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Topics - Jonnyboy117

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1126
TalkBack / Nintendo Figures Big at TGS 2003
« on: August 28, 2003, 03:51:28 PM »
The Tokyo Games Show press machine has officially kicked off.  Find out how NCL President Satoru Iwata will be involved.

Today the date and plans for the 2003 Tokyo Games Show were announced.  It will take place in its perennial location, the Makuhari Messe in Japan, on September 26 (Friday) through September 28 (Sunday).  As in past years, the first day is open only to business and press, but the other two days are open to the public.


Of special note this year is the announcement that Satoru Iwata, the top man at Nintendo Co. Ltd., will be delivering the show's keynote address.  The scheduled topic of his speech is "20 Years After the Nintendo Famicom: The Past, Present, and Future of the Videogame Industry".


Iwata's involvement is quite significant, considering that Nintendo has traditionally not had a large presence at TGS since it falls very close to their own Spaceworld show.  But, with Spaceworld canceled indefinitely, Nintendo seems to be seizing this opportunity to show off their upcoming products to Japanese gamers.


We are still trying to confirm the size and location of Nintendo's area on the show floor; check back for updates soon.


1127
TalkBack / Happy Birthday to WindyMan!
« on: June 24, 2003, 09:42:37 AM »
Our News Editor and Trivia Guru, Steven Rodriguez, is turning the big 21 today!

His slogan says something about things coming to an end, but Mr. Steven "WindyMan" Rodriguez is going strong today.  He's turning 21 years old, and our spies say he'll be spending the first weekend of his manhood in the crazy town of Las Vegas.  Whoa, watch yourself there buddy.  But have a great time!


Jump into Talkback to give your own b'day wishes to Windy.


1128
TalkBack / Acclaim Dropping Nintendo Support?
« on: June 23, 2003, 10:05:53 AM »
We contacted the publisher to check up on this rumor.

Rumors on the Internet today suggest that Acclaim's new CEO has decided to completely drop support for Nintendo systems.  The rumors say that upcoming games like XGRA and Legends of Wrestling III will be finished for GameCube, but no new projects will be started for the system.


We contacted Acclaim about the rumor.  They say that quotes in the rumor have been taken out of context, and that the publisher is not actually dropping GameCube or GBA support.  Rather, in contrast to their former policy of releasing every title on every system, Acclaim will now evaluate each title and decide which system(s) it best fits.  This new publishing strategy goes for GameCube, GBA, PS2, and Xbox.  Acclaim is NOT dropping support for Nintendo systems, although it's entirely possible that GameCube will see fewer of the company's games than it previously has.


Acclaim also confirmed that all of the currently announced GameCube titles will be completed and released (barring any specific, unrelated cancellations).


1129
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!







1130
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.


1131
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.


1132
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!


1133
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.


1134
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!


1135
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.


1136
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.


1137
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."


1138
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.


1139
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.


1140
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.


1141
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.


1142
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.


1143
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!


1144
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.


1145
TalkBack / More Pikmin 2 Info
« on: April 23, 2003, 05:57:10 AM »
Nintendo's E3 website reveals a few things and clears up a couple of mysteries regarding the sequel to Pikmin.

Nintendo of America's new website for E3 2003 contains a Pikmin 2 feature, in which a few bits of are dropped.


The story has Captain Olimar returning to the Pikmin's world, this time voluntarily.  His business is going under, and he needs to dig up treasures to pull out of his debt.  Olimar has brought along an assistant, already seen in screenshots, to help save the company.  This assistant is still not being called by name at NOA.


The feature goes on to clarify some gameplay details too.  As we expected from the first batch of screenshots, there is a two-player cooperative mode in which each player controls one of the spacemen.  In the single-player mode, you'll switch between them, possibly for Lost Vikings-style shenanigans.   Another huge departure from the original is that there is no time limit in Pikmin 2.  Presumably, there will still be a day-night cycle, but players will no longer be restricted to thirty days in which to beat the game.  It's currently unclear how the game will balance out this change, whether it be more complex tasks, harder enemies, more levels, etc.


