Topics

[Start guzzling down those soft drinks for your chance to win a four-day trip to Washington.]

51

TalkBack / RE: Win a Trip to Nintendo of America at Wendy's

« on: August 27, 2004, 04:48:00 PM »

Start guzzling down those soft drinks for your chance to win a four-day trip to Washington.

In a recent Nintendo Newsletter, Nintendo posted the following details on the contest with Wendy's.  We're still trying to figure out what you would do for a full four days, but be sure to bug Bill Trinen for details on the new Zelda game while you're there.

SUPER FAMILY SWEEPSTAKES COMING TO WENDY'S SEPTEMBER 6TH!

Look for special codes on 20 and 32 ounce cups at Wendy's. There are three codes with three chances to enter. Take your code to: wendysfamilysweeps.com to enter. Two winners will each be awarded a grand prize of a four-day, three-night trip to Nintendo of America headquarters in Redmond, Washington along with three family members. Other great prizes are also available to be won such as Nintendo GameCube video game systems, Game Boy Advance SP video game systems and more! Go to Wendy's and get your entry code to play!*

*No purchase necessary. (R) & (C) 2004 Nintendo. Open to residents of 50 U.S., D.C. and Canada who are 13 or older. Void in Quebec and where prohibited. Official rules posted at Wendy's and at: wendysfamilysweeps.com Enter online through 10/10/04 or by mail through 10/15/04. (C)2004 Oldemark LLC. The Wendy's name, design and logo are registered trademarks of Oldemark LLC and are licensed to Wendy's International, Inc.

[Find out what Nintendo has planned for the show.]

52

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: August 24, 2004, 01:57:57 AM »

Find out what Nintendo has planned for the show.  

NINTENDO ANNOUNCES FINAL TREATS FOR GAME STARS LIVE

Sneak peek at forthcoming games and a host of Bongo bashing action!

24 August 2004 – Nintendo today announced its final line up for Game Stars Live (GSL) promising visitors an array of exciting treats to look forward to at its end of pier themed stand, including a fortune telling tent where everyone will be able to catch a glimpse of what the future holds for Nintendo including sneak previews of forthcoming hardware and software.

The Nintendo Pier will feature a unique Mario gaming area where visitors will have the chance to play their favourite Mario games. The Nintendo Pier will also be the final date on The Tribal Tour which has been out on the road this summer visiting all the biggest music festivals. This Game Boy Advance SP Limited Tribal Edition branded camper van will offer visitors to the stand the opportunity to get a free temporary tattoo.

Nintendo has a few more tricks up its sleeve with a selection of interactive challenges lined up for the show. Taking place on Nintendo's very own stage, located within The Nintendo Pier, visitors will have the opportunity to learn how to play real bongo drums, taught by a professional bongo drummer. Visitors will be encouraged to bang bongos to their heart's content and pick up a few tips, which could come in handy when challenging friends in the Donkey Konga Bongo Battles.

Visitors can also take part in a Metroid Prime 2: Echoes challenge which will culminate in an intense showdown on the main Game Stars Live stage.

And if that's not enough to keep everyone excited, Nintendo will be showcasing an impressive selection of games at the event for the first time ever in the UK. These include the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Animal Crossing and Pokèmon FireRed and Pokèmon LeafGreen.  

[Handheld developers and gaming journalists weigh in the contenders for the first serious handheld system war.]

53

TalkBack / RE:Experts Sound Off On DS vs. PSP

« on: August 18, 2004, 03:13:12 PM »

Handheld developers and gaming journalists weigh in the contenders for the first serious handheld system war.

The upcoming launches of Nintendo DS and Sony's PSP handhelds will feature major competition for the first time in the handheld gaming market.  Our friends at GameCube Advanced have rounded up commentary on the impending system war from a number of industry experts, including experienced handheld developers and gaming journalists.  PGC's own Jonathan Metts is included in the roundtable.

The "three pillars" system will not work...you can't segment the market that much. You can't compete with yourself like that, especially not with a very serious competitor entering the ring with a technologically formidable system like the PSP.  -Jonathan Metts

For other insightful and incendiary views from developers such as Tantalus, Pocketeers, Shin'en, and Paragon 5, as well as from journalists such as Steven Kent, Craig Harris, and "Fargo", head on over to the full article.  

[Everybody enjoys a good game of FOOTBAAAAAALL!]

54

TalkBack / RE:Madden NFL 2005 Tourney Starts the 14th

« on: August 05, 2004, 10:59:48 AM »

Everybody enjoys a good game of FOOTBAAAAAALL!

Third Annual EA SPORTS Madden Challenge Kicks off August 14 to Determine the Nation’s Best Madden NFL 2005 Player

32-city, nationwide tournament culminates in Las Vegas with a $50,000 grand prize; NCAA Football Challenge Debuts on 16 College Campuses

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – August 4, 2004 – Celebrating Madden NFLTM Football’s 15 years of football leadership, Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced the locations for the 2004 EA SPORTS™ Madden Challenge, the only EA officially sanctioned 32-city consumer tournament to decide the best player of the top-selling video game franchise in North America. The winner from each city will advance to the Finals at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 11.  The winner of the 2004 EA SPORTS Madden Challenge will receive a prize package, including a check for $50,000.  Last year, over 16,000 competitors battled across the nation to determine the best Madden competitor. David “Sandman” Seitchick from Buffalo, New York, took home the $50,000 grand prize at the Las Vegas finals.

 

The 2004 EA SPORTS Madden Challenge will test the skills of thousands of consumers on Madden NFL 2005, the newest iteration of the most authentic football videogame.  The game ships August 9th and will be in-stores everywhere by August 12. Madden NFL 2005 focuses on defense this year with the new Hit Stick, delivering the power to take control of the game with hard hits and crucial tackles that change the momentum of the game.  Along with improved defensive AI and in-game defensive playmaker controls, Madden NFL 2005 is the only complete football game on the market and proves now why “Defense Wins Championships.”  

