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[Play with Wilt! Get all the details about NBA Street 2!]

176

TalkBack / NBA Street Part Deux

« on: January 16, 2003, 06:16:35 AM »

Play with Wilt!  Get all the details about NBA Street 2!

EA REVEALS DETAILS ON NBA STREET VOL. 2 FOR THE PLAYSTATION 2, XBOX AND NINTENDO GAMECUBE

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., January 15, 2003 - Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS), reveals details for NBA STREET Vol. 2, the follow-up to the hit title NBA STREET, to be released under the EA SPORTS BIGTM brand. NBA STREET Vol. 2 lets players bring their act to the street show and face off against the greatest basketball players of all-time on blacktop courts throughout North America. First team to "21" wins, but in NBA STREET Vol. 2, style and attitude are as important as putting the ball in the basket. Currently under development, NBA STREET Vol. 2 will be available this spring for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube and Xbox video game system from Microsoft.

NBA STREET Vol. 2 allows players to choose from a roster of more than 150 NBA stars past and present including Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Walton, Jerry West, George "Iceman" Gervin,"Pistol" Pete Maravich and Magic Johnson, complete with their signature moves, in there quest for street ball dominance...alone, with a friend or in the new four-player multi-player mode.

With new moves like "Pass Out" and "Off the Heezay", players can pass the ball off the backboard or even off the opponents' head. Now you can even "Be the Oop". Just use the right analog to pass the ball to another player, take control of the man without the ball and call for the monster alley-oop. Choose from authentic urban worlds that re-create the feel and grit of the true street game, including Soul in the Hole, NY, and Mosswood in Oakland.  

School your opponent big time with the show-stopping Second Level Gamebreaker. The more you pour on the highlights the bigger the boost. Make your own history in the new Create-a-Baller mode and earn new moves to show of your street style.

NBA STREET Vol. 2 is developed by NuFX, Inc./EA Canada.

[Nintendo drops a few pseudo release dates. Find out which quarter your new favorite game is coming out...]

177

TalkBack / Nintendo Plays With Quarters

« on: January 15, 2003, 07:07:10 AM »

Nintendo drops a few pseudo release dates.  Find out which quarter your new favorite game is coming out...

Nintendo Has More Games Than Ever Before

With Largest Selection of Software, Nintendo Appeals to All Gamers

REDMOND, Wash.--Jan. 15, 2003--These days, gamers have insatiable appetites - and Nintendo GameCube(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance fill the need.

By summertime Nintendo of America Inc. will accelerate its Nintendo GameCube game library past 225 titles as it continues to broaden its appeal to video game players of all ages, interests and lifestyles. This reflects an increasing amount of support from third-party publishers, adding to a strong calvary of first- and second-party selections.

With more upcoming exclusive additions, including Capcom's thrilling, mature-rated Resident Evil series, the high-speed action of F-Zero(R) and the role-playing adventures of The Legend of Zelda(R), the Nintendo GameCube offers a plethora of titles for everyone.

Older gamers will drool over mature titles such as Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon from UBI Soft and new versions of Resident Evil, proving Nintendo has the stuff to thrill the souls of men.

"Nintendo's extensive list of diverse video games is what hard-core and recreational gamers desire," says George Harrison, senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Nintendo of America Inc. "Nintendo has the games and accompanying hardware to provide consumers the best game-play - whether that experience is mature-rated or family friendly."

On the other end of the video game spectrum, the announcement of both the Game Boy(R) Advance SP, launching March 23, and the Nintendo GameCube(TM) Game Boy(R) Player, launching May 26, will support the continuing popularity of the Game Boy franchise. With new versions of popular games available by this summer such as Golden Sun(TM): The Lost Age, Pokemon(R) Ruby, Pokemon(R) Sapphire and Donkey Kong Country(TM), Nintendo will continue to sell Game Boy Advance units and games at lightning speed. More than 40 third-party titles will launch this spring, taking the Game Boy Advance library alone to more than 350 games.

More e-Reader cards are on their way this spring as well, with the second and third series of Animal Crossing-e(TM) cards (Jan. 20, March 10) and Mario Party-e(TM) cards (Feb. 17).

To illustrate, here's a sampling of some of the new Nintendo GameCube offerings available by this summer:

    --  All Star Baseball 2004 - Acclaim (First Quarter 2003)

    --  ATV: Quad Power Racing 2 - Acclaim (Q1)

    --  Vexx - Acclaim (Q1)

    --  X2: Wolverine's Revenge - Activision (Q2)

    --  Lost Kingdoms 2 - Activision (Q2)

    --  Resident Evil 2 - Capcom (Q1)

    --  Resident Evil 3 - Capcom (Q1)

    --  Hitman 2 - Eidos Interactive (Q1)

    --  Def Jam Vendetta - Electronic Arts (Q1)

    --  The Sims - Electronic Arts (Q1)

    --  NBA Street Vol. 2 - Electronic Arts (Q1)

    --  D&D: Heroes - Infogrames (Q2)

    --  Micro Machines - Infogrames (Q1)

    --  Transworld Surf - Infogrames (Q1)

    --  Enter the Matrix - Infogrames (Q2)

    --  Backyard Baseball - Infogrames (Q2)

    --  Ikaruga - Infogrames (Q2)

    --  Superman: Shadow of Apokolips - Infogrames (Q1)

    --  Batman Dark Tomorrow - Kemco USA (Q1)

    --  Disney's Sports: Basketball - Konami (Q1)