Of course, you couldn't expect a Pikmin sequel to leave out new colors of Pikmin, new enemies, and new types of environments.  All are present, as you'll see in the new screenshots.


1146
TalkBack / First Rogue Squadron III Details, Screens
« on: April 22, 2003, 12:22:30 PM »
Factor 5's newest Star Wars game is packing tons of new gameplay features, including two-player cooperative missions.

Today, the June issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly is expected to arrive in the hands of a few lucky subscribers.  We'll have more info on the issue's top story, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike, later on.  However, EGM's online partner, Gamers.com, has posted the first info and screens already.


Stop reading and click the link above to see their exclusive info and screens.


Done?  Good, then let's get into the details.  Two major new gameplay features are prevalent in the screenshots.  First, there is a two-player mode.  Info from Gamers.com suggests that it is a cooperative mode that allows you to play through the missions in Rogue Leader, the previous Star Wars game from Factor 5.  It is unknown whether the new missions will also be enabled for multiple players.


It's also quite evident that players can now climb out of their vehicles and perform tasks on foot.  Factor 5 tinkered with third-person gameplay in Rogue Leader, by allowing you to control your pilot in the hangar when choosing a ship for each mission.  Details are of course scarce at the moment, but it seems you can now exit your craft at any time during planetary missions, and presumably you can run over to another vehicle as well as fight with blaster and/or lightsaber on foot.  One screen even depicts Luke Skywalker climbing up to the underbelly of a giant AT-AT walker to cut out its insides, just like in the movies.


There are also new vehicles to pilot, including a speeder bike for a mission on what appears to be the forest moon of Endor, as well as an AT-ST walker in the same environment.  Obviously, some Imperial vehicles will finally be at our disposal.  Other screens show a Rebel fighter riding a Taun Taun on Hoth and Chewbacca fighting Stormtroopers inside a ship, but those screens appear to be taken from cinema scenes, judging by their lack of on-screen displays for health, weapons, etc.


Graphically, Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike looks to be properly upgraded from its predecessor, although a few areas are still obviously unfinished.  One screenshot shows an X-Wing flying into a horde of Imperial craft; there are at least fifty (we counted) TIE Fighters, Interceptors, Bombers, and Gunboats on-screen at once.


We'll have more information on this game as soon as it becomes available, and of course, more impressions than are probably necessary once E3 begins next month.


1147
TalkBack / Watch Movies On GBA
« on: April 21, 2003, 09:31:59 AM »
You won't exactly get DVD quality, but now you can enjoy The Beverly Hillbillies, Madeline, and Natural Born Killers on your little GBA screen.

PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES, INC A POCKET PC FILMS, INC COMPANY & POCKETAINMENT JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH GAME BOY VIDEO ADAPTOR!


Making its debut at E3 Expo, Cartridge will sell for as low as $39.95 and will enable feature films, music videos and MP3’s to play on Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP!!!


Sherman Oaks, CA— (April 21, 2003)— Pocket PC Films, the worldwide leader in multimedia distribution for handheld devices (Pocket PC, Palm OS, PDA’s and portable media devices), today announced that their Portable Media Devices unit has formed a joint venture with Pocketainment, to market and distribute the Pocket Pix Cartridge™, a plug and play adaptor that enables full-length feature films, video, and MP3’s to be played on Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance, and Game Boy Advance SP.


The new adaptor is designed to fit into the device’s plug-in card slot, and operates as easily as swapping out video games.  The units advanced compression software enables it to fit up to 75 minutes of video and audio onto a standard 64MB SD card.  