 

The 2004 EA SPORTS Madden Challenge schedule:

Saturday, August 14                  Minneapolis                   The Metrodome

Sunday, August 15                     Green Bay                    Lambeau Field Atrium

Saturday, August 21                  Chicago                        Navy Pier Grand Ballroom

Sunday, August 22                     Indianapolis                   Castleton Square

Saturday, August 28                  Detroit                          Great Lakes Crossing

Sunday, August 29                     Cleveland                      Cleveland Browns Stadium

Saturday, September 4               Cincinnati                      Great American Ballpark

Sunday, September 5                 Pittsburgh                     Heinz Field

Saturday, September 11             Buffalo                         Walden Galleria Mall

Sunday, September 12               Boston                          Gillette Stadium

Friday-Saturday, September 17-18 New York                 South Street Seaport

Sunday, September 19               Philadelphia                   Gallery at Market East

Saturday, September 25             Washington DC             Union Station

Sunday, September 26               Charlotte                       Concord Mills

Saturday, October 2                   Atlanta                         Lenox Square

Sunday, October 3                     Jacksonville                   The Avenues

Saturday, October 9                   Miami                           Bayside Marketplace

Sunday, October 10                   Tampa                          Raymond James Stadium

Saturday, October 16                 Nashville                       Opry Mills

Sunday, October 17                   St. Louis                       Union Station

Saturday, October 23                 New Orleans                Riverwalk Marketplace

Sunday, October 24                   Houston                        Houston Galleria

Saturday, October 30                 Dallas                           Valley View Center

Sunday, October 31                   San Antonio                  The River Walk

Friday-Saturday, November 5-6  Kansas City                  Westport

Sunday, November 7                 Denver                         Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Saturday, November 13             Phoenix                        McDuffy’s in Downtown Tempe

Sunday, November 14                Las Vegas                    Fashion Show

Saturday, November 20             San Diego                     Mission Valley

Sunday, November 21                Los Angeles                  Third Street Promenade

Friday-Saturday, November 26-27 Seattle                       Qwest Field

Sunday, November 28                San Francisco               SBC Park

 

Saturday, December 11 (Finals) Las Vegas                    Mandalay Bay Hotel

 

The NCAA Football Challenge, a highly-competitive, 16-campus tournament to decide the nation’s best EA SPORTS NCAA Football player kicks off on Tuesday, August 31 at University of Notre Dame.  Other campuses include: Purdue University (9/1), Penn State University (9/10), University of Maryland (9/22), University of Virginia (9/23), Florida State University (10/6), University of Miami (10/7), University of Georgia (10/12), Clemson University (10/14), Louisiana State University (10/21), University of Texas (10/27), Oklahoma University (11/2), University of Nebraska (11/4), Arizona State University (11/12), USC (11/16) and University of California-Berkeley (12/2). The winner of the December 11 Finals in Las Vegas will receive a $10,000 check for the grand prize. All information is up at www.ncaafootballchallengecom.

 

The EA SPORTS Madden Challenge participating sponsors are Best Buy, Reebok and Champs. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to NFL Youth Education Town (YET), an official NFL charity that provides high-tech educational and recreational centers designed to improve the academic, physical fitness, and job-related skills of at-risk youth.

 

For all the EA SPORTS Madden Challenge information, including Tournament Official Rules and online registration, players can go to www.maddenchallenge.com, the official EA SPORTS Madden Challenge website.  Competitors will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis.  General online registration will be open on a region-by-region basis during two weeks before each city’s competition date and will close approximately four days before each competition.  Walk-in, on-site tournament registration will be accepted on the day of each city’s competition as space permits.

  EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world. Its top-selling titles and franchises include Madden NFL™ Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL®, NBA LIVE basketball, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®, MVP Baseball™, NCAA® Football and NASCAR® racing. The EA SPORTS home page is www.easports.com.

[Conspiracy Entertainment snags the Shockwave Flash game by Cracked Animations, but hasn't announced any console or handheld platforms.]

55

TalkBack / RE:Johnny Rocketfingers Goes Big Time

« on: August 03, 2004, 10:54:11 AM »

Conspiracy Entertainment snags the Shockwave Flash game by Cracked Animations, but hasn't announced any console or handheld platforms.

Conspiracy Entertainment Obtains Licensing Rights for Johnny Rocketfingers

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2004--Conspiracy Entertainment (OTCBB:CPYE) today announced that it has obtained the exclusive worldwide licensing rights to Johnny Rocketfingers from Cracked Animations.

Johnny Rocketfingers (title to be determined) will be based on the popular flash animation game created by Ryan Khatam. The company hopes to tap into Johnny Rocketfingers' already established fan base and that his unique visual style will capture the attention of console gamers. In the video game, Johnny is the baddest, meanest, toughest stick-figure you'll ever meet. Players will take on villains with little more than Johnny's bad attitude and "Suppish" style. In every tangle with the bad guys, from gangsters to alley cats, Johnny always keeps his cool.

"I believe that Conspiracy and Johnny Rockerfingers are a great match and am extremely excited to be involved in creating a video game," said Khatam who established Cracked Animations.

"We believe that Ryan Khatam is a very talented artist and animator, one with a great future in our industry. We are very happy not only to have Johnny Rocketfingers as part of our product lineup but to have entered into this relationship with Cracked Animations," commented Conspiracy President and CEO Sirus Ahmadi.

[Resistance is _______.]

56

TalkBack / RE:EA Acquires Criterion

« on: July 28, 2004, 06:22:04 AM »

Resistance is _______.

