Director of Ubi Soft Entertainment for Europe, Asia Pacific and South America. "The linked-play capabilities of the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance is a perfect example of how Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell takes full advantage of each console's capabilities setting new standards for what gamers expect from their favorite platforms!"

Both the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance versions of Splinter Cell contain all of the most popular elements of Splinter Cell: compelling storyline and characters inspired by acclaimed novelist Tom Clancy, revolutionary lighting and graphical effects that create an astonishingly realistic, tension-filled experience guaranteed to blow Nintendo fans away. Protagonist Sam Fisher has what it takes to get the job done. Armed with the latest high-tech gadgets night and thermal vision, prototype weapons and surveillance gear, Sam executes stunning athletic moves such as the split jump, rappelling and zip lining. The wide variety of gadgets and moves available combined with the wide-open gameplay-never play it the same way twice-gives gamers an unparalleled freedom of action totally unique to Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.

The Game Boy Advance version brings the original Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell storyline to life in two dimensions. Thanks to an innovative depth management system, players can hide in the shadows, while holding their breath in tension-filled excitement as they wait for guards to pass-just like the original version! Unique to the Game Boy Advance version are new moments in the gameplay that require Sam to go head-to-head against key characters.

[Play those quirky Java-based internet games, download MP3s, and even make your own Java stuff on your GBA!]

1239

TalkBack / Java Coming to Game Boy Advance

« on: March 06, 2003, 09:10:12 AM »

Play those quirky Java-based internet games, download MP3s, and even make your own Java stuff on your GBA!

Java MIDP Game Developers Can Start Playing With Nintendo Game Boys

aJile Brings Sun's Latest MIDP 2.0 Java Technology to Millions of Stand-alone Game Devices

GAME DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE, SAN JOSE, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- aJile Systems Inc., a company founded by the developers of the first direct execution Java™ microprocessor, has created the world's first game development kit to bring Java MIDP technology to millions of Nintendo®'s Game Boy® Advance players. aJile's JAMiD™ game development kit is also the first platform to use Sun's latest MIDP 2.0 technology, which offers advanced audio and graphics features to Java mobile game developers.   Hundreds of Java-based MIDP game titles are already available for tens of millions of Java-enabled mobile phones sold worldwide by leading handset vendors. With aJile's new JAMiD game development kit, hundreds of thousands of Java software developers can now create multimedia mobile games that will also play on millions of Game Boy® Advance and Game Boy® SP players worldwide.

The key component of the JAMiD kit is the Java game cartridge, which plugs into the external card slot on any Game Boy® Advance or Game Boy® Advance SP, bringing Java capabilities to the world's most popular mobile game player. The JAMiD cartridge will allow users to run MIDP games while listening to MP3 music, both of which can be downloaded from dozens of Internet sites.

The JAMiD cartridge includes aJile's high-performance direct execution aJ-100 Java microprocessor, an MP3 audio player, and all of the necessary memory and interface hardware to download and run MIDP-compatible games and MP3 audio. aJile is selling the JAMiD as a complete development kit with software tools that enable game developers to rapidly create exciting MIDP game titles for Game Boy® handhelds. aJile is also negotiating with OEMs in Asia, Europe and North America to manufacture and merchandise consumer versions of the JAMiD game cartridge.

aJile Deploys MIDP Game Network

As part of its gaming initiative, aJile is also building an online game portal, where mobile game developers from around the world can distribute their MIDP games directly to users. aJile will make it possible for game developers to offer both free and for-fee downloads to the global gaming community. Owners of Java-enabled handsets, PDAs and stand-alone game players will be able to access a wide selection of the latest MIDP games from aJile's single online destination.

"aJile firmly believes that Java will be at the heart of mobile gaming, entertainment and interactive commerce. And we believe that mobile handsets, game players and computing devices should all have access to a common source for MIDP games," said aJile Vice President of Marketing Danh Le Ngoc. "For the first time, aJile's JAMiD game development kit links the huge Java development community with the enormous Game Boy® user community. We expect that consumer products based on our JAMiD cartridge will bring wireless and peer-to-peer gaming and entertainment to the millions-strong stand-alone game player market."

[Well, looks like a bunch of those things they say about Nintendo aren't stereotypes anymore.]

1240

TalkBack / Teens Still Controlling Game Market

« on: March 05, 2003, 03:38:56 PM »

Well, looks like a bunch of those things they say about Nintendo aren't stereotypes anymore.