The cartridge comes equipped with an SD multimedia slot for storage, a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, stereo headphones, a free sample movie, code to download another free film and a USB port to transfer content.  In addition, the Pocket Pix Cartridge™ comes equipped with its own player, the Pocket Pix Player™, which allows digital video and MP3 music to be played, and also comes equipped with its own codec to transcode other media formats.


Pocket PC Films’ feature film and video product, currently sold at retail on CD-ROM for use on Pocket PC devices, will also play on Game Boy units with the Pocket Pix Cartridge™.  Content is transferred via the USB port using Pocket PC Films’ Smart Transfer Technology™. A few current titles include classic television (“The Beverly Hillbillies”), children’s animation (“Madeline”), theatrical full-length feature films (“The Big Easy,” “Natural Born Killers”), nonfiction (“Xtreme Sports with Tony Hawk,” “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2002”) and educational videos (language and business applications), with prices ranging from $9.99 to $19.99. Pocket PC Films is also in negotiations with 3 major studios to distribute their high profile films available for the Pocket Pix.


The Pocket Pix Cartridge™ will debut at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, May 13-16 (at the Portable Media Devices booth # 6860), and will hit retail stores shortly thereafter at an MSRP of $59.95.  The retail price includes the Pocket Pix Cartridge™, syncing cable, SD card, a CD-ROM with a sample film and a code to go to the Pocket Pix website to download another free film (the device will also be available minus the SD media card for $39.95 at www.filminhand.com).  In addition, there will be new films released each month for the Pocket Pix.


“We are very excited to be working with Pocketainment,” remarked Darrell Griffin, President and CEO, Pocket PC Films.  “It is a perfect union, which allows us to bridge our complimentary products, while maximizing exposure and market penetration.  With an [Game Boy Advance] installed base in the tens of millions, we are in a good position to attract a significant number of users to expand the capabilities of their device for about the same money as a new game title.”


“The Pocket Pix Cartridge was developed to unite the explosive success of the Game Boy platform with all forms of digital content,” remarked Marcus Krieter, CTO, Pocketainment.  “Pocket PC Films has lead the way in moving content to new, portable platforms; clearly they are the best partners we could have hoped for in this rapidly growing market space”  


Pocket Pix Cartridge Details:


-          Secure Digital (SD) slot


-          Full 15-bit color video at 10 frames per second (any resolution)


-          Full screen at 240 x 160 pixels is supported as well as any aspect ratio including wide screen 16:9 and standard 4:3 formats


-          3.5mm-jack for variable audio quality (mono G.729 to stereo MP3)


-          Integrated USB port to transfer content to SD media


-          Simple User interface (UI) allows for: Play, Stop, Fast Forward/Reverse, Skip Forward and volume controls


-          Size: 57mm x 64mm x 11mm


-          Supports Digital Rights Management


About Pocketainment:


Pocketainment, Inc. is a newly formed subsidiary of Abrams Gentile Entertainment Inc.  Pocketainment (www.pocketainment.com) was formed specifically to develop and manufactures digital content players and other related portable entertainment devices.  Pocketainment will sell products under its own brand as well as license its technology to other OEM’s.  The parent company, Abrams Gentile Group, LLC (www.ageinc.com) along with its subsidiaries, is a full service entertainment, technology and invention company, which develops, creates, and produces youth consumer products and family brand entertainment.  To date, AGE has designed, developed, manufactured and licensed many successful  toys, games and technologies, including Sky Dancers®, the Power Glove®, Dragon Flyz®, KinderGarden Babies®, Rainbow Brite®,  and T-INK® conductive technology collectively, which have generated nearly one billion dollars of retail sales.  AGE has also created and produced over 150 half hours of award-winning children's television programming, including such shows as “Jellybean Jungle,” “Happy Ness: Secret of the Loch,” “Sky Dancers,” “Dragon Flyz,” and “Van-Pires.”