    --  Evolution Snowboarding - Konami (Q1)

    --  Black & Bruised - Majesco (Q1)

    --  MLB Slugfest 20-04 - Midway (Q1)

    --  Freaky Flyers - Midway (Q2)

    --  Freestyle Metal X - Midway (Q2)

    --  E.T.: The Search for Dragora - NewKidCo (Q1)

    --  Tom & Jerry: War of the Whiskers - NewKidCo (Q1)

    --  Skies of Arcadia - Sega (Q1)

    --  Conflict Desert Storm - Take Two Interactive (Q1)

    --  Shrek Super Party - TDK Mediactive (Q1)

    --  Battlebots - THQ (Q1)

    --  Summoner: A Goddess Reborn - THQ (Q1)

    --  WWE Crush Hour - THQ (Q1)

    --  Red Faction II - THQ (Q1)

    --  Bust A Move 3000 - UBI Soft (Q1)

    --  Sum of All Fears - UBI Soft (Q1)

    --  Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon - UBI Soft (Q1)

    --  The Hulk - Vivendi Universal (Q1)

    --  Mace Griffin Bounty Hunter - Vivendi Universal (Q2)

    --  Army Men: Air Combat "The Elite Missions" - 3DO (Q1)

    --  Army Men: Sarge's War - 3DO (Q1)

    --  High Heat MLB 2004 - 3DO (Q2)

    --  Street Racing Syndicate - 3DO (Q2)

    --  Army Men: RTS - 3DO (Q2)

    --  Jacked - 3DO (Q2)

    --  The Legend of Zelda(R): The Wind Waker(TM) - Nintendo (March)

    --  Wario World(TM) - Nintendo (May)

    --  F-Zero(R) - Nintendo (June)

    On top of first-party games, Game Boy Advance also has phenomenal third-party support this spring. Here is a sampling of some of the titles available by summer:

    --  All Star Baseball 2004 - Acclaim (Q1)

    --  X2: Wolverine's Revenge - Activision (Q2)

    --  Wakeboarding Unleashed - Activision (Q2)

    --  Lufia: The Ruins of Lore - Atlus U.S.A. (Q1)

    --  Mega Man & Bass - Capcom (Q1)

    --  James Bond 007: NightFire - Electronic Arts (Q1)

    --  Dragon Ball Z: Legacy II Future Shock - Infogrames (Q2)

    --  Superman: Countdown to Apokolips - Infogrames (Q1)

    --  Woody Woodpecker Crazy Castle - Kemco (Q1)

    --  Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow - Konami (Q2)

    --  YU-GI-OH! World Wide Edition Stairway to the Destined Dual -         Konami (Q1)

    --  Iridion II - Majesco (Q1)

    --  Wings - Metro 3D (Q1)

    --  MLB Slugfest 20-04 - Midway (Q1)

    --  Dr. Muto - Midway (Q2)

    --  Medabots: Metabee - Natsume (Q2)

    --  Medabots: Rokusho - Natsume (Q2)

    --  Tom & Jerry Infurnal Escape - NewKidCo (Q1)

    --  Little League Baseball 2003 - NewKidCo (Q1)

    --  Dora the Explorer - NewKidCo (Q2)

    --  Dr. Seuss - NewKidCo (Q2)

    --  Sega Rally Championship - SEGA (Q1)

    --  The Muppets: On with the Show - TDK Mediactive (Q1)

    --  Ultimate Brain Games - Telegames (Q1)

    --  Radium - Telegames (Q2)

    --  Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride - THQ (Q1)

    --  Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Return of the Dark King - THQ (Q2)

    --  Finding Nemo - THQ (Q2)

    --  Jet Grind Radio - THQ (Q1)

    --  The Simpson's Road Rage - THQ (Q2)

    --  Space Channel 5: Ulala's Groove - THQ (Q1)

    --  Sega Arcade Gallery - THQ (Q2)

    --  GT Advance 3 - THQ (Q1)

    --  Bratz - UBI Soft (Q1)

    --  Rayman 3 - UBI Soft (Q1)

    --  Walt Disney's The Jungle Book - UBI Soft (Q1)

    --  Lost Vikings - Vivendi Universal (Q1)

    --  The Incredible Hulk - Vivendi Universal (Q2)

    --  Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced - Vivendi Universal (Q1)

    --  Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend - Vivendi Universal (Q1)

    --  High Heat MLB 2004 - 3DO (Q1)

    --  Pokemon Ruby - Nintendo (March)

    --  Pokemon Sapphire - Nintendo (March)

    --  Golden Sun: The Lost Age - Nintendo (April)

    --  Hamtaro(TM): Ham Ham Heartbreak - Nintendo (April)

    --  Wario Ware(TM),Inc: Mega Microgame$ - Nintendo (May)

    --  Advance Wars(TM) 2 - Nintendo (June)

    --  Donkey Kong Country - Nintendo (June)

[We told you about this GBA SD technology last week. So what’s the deal? Billy finishes off his CES coverage with how the GBA can interact with your TV.]

178

TalkBack / Veil Interactive @ CES

« on: January 14, 2003, 08:35:38 AM »

We told you about this GBA SD technology last week.  So what’s the deal?  Billy finishes off his CES coverage with how the GBA can interact with your TV.

Tucked in the corner of the Panasonic SD booth was Veil Interactive demonstrating their new product.  Basically, the VEIL-enabled Secure Digital (Panasonic SD card) interface allows a consumer to use their GBA to interact with televised broadcasts of game shows, cartoons, or special events.  People can play along, get character information, or even unlock new things in GBA games, as long as the Television program or game has this enabled in their programming.