Teenagers Continue to Drive the Video Game Market

Independent Survey from Zanthus Identifies Latest Trends in Online and Offline Video Gaming

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2003--Zanthus, a leading market research-based consulting company, today unveiled the results of its second Future2Future survey, which focused on the video gaming market. According to the independent consumer survey, 92 percent of today's youth own and play video games. The Web-based survey, conducted by the Portland, Ore. research company, was designed to determine the latest trends in the video gaming market and gauge consumer demand for future advancements.  

The survey was based on responses from 498 U.S. gamers, aged 14 to 26 years old, plus two separate focus groups of hardcore gamers divided into one group of 14 to 18 years old and another aged 19 to 26.  

Highlights of the survey results include the following:  

• Heavy gamers tend to be males between 14 and 17-years-old who describe themselves as innovators or early-adopters when it comes to purchasing video and/or computer game hardware and software. They represent about 25% of youth gamers. Most (55 percent) have played video and/or computer games for 10 or more years and, on average, spend about 23 hours per week playing games.

  
  

• Light gamers tend to be older females, between the ages of 18 to 26, who largely fall into the late majority or laggard categories. They have played video and/or computer games, on average, for about six years and spend about eight hours per week on this activity.

  
  

• Teen and young adult gamers are satisfied with the current state of the video game market, rating the video game market, on average a 7 out of 10; however, only about two-in-five youth gamers (39 percent) gave a score between '8' and '10' on this scale, suggesting that there's substantial room for improvement.

  
  

• Youth gamers most appreciate the high-quality graphics featured in today's games. When asked about positive market trends, graphics, in some form, was mentioned the most.

  
  

• The growing variety of games ranked as the second highest positive trend; however, the variety for male gamers was clearly higher than for female respondents as 'lack of variety' by the older, female gamers still ranked near the top of the list of gamers' complaints.

  
  

• Early teens are still more likely to own a GameCube than mid-teens or young adults; however, younger gamers in Zanthus' focus groups proclaimed they would never purchase a Nintendo GameCube because they considered it "geared for little kids." This group uniformly regarded the PlayStation 2 and Xbox platforms as "more grown-up."

  
  

• Online gaming holds substantial appeal among youth gamers, but so far, few have pursued the option with any seriousness. Only 5 percent of the youth gamers surveyed currently subscribe to an online game that requires a monthly fee; however, 21 percent reported an interest in subscribing in the future.

  
  

• A substantial portion of youth gamers expressed an interest in potential future services. Sixty-one percent expressed interested in video-on-demand via a console and cable TV connection, and another 23 percent expressed an interest in a pay-to-play game service over the Internet.

  "Our survey results clearly show that the youth gamers driving this market are most interested in higher quality games and greater variety," said David Edwards, CEO and founder of Zanthus. "Those companies that tap into youth gamers' desire for different types of games and capitalize on the demand for online gaming will be best suited for long-term success."  

Highlights of the "BigBamBoom: The Future of Video Games" survey is available on Zanthus' Future2Future Web site at www.f2fresearch.com. Full survey results are available only to subscribers of Zanthus' Future2Future research program.

[I suppose another title for this game could be "Movie Lot Tycoon."]

1241

TalkBack / The Movies Coming to GameCube

« on: March 04, 2003, 08:00:53 AM »

I suppose another title for this game could be "Movie Lot Tycoon."

ACTIVISION SIGNS MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH LEGENDARY GAME DESIGNER PETER MOLYNEUX

Activision Acquires Publishing Rights To The Movies for the PC and Console Platforms

London, UK - March 4, 2003 - Activision, Inc. announced today that the company has signed an agreement with legendary U.K.-based game designer Peter Molyneux. Under the terms of the agreement, the company has secured the exclusive worldwide rights to Molyneux's new project tentatively titled The Movies for the PC and all video game console platforms. The agreement also grants Activision the option to publish sequels and add-on products to the title.

The Movies currently is being developed by Molyneux's Lionhead Studios, whose last title, Black and White, sold almost 2 million units worldwide. Black and White topped PC sell-through charts around the globe and was a #1 best-selling game in the United Kingdom and Germany.  

Slated for release in 2004, The Movies gives gamers the opportunity to run their own Hollywood movie studio from the silent days of the 1920s, through the advent of new technologies into the present and beyond. The game puts players in charge of a Hollywood dream factory where they decide which movies to make and the stars to make them. The player selects the scripts, directors, sets and movie stars before shooting the action and watching their finished movie on opening night. Players can manage the money, egos, tears & tantrums on their way to living the Hollywood dream.