EA to Acquire Criterion Software Group from CANON EUROPE; EA Acquires UK Creator of Burnout 3 and RenderWare

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 2004--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced an agreement to acquire Criterion Software Group Ltd. from Canon Europe. With the acquisition, EA assumes Criterion's studio in Guildford, UK; two globally recognized intellectual properties, Burnout and Black; and the RenderWare middleware technology.  

 Under a previous agreement, Criterion's Burnout3 game is being published by EA and is scheduled for release on all major platforms in September. Criterion is also developing a highly-anticipated game known simply as Black. Both titles received strong critical support earlier this year at the recent E3 game exhibition in Los Angeles.  

"This is a great fit," said EA Chairman and CEO Larry Probst. "Criterion offers us studio talent and a proven management team, globally recognized intellectual property and technology infrastructure that will accelerate our readiness on the next generation of consoles."  

EA places a strategic priority on creating games with a set of tools and libraries that are shared among its studios. RenderWare and RenderWare4 - currently under development for next generation consoles - will be combined with EA's technology to create a common framework for development. EA also plans to continue licensing the middleware technology to other developers.  

"Combining EA's tools and technology libraries with the existing RenderWare technologies will create a superior platform for game development," said Criterion CEO David Lau-Kee. "This system will provide the most powerful common technological framework for creating great games. Our work on RenderWare4, combined with EA's next generation efforts, will also boost development efforts on the next generation of consoles which are expected to debut over the next two years."  

"Our mission has always been to create exciting new franchises that appeal to the widest possible audience," said Fiona Sperry, Head of Criterion Games. "Within EA, we can now secure our future as one of the world's leading development studios."  

Criterion will be managed from EA's UK Studio in nearby Chertsey, Surrey; the RenderWare business will remain in the UK at a separate location. RenderWare will be managed apart from EA's local studios.  

The acquisition is expected to close in 30-45 days, subject to regulatory clearances.

[Namco becomes a sponsor of the Hot Import Nights event, showing the new game off to fans of import racing.]

57

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: July 27, 2004, 08:11:50 AM »

Namco becomes a sponsor of the Hot Import Nights event, showing the new game off to fans of import racing.

NAMCO GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF HOT IMPORT NIGHTS AS EXCLUSIVE VIDEO GAME SPONSOR

San Jose, Ca., (July 26, 2004) – Namco’s Street Racing Syndicate (SRS) will race around the country as the exclusive video game sponsor of Hot Import Nights and Hot Import Daze, the multi-city expo showcasing the top rides, models, trends and gear that dominate the import racing community.

>From California to New Jersey, Hot Import Nights offers auto enthusiasts a chance to get intimate with the world of import racing.  DJs spin music, graffiti artists show off their talent, and never before seen rides pull up to the circle to be judged while one of a kind cars and their celebrity owners show up to show off.  

The same high stakes, pride, and ferocity of the street racing lifestyle is best seen in the opening movie of SRS.  Available now on the SRS web site (www.srsgame.com), the first half of the movie highlights four zealous drivers as they pull up in tricked out rides, side by side for a true test of glory.  Drivers will have to hang on to their seats to see the second installment of the movie where the winner of the race is eventually revealed.

SRS comes fully loaded with officially licensed vehicles, hundreds of aftermarket parts, and authentic import racing gameplay and has captured the attention of one of the import scene’s largest magazines.  Import Tuner says about the game, "It is so rare to find a game like SRS that captures the essence of the scene and portrays it so well."

Drivers can race head-to-head online, risk pink slips and win rivals’ cars.  Gear heads can even measure car modifications before taking it on the road with an in-game dyno. Day or night, gamers can choose to race in hot cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Miami and put it all on the line for the affections of the SRS girls who are even hotter!

Street Racing Syndicate hits shelves this fall on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the XboxÒ videogame system from Microsoft and the Nintendo GameCube entertainment system.

[In the tradition of Yellow and Crystal...]

58

TalkBack / RE: Pokemon Emerald Revealed

« on: July 12, 2004, 08:44:23 AM »

In the tradition of Yellow and Crystal...

According to Game-Science, the new issue of Koro Koro Comics in Japan has revealed the first information on Pokemon Emerald for Game Boy Advance, to be released in Japan on September 16.  (Non-Pokemon fans should stop reading now to avoid dizziness.)  Like Pokemon Yellow and Crystal, Emerald is a souped up version of its most recent predecessors, Ruby and Sapphire.  In other words, it's not a true sequel in that it contains basically the same gameplay and Pokemon as Ruby and Sapphire, but it supports several new features, apparently including more significant upgrades than with the usual "third game".

The most notable addition is support for the GBA Wireless Adapter, which will be included with the game.  Trainers can now join forces in two-on-two battles, and the second trainer can even join up mid-battle, a feature that will probably be utilized with the wireless support as well as against the computer.  The heroes are all new, and according to Game-Science, "Both trainers can now attack at the same time."  Could this be a major shift in how Pokemon battles take place?

Seven new "big" battle types will be available at Battle Frontier.  The first two revealed are "Battle Dome" and "Battle Tube".  These modes appear to be like mini-games that offer extra challenge to experienced players.

Koro Koro Comics is expected to give more information on Pokemon Emerald in the coming weeks.  The game will also be on display at the upcoming Pokemon Festa, an event which tours Japan from July 17 through August 14.

[It's a mystery how it works, but you can now play GBA games on your TV through your GC's memory card slot, for cheaper than Nintendo's hardware option.]

59

TalkBack / RE: Advance Game Port Now Available

« on: July 02, 2004, 05:30:18 AM »

It's a mystery how it works, but you can now play GBA games on your TV through your GC's memory card slot, for cheaper than Nintendo's hardware option.

CREATE YOUR OWN POWERFUL GAME BOY ADVANCE CHEAT CODES - JUST LIKE THE PROS!

July 2nd, 2004 - Datel is renowned the world over for providing gamers with powerful, professionally produced cheat codes to beat even the toughest games. Now, thanks to the new Advance Game Port, you can attain the rank of master code creator.