There was no price point, or release date.  Currently no one has licensed this to be used with their programming, but it’s an interesting development.  We’ll keep you posted.

 

[A new GBA means new accessories...]

179

TalkBack / Radica Announces GBA SP Accessories

« on: January 14, 2003, 05:57:53 AM »

A new GBA means new accessories...

RADICA ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR GAME BOY ADVANCE SP

Radica UK Ltd, manufacturers of the market leading Gamester peripherals have announced that they will be launching a complete range of accessories Game Boy Advance SP. Details of the line up are due to be confirmed over the coming weeks, but will continue to uphold the strong Gamester brand values of high quality and innovation.

"Everything that we have seen and heard so far leads us to believe that Game Boy Advance SP will be a resounding success at retail. Gamester has a reputation for producing high quality, leading edge peripherals and has long been the number one peripherals brand for Game Boy formats" commented John Doughty, Managing Director of Radica UK Ltd " Our global base of designers and engineers are currently putting together a completely unique range of commodity and leading edge innovation products and we are confident that we can repeat these achievements for the Game Boy Advance SP"

Details release dates and individual products in the range will be confirmed closer to launch. All products will be available via Koch distribution.

For further information on all products in the Gamester range visit www.theunfairadvantage.com

[ATI touts Flipper's success at CES, and demos Zelda for the public. So what’s next on the horizon for ATI? Could they be working on the next Nintendo console? Billy investigates…]

180

TalkBack / ATI @ CES 2003

« on: January 13, 2003, 08:32:47 AM »

ATI touts Flipper's success at CES, and demos Zelda for the public.  So what’s next on the horizon for ATI?  Could they be working on the next Nintendo console?  Billy investigates…

Gaming wasn’t really "back at CES" as they were saying it would be.  I have to be honest when I say that in the 12 hours I was on the show floor, I literally had to hunt for not only Nintendo news, but anything video game related.  Sure, Dolby was running Metroid Prime in Pro Logic II, but that’s not the news you crave.  I waded though the 1.25 million net square feet of exhibit space, the aisles of cell phone accessories, PDAs, booming car stereos, and booth babes (ahhh it’s good to see booth babes again), and found a TV running the import version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.  I looked up, and found that I was at the ATI booth.

ATI had Zelda on display, and was promoting the fact that Zelda can look so outstanding because of their graphics hardware.

I met with John Swinimer, Public Relations Manager for ATI, and talked with him about some of their upcoming products.  After beating around the bush for a while, I then asked him, "So now that GameCube has been out for well over a year, what's ATI working on next?  Are you working with Nintendo on their next generation hardware?"

John smiled and answered, "We were very happy to work with Nintendo on their GameCube hardware, and we'd be interested to work with them again in the future."  I prodded and tortured him to the best of my abilities.  I even asked him if he'd seen the Tazer booth that was across the way.  But, no matter what I tried...he wouldn't say anything further than the company line.  Whether ATI is actually working on the successor to the GameCube is still an unknown, but after seeing what ATI pulled off with the GameCube hardware, I sure wouldn't mind.

For more pictures of the ATI Booth at CES, click here.

[Now that's a LOT of blood.]

181

TalkBack / Mortal Kombat Sells 1 Million

« on: January 13, 2003, 06:12:52 AM »

Now that's a LOT of blood.

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance Breaks One Million Mark for Units Sold between November 22 and Year-End 2002

CHICAGO - Jan. 13, 2003 - Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY), a leading software industry publisher and developer, announced today that Mortal Kombat®: Deadly AllianceTM has sold through more than one million units across all platforms between its November 22 launch and the end of 2002. The game is currently available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the XboxTM video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCubeTMand Game Boy® Advance. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance is scheduled to launch in Europe in February 2003.

"We are thrilled the gaming community fully embraced the latest edition of the Mortal Kombat franchise," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway. "Mortal Kombat titles have always been top sellers in the fighting game genre and the successful sales of Deadly Alliance reinforce that Midway is giving gamers exactly what they want."

The leading gaming sites have also recognized Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance as a top choice. GameSpot declared the game "Best fighting game of 2002" for Xbox and Nintendo GameCube and IGN included it among its "Editor's Choice Awards" for Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2.

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance delivers the highly acclaimed series to the next-generation consoles with a lethal dose of unparalleled brutality, supernatural mystique and a reinvented fighting system, all powered by a new engine that rewards longtime fans of the franchise as well as next-generation game lovers. Beginning the next chapter in the battle of good versus evil, two powerful sorcerers - Shang Tsung® and Quan ChiTM - join forces to deliver unrivaled fighting action in their quest for supreme immortality. Historically, the Mortal Kombat series is one of the best-selling franchises in videogame history with more than 19 million home games sold.

In the game, players engage in hand-to-hand and special-weapon combat, executing secret moves and combinations with new fatalities and deadly body blows. Lethal new warriors are added to the mix along with the return of Mortal Kombat classics - ScorpionTM, RaidenTM, Sub-Zero® and Sonya Blade®. Hyper-realistic, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance features progressive physical damage that allows players to view the inevitable demise of their opponents while utilizing three unique fighting styles for each warrior, creating nearly unlimited fighting possibilities.

Players are also able to enter the Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance "Krypt," which is comprised of more than 600 "koffins" that players can purchase with "kurrency" earned in the game. The "koffins" are filled with new characters, new arenas, alternate costumes, photos and other hidden surprises.

