Both companies expect profits of just over US$500 million for fiscal 2003. Slow GameCube sales in Japan and an inability to meet demand in the US contributed to Nintendo's downgrading.

Space Invaders - Various Artists
Posted by M @ 4:36 p.m. NZDT

To coincide with the revival of cult computer game Space Invaders, EMI is proud to announce the release of the all new, game inspired-soundtrack in February 2004.

2003 saw the 25th anniversary of Space Invaders and in conjunction with this, Taito - the inventors - has created a remix album using samples of the sound effects taken from the original game.

The album involves a host of international DJs including duo Sketch Show - formed by members of the legendary techno group Yellow Magic Orchestra. Space Invaders has inspired artists in electronic music over the years; Mijk Van Dijk says, "Space Invaders is a legend of a game. I spend many hours on those old arcade machines hiding behind the barricades and trying to shoot the approaching enemies. It was a great honour to remix the soundtrack and I hope that we got the spirit right."

2004 will see Space Invaders brought to Playstation 2 and re-introduced into arcades.

The album is enhanced with a Space Invader screensaver (demo screen of the game).

Track listing: 1. Sketch Show - Back In The Space Again 2. Ken Ishii vs. FLR - Space Invaders 2003 3. Die Raketen vs. Kagami - Game Over 4. Towa Tei vs. Sweet Robots Against The Machine - Photography? Serigraphy? 5. Mijk Van Dijk vs. Toby - Do U Know My UFO Mix 6. EL-KT vs. The Perfect Futurist - Invade Yourself 7. Trippy-Trapper-Music vs. Elektel - The Invader Who Loved Me Mix 8. Malawi Rocks vs. K-Sobajima - Theme From Space Invaders 9. Ko Kimura vs. E-Male - Defender (Earth Attack Remix) 10. DJ Shinkawa vs. DJ Mase - Elektrix (UFO 500 Mix) 11. Chester Beatty vs. DJ Shufflemaster -Invader With The Stars'N'Stripes Mix 12. Shin Nishimura vs. Dr. Shingo - 25 Years Driven 13. Q'Hey vs. Marco Bailey - Don Quijote (Against The Invader Mix) 14. Co-Fusion vs. Rebus Tape - I.N.V

Today's Product Release Update
Posted by M @ 4:34 p.m. NZDT

See GPstore for today's release update in games, DVDs, hardware and more.

Yesterday - NFL Street shipping for PS2.

Dual Screen Update
Posted by M @ 4:12 p.m. NZDT

As if it weren't entirely expected, Nintendo's Dual Screen handheld device can stack vertically a la the bulk of Nintendo's highly successful Game and Watch dual screen models and allow a single game view as well as independent displays.

In other news, Electronic Arts, which has around a dozen PSP games in development, is said to be uncommitted to the format at this stage.

The company is reviewing plans to develop many other of their popular gaming franchises are in development and the company plans on making several of its titles Xbox Live compatible.

SEGA and Treasure Creating Astro Boy Games
Posted by M @ 5:37 a.m. NZDT

SEGA has just announced a partnership with Sony to bring Tezuka Productions' legendary Japanese comic Astro Boy to life on the PlayStation 2 and Game Boy Advance. Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka in 1951, is one of the most recognized characters in Japanese animation.

The console version of Astro Boy, created exclusively for the PlayStation 2, is currently in development at Sonic Team under the direction of Yuji Naka, the creator of SEGA's world-famous Sonic the Hedgehog series. The Game Boy Advance release, entitled Astro Boy: Omega Factor, is currently in development at SEGA's Hitmaker studios in cooperation with legendary Japanese developer Treasure.

Tezuka, known as the pioneer of Japanese animation and 'father of manga,' created the Astro Boy character more than 50 years ago. Often compared in popularity to Mickey Mouse, Astro Boy was also the first Japanese animated television show shown in America and, during the 1960s, the highest rated show in syndication. Airing in more than 40 countries and selling more than 80 million comic books and US$3 billion in merchandise and airing in over 40 countries, the character has amassed a global following and cult status.