Advance Game Port (AGP) lets you play Game Boy Advance and SP games on any TV screen, using your Nintendo GameCube as a launch pad. Enjoy your GBA/SP games in full screen glory - without having to worry about expensive batteries, screen lights or slow recharge kits. You can even use your GameCube game pad, complete with analogue joystick, to control the on-screen action.

So how does it work? Simple - just slot the AGP cartridge into your GameCube's second memory card slot, then insert a GBA/SP game cartridge. In just a few seconds you'll be experiencing your favourite games like you've never seen them before...and beating them too!

AGP draws its unique code-cracking power from Cheat Construction Kit, a built-in, fully functional version of Action Replay, the world's best selling cheat system for Game Boy Advance and SP. You can access thousands of built-in codes for all the latest and greatest GBA/SP games, all from your TV screen. The Action Replay feature is fully updateable too, so you can grab all the latest codes for new games from www.codejunkies.com.

Want a new code that no one else has thought of? Then why not do it yourself? It's surprisingly easy to generate your own GBA cheats such as infinite lives, time or bullets, and store them in your own customised code library. A step-by-step DVD video tutorial is also included for beginners.

The powerful cheat codes created with AGP can be shared with fellow AGP users, and can also be used on Datel's standalone Action Replay cheat cartridge for GBA/SP (available separately).

AGP is small, portable and lightweight, and it's compatible with hundreds of GBA titles including Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. You don't even need a Game Boy Advance or SP to use it. Straight out of the box, AGP contains everything you need to play your GBA/SP games your way.

Visit www.codejunkies.com for more details and ordering information.

[Check out the press release to see which episodes are out!]

60

TalkBack / RE: Pokémon Animated Episodes Available for GBA

« on: June 21, 2004, 01:00:09 PM »

Check out the press release to see which episodes are out!

POKEMON ANIMATED EPISODES NOW PORTABLE USING GAME BOY ADVANCE

New Technology Lets Fans Take Favorite Animation Anywhere

    REDMOND, Wash., June 21, 2004 -- On a plane, in a car, in the park or at the beach, for the first time ever fans can enjoy their favorite Pokemon(R) episodes using a Game Boy(R) Advance. Game Boy Advance Video lets users watch their favorite animated shows on their Game Boy Advance systems at an affordable price and with no need to buy additional hardware.

    Pokemon episodes include "Playing with Fire!" and "Johto Photo Finish" on one video pak and "A Hot Water Bottle" and "For Ho-Oh The Bells Toll!" on another. The Pokemon titles will be offered at an MSRP of $19.99. They join a lineup of other recently released cartoon favorites such as SpongeBob SquarePants(TM) and The Fairly OddParents(TM).

    "Consumers and retailers are clearly thrilled by this portable, skip-proof video technology," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications. "Whether it's the novelty of an exciting new product or the need for something to pass the time during the summer travel season, fans have been grabbing Game Boy Advance Video products off the shelves."

    The video paks look identical to Game Boy Advance game paks, fitting into the same slot. The plus button fast forwards or rewinds through the video, while the right and left shoulder buttons skip entire scenes. The start button pauses the action, while the select button returns to the main menu. The A and B buttons adjust the brightness.

    Game Boy Advance Video enters the market with a massive built-in user base, with more than 170 million Game Boy Advance units sold worldwide, including more than 21 million in the United States. In the future, Nintendo expects to offer animated content with Game Boy Advance Video that appeals to an older demographic.

[Box your Pokémon for fun…IN A CUBE! Includes accessories…]

61

TalkBack / RE: Pokemon Box Coming to U.S.

« on: June 07, 2004, 10:53:50 AM »

Box your Pokémon for fun…IN A CUBE!  Includes accessories…

UPDATE: There actually is an announced release date: June 12th.  Special thanks to  Afrokenjonny for the tip!

Are you bitter that Nintendo didn’t release Pokémon box with Pokémon Colosseum?  Don’t be: Nintendo of America is finally releasing the monster storage and transfer GameCube software exclusively through the Pokemon Center, either online or at its New York superstore.

The box was free in Japan, and Nintendo knows it can’t just charge $19.95 for an organizer.  Therefore, every Pokémon Box purchase will come with a memory card (251 block card pictured) and a GC-GBA link cable!  Nintendo's even throwing in two complementary, random Pokémon badges.  What a deal!

Along with organizing 1,500 Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire monsters, the software lets gamers play their Ruby or Sapphire GBA game on the GameCube with only a link cable and a GBA—no Game Boy Player needed.

The Pokemon Center does not have a release date on its site, but Pokémon fans can pre-order Pokémon Box right now!

[The memory card system with a difference finally comes to GameCube. This could be big.]

62

TalkBack / RE: Max Drive Hits GameCube

« on: June 02, 2004, 04:00:34 AM »

The memory card system with a difference finally comes to GameCube. This could be big.

MAX Drive Motors onto the GameCube

Datel's dynamic flash drive is now available to Nintendo gamers

June 1st, 2004 - At last you can transfer data between your GameCube and PC, quickly and easily!

MAX Drive is a massive 64 Megabit GameCube memory card with a difference. It also connects to your computer, allowing you to download the latest game saves and Action Replay cheat codes. No need to connect to the GameCube during data transfer!

The system consists of three components: the MAX Drive cartridge, a USB cable which connects the cartridge to your PC, and a disc containing Datel's powerful Memory Manager PC software.

MAX Drive is the ultimate game save solution for GameCube.

• Massive 64Mb GameCube memory card with built-in USB port (USB cable supplied)
• Over 1000 blocks of game save data - 16 times the size of a standard GameCube memory card
• Download the latest Action Replay cheat codes (Action Replay available separately) - no more manual code entry!
• Download GameCube game saves to your PC, then transfer them to your console - quickly and easily
• Trade game saves with your friends via email and the web
• Easy to use
• Intuitive Memory Manager software included for PC

A Pro version of MAX Drive allows you to run executable program code stored on the memory card, making it invaluable for home brew programmers.