Adding to the punishing action in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance is Arista Records' Adema, which has recorded a hard-driving, heavy, yet melodic, modern rock theme song titled "Immortal," done exclusively for this new Mortal Kombat videogame and featured as the lead track in the follow-up EP to its self-titled debut album. The album is in stores now. "Immortal" was made available on radio on Oct. 14, 2002, while the music video for the track began airing on MTV2's Extreme Rock on the same date and is currently live on www.MTV.com.

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance's DVD content includes the "Immortal" song and music video. Also featured in the DVD section is the history of Mortal Kombat and behind-the-scenes interviews with the game's development team.

Midway Games Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment software. Midway videogames are available for play on all major videogame platforms including the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox, Nintendo GameCubeTM and Game Boy® Advance.

For more information about Midway Games and Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance visit mortalkombatdeadlyalliance.com.

[Lordy, it's freakin' Birthday fest around here.]

182

TalkBack / Happy Birthday Nathan!

« on: January 12, 2003, 02:47:36 PM »

Lordy, it's freakin' Birthday fest around here.

He's supposed to be whooping it up with me at the all new Gameworks in Minneapolis, but alas...he's sick.

Heck if you were here in Minneapolis in this crappy 1 degree weather...you'd be sick.  Well I guess that's what happens when you get as old as Nathan.  You get sick easier.

So Nathan will be spending tonight getting his ass handed to him in Mech Assault by yours truly.  Happy Birthday Brother!  Here's your ass!

No seriously, hope you feel better bro!  Happy Birthday!

[The AIAS announces today that Sega's Yu Suzuki will be presented with this year's Hall of Fame Award at D.I.C.E. in February.]

183

TalkBack / Yu Suzuki Heads to the Hall of Fame

« on: January 07, 2003, 07:45:22 AM »

The AIAS announces today that Sega's Yu Suzuki will be presented with this year's Hall of Fame Award at D.I.C.E. in February.

ACADEMY OF INTERACTIVE ARTS AND SCIENCES (AIAS) NAMES SEGA's YU SUZUKI WINNER OF THE PRESTIGIOUS HALL OF FAME AWARD

Suzuki will accept award from 2002's winner Will Wright at the Interactive Achievement Awards in Las Vegas, February 27, 2003

LOS ANGELES, CA - [January 7, 2003] - The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences today announced that SEGA®'s Yu Suzuki will receive its coveted Hall of Fame award. The award will be presented as part of the Interactive Achievement Awards at the 2003 D.I.C.E. Summit (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain), at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, February 27, 2003.

"Yu Suzuki joins an impressive roster of game creators who have won this award for their leadership and innovation," said Paul Provenzano, President of AIAS. "He has not only created some of the best video games in the world, but he has also helped enhance awareness and appreciation of this interactive art form."

"I am greatly honored to receive the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Award," said Yu Suzuki, executive officer and leading video game developer, SEGA Corporation. "I am pleased to be highly commended by the AIAS as a Hall of Fame Inductee along with many industry visionaries."

Mr. Suzuki will receive the award from the 2002 winner, Will Wright of Maxis (SimCity, The Sims, The Sims Online). Other past winners include 2001's winner John Carmack (DOOM, Quake); 2000's winner Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy); 1999's winner Sid Meier (Civilization, Railroad Tycoon); and 1998's winner Shigeru Miyamoto (Pikman, Donkey Kong, Legend of Zelda, Mario).  

Mr. Suzuki is widely recognized as one of the forefathers of console video gaming. He is best known for his many industry firsts and genre breaking games including "OutrunTM," "Space HarrierTM," "ShenmueTM," and the "Virtua FighterTM" series. The "Virtua Fighter" series is recognized for its contributions in the fields of Art & Entertainment and is the only video game on permanent display in the Smithsonian Institution's Permanent Research Collection on Information Technology Innovation, at the Smithsonian's Natural Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.  

The standards for consideration of a Hall of Fame Award are very high. Criteria considered by the Academy Board include: pioneering a new genre or redefining an existing genre with a significant advance (i.e. changing the face of the art form); influencing other designers and products; demonstrating the highest level of creativity and innovation which results in ongoing cultural significance and influence; and consistent product success of a scale that expands the scope of the industry.  

In addition to receiving the Hall of Fame Award, Mr. Suzuki will participate in a workshop at the 2003 D.I.C.E. Summit with fellow Hall of Fame winner, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto. "An Audience with the Masters" is a rare opportunity for attendees to pose questions directly to game design masters.

The Academy will present Interactive Achievement Awards in 30 craft, console, computer, and online categories. Aside from the Hall of Fame Award, highlights include an overall Game of the Year as Innovation in Gaming.

[We've known for weeks, but Ubi Soft makes it official. Get the beef...]

184

TalkBack / Splinter Cell Heads To GameCube

« on: January 07, 2003, 07:39:52 AM »

We've known for weeks, but Ubi Soft makes it official.  Get the beef...

TOM CLANCY'S SPLINTER CELL PREPARES TO INFILTRATE OTHER PLATFORMS  

Already available for Microsoft's Xbox TM, the internationally acclaimed espionage game is set for launch on other consoles this spring.

San Francisco, CA - January 7, 2003 - Ubi Soft® Entertainment, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced today that it will release Tom Clancy's Splinter CellTM for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system as well as for Nintendo's GameCubeTM and Game Boy® Advance by spring 2003. Impatient fans will be treated to a PC-version of the blockbuster game earlier this year.