"Peter is undoubtedly one of the most talented video game designers in the world, and Lionhead is one of the very few development studios with the knowledge and resources to develop a game that will allow players to fulfil the fantasy of building a movie empire," states Larry Goldberg, executive vice president of Activision Worldwide Studios. "We are incredibly excited to have entered into this long-term partnership and are confident that this alliance will result in one of the most innovative and anticipated games of the next few years."

"Activision has always been synonymous with quality and innovation. The Movies offers a perfect opportunity for both of our companies to collaborate in the creation of a multi-million unit selling franchise," responded Peter Molyneux, managing director of Lionhead Studios. "A major factor in our choice of Activision as publisher for The Movies was its impressive attitude toward development and developers."  

The agreement further underscores Activision's commitment to partnering with top development talent and expanding its product portfolio. The announcement follows the company's recent acquisitions of several high-profile intellectual properties including the sequel to Shrek, DOOM III, Lemony Snicket, QUAKE IV, XXX and the sequel to the Spider-Man movie. Over the past 14 months, Activision has also acquired five development studios - Treyarch, Gray Matter Interactive, Shaba Games, Z-Axis Ltd. and Luxoflux Corporation, and forged new alliances with Infinity Ward and Stainless Steel - each of which has created games that have sold in excess of a million units.  

Prior to forming Lionhead Studios, Molyneux founded Bullfrog Productions. Bullfrog produced a legacy of acclaimed games including the first ever god game Populous, the popular strategy game Dungeon Keeper, and Theme Park, a simulation game that required players to manage all aspects of an amusement park. Each of these titles was a multi-million-unit seller worldwide.

Lionhead Studios is based in Guildford, Great Britain and was founded in 1997. The company's first game Black & White PC was released in 2001 and worldwide sales are now nearing the 2 million mark. Through its unique satellite scheme, the company currently has six products currently under development.

[Official Results:]

1242

Podcast Discussion / Planet Trivia: 28 February

« on: February 28, 2003, 09:33:00 PM »

Official Results:
4 - blienk
3 - GorillazFan87 :: Tavir
2 - BobbyRobby :: Kentop :: Sir_Pinch-a-Loaf :: SPhil64 :: TheHumanCow
1 - carlos :: cell84 :: Chiphead :: Elzie_Ann :: FFantasyFX :: fututrago
1 - FyreWulff :: Mikemn :: NikJam :: ulanshad :: Vidiotmike



Official SuperStats:
Questions Answered: 30/30 + 1/1 Tie
Players Scoring: 19
Time of Trivia: 57m 58s
Rulesbreakers Banned: 6
Max Channel Load: 77



Question Writers:
18 - WindyMan :: (14-30, Tie)
6 - kirbydark :: (01-06)
6 - StrikerObi :: (08-13)
1 - AussieBen :: (07)



Questions:
p) What's any difference between Rugby Union and Rugby League?
01) What two games did Lucas Arts exclusively publish and distribute for the N64?
02) Marina, a robotic cleaning maid, stars in which N64 game?
03) What were the first three GameCube games released in the US that allowed for 4-player split-screen gaming?
04) What was the name of the unreleased Bits Studios N64 game, announced in 1999?
05) What are the only two "3-player alternating" games for the N64?
06) Which Nintendo game series has the most trophies represented in Super Smash Bros. Melee?
07) Who builds your boat for you in Conker's Pocket Tales?
08) On the Star Fox Adventures menu screen, what option does ROB set?
09) Which characters in Wave Race: Blue Storm are “for beginners”?
10) Who accepted the AIAS awards for Animal Crossing? (full name, exact spelling)
11) What's the name of the air-girl in Panel de Pon?
12) In The Wizard, what game gives the kids the idea to play games for money?
13) In Metroid Prime, what happens when you've got Meta Ridley's health low?
14) Which game included in Namco Museum for the GBA doesn't appear on the game's front box art?
15) What do both DICE and AIAS stand for?
- - - - -
16) Who is the oldest F-Zero X pilot?
17) In Zelda: Ocarina of Time, how can you make Link execute a stab with his sword? (Use N64 version)
18) What's the name of the SNES Street Fighter-style dinosaur fighting game?
19) Which two pieces of Nintendo hardware sported a Remote Control?
20) What's the name of the green gooey stuff in Pipe Dream?
21) What's the name of Mega Man's flip-top item-bringing robot buddy?
22) Which two of TimeSplitters 2's single-player levels take place in the 19th century?
23) In Bad Dudes (NES), what variety of Ninja is worth the most points after defeating it?
24) Who was the first-ever evil end-boss in the Turok series?
25) Excluding Master Quest, what are the five subtiles to the Legend of Zelda console games that have them?
26) In Goemon's Great Adventure (N64), what term does the game use when reffering to the 2-player co-op mode?
27) What is the full name of the make and model of the NarcMobile? (NES, exact spelling)
28) In which Mario game does love mean nothing?
29) Which four Kombatants are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Tutles of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance?
30) "It is the Millenium, and it is time for..." what?
Tie) What are the five types of waves found in Klax?