MAX Drive for GameCube is in the shops this week, and costs £19.99. It can also be bought direct at www.codejunkies.com or by calling 08456 010 015. MAX Drive Pro costs £29.99 and is only available from www.codejunkies.com.

[Here it is, the hidden footage Metroid fans have been waiting for.]

63

TalkBack / RE: Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Screw Attack Video

« on: June 01, 2004, 08:28:28 PM »

Here it is, the hidden footage Metroid fans have been waiting for.

You may have seen the E3 footage of Samus wall-jumping back and forth through a vertical corridor.  What you probably haven't seen is the other Screw Attack footage, the one proving that this famous move can indeed be used anywhere in the game, and that it even includes (or can be combined with) a new Space Jump, which lets Samus literally fly.

This brief demo clip wasn't hard to find at E3...in fact, it was playing right on the show floor.  But for whatever reason, very few people noticed the clip, which played automatically if the title screen was left untouched for a few seconds.  Well...maybe the heavy crowds around Metroid Prime 2 had something to do with that.

At any rate, PGC did notice the clip, and we did manage to record it in a small but very revealing digital video.  Combined with the information we have gathered in our gigantic preview, this video should give you a pretty clear idea of how the Screw Attack will work, and how it will drastically affect the game's level design.

Left-click the link below to begin your free download!

Screw Attack Demo (2.3 MB, DivX AVI format)

[EBWorld and Gamestop websites list tentative DS price and shipping date.]

64

TalkBack / RE: Possible Nintendo DS Price/Release Date?

« on: May 14, 2004, 05:15:04 PM »

EBWorld and Gamestop websites list tentative DS price and shipping date.

Both EBWorld.com and Gamestop.com have added the Nintendo DS to their product lists.  They currently have the system listed at a price of $199.99 with a ship date of 11/29/2004.  Games are currently listed at $49.99, the same price as most new GameCube titles.

Both sites offer the disclaimer that "these prices and dates are subject to change", but early speculation suggests that the price will indeed land somewhere in the $150-$200 range.  As for the release date, Nintendo itself has stated that the DS will be available by the end of 2004.

[Midway's E3 announcements include a new Gamecube title.]

65

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: May 11, 2004, 07:05:14 PM »

Midway's E3 announcements include a new Gamecube title.

Midway Unveils Lineup for 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo

Focused, Concentrated Lineup Includes Mortal Kombat®: DeceptionTM, Next Game in Top-Selling Fighting Series

CHICAGO, May 10, 2004 - Offering a concentrated and focused lineup of high quality interactive entertainment products, Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY) today announced its roster of titles scheduled for exhibit at the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), May 12-14. Headlining the selection is Mortal Kombat: Deception, the next product in the top-selling, history-making franchise. For the first time ever, Mortal Kombat will be going online and full product details will be unveiled at a special, invitation only event the Tuesday night before E3. On the show floor, Midway will also be showing off a near final version of the much anticipated Psi-Ops: The Mindgate ConspiracyTM and the first-person action thriller Area 51®, which will feature online play for up to 16 players.

"Supported by a tightly focused release schedule, expanded relationships with leading entertainment companies, as well as a strengthened in-house management team, this E3 heralds a new era for Midway," said David Zucker, president and CEO, Midway. "The current sales success of recent releases The Suffering and NBA Ballers are strong indicators that our revised product strategy and renewed vision have us on the proper path to success."

Midway's exciting E3 product lineup includes:

Area 51 The U.S. Army has received a distress signal from Area 51 where a viral outbreak has just shut down the research facility. A small Hazardous Materials unit led by specialist Ethan Cole is sent to investigate. As Cole, players will delve into the mysterious confines of Area 51, discovering a deadly mutagenic side effect of the virus that controls the minds of those infected, as well as an ancient alien colony buried beneath the facility. Chilling conspiracies such as the extraterrestrial crash at Roswell and the staged lunar landing, are investigated in order to solve the enigma of Area 51 before the viral mutagen is released and irrevocably mutates all life on Earth. Area 51 is scheduled to be available for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system and the XboxTM videogame system from Microsoft in fall 2004.

Midway Arcade Treasures 2 Midway Arcade Treasures 2 brings more than 20 all-time classic arcade games to next-generation consoles, many for the first time, including the original Mortal Kombat, and smash-hit sequels Mortal Kombat II and Mortal Kombat 3, Spy Hunter 2 and Gauntlet 2. Additional classics include NARC, Total Carnage, Cyberball 2072, Wizard of Wor and many more. Players can enjoy hours of retro-gaming fun and watch a full-feature documentary on the origins of these interactive pioneers. Midway Arcade Treasures 2 is scheduled to be available for PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo Gamecube(TM) in fall 2004.

MLB Slugfest®: LoadedTM Unlike any other baseball game available, MLB Slugfest: Loaded takes the fast and furious gameplay style Midway Sports games are known for, and adds a deep and rewarding franchise mode through the addition of Baseball Mogul. Also new to this year's version is online multiplayer on both PlayStation 2 and Xbox Live. MLB Slugfest: Loaded is scheduled to be available for PlayStation 2 and Xbox on June 21.

Mortal Kombat: Deception Delivering the most complete fighting experience and progressing the lethal intensity which the franchise has been known for since its 1992 debut in arcades, Mortal Kombat: Deception is set to revolutionize the fighting game genre. With unlimited online competition, Mortal Kombat: Deception features multiple fatalities per character; multi-tiered interactive backgrounds and extensive new game modes. Plus, for the first time ever, an enhanced free-roaming Konquest mode, an action/strategy board game and a unique puzzle game serve to compliment the improved fighting mode that has established the Mortal Kombat franchise as the ultimate fighting game of all time. Mortal Kombat: Deception is scheduled to be available for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox in fall 2004.

Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy An all-new battlefield weapon is deployed... the mind. And Nick Scryer, an American psi-operative must use his to defeat The Movement, a deadly terrorist organization. Undergoing an excruciating procedure, Scryer has his mind wiped clean so he can infiltrate the Movement undetected. Aided by double-agent Sara Blake, Scryer wields a whole new arsenal of weapons consisting of Remote Viewing, Telekinesis, Mind Control and Pyrokinesis in addition to the traditional armory needed to strategically defeat this new menace. Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy is scheduled to be available for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox on June 14.

Shadow Hearts®: CovenantTM The sequel to its critically acclaimed predecessor released in 2001, Shadow Hearts: Covenant takes place over a year after the original ended, and finds Yuri embarking on a new expedition during World War I in a fantastical world of magic and creatures. Cursed by a secret cult that is taking advantage of the war to fulfill their evil ambitions, Yuri's morphing abilities are weakened. Yuri and his companions must journey to find a cure for his curse and defeat the malevolent cult. Shadow Hearts: Covenant is scheduled to be available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 in fall 2004.

For more information about Midway's entire lineup of products being showcased during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, May 12 - 14, please stop by room #4001 in Petree Hall or visit www.midway.com.

[We've got a nice batch of videos. Let's start with the last one they teased us with: the new mature Zelda.]

66

TalkBack / RE:Videos from the Press Conference

« on: May 11, 2004, 02:22:53 PM »

We've got a nice batch of videos. Let's start with the last one they teased us with: the new mature Zelda.

Please use this forum thread for comments.

We're uploading video direct from Nintendo throughout the evening.  Get ready for the gorgeous new Zelda, scenes from Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, and some of the wonderful and wacky DS stuff.  (All files are AVIs with DivX compression.)  

Zelda: WOW! (720x480, 12.4 MB - DivX 5.1.1)
Zelda: WOW! (360x240, 6.9 MB - DivX 5.1.1)

DS
Animal Crossing DS Demo (9.54 MB)
Super Mario 64x4 Demo (9.63 MB)
Mario Kart DS (9.27 MB)
Metroid Prime: Hunters (9.36 MB)
Brand New Mario Bros. Platformer (9.86 MB)
Picto Chat Software (9.56 MB)
Wario Ware with touch screen (9.07 MB)

GC
Advance Wars: Under Fire (16.8 MB)
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (8.09 MB)
Goofy Donkey Konga Promo (17.7 MB)
Geist (19.7 MB)
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (18.5 MB)
Paper Mario 2 (19.4 MB)
Pikmin 2 (10.5 MB)
Starfox (17.2 MB)
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (18.6 MB)

GBA
Donkey Kong Country 2 (10.4 MB)
Donkey Kong King of Swing (9.57 MB)
F-Zero GP Legend (10.9 MB)
Hamtaro: Ham Ham Games (9.64 MB)
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror (10.6 MB)
Mario Golf: Advance Tour (10.9 MB)
Mario Pinball (11.1 MB)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (11.1 MB)
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen (8.84 MB)
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (9.29 MB)

[Another hot card game turned video game is on its way.]

67

TalkBack / RE:Duel Masters: Sempai Legends Coming to Europe

« on: May 03, 2004, 07:06:19 PM »

Another hot card game turned video game is on its way.

ATARI ANNOUNCES DUEL MASTERS: SEMPAI LEGENDS

With More Than 120 Million Booster Packs Sold In Japan, Duel Masters Prepares For European Invasion

London - 30 April 2004 - Atari and Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, today announced that Duel MastersTM - the number one toy in Japan according to US Weekly Toy News - will be released for Nintendo's Game Boy® Advance in October 2004 across Europe. Already an incredibly successful trading card game, television series and comic book in Japan, Atari's Duel MastersTM: Sempai Legends, which was developed under license from Hasbro, will launch following the newest round of the Duel Masters trading card game from Wizards of the Coast. With more than 120 million booster packs sold in Japan, Duel Masters is preparing to invade Europe.

"The gripping combination of tactical play, fun and mysticism in Duel Masters: Sempai Legends will help the franchise make the transition into a great piece of interactive entertainment," said Martin Spiess, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Atari Europe. "It's very exciting to be working with Wizards of the Coast to bring what is already a huge phenomenon in Japan to Europe and the Game Boy Advance."

"Atari has successfully demonstrated its expertise in bringing anime properties and trading card franchises to the interactive entertainment sector, and we are excited to be working with them on Duel Masters," said James Szubski, Duel Masters brand manager, Wizards of the Coast. "Duel Masters has already demonstrated its ability to span a variety of entertainment genres, and Atari's Game Boy Advance offering combined with our trading card game delivers the perfect vehicle with which to introduce this universe to Europe."

Duel Masters' Accomplishments in Japan

More than 120,000,000 Duel Masters booster packs sold since launch in may 2002

More than 4,000,000 Duel Masters decks sold

The Trading Card Game has been the #1 toy in Japan for the last 11 consecutive months

One out of four Japanese 8-12 year-old boys plays Duel Masters

There are more than 1000 Duel Masters play events per month

26 episodes of the Duel Masters TV show have been produced; 26 additional episodes are currently in production

US Launch

By week 3 the Duel Masters Trading Card Game was out-selling all other Wizards of The Coast products combined in the non-specialist market place

Sales of booster packs are growing faster than in Japan during the same period following launch

TV show on Cartoon Network has a growing and loyal fan base with an 18% share of 6-11 year old male viewers

www.duelmasters.com receives more than 500k page views per week

UK Launch

Duel Masters Trading Card Game launched on 5th March

Sales in Week 2 were 5 times that of week 1

Duel Masters: Sempai Legends for the Game Boy Advance is scheduled for European release in October 2004.