Since its initial release for the XboxTM video game system in November 2002, Splinter Cell has gone on to sell 1 million units in North America alone and 600, 000 units in Europe. It boasts an average rating of 94.4 (out of a possible 100), based on a sample of 54 reviews, and was most recently awarded GameSpy's Xbox Game of the Year 2002 title.

Splinter Cell on the Xbox(tm) has already been one of the most talked about games in the industry during this holiday season and the game is now anticipated to be very popular on the other platforms this spring. By expanding the game's release, Ubi Soft confirms its commitment to offer outstanding moments of entertainment to all players as well as its long-term ambition for the Splinter Cell brand.

"With its all-around stupendous reviews and now its record sales, Splinter Cell is blazing a trail the likes of which the industry has rarely seen. We are eager to take the run-away success of this game to an even wider audience," said Yves Guillemot, President and CEO of Ubi Soft Entertainment.

[Official words from the press conference in New York.]

185

TalkBack / Game Boy Advance SP - The Press Release

« on: January 07, 2003, 04:40:26 AM »

Official words from the press conference in New York.

NINTENDO SHEDS NEW LIGHT  

Edgy New Game Boy Advance SP Takes Portable Game Play Anywhere  

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2003 - The biggest star in the history of video games is getting even brighter. Nintendo of America Inc. today announces the introduction of Game Boy® Advance SP, a redesigned version of the wildly popular Game Boy Advance. The system has a new illumination feature and sleek flip-screen design making it the most distinctively stylish, compact and portable Game Boy system ever.  

The Game Boy Advance SP will become an instant "must-have " gadget when it launches in North America March 23, 2003, for an estimated retail price of $99.95. It will launch in two colors: cobalt (metallic) and platinum.  

Building on the significant improvements and refinements already introduced in the current Game Boy Advance, the new Game Boy Advance SP features a revolutionary Front Light Screen making game play easy in any lighting condition. The system is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery good for about 10 hours of game play and takes only three hours to recharge. Amazingly, the battery life increases to approximately 18 hours of continuous play when the Front Light Screen is turned off.  

All current and future Game Boy Advance games are compatible with the new system. And, similarly, Game Boy Advance SP is backward compatible, allowing use with virtually all games and accessories previously released in the Game Boy line.  

"Both Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP reflect the best the video game market has ever seen in hand-held gaming," says Peter MacDougall, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. "For those who must have the latest in technology and edgy design, Game Boy Advance SP delivers the ultimate in portable gaming. "  

Nintendo will continue to manufacture and market its current, successful Game Boy Advance system, which has now sold-through more than 11.5 million units in North America alone since its launch a little more than a year ago.  

Since its introduction in 1989, Nintendo's portable Game Boy line has sold more than one-half billion games worldwide, delivering a depth and quality of game play far beyond that offered by any other portable electronics device, such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) or mobile phones.  

As the worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co. Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems. The systems include Game Boy®, Nintendo® 64, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube™. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 1.6 billion video games worldwide, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario™ and Donkey Kong® and launching such franchises as Zelda™ and Pokémon®. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.

[Dirk is on his way to a store near you.]

186

TalkBack / Dragon's Lair 3D Ships

« on: January 06, 2003, 07:20:57 AM »

Dirk is on his way to a store near you.

DRAGON’S LAIR 3D - RETURN TO THE LAIR FOR NINTENDO GAMECUBE BEGINS SHIPPING

Eagerly awaited reinvention of the 1980’s arcade classic ships to retailers

Los Angeles, CA - January 6, 2003 - Encore, a majority-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ: NAVR), today announced that Dragon's Lair 3D™ - Return to the Lair for the Nintendo GameCube™ has begun shipping to retailers.  This completely new, built-from-the-ground-up version of the classic Dragon's Lair™ arcade game - featuring legendary characters, great gameplay, and impressive imagery created by Don Bluth and Rick Dyer - retails for approximately $50 and carries a "Teen" rating.

 "Gamers have been waiting for years to re-live the Dragon's Lair experience they remember so well from the 1980's arcades," said Encore CEO Michael Bell.   "We're thrilled to provide them with an exciting experience that makes this game worth the wait.  It's all there - from Dirk's bumbling moves and brilliantly illustrated scenes in the castle, to the addictive gameplay and timeless story.  Additional elements such as true control over Dirk, new characters, and new movies created by Don Bluth make this game equally compelling for a whole new generation of gamers."

A Dragon, A Damsel and A Courageous Knight

Dragon's Lair 3D follows the basic storyline of the arcade classic: Dirk the Daring, a goofy but courageous knight, is on a mission to rescue Princess Daphne, who has been kidnapped by the evil dragon Singe and hidden in the wizard Mordroc's castle. The game stays true to the design of the1980's arcade classic, but is seven times the size of the original, and includes several new plot twists.

In this version, players have full control of Dirk, who must overcome challenges such as navigating through a cave of lava, swinging from burning ropes and unlocking hidden chambers in the castle to find Daphne. Princess Daphne also plays an integral new role in the game, acting as a guide for Dirk's journey.  Singe, the Lizard King, the Giddy Goons, the Crypt Creeps and other characters familiar to players of the original arcade game have starring roles, along with over a dozen new characters created by Don Bluth that add new dimensions to the plot.

Dragon's Lair 3D features true 3D gameplay; complete control over Dirk; over a dozen new characters; 43 massive areas and more than 250 new rooms to explore; new intro and ending movies created by acclaimed animation director Don Bluth; an original music score; and much more.   More information on the game is available at the game's official website: www.dragonslair3d.com.