EA Reports
Posted by M @ 5:35 a.m. NZDT

It's in the bank - Electronic Arts has just reported a record fourth-quarter result. Nett revenue was up 20 percent at almost one-and-a-half billion US dollars, nett income was up 57 percent at $393 million, and gross margin up 11 points to over 65 percent.

"This was another record quarter for EA," said Larry Probst, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We once again strengthened our position on current generation consoles and on the PC - and were number one in both North America and Europe. The Company had 11 titles that sold over a million units in the quarter - led by Need for Speed Underground which was the number one title this holiday season."

"Our portfolio of franchise hits continues to grow," said Warren Jenson, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. "In the last twelve months we had 27 platinum titles - each selling more than a million units. This compares to 22 platinum titles just a year ago."

EA claims it had the highest third-party publisher figures in both the U.S. and Europe on current-generation consoles and on the PC. The company is the most prolific third-party publisher in the world ahead of Take-Two Interative. Electronic Arts says its success was driven by titles such as Return of the King, Need for Speed: Underground and FIFA 2004, although its other in-house sports franchises have also shown strong improvement in critics' eyes over previous versions.

EA New Zealand earlier reported to Gameplanet it had dominated Christmas sales with a strong share across all formats.

EA has also reported a rosy business outlook for the coming year.

Xbox Give
Posted by M @ 5:34 a.m. NZDT

Want to play Xbox Live for money? Really? The Clash Competition Company is offering a competition service where winners earn points that can be redeemed for cash and prizes.

It's judged by human moderators and is partnered with the Gamertagdatabase.com. GTDB is the world's largest Xbox Live community. GTDB services include a full featured database of live users were you can search the world by region, state or town. Users who create a profile can share their bio, gamertag origin, pictures of themselves and their gaming rigs. They can create friends and foes lists for everyone to see, connect with messaging services built in site as well as invite one another to compete in Clash events. Clash users can also access a trophy case where they can show off custom trophies and avatars they earn in Clash events.

The Clash service is ongoing and follows new and old Xbox releases. These events happen currently four times a month.

Xbox 4 Player Dance Mat
Posted by M @ 5:31 a.m. NZDT

Following on from our full motion peripheral coverage, Logic3 has an Xbox dance mat on the way. The mat is fully compatible for the forthcoming "Dancing Stage Unleashed" by Konami, including 4 player mode. The mat features 4 way directional control, 4 action buttons, start & back buttons, an expansion slot and a heavy duty, slip resistance plastic covering.

Saitek X-45 Review at Kiwisim
Posted by @ 5:28 a.m. NZDT

Kiwisim have put up a review of the recently arrived, but greatly anticipated Saitek X-45 HOTAS joystick. It's definitely worth a read if you are thinking of taking the next step from a single joystick to a J/S+Throttle setup, or just looking for something really cool to fly with.

Read the full article at Kiwisim.

Driv3r Hits Brakes, More Release News
Posted by M @ 5:27 a.m. NZDT

Players will have to wait quite a while longer for Atari to release this highly anticipated title. In contrast to EA, Atari had a worse-than-expected Christmas and wants to make the most of the latest in the Driver series.

Atari says the game could become the biggest investment in its history, with promotion peaking at the now simultaneous release on Xbox and PlayStation 2.

Let's hope they don't follow Return of the King and offer promo goodies in cereal boxes. Gameplanet can see the license jokes, er, backfiring now.

Read more about this and the latest product updates in games, DVDs, hardware and more at GPStore News.

Yesterday - Dark Alliance 2 release dates, Virtual Skipper 3 slips.

Game modes include Champion Edition, Turbo, Super, Super Turbo and World Warriors. Icons will appear on-screen in place of the Super Turbo super meter, denoting which version of a character you've selected. In addition to the fighting itself, Hyper Street Fighter II will also feature a gallery mode, which will contain artwork, opening and ending sequences from all the games and credits for the various instalments.