- ends -

About Duel Masters: Sempai Legends for Game Boy Advance
Duel Masters: Sempai Legends offers a story-driven experience, in which the lead character inherits a valuable Duel Masters card from his grandfather, but before he can add it to his deck, it is stolen by a mysterious man. As a result, the lead character must travel through a dangerous world inhabited by rival duelists in the hopes of regaining his stolen property. Along the way, he enters tournaments and gains the experience to someday become a Kaijudo Master. For more information, please visit www.atari.com

[Def Jam Vendetta II gets a subtitle: Fight for New York.]

68

TalkBack / (No subject)

« on: May 03, 2004, 07:21:59 AM »

Def Jam Vendetta II gets a subtitle: Fight for New York.

EA AND DEF JAM ANNOUNCE THAT DEF JAM VENDETTA II HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY RENAMED DEF JAM: FIGHT FOR NEW YORK  

You are gonna have to fight for it and it ain't gonna be easy.

Chertsey, UK. April 30, 2004 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that it's time to take control of New York's hip-hop underground.  

Currently in development under the EA GAMES brand, Def Jam Fight For New York will feature more than 40 of the most well known artists and personalities in hip-hop today. Including Busta Rhymes, Carmen Electra, Lil' Kim, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Sean Paul, Slick Rick, Snoop Dogg, and many more.

The ultimate in hip-hop fuelled fighting games, this will challenge players to step into the shoes of a ruthless street fighter battling for control of New York's hip-hop underground. The game will feature an all-new fighting engine including weapons, interactive environments, and five unique fighting styles that can be combined to form dozens of customized hybrid fighting styles for the ultimate edge on the streets.

Def Jam Fight For NY will be published and distributed by EA for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and GameCube. The game is being developed by EA Canada in conjunction with Japan-based AKI Corporation for a scheduled ship in September 2004. This game has not yet been rated.

For more information about Def Jam Fight For NY visit www.DefJamFightForNY.com http://www.fightforny.com

[Critically acclaimed developer ends exclusivity agreement with Nintendo.]

69

TalkBack / RE:Silicon Knights Breaks with Nintendo

« on: April 13, 2004, 11:33:48 AM »

Critically acclaimed developer ends exclusivity agreement with Nintendo.

Reports broke today of Silicon Knights ending their second-party  exclusive development deal with Nintendo.  The story first ran on IGNcube, and PGC has confirmed the  information with Denis Dyack, President of Silicon Knights.

Dyack confirmed that his company is no longer an exclusive developer for  Nintendo, but he could not offer much further information.

"Our relationship with Nintendo is still strong, and it's possible that  we may develop games for Nintendo in the future.  This was a positive  split, and we continue to have a great respect for Iwata-san (President  of NCL) and the other people at Nintendo."

The real cause of the split is still shrouded in secrecy, however.   Dyack could not comment on whether Silicon Knights is now an indepenent  developer or if the company has aligned itself with one of Nintendo's  competitors, or even if Nintendo currently maintains the investment  stake it made in Silicon Knights back in 2000.

"Right now, because of the proprietary nature of game development, we  can't say much."

Nintendo of America offered a similarly agreeable, vague description of  today's events:

"Nintendo and Silicon Knights have reached an agreement allowing Silicon  Knights to pursue its vision of videogame entertainment with other  companies. Nintendo respects the creative work of Silicon Knights and  the parties have left the door open to work on future projects that meet  the creative vision of both companies."

Planet GameCube will be following this story closely, although official  details of the developer's future are not expected for some time.

[Whatever it will eventually be called, we now know that it won't be named the Nintendo DS.]

70

TalkBack / RE: Nintendo DS Not Really Nintendo DS

« on: April 02, 2004, 10:49:09 AM »

Whatever it will eventually be called, we now know that it won't be named the Nintendo DS.

When Nintendo first annouced its new gaming device, it was named the Nintendo DS.  Everyone took this name and ran with it, of course, since we had nothing better to call it at the time.  Then, we stumbled upon another possible name for the system, Nitro.  Nintendo quickly quashed this name and replaced it with the more common Nintendo DS.

Now, thanks to Chris Morris and his latest CNN Money column, we know what the system won't be named: The Nintendo DS.  Nintendo's VP of Sales and Marketing, Reggie Fils-Aime, said in an interview with Morris that the DS name is simply a placeholder until the time the device does launch sometime later this year.

So, be it Nitro or something else, we've got another thing to look forward to at E3.  The price, release date and final name of Nintendo's new system should be revealed to the world on May 11, the date of Nintendo's pre-E3 press confrence.

[Famous ex-boxer Alexis Arguello sues the publisher of Knockout Kings and associated companies for using his likeness without permission.]

71

TalkBack / RE: EA, Sony and Nintendo Sued by Former Boxer

« on: March 29, 2004, 04:10:10 PM »

Famous ex-boxer Alexis Arguello sues the publisher of Knockout Kings and associated companies for using his likeness without permission.

The latest in a series of legal battles in the gaming industry, boxing champion Alexis Arguello has filed a law suit against Electronic Arts over his unendorsed appearance in the Knockout Kings series.  Also included in the suit are console manufacturers who licensed—and thereby benefited from—EA’s boxing series.

The athelete states he initially became aware of his inclusion in the games when a fan asked him to autograph a copy of one of EA's games.

Arguello demands compensation for Electronic Art’s misuse of his image and that “existing copies of the game be collected and impounded.” None of the three accused companies have commented on Arguello’s claim.  

[Holy cow Batman! It's a third-party GameCube exclusive!]

72

TalkBack / RE:WWE Day of Reckoning Goes Official

« on: March 15, 2004, 05:49:48 AM »

Holy cow Batman! It's a third-party GameCube exclusive!