[Jim Merrick gets the nod. Get the juice right here...]

187

TalkBack / NOE Gets New Marketing and Networks Director

« on: January 06, 2003, 05:38:21 AM »

Jim Merrick gets the nod.  Get the juice right here...

NINTENDO OF EUROPE ANNOUNCES NEW EUROPEAN MARKETING & NETWORKS DIRECTOR

(6th January 2003) Leading global gaming company Nintendo has announced today that it has appointed a new European Marketing & Networks Director, Jim Merrick, effective from January. He will be responsible for all pan-European marketing activities across 18 countries and will co-ordinate the top-line strategy across advertising, promotions, online, direct marketing and retail.

A longstanding employee of Nintendo of America, the role sees Jim Merrick transfer his skills to Nintendo of Europe, bringing with him a wealth of marketing management experience from his previous role as Nintendo Network Marketing Director, based in Seattle. In this capacity, Merrick was the chief technical member of an international innovation and product development team for two years, in addition to working closely with other divisions and partners in Japan, North America and Europe to explore the potential of various networking opportunities. Prior to this, Merrick spent six years as Technical Director for Nintendo of America, a key member of their management team with numerous responsibilities including defining, creating and implementing systems to support Nintendo's software quality assurance.

Prior to joining Nintendo, Merrick spent seven years as a Software Engineer at CAD/CAM software developer, 4D Graphics in Washington. As a core member of the product design and management team, he was responsible for determining release content, timing and overall strategic direction. From this position Merrick joined Nintendo of America.

Merrick will continue to build on the success of Nintendo GameCube, and will be focusing on the major upcoming games such as Metroid Prime, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and 1080° Avalanche. He will also continue to drive the phenomenal success of Game Boy Advance, which is the fastest selling console ever. Merrick will work closely with Nintendo's subsidiaries, distributors and agencies to ensure a continued integrated brand presence for the company's biggest franchises including NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Pokémon and Mario.

David Gosen, Managing Director of Sales and Marketing for Nintendo of Europe comments: "Nintendo is moving into a very exciting, creative and innovative time. Jim brings with him a wealth of brand experience and understanding of the market that will ensure a fully integrated marketing drive as Nintendo looks to its next era of gaming."

[OMG! IS THIS THAT MEGATON ANNOUNCEMENT!!!111>?]

188

TalkBack / Nintendo Press Conference Tuesday

« on: January 05, 2003, 08:15:38 AM »

OMG! IS THIS THAT MEGATON ANNOUNCEMENT!!!111>?

Rumors have been floating around the Internet that Nintendo is holding a press conference in New York this upcoming Tuesday.

While we can confirm that there will be a press conference, we’re not exactly sure what will be revealed at this time.  We’ll have up to the moment updates within the next 48 hours.

[A year older and a year (hopefully) wiser, Desmond Gaban gets b-day wishes...]

189

TalkBack / Happy Birthday Desmond

« on: January 04, 2003, 09:00:26 AM »

A year older and a year (hopefully) wiser, Desmond Gaban gets b-day wishes...

A big bad Happy Birthday goes out to our imports guy Desmond Gaban.

He's currently enjoying One Piece right now, and getting his anime love on.  So leave him be.  He's got work to do.  Right Des?

Anyhoo, on behalf of the staff here at PGC, we'd like to wish Desmond a very happy birthday!

[Reports say the Japanese will get a GameCube Pokemon game this summer...]

190

TalkBack / GC Pokemon This Summer

« on: January 04, 2003, 07:15:30 AM »

Reports say the Japanese will get a GameCube Pokemon game this summer...

According to Nikkei Keizai Shimbun, Nintendo will release a Pokemon game for GameCube by the end of summer.  The GC version of Pokemon will require a GBA and a copy of Pokemon Sapphire or Ruby.

The price of the game is expected to be cheaper than Pokemon Sapphire and Ruby (around $40 US in Japan).  

[New GBA SD technology to be demonstrated at CES.]

191

TalkBack / GBA Goes SD

« on: January 03, 2003, 08:15:02 AM »

New GBA SD technology to be demonstrated at CES.  

Prototype iTV-enabled SD Card for Game Boy Advance and Palm m515  to be demonstrated at CES 2003

SAINT LOUIS, January 4, 2003 - VEIL(tm) Interactive Technologies announced today that the company has joined the SD Card Association (SDA) and will be demonstrating a prototype of its new iTV-enabled Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO) interface for Game Boy Advance and Palm m515 at the upcoming 2003 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 9-12, 2003 in Las Vegas.

VEIL's prototype interactive television (iTV) enhancement incorporates the company's optical data transmission technology into an SD Card that can be inserted into a standard port on both the Game Boy Advance and Palm m515 units, converting them into iTV-readied devices that receive data from VEIL-encoded video. VEIL technology is agnostic to the devices and the company plans to develop an SD interface for mobile phones, toys, and other handheld electronics.  In addition to demonstrating at the SD Pavilion, LVCC Central Hall Booth 7442, VEIL will have a suite at the Mirage Hotel where additional VEIL-enabled devices will be shown. This will be the premiere of VEIL's and X-traFun's co-developed Game Boy Advance device that was announced in November 2002.  