Answers:
p] <SS4Gogita> Union is professional players, League are not.
01] <FyreWulff> Battle for Naboo and Indiana Jones
02] <Tavir> mischief makesr
03] <Sir_Pinch-a-Loaf> monkey ball, wave race, XG3
04] <carlos> riqua
05] <Sir_Pinch-a-Loaf> jeopardy, wheel of fortune
06] <BobbyRobby> Pokemon
07] <Chiphead> Ted
08] <Tavir> language
09] <FFantasyFX> ricky, akari
10] <SPhil64> Bill Trinen
11] <NikJam> windy
12] <BobbyRobby> Double Dragon
13] <Mikemn> he loses his wings
14] <ulanshad> Galaxian
15] <Kentop> academy of interative artas and sciences, Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain
- - - - -
16] <blienk> the skull
17] <Elzie_Ann> z b forward
18] <fututrago> primal rage
19] <blienk> the Q, NES satellite
20] <TheHumanCow> flooz
21] <SPhil64> eddie
22] <GorillazFan87> wild west, notre dame
23] <blienk> flaming
24] <GorillazFan87> campgaingher
25] <GorillazFan87> adventure of link, link to the past, ocarina of time, majoras mask, wind waker
26] <cell84> Piggy Ride mode
27] <Vidiotmike> porsche 911 turbo carrera
28] <Tavir> mario tennis?
29] <TheHumanCow> li mei, kenshi, johnny cage, raiden
30] <Kentop> klax
Tie] <blienk> diagonal, klax, horizontal, score, survivial

[What's this? Donkey Kong, mystery developers, and Britney Spears? A must-read article filled with need-to-know information!]

1243

TalkBack / Miyamoto D.I.C.E. Roundtable Highlights

« on: February 28, 2003, 11:52:13 AM »

What's this?  Donkey Kong, mystery developers, and Britney Spears?  A must-read article filled with need-to-know information!

Billy just called in from Las Vegas with an update on the D.I.C.E. Roundtable, which included Shigeru Miyamoto. We managed to wring out some interesting information from the legend for you, so check out the highlights:

• Miyamoto had confirmed to us what he had said before and what Konami had said earlier that a Metal Gear game was in fact being developed for the GameCube.  He also clarified that as of yet, there are no plans for GBA connectivity as some have misunderstood his earlier comments.

  
  

• Kirby's Air Ride is being developed by HAL, which is no big surprise.  The game seems to be a mixture of Mario Kart and standard Kirby fare with Kirby sucking up enemy powers on the fly, booster arrows, and shortcuts.

  
  

• Speaking of HAL, Miyamoto has said that the developer's staff has "increased considerably".  This would obviously mean that HAL is working on more than what's been shown; when the matter of a Super Smash Brothers Melee sequel was brought up, Miyamoto said he didn't know, but he's still joking about putting Sonic in a Smash Bros. game.

  
  

• A new Donkey Kong game was mentioned, with no hint of a specific developer.  No comment was made about it showing up at this year's E3.

  
  

• Wario World is being co-produced by one of Nintendo's internal developers and a second party that Miyamoto mysteriously wouldn't reveal.

  
  

• When asked about online plans, Miyamoto responded in a way that made it seem like it isn't going to be happening this year.  However, when asked about Nintendo's plans for networking GameCube titles (via LAN), he smiled and laughed, saying he couldn't talk about them.

  
  

• According to Nintendo, 70-80% of all GameCube games released during the rest of this year will offer some sort of GBA connectivity.  (This doesn't include third-party games.)