Phantom Maker Recruits Bachus, Raises Capital, Gets in More Trouble
Posted by M @ 5:05 p.m. NZDT

Internet reports are claiming Phantom game console maker Infinium Labs has recruited Xbox pioneer Kevin Bachus and may be about to announce his insertion as president and chief operating officer today.

Reports have also claimed the Florida start-up has raised US$15 million in venture capital and paid a huge dividend to its directors. While the method of disclosure and amount of the payout has been criticised as underhanded, the appointment of Bachus would bring a depth clearly lacking going by current performance from the group.

Although the Xbox had a stuttering launch, the console has established itself as a significant platform in the West behind the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. In New Zealand, the console has raised itself to number two status ahead of GameCube, which launched around the same time.

Knights of the Round Cable
Posted by M @ 5:04 p.m. NZDT

Sunflowers and Black Sea Studios are inviting gamers to send in their photos to assist the search for the right faces for their forthcoming Knights of Honor.

"Winners" will be decided by ballot next month in the www.knights-of-honor.net forums. See the website for details on how to enter. Voting takes place from 11th to 13th February.

Clan Recuiter Now Recuiting
Posted by M @ 5:01 p.m. NZDT

Gameplanet doesn't think it's a good idea, but the Clan Recuiter website is currently looking for volunteer moderators.

The website, which offers services for players to arrange and join clans, is still on track for its March launch. Initially offering PC-releated support, the service aims to also offer console clan recuiting at a later stage.

Clan Recruiter is looking for moderators for the following games: HalfLife, Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, Unreal Tournament, Unreal Tournament 2003, Unreal Tournament 2004, Battlefield 1942, Soldier of Fortune II, Warcraft 3, Halo, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Quake III, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, Vietcong, Planetside, America's Army and Call of Duty.

Clan Recruiter is also seeking people to join the development team. Anyone with skills such as graphic and web design who is interested is invited to apply.

For more information, visit www.clanrecruiter.net/join.html.

No Online Cheats for Xploder
Posted by M @ 4:58 p.m. NZDT

Fire International has recently announced both the Xploder and GameShark cheat devices will avoid offering content that may assist online cheating.

"We feel that the game enhancements we create are generally used to help individual users complete or get the most out of their games. We want to protect the integrity of online gaming for all who want to play in this environment cheat free," stated Jason Cooper, managing director.

Third party cheat devices have long been abhorred by game developers, publishers and console manufacturers. While some developers, such as Nintendo Co. Ltd, have avoided the incorporation of code systems in their software, many games include such cheats as a means to extend their life cycles. Most unlockable content in games is still accessed by reaching gameplay milestones, but research shows only a small percentage of players actually complete many of the games they own.

Happy Mulligan
Posted by M @ 4:57 p.m. NZDT

"Full-motion" peripheral maker QMotions has today announced an agreement with Digital Interactive Systems Corporation to include active-game controller software in all DISCover PC game consoles (we think they mean controllers).

The system allows you to tee off, drive and putt a teathered ball using your own clubs while wearing a sepcially designed "swing arm". The system measures the ball's velocity and incorporates this into the game.

Game Bike
Posted by M @ 4:56 p.m. NZDT

If that's not real enough for you, try the Game Bike, which allows you to cycle your way through PlayStation games. Gameplanet draws the line at steering wheels, Body Challenge or no Body Challenge.

Product Release Updates
Posted by M @ 4:55 p.m. NZDT

See GPStore News for the latest local release news on gaming- and movie-related products.

Face-mapping was first introduced five years ago by UK developer Rare for the Nintendo 64 game Perfect Dark. Believed to be due to to concerns over video game-related violence, the Game Boy Camera-based feature was scrapped for the final version of the R16 game.