The VEIL-enhanced SD Card will offer something that no other iTV product can, the ability to interact with an encoded television content anywhere that the video signal can be seen, i.e. in hotels, bars, malls, etc. That means that if little Johnny is at Grandma's house viewing an encoded broadcast of VOLTRON: The Third Dimension, he can receive additional game features or character trivia on his Game Boy Advance without requiring any additional hardware or hardwired devices.

In making the announcement, VEIL Interactive's President and CEO Edward J. (Ted) Koplar said, "The VEIL platform exploits the benefits of iTV without requiring broadband connections or set-top boxes. The result is an innovative way to rapidly bring to market new forms of interactivity and revenue-generating TV services at minimal cost.  By demonstrating the capability on two different devices, we wish to convey that the robust platform has universal potential for the consumer electronics industry."

"VEIL's interactive television enhancement is an ideal application for SD memory cards," said Ray Creech, President of SDA.  "VEIL believes that SD Cards present an excellent pathway for interactive television applications to reach multiple devices and to gain rapid consumer market penetration."

About the Technology

VEIL is an encoded data stream in the video picture that is invisible to the human eye and can be received by a portable handheld device anywhere that an encoded broadcast or video can be seen. The optical VEIL platform is capable of delivering text-based data at speeds entirely compatible with display technologies on handheld devices. Optical VEIL's transmission method works with all broadcast standards (NTSC, PAL, and SECAM) providing affordable, leading-edge iTV enhancements to a range of products including toys, games, PDA's, universal remotes, mobile phones, and set-top boxes.

Applications of VEIL technology include customized promotional events, viewer loyalty programs, interactive gaming and more. VEIL is the logical link to driving consumer acceptance of smart card technologies by providing capabilities such as data transfer of special offers and information, using the power of television content as a marketing locomotive. This ability to send data along with electronic barcodes opens up a whole new world of possibilities, linking TV content from personalized consumer devices through point-of-sale.

[Vroom? Vroom? Well on a tiny scale at least. We've got some movies of Takara's Choro-Q!]

192

TalkBack / Choro-Q!

« on: January 02, 2003, 09:10:12 AM »

Vroom? Vroom?  Well on a tiny scale at least.  We've got some movies of Takara's Choro-Q!

We picked up an import copy of Choro-Q! from Video Game Depot, and captured some movies for you.  We've skipped the intro and have ripped direct feed of a couple tracks and their replay counterparts.

Don't forget to right click and save these files to your computer.

*You will need Windows Media Player to view these files.

Choro-Q!

Movie 1 (8.6MB Windows Media File)
Movie 2 (4.9MB Windows Media File)
Movie 3 (4.8MB Windows Media File)
Movie 4 (5.8MB Windows Media File)
Movie 5 (5.9MB Windows Media File)

 

[Beat up people for treasure, race through bear traps, and even get in some Soccer. A very strange, but fun party game from Bandai.]

193

TalkBack / From TV Animation One Piece: Treasure Battle

« on: January 01, 2003, 11:39:29 AM »

Beat up people for treasure, race through bear traps, and even get in some Soccer.  A very strange, but fun party game from Bandai.

We've imported a copy of From TV Animation One Piece: Treasure Battle from our good friends at Video Game Depot, and ripped a few direct feed videos for you.  It's a fighter/party game set in this Anime's world.  Impressions coming soon, but check it out in action...

The first movie is the opening cinema, and the rest of the files are all gameplay.

Don't forget to right click and save these files to your computer.

*You will need Windows Media Player to view these files.

From TV Animation One Piece: Treasure Battle

Movie 1 (7.6MB Windows Media File)
Movie 2 (3.0MB Windows Media File)
Movie 3 (8.8MB Windows Media File)
Movie 4 (6.4MB Windows Media File)
Movie 5 (2.4MB Windows Media File)
Movie 6 (5.1MB Windows Media File)
Movie 7 (6.7MB Windows Media File)

[Toss some confetti and raise your glasses...we're shuttin' down 2002.]

194

TalkBack / Happy New Year!

« on: December 31, 2002, 02:09:09 PM »

Toss some confetti and raise your glasses...we're shuttin' down 2002.

As we countdown the final moments of 2002, we’d like to wish you a safe and happy new year.

It’s been another amazing year for Planet GameCube, and we look forward to another fun and insane year of gaming.  It’s a crazy to think that within one year we’ve played games like Eternal Darkness, Super Mario Sunshine, Animal Crossing, Metroid Prime, Four Swords, Metroid Fusion, and Zelda: The Wind Waker, and much more.  More insane Nintendo announcements have been dropped in 2002 than any other year.  Who knows what Nintendo has up their sleeve for 2003.  That is…outside of Louie the Cat.  J

We’re looking forward to our 4th year online, and we have lots of new and amazing things planned for 2003.  Keep an eye on us…Planet GameCube is just getting warmed up!  Thanks once again for your support!

Best Wishes and a Happy New Year!

Word.

The Planet GameCube Staff

[We're ringing in the new year with dudes that wear tights that are rolling around with each other. At least they're cel-shaded dudes. Check out Aki's new Japanese Wrestling title!]

195

TalkBack / Kinniku Man 2nd Generation

« on: December 31, 2002, 12:36:22 PM »

We're ringing in the new year with dudes that wear tights that are rolling around with each other.  At least they're cel-shaded dudes.  Check out Aki's new Japanese Wrestling title!

We've imported a copy of Bandai/Aki's Kinniku Man 2nd Generation from our good friends at Video Game Depot, and captured a heap of movies for your wrestling pleasure.  It's a very different cel- shaded wrestling game.  See Billy get his butt kicked all over the place!