  
  

• The North American version of The Wind Waker will be altered slightly from the Japanese.  Miyamoto said that some tedious sections of the game would be cleaned up.  Here's a spoiler-filled example (highlight to see): As players of the Japanese game would know, there is one section of the game where Link needs to collect pieces of the Triforce.  Some people found this tedious, so the North American version of this portion of the game has been simplified somewhat. The end result will not affect the story or quality of the game one bit.

  
  

• Finally, it just so happened that Britney Spears was in London at about the same time as Miyamoto was last week.  More people showed up to see Miyamoto than Spears, which should come as no surprise to any of us.

Those were the highlights of the 45-minute roundtable.  Look for the full transcript this weekend!

[You already know that, of course, but Nintendo wants to go on and make it all official.]

1244

TalkBack / Nintendo Scores Big at the AIAS Awards

« on: February 28, 2003, 09:14:59 AM »

You already know that, of course, but Nintendo wants to go on and make it all official.

Nintendo Sweeps Major Awards Ceremony

Seven Top Awards; Wins Demonstrate Innovation Still Captures Gamers' Hearts

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2003-- In a city known for high stakes wins, Nintendo walked away with seven major coveted awards for superior achievement in the multi-billion dollar video game entertainment business at the 2003 Interactive Achievement Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.  The gala ceremony, held by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS), is attended by the industry's elite and is the one annual event where creators are recognized for their works of art and voted on by their peers.  

Despite the stiff competition -- many of them top-selling games -- it was clear by the votes that Nintendo's continued ability to innovate and create new ways of experiencing gaming is still held in the highest regard.  

Nintendo's Animal Crossing(TM) for the Nintendo GameCube(TM), earned three awards, including: 'Innovation in Console Gaming;' 'Console RPG Game of the Year;' and 'Outstanding Achievement in Game Design.' In addition, AIAS honored Metroid® Prime, also for Nintendo GameCube, in the 'First Person Action Game of the Year' category. Mario Party® 4 a hysterical multi-player game, won 'Family Game of the Year,' and Eternal Darkness(TM): Sanity's Requiem, the first true psychological thriller, received the 'Outstanding Achievement in Character or Story' award. In the portable category, Metroid Fusion blasted its way to 'Handheld Game of the Year.'  

"As an artist, the only way I know how to make a great game is to go by my intuition and heart," explains Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, the world's renowned video game master and senior managing director of all software for the company. "To win over and over in just one evening stunned our whole team. We're overwhelmed."  

Nintendo takes extra pride in the recognition of its second-party development partners, Retro Studios of Austin, Texas, developer of Metroid Prime; and Silicon Knights of Ontario, Canada, developer of Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem. Both titles are exclusive to Nintendo GameCube and earned critical acclaim in a variety of print and online publications during 2002.

Nintendo took home seven total awards out of its 26 total nominations. It was beaten only by Electronic Arts, who took 13 of its 30 nominations, including the 2002 Game of the Year Award, Battlefield 1942 for the PC.

[Microsoft is still in the mix, of course, but a new player has come to the rumor party this time around.]

1245

TalkBack / Sega Buyout Talks Re-emerge

« on: February 27, 2003, 07:05:05 PM »

Microsoft is still in the mix, of course, but a new player has come to the rumor party this time around.

Although the company has been profiting lately, the fact is that Sega is still pretty deep in red ink.  Though hints of someone scooping up Sega have been dropped ever since it pulled out of the hardware business, another article has popped up suggesting that Sega is in for a buyout soon.

Microsoft is one of the firms in the rumblings, as it has been since day one, but this report states that none other than Electronic Arts is looking to take Sega.  Here's a snippet from the start of the article:

Sega Corp., grappling with a plan to merge with a pinball-machine company, now has two huge potential suitors mulling their own bids for the ailing videogame maker: Microsoft Corp. and videogame giant Electronic Arts Inc., Friday's Wall Street Journal reported.

The two U.S. companies are separately exploring the possibility of buying all or parts of Sega, according to people familiar with the situation. These people stressed that the two potential suitors have yet to hold formal talks with Sega, and no deal appears imminent.

The rest of the article explains why MS and EA could really use Sega.  Check out the full story.

[Slugfest 2004 needs some ladies with pep, and a lucky guy that gets to be an honorary judge. God bless Midway.]

1246

TalkBack / Midway Looking for a Few Good Cheerleaders

« on: February 27, 2003, 09:47:31 AM »

Slugfest 2004 needs some ladies with pep, and a lucky guy that gets to be an honorary judge.  God bless Midway.