New Deus Ex 2 Gameplay Trailer
Posted by M @ 6:30 a.m. NZDT

Eidos is currently hosting the latest gameplay trailer for Deus Ex: Invisible War for PC and Xbox. Click on the link to access it from the official site.

Twin Snakes Details
Posted by M @ 6:29 a.m. NZDT

The twin-disc Metal Gear Solid: the Twin Snakes GameCube exclusive is due to be released on 12th March, according to Konami's local distibutors.

While Gameplanet often wonders what on Earth the Japanese are thinking when it comes to Western packaging, the Twin Snakes pack features a unique cover design by lead artist Yoji Shinkawa.

Metal Gear Solid: the Twin Snakes is the result of a unique alliance between series creator Hideo Kojima, Nintendo development icon Shigeru Miyamoto and Canadian development studio, Silicon Knights. Working closely together, this enviable array of talent have updated the original story first seen in the PSone version of Metal Gear Solid, and bringing it to life using the landmark graphics and gameplay elements seen in the seminal Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty for PlayStation 2.

You may or may not be pleased to know many of the original voice actors have been retained, including David Hayter in the lead role.

Gametrac on Trac
Posted by M @ 6:25 a.m. NZDT

It might smell of the same ineptitude as the N-Gage, but those tigers at Tiger Telematics are planning to release their Windows-based Gametrac mobile gaming device, complete with 8-way D-pad and GPS system, later this year. The 2.8" TFT screen comes in at just under Nintendo's just-announced Dual Screen 3" duo.

Gametrac Europe says it will have more on its official site soon, but here's a list of additional features in case being able to literally find your friends with the Gametrac's in-built GPS system isn't enough for you.

Gametrac was first "informally" revealed this month at Microsoft's Consumer Electronics Show booth.

Features and functions include:

• A movie player that enables you to watch feature-length films using a 512 Mb SD card
• An MP3 player so you can listen to all your favourite tracks, anywhere
• Messaging facilities allowing you to text and send pictures, music and film clips
• A high-resolution digital
• A 2.8" QVGA TFT colour screen
• Gametrac boasts an ARM9 400Mhz processor with a 64-bit graphics accelerator
• It is constantly linked with a GPRS connection, allowing wide-area network gaming
• Gametrac is also wired for GSM tri-band networks, so it can be used in five different continents

Thief Gets Original
Posted by M @ 6:24 a.m. NZDT

Thief 3 has been given a new title, Thief: Deadly Shadows.

An optional third-person perspective features in the third installment of the highly acclaimed franchise developed by Ion Storm. Dynamic lighting also plays a new part in the series:

Ion Storm's technology adds a new depth of realism and tension to the game's environments. Characters and objects cast real shadows that affect stealth gameplay, requiring the player to manipulate darkness and light to create shadows to hide in.

More News
Posted by M @ 6:22 a.m. NZDT

GPStore News has the latest release updates on games, DVDs, hardware, accessories and more. Check in for the latest news soon.

We also have new console-specific updates at www.Xbox.geek.nz and www.PS2.geek.nz.

Year of the Little Green Men
Posted by M @ 8:04 a.m. NZDT

Publisher / developer Empire has today announced that it has signed the rights to publish a special anniversary edition of Space Invaders for PlayStation 2 in Europe and North America, for its early 2004 line up. In addition to this, Empire has also signed worldwide rights to publish Space Invaders '95 for PC CD-ROM later in the year.

Space Invaders Anniversary will include nine different versions of the original arcade classic from the tabletop version to the original upright game. The anniversary edition release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the launch of the original Space Invaders arcade machine and also the 50th anniversary of Taito Corporation, the games' original developer and publisher. The Taito Corporation has already announced that it is planning to re-release Space Invaders back into the arcades in Spring 2004.