About Portable Media Devices:  


Pocket PC Films, a wholly owned subsidiary of TuneIn Entertainment, LLC, is the first company to put full length feature films into the palm of your hand.  The company provides filmed content to both Pocket PC and Palm OS users through their innovative patent pending Smart Transfer Technology™, which transforms any handheld computer into a mobile theater or business training device. With more than 25,000 titles, the growing Pocket PC Films library includes all types of programming, with product acquired from top producers, including: Lions Gate Entertainment, Nightingale Conant, Zig Ziglar, Spectrum, Grizzly Adams, Solid Entertainment, MRI, Taurus Entertainment, Planet Pictures, and Skip Fredricks Xtreme Sports. Users are able to experience a high-quality multimedia experience at their fingertips, fulfilling the Digital Age promise of watching whatever you want, wherever you are.  For more information, please visit www.pocketpcfilms.com.


1148
TalkBack / Demo Disc Contents Revealed
« on: April 16, 2003, 07:53:42 PM »
Nintendo's upcoming GameCube demo disc will let you play Viewtiful Joe, among others.

A piece of promotional art from Nintendo of America has leaked onto the Internet, providing the first information about the upcoming GameCube demo disc.


Demo Disc and Free Zelda


The four games shown on the cover of the disc's box (which may be tentative) are Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut, Splinter Cell, Viewtiful Joe, and Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg.  There may also be more demos and/or videos not shown on the cover.


We'll have much more coverage on this first-ever GameCube demo disc in North America as soon as it becomes available.


1149
TalkBack / World Record Beaten for Zelda: LttP
« on: April 16, 2003, 12:29:22 PM »
The SNES masterpiece has been completed in less than two hours.

According to Twin Galaxies, the world record officiating organization for gaming, someone has beaten The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in under two hours.  Michael Damiani blazed through the rather lengthy adventure in just 1:57.15 on April 9, 2003.  The previous record was 2:07.10, and some Zelda experts thought it was impossible to break the two-hour mark.


Under Twin Galaxies rules, the clock starts ticking as soon as you press start on the title screen.  You must start a new file and beat the game without dying (fairy revivals are allowed).  The clock stops when the final silver arrow is dealt to Ganon.  Glitches that allow you to skip portions of the game are prohibited.  Here is Damiani's timeline, just to put things in perspective:


0:03.20 - reaches Zelda
0:06.57 - exits Hyrule Castle
0:12:24 - obtains Pendant of Courage
0:20.55 - obtains Pendant of Power
0:27.36 - obtains Pendant of Wisdom
0:29.14 - uses Pendants to obtain Master Sword
0:35.44 - appears on top of Golden Pyramid
0:46.57 - obtains 1st Maiden Gem
1:00.09 - obtains 2nd Maiden Gem
1:08.00 - obtains 3rd Maiden Gem
1:16.07 - obtains 4th Maiden Gem
1:25.08 - obtains 5th Maiden Gem
1:32.40 - obtains 6th Maiden Gem
1:34.35 - purchases "Big Bomb"
1:45.28 - obtains 7th and final Maiden Gem
1:47.04 - sets foot into Ganon's Castle
1:57.15 - delivers final blow via Silver Arrow to Ganon


Along with this remarkable achievement, Damiani also holds the world record time for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, with 6:45.17.  He eventually wants to hold the records for the entire Zelda series.


1150
TalkBack / Happy Birthday Ryan!
« on: April 15, 2003, 06:45:10 PM »
Our very talented artist turns the big 21!

You may not be familiar with the name Ryan Jones, as he doesn't post much.  But he does work hard as our Staff Artist.  Ryan designs those awesome Flash ads for Video Game Depot, as well as the image links to our top stories on the main page.


Ryan is enjoying the biggest birthday of all today, 21!  If it were before the mid-20th century, he'd now be old enough to vote here in America.  But thanks to a certain Constitutional amendment who we'll not name, the 21st birthday is now pretty much dedicated to drinking and gambling.  So we wish a very happy, safe, and only vaguely recollectable birthday to Mr. Ryan Jones!


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