The first movie is the opening cinema, but the rest of the movies are all about grapplin'.  

Don't forget to right click and save these files to your computer.

*You will need Windows Media Player to view these files.

Kinniku Man 2nd Generation

Movie 1 (7.7MB Windows Media File)
Movie 2 (4.7MB Windows Media File)
Movie 3 (7.2MB Windows Media File)
Movie 4 (5.2MB Windows Media File)
Movie 5 (6.5MB Windows Media File)
Movie 6 (6.1MB Windows Media File)
Movie 7 (8.6MB Windows Media File)

[We're kicking off import movie week with brand spankin' new movies of Namco's new drill fest.]

196

TalkBack / Mr. Driller Drill Land

« on: December 30, 2002, 01:43:42 PM »

We're kicking off import movie week with brand spankin' new movies of Namco's new drill fest.

We imported a copy of Namco's Mr. Driller Drill Land, and captured a heap of movies for your perusal.  We've got movies of all the different new game modes Mr. Driller Land offers, plus a taste of the new cinemas.  What are you waiting for?  Get drilling!

Don't forget to right click and save these files to your computer.

*You will need Windows Media Player to view these files.

Mr. Driller Drill Land

Movie 1 (8.6MB Windows Media File)
Movie 2 (4.9MB Windows Media File)
Movie 3 (4.8MB Windows Media File)
Movie 4 (5.8MB Windows Media File)
Movie 5 (5.9MB Windows Media File)
Movie 6 (8.6MB Windows Media File)
Movie 7 (7.0MB Windows Media File)

[Subscribers to Nintendo power get an awesome surprise in the January edition. This could be music to your ears...]

197

TalkBack / Smashing Free Stuff

« on: December 27, 2002, 06:37:17 AM »

Subscribers to Nintendo power get an awesome surprise in the January edition.  This could be music to your ears...

Nintendo has bundled the Orchestrated Super Smash Bros. Melee Concert that was performed last summer in Japan.

As we told you months ago, Famitsu packaged this same concert with their magazine, but we didn't know if it would ever make it stateside...until now.

If you don't have a subscription already, it's unknown if this CD will be available with copies sold at newsstands.

[We forgot Rick's Birthday. Kick me.]

198

TalkBack / Someone Shoot Me in the Head

« on: December 26, 2002, 07:45:23 AM »

We forgot Rick's Birthday.  Kick me.

We'd like to wish a belated Birthday to our resident poopy pants Rick Powers.  Too be honest, I think we all got a little too funky on the egg nog at our annual holiday party, and forgot about it.  Oops.

Ricky-poo we love you!

Happy Birthday, and happy holidays brother.  We're hoping the dual holiday situation you deal with didn't short you from getting the Wonder Woman underoos you wanted.

[Ho Ho Ho! Time to unwrap those shiny new games!]

199

TalkBack / Merry Christmas 2002!

« on: December 25, 2002, 05:33:26 AM »

Ho Ho Ho!  Time to unwrap those shiny new games!

Ah yes, the holiday season is there.  Lots to eat, drink and play.  Some of our staff are taking well deserved vacations, while others are working on last minute domestic and import reviews, or poised waiting for any news to break.  

As we sit back after large holiday dinner(s), it’s interesting looking back on the year that was 2002.  To explain for those that are new to PGC, last year at this time I was figuring out Planet GameCube’s fait.  Advertising wasn’t going all that well, and server costs were more than I could bare. It was getting desperate.  I mean, there’s only so much plasma one can sell.  Ok, I’m kidding.  Cat plasma doesn’t sell all that well in the black market.

This year was really out true trial.  Could we keep the love going for one more year?  There must be someone watching us from above, because there were a couple miracles that kept our dream alive.  Between our readers, advertisers, and families, we persevered this year.  Not only that but Planet GameCube prospered and is ready for next year.

If it weren’t for the support of our readers, fans, NOA, GH, NCL, first-second-third parties, ok fine everyone reading this…this wouldn’t have been possible.

All I have to say is this.  I’m surrounded by the best damn team in the work.  Realize they work for little or no compensation outside of certain “perks” that come with the job.  The people on the staff of Planet GameCube do this out of the love of what we do.

This has been the biggest videogame season in history, but not only did we survive but we rocked it.  We did it.  I’d like to thank our staff, sponsors, readers, and everyone that helped support Planet GameCube.com.   Bring on 2003!

On behalf of the staff of Planet GameCube.com, I’d like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and safe holidays and wonderful new year.

God  Bless,

The Planet GameCube Staff  

[Mmmmmm....tasty MP3s. Your ears will be very happy....trust me.]

200

TalkBack / Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

« on: December 14, 2002, 04:22:13 PM »

Mmmmmm....tasty MP3s.  Your ears will be very happy....trust me.

The audio in The Legend of Zelda: Kaze no Takuto  is absolutely unbelieveable, and we wanted to share a few mp3s with you.

Turn these up, they sound fantastic!

The Legend of Zelda: Kaze no Takuto

Title  Theme  (1.2MB MP3 File)
Demo Music  (.9MB MP3 File)
Story Music  (1.8MB MP3 File)
Potion Shop (1.7 MB MP3 File)
House  (1.1MB MP3 File)
Hometown  Theme (3.5MB MP3 File)
Bombs for sale (2.1MB MP3 File)
Shop  (1.1MB MP3 File)
Below  Deck (1.4MB MP3 File)
Taura Island (1.1MB MP3 File)