Game Modes Included for PlayStation 2 release:

• Space Invaders Tabletop: Cellophane version
• Space Invaders Tabletop: Monochrome version
• Space Invaders Tabletop: Colour version
• Space Invaders: Upright version
• Space Invaders Part II: Upright version
• Space Invaders Part II Tabletop: Colour version
• Space Invaders 3D Mode
• Space Invaders Versus Mode
• Space Invaders Doubles Mode

Ian Higgins, CEO Empire Interactive, commented, "The Space Invaders franchise is a recognised global brand with proven mass market appeal. The original game was at the forefront of the development of the video gaming industry and an anniversary edition has already proved a hit in Japan since it was re-launched before Christmas. We believe that Space Invaders Anniversary has the potential to be a big hit with gamers once again and we look forward to working with Taito to achieve this."

Mr Hironori Ishii, General Manager of Overseas Releases for Taito, commented, "Space Invaders has always been a franchise that has done us proud, and once again, it has not disappointed us. We look forward to a highly positive reaction from the re-launch of this classical game, and hope that today's kids and teenagers will realize where their favourite crop of hi-tech games originated from...for what now seems like ages ago."

Sonic Heroes Microsite Open
Posted by M @ 8:04 a.m. NZDT

SEGA's forthcoming Sonic Heroes has a new microsite, http://www.toughteam.com.

The microsite features game descriptions, exclusive wallpapers, movie and screenshots and interviews.

Absolutely no prizes for recalling the theme music...

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm
Posted by M @ 8:03 a.m. NZDT

Here's the latest on the latest Ghost Recon game from Ubisoft, exclusive to PlayStation 2. Jungle Storm features eight missions playable in single player and multiplayer mode. Ghost Recon: Island Thunder is also included, adpated from the PC and Xbox versions.

Peace has been restored in Cuba. President Ebana orders a national amnesty, and many former FDG members join the Ebana's party. But soon, a bomb explodes in the American embassy in Bogota, happily without killing anyone. Colombian government accuses the MFLC (Movimiento de las Fuerzas Libres Colombianas), a paramilitary movement financed by drug cartels. The MLFC claims that Colombian government planned this attempt to get support from UN. But Washington won't lose a chance to attack drug traffickers. Colombian government arrests many people, and MLFC attacks. A war has begun...

15 DEDICATED MULTIPLAYER MAPS FOR A COMPLETE MULTIPLAYER EXPERIENCE

• 5 Maps from Ghost Recon environments, 5 maps from Desert Siege environments, 5 maps from Island Thunder environments.
• Playable in Coop or adversarial modes through 11 modes.
• Also playable in single player.

ONLINE AVAILABLE

• The full 31 maps playable in Multiplayer On-Line.
• Online Statistics Tracking and Ranking.
• Integrated Ubi.com lobby.
• Text Chat and Voice Chat.

New Campaign for Massive Assault
Posted by M @ 8:02 a.m. NZDT

Wargaming.net has released a new campaign on Antarcticus planet for its global domination strategy game Massive Assault.

Players have to act as a Phantom League's Commander set to clear the planet from Free Nations Union forces. This dynamic campaign is coming as extra pack for the game and available for the download from the official website.

Today's Release News
Posted by M @ 8:02 a.m. NZDT

Check out GPStore News for today's gaming and DVD updates.

Yesterday - NFL Street release update, GTA Double Pack release update.

Metroid: Zero Mission is scheduled for release soon. Expect link-up extras through the respective handheld and console versions, though we doubt the games will be as different as Metroid Prime and Metroid Fusion, which also offered link-up extras between the GameCube and Game Boy Advance including an emulation of the original NES game.

Next TimeSplitters to be Published by EA
Posted by M @ 9:30 p.m. NZDT

The breakout-development studio run by former GoldenEye 007 developers will have its next TimeSplitters title published by Electronic Arts.

Free Radical Design hopes to expand its global distribution while at the same time showcasing improvements in the next installment of the acclaimed TimeSplitters franchise, first published as a PS2 launch title in 2000. Online play, "unprecedented" graphics, and a new story and gameplay features are planned for the next TimeSplitters game, scheduled for release next year.