WWE DAY OF RECKONING ANNOUNCED EXCLUSIVELY FOR NINTENDO GAMECUBE

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. - March 15, 2004 - THQ® Inc. and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. today announced WWE Day of Reckoning based on the World Wrestling Entertainment license. WWE Day of Reckoning features all the action, excitement and attitude of World Wrestling Entertainment and is designed exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube. THQ and JAKKS' World Wrestling Entertainment licensed videogames have sold more than $527 million worldwide since 1999. WWE Day of Reckoning is scheduled for release in Fall 2004.

"We're pleased to announce WWE Day of Reckoning and solidify our reputation as the premier publisher of wrestling games on all gaming systems," said Tiffany Ternan, senior vice president of North American sales and distribution, THQ. "We are poised to maintain leadership in this competitive genre and continue creating high-quality WWE titles."

"WWE titles for the Nintendo GameCube have consistently been top sellers in the WWE video game franchise, and we expect WWE Day of Reckoning will be another strong title in the franchise," commented Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. "With new storylines, a create-a-superstar feature and several first-timers added to the roster, we believe WWE fans won't be disappointed with Day of Reckoning."

About WWE DAY OF RECKONING
Developed by Yuke's Co., Ltd. of Japan, WWE Day of Reckoning features more than 40 WWE Superstars including, Kurt Angle®, Chris Benoit® and Triple H®. The game also showcases several new WWE Superstars including, John CenaTM and Randy OrtenTM, giving WWE Day of Reckoning a massive stable of overall talent. WWE Day of Reckoning includes a completely original story mode filled with deception and betrayal entitled, School of Hard Knocks. Players can create a Superstar and work their way up the "minor leagues" of sports entertainment and graduate to WWE programming by competing against established WWE Superstars. Additional features include Bra & Panties MatchTM with WWE DivasTM and WWE Legends, two features available for the first time on the Nintendo GameCube. WWE Day of Reckoning also features strong and weak grapples with an all-new submission system as well as realistic reversals and Superstar finishers.

 

[Cel-shaded RPG goodness coming this summer.]

73

TalkBack / RE: Namco Announces Tales of Symphonia for the US

« on: March 09, 2004, 12:03:40 PM »

Cel-shaded RPG goodness coming this summer.

NAMCO TO BRING TALES OF SYMPHONIA™, AN EPIC ROLE PLAYING ADVENTURE TO THE GAMECUBE™

Brand New U.S. Screenshots Reveal The Game’s Stunning 3D Graphics and Beautiful Expansive Environments

San Jose, Ca., (March 9, 2004) – Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that Tales of Symphonia™, the latest installment in the enormously popular Tales franchise, will ship exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube™ entertainment system in Summer of 2004.

Using characters designed by renowned Japanese artist Kosuke Fujishima, Tales of Symphonia unfolds with beautiful anime-style cel-shaded graphics that make the expansive 3D worlds feel like a 2D comic book.  The storyline is an emotionally charged, epic adventure that redefines the role-playing genre.

In Tales of Symphonia, players will command real-time battles in a unique 3D battle system that gives them full control over the characters.  Execute and combine hundreds of special attacks and magic spells.  With more than a dozen mini-games and side quests at the player’s disposal, Tales of Symphonia offers over 80 game play hours and brings an exciting new storyline to the Tales series. The Tales series dates back to 1995, when Tales of Destiny was first released on the SNES.  Fans of the series consider Tales of Symphonia one of the most promising RPG’s on current generation consoles.  While it follows a traditional RPG format, the series is set apart by its slick presentation and art, real time interactive battle system, and the clever level designs and puzzles.

We'll have the stunning new screenshots up shortly.

[Nintendo NCL hosted a MK:DD tournament in February, and its web site has the amazing results.]

74

TalkBack / RE: Mario Kart: Double Dash Tourney Results

« on: March 06, 2004, 01:47:12 PM »

Nintendo NCL hosted a MK:DD tournament in February, and its web site has the amazing results.

Last month Nintendo hosted a Mario Kart: Double Dash time trial contest in Japan.  Nintendo recently posted the results for the four tracks chosen on its http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gm4j/gpx.html">official website.

In a breath-taking display of skill, Mario Kart guru Nobuo Takagi  won all four competitions.  His ace up the sleeve was his complete mastery of the power slide, transforming the commonly-used maneuver to something resembling the “snaking” bug found in F-Zero GX.  Be amazed at the four videos below:

Luigi Circuit - 1:16:910
Baby Park - 1:05:963
Mario Circuit - 1:29:317
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gm4j/video_images/yoshi.wmv">Yoshi Circuit - 1:44:323

[Do you pretend you are the Hero of Time in your sleep? Are you the biggest Zelda fan on the block? Well, take a gander at what this Zelda fan owns...]

75

TalkBack / RE: Master Sword Forged

« on: March 06, 2004, 01:10:59 PM »

Do you pretend you are the Hero of Time in your sleep?  Are you the biggest Zelda fan on the block?  Well, take a gander at what this Zelda fan owns...

When we read that Paul Hantschel, one of our forum users, owns a real-life replica of the famous Master Sword from the Legend of Zelda series, we couldn’t just leave well enough alone.  So we contacted Paul and asked for some details on his little artifact.

Mr. Hantschel emailed blacksmith Rob Miller of Castle Keep, located in Scotland, with the initial concept and original artwork.  Around a week later, Rob responded and requested detailed dimensions for every aspect of Link’s Master Sword.  After a ten-month wait period and a £1,800 transaction (around $3,300), Rob began work on the sword of legends.

The blacksmith provided updates of his progress during the one-and-a-half-month forging process.  With them he included photographs of the sword, which Paul has graciously shared with PGC:

That’s one great sword, if you ask us!  Paul agrees.  “Now I've just got to go to my local gravestone peddler and get a Pedestal of Time made up!”