Famous Faces Entertainment Talent and Model Agency to Help Select Cheerleaders for Midway Sports National Cheerleader Tryouts

Top Talent Scout to Help Select Next Cheerleaders to Appear in Midway Sports Adrenaline-Style Baseball Videogame, MLB™ SLUGFEST®, and Receive Offers for Modeling Contracts

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2003-- Midway Sports™, the sports brand of leading software industry publisher and developer Midway Games Inc., announced today that Famous Faces Entertainment Talent and Model Agency has signed on as the exclusive talent agency for the Midway Sports National Cheerleader Tryouts. Midway announced a national search to find the next two MLB™ SlugFest® cheerleaders on January 14, 2003.    Adding to the excitement of the national cheerleader search, Famous Faces has agreed to make offers to represent, under modeling or talent contracts, the two winning Midway Sports Cheerleaders. A talent scout from the agency will also sit on the judges' panel to help select the winning cheerleaders.  

"Famous Faces' eye for top talent will definitely help us find the right cheerleaders for MLB SlugFest," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway.  

Cheerleader Tryouts  

Through March 11, Midway Sports is accepting tryout videos from the first 15,000 women, ages 18 to 25, interested in becoming the next Midway Sports MLB SlugFest Cheerleaders. The final two selected cheerleaders will each receive $5,000 from Midway and the opportunity to travel to and participate in exclusive Midway Sports promotional events and activities such as a photo shoot for MLB SlugFest, in-game exposure, and the Midway Sports Cheerleader Calendar. For complete requirements, rules and the official entry form, visit www.MidwaySports.net.  

"We're excited to lend our expertise in this unique national talent search," said Paul Levine, founder of Famous Faces Entertainment.  

Judge Sweepstakes  

MLB SlugFest fans can also get into the excitement by entering to win a trip to Spring Training in Florida to meet St. Louis Cardinals® star and MLB SlugFest 20-04 cover athlete Jim Edmonds, and to be an honorary judge in the selection of the five Midway Sports Cheerleader semifinalists. Enter anytime from January 14 through March 10 at www.MidwaySports.net.  

Paul Levine, an industry veteran who has worked with United Artists and Warner Brothers, established Famous Faces Entertainment Talent and Model Agency 25 years ago. As a Screen Actors Guild-franchised agency, Famous Faces represents actors, actresses, models, and extra casting for motion pictures, television, print work, voiceovers and fashion shows. The agency houses entertainment, special events, talent and production departments, as well as concierge and movie film services.

[A new GBA game, along with a highly polished-up PS2 enhancment coming to the GC. And it's not from Titus!]

1247

TalkBack / Superman Returns to the GameCube and GBA

« on: February 26, 2003, 02:21:40 PM »

A new GBA game, along with a highly polished-up PS2 enhancment coming to the GC.  And it's not from Titus!

ATARI BRINGS SUPERMAN TO NINTENDO GAMECUBE AND GAME BOY ADVANCE

Numerous Enhancements, New Modes Available for Nintendo GameCube version of Superman: Shadow of Apokolips;  Superman: Countdown to Apokolips announced for Game Boy Advance

LOS ANGELES - Feb. 26, 2003 - Atari announced plans to release Superman: Shadow of Apokolips for the Nintendo GameCube and announced the upcoming Superman: Countdown to Apokolips for the Game Boy Advance - both titles are scheduled for release in March 2003.  Developed by Infogrames' Sheffield House and based on the Warner Bros. and DC Comics hit animated series, The New Superman Adventures.  Superman: Shadow of Apokolips for Nintendo GameCube is a port of the successful version currently available on PlayStation®2, and also features voice acting by the original cast, a sweeping orchestral score and more than 30 minutes of stunning cinematics.  

Superman: Countdown to Apokolips, also based on the popular animated series from Warner Bros., is an entirely new adventure developed specifically for the Game Boy Advance.  As a prequel to the events which transpire in the PlayStation®2 and Nintendo GameCube titles, Superman: Countdown to Apokolips is sure to rivet handheld gamers with its fast action, isometric view, and full use of all of Superman's amazing powers.

"Owners of the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance are in for a treat this March when we release two titles featuring the greatest super hero of all time -- Superman," said Jean-Philippe Agati, senior vice president and head of Infogrames, Inc.'s Los Angeles studio.  "The combination of great gameplay, not to mention new features and modes in the Nintendo GameCube version, familiar characters and an engaging storyline from the animated series are sure to make both Superman titles a hit with gamers."

Superman: Shadow of Apokolips is a cel-shaded, third person action game featuring the World's Greatest Super Hero of all time armed with all of his super powers.  In the game, players are thrust into the mighty red boots and cape of the original super hero and the fate of the planet is in their hands.  Darkseid, the most evil being in the galaxy, has enlisted the aid of Lex Luthor in his quest to destroy the Man of Steel.  By providing Luthor with highly advanced Apokoliptean weapons technology, Darkseid has enabled him to create an army of nearly unstoppable Interbots.  Just when Superman seems to have everything under control, cybernetic supervillain Metallo busts out of Strykers Island Prison, creates malevolent mayhem of his own. Superman must accomplish what no mere mortal ever could: turn back the irrepressible forces of evil and save the planet.

As Superman, players have access to all of his amazing powers from the moment they start to play, including flight, frost breath, X-Ray vision, super strength and many more.  Players will make their way through epic battles with legendary super-villains like Livewire, Parasite and Metallo in either first-person or third-person play perspectives.  Superman: Shadow of Apokolips' mission-based gameplay combines action, stealth and mind-bending challenges, as players fly throughout 14 enormous, fully interactive levels.  

Recreating the look and feel of the animated series took an unprecedented amount of collaboration between the developer, DC Comics and Warner Bros.  Voice acting in the game is recorded by the original cast of the animated series, including Tim Daly as Superman and Malcolm McDowell as Metallo.  Superman: Shadow of Apokolips also includes a sweeping orchestral score reminiscent of the TV show as well as more than 30 minutes of amazing cinematics.  

New features for the Nintendo GameCube include:

• New Playable Characters: Two new cheat codes allow the player to play through the entire game as either Clark Kent or Parasite.
• New Item Hunting:  A new secret item has been added to every level.  Players that find and collect all of these items can unlock several brand new "goodies," including a new cheat code that allows the player to freely explore Metropolis.
• Explore Metropolis Mode:  Players can now freely explore the city of Metropolis in an extra Nintendo GameCube-only mode.
• Improved Boss AI: Bosses have become more intelligent making boss fights much more challenging.
• Difficulty Settings: The game now features 3 difficulty settings: easy, medium and hard.
• Enhanced "Making of" Movie: The player can unlock an extra long "Making of" movie which shows concept art, early prototypes of the game, animations tests and more.
• Experience Enhancements:  Superman: Shadow of Apokolips for the Nintendo GameCube now features support for Dolby Pro-Logic 2 as well as support for new video formats including Widescreen and Progressive Scan.

[Get some GameCube snowboarding action for a good price!]

1248

TalkBack / Konami Ships Evolution Snowbarding

« on: February 25, 2003, 11:28:01 AM »

Get some GameCube snowboarding action for a good price!

KONAMI'S EVOLUTION SNOWBOARDING BRINGS FAST-PACED ACTION TO NINTENDO GAMECUBE™

REDWOOD CITY, CALIF. - February 25, 2003 - Leading video game publisher Konami of America, Inc. announced today that Evolution Snowboarding for Nintendo GameCube™ has shipped to retail outlets nationwide.  

Evolution Snowboarding offers players a dynamic gameplay experience by combining traditional snowboard racing with over-the-top combat action. Players take on a variety of enemies and boss characters as they race to dominate the slopes. Featuring some of the world's hottest snowboarders, including 2002 Olympic medalist Danny Kass, Evolution Snowboarding includes over 80 perilous missions that span eight exhilarating levels.  

Featuring pick-up-and-play controls, Evolution Snowboarding takes the fundamentals of big-air, high-speed snowboarding and fuses them with combat-style action - creating a hard-hitting action-sports experience. Only in Evolution Snowboarding will gamers race down slopes while punching, hitting and kicking opponents as they attempt to accomplish a variety of dangerous missions. Players can also acquire weapons, such as clubs, chains or swords, and use them to defeat enemies.    

Sporting a pounding soundtrack by Roadrunner Records - including Slipknot and Stone Sour - Evolution Snowboarding is rated T for Teen and is available at an SRP of $39.99.  

Read more about Evolution Snowboarding at: http://www.konami.com/evolutionsnow

[The numbers never lie. Also, analysts recommend that pigs should fly in the very near future.]

1249

TalkBack / Analysts Recommend Nintendo Turn Third-Party

« on: February 25, 2003, 08:40:24 AM »

The numbers never lie.  Also, analysts recommend that pigs should fly in the very near future.

Strategy Analytics: Nintendo Likely to Lose GameCube Gamble

Microsoft's XBox Will Gain Ground In This Year's 36 Million Unit Console Market

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2003--The number of users of advanced games consoles soared by 128 percent in 2002, reaching 56.3 million worldwide, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics' Broadband Entertainment Strategies service. 75 percent of users own Sony's PlayStation 2, compared to 13 percent with Nintendo's GameCube, and 12 percent with Microsoft's XBox. Forecasts suggest GameCube will lose ground during 2003. According to the analysts, Nintendo could build a leading position in the $12 billion software market, but it must first abandon its present console strategy.

Global sales of advanced 128-bit consoles reached 32.9 million units in 2002, according to the research. PS2 was the choice of nearly 70 percent of buyers, while the remainder was split evenly between GameCube and XBox. Total sales of all platforms in 2003 are predicted to reach 36.2 million units, but GameCube's sales are expected to fall by 4 percent in 2003, while XBox sales will rise by 12 percent. Key drivers of this trend are XBox's growing software library, its clearly defined online gaming strategy, and Microsoft's substantial investments in the platform. By contrast, the GameCube's online strategy is unclear, and its support from publishers appears to waning.  

Strategy Analytics recommends that Nintendo abandon its traditional console-exclusive software publishing strategy and publishes its games across multiple platforms. The company stands to lose relatively little, while gaining access to an additional 77 million console owners during 2003.  

"Nintendo is missing out on the current generation of games players," says David Mercer, VP of the Strategy Analytics Global Broadband Practice. "Culturally it will be difficult for the company to change course, but it must do so in order to secure its long-term position as a leading games publisher."

[Europe will start getting some ­£15 GBA titles from the company, with games on other platforms in other regions to follow.]

1250

TalkBack / Ignition to Distribute Budget GBA Titles

« on: February 24, 2003, 07:51:46 AM »

Europe will start getting some ­£15 GBA titles from the company, with games on other platforms in other regions to follow.

IVP Technology Corporation's Subsidiary Ignition Entertainment Announces International Distribution Agreements for Nintendo Game Boy­® Advance Titles

Distribution Agreements for North America, UK, Spain, France and Benelux

TORONTO and LONDON, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IVP Technology Corporation. IVP Technology Corporation's wholly owned subsidiary Ignition Entertainment Limited, a worldwide publisher, developer and distributor of entertainment software, today announced that it has signed agreements with selected distribution partners across the UK, Europe and North America for nine new Game Boy® Advance (GBA) titles, which began shipping earlier this month into the European market at the very aggressive recommended retail price point of 14.99 pounds sterling including VAT, a new breakthrough in GBA pricing.   Ignition has signed exclusive GBA distribution agreements with COKeM International Inc. in North America, Prism Leisure in the UK, Virgin Play in Spain, SG Diffusion in France and Games World BV in the Benelux. In addition, Ignition's nine new GBA titles will also be sold through UK retail giant Sainsbury's as well as Game (formerly known as Electronics Boutique) in the UK.

Partners were carefully selected in each region based on their track record, market reach and commercial suitability to take GBA titles to market. The current distribution agreements are specifically for Ignition's nine current GBA games. Over the coming months, the company will be releasing a number of new games on multiple formats and in various genres and will be working with a variety of distribution partners worldwide.

"Our recommended retail price of 14.99 pounds is a breakthrough for the GBA market. No other company has released a brand new GBA title at this price point. We believe this will create further demand for impulse purchases that will appeal to the wider mass market gamer," said Ajay Chadha, European Sales Director for Ignition Entertainment Ltd. "We have carefully selected the right partners for our GBA games. The majority of Ignition's staff has worked with many of these partners before in their previous roles at other companies and in most cases we already have an established good working relationship, and are aware of their sound track record, market reach and ability to deliver."

Ignition's GBA titles began shipping into the European market in early February 2003 at the recommended retail price point of 14.99 pounds including VAT. The nine titles include IK+, one of the best known classic Karate games of all time from the award-winning author Archer MacLean, which has sold in excess of one million units to date on 8 and 16-bit platforms, as well as suite of new and updated games including, Super Drop Zone, Monster Bass Fishing, World Star Tennis, Strike Force Hydra, Stadium Games, Pin Ball Tycoon, Demon Driver and Animal Snap.