Nintendo sold its stake in UK developer Rare after the split with staff now with Free Radical, with rumours surrounding the friendly change of hands to Microsoft pointing to the subsequent fall in output value from the company. TimeSplitters and TimeSplitters 2 have sold in excess of two million copies to date.

Nintendo Dual Screen Details
Posted by M @ 2:47 p.m. NZDT

Nintendo has revealed details of its latest device, due to launch worldwide this year.

The Nintendo DS (temporary name) features two 3" TFT screens that allow players two views of the action at the same time. Each screen is served by its own processor with a memory of up to one Gigabit.

As reported earlier, the device is set to be revealed at E3 in May. While you can no doubt think of plenty of uses for the device, an example given by Nintendo was the simultaneous display of two views in a soccer game, allowing the entire pitch to be shown while a close-up of a single player assists player control.

Nintendo originally used dual sceen design for its Game & Watch handheld games around 20 years ago, which allowed a broader game world for its LCD creations.

Nintendo's promotion of link gaming for Game Boy software and now GameCube will hopefully become integrated with the kind of features the dual screen device makes possible.

We'll have more on the Nintendo DS as soon as it becomes available.

Far Cry Demo Proves Engine Capabilities
Posted by M @ 2:34 p.m. NZDT

The single-player demo for Far Cry has just been released at www.farcry-thegame.com.

"Speculation on the game and the true capabilities of its engine has run rampant within the gaming community, but seeing is truly believing," said John Parkes, Marketing Director at Ubisoft. "We are confident that the release of this demo will prove beyond a doubt that Far Cry belongs in the upper echelon of FPS gaming."

The single-player demo offers an action-packed glimpse into the Far Cry world showcasing all the technically advanced gameplay and jaw-dropping scenes from the full version of the game.

Featuring a huge beach-laden level, the demo proudly showcases Far Cry's critically acclaimed CryENGINE, huge game environments, deadly A.I., and the longest view-distance ever witnessed in a first-person shooter. Visit www.farcry-thegame.com to download the demo today.

A multiplayer demo is also planned for release before the game proper becomes available in March.

IL-2 Forgotten Battles - New Patch
Posted by @ 2:27 p.m. NZDT

The latests in an ongoing series of patches for the WW2 based flight sim, IL-2 Sturmovik: Forgotten Battles has been released. Version 1.22 fixes a range of issues and adds some further enhancements to flight models and AI. The patch comes as either a 16 meg update to installs running the 1.21 patch or a whopping 120 meg fresh install patch. The dedicated server code has also been patched.

Players wishing to play online need to ensure they are running the same patch. You can find more information and download location on the official site.

GPStore News Update
Posted by M @ 2:26 p.m. NZDT

Check out GPStore News for today's gaming and movie product updates.

Yesterday - Black Hawk Down: Team Sabre due Friday

We haven't actually been able to see the comment purportedly made on the official site of the game's developer, but one promise remains from the new man in charge - the website will finally get some attention in the form of regular updates from Evulution Studios.

EA NZ Quits GameCube
Posted by M @ 8:03 a.m. NZDT

Electronic Arts is to cease distribution of GameCube titles in New Zealand. The move will not be followed overseas.

One of the key advantages enjoyed by GameCube owners has been availability of exclusive content and features through connectivity with the Game Boy Advance. Nintendo itself has assisted EA to develop the extras, though the potential of the system has yet to be fully exploited.

The world's largest third-party publisher, Electronic Arts publishes titles across all hardware formats.

Nintendo has recently celebrated soaring GameCube sales in the overseas holiday season after reducing its RRP to US$99. Nintendo claims total GameCube sales in North America led all current generation consoles in the run-up to Christmas, and were 70% ahead of the previous year. In Europe, GameCube sales were 88% ahead of the previous Christmas and software sales ahead by 45%. Game Boy Advance SP sales increased 33%.

Local GameCube distributor Monaco Corporation has led the global RRP at NZ$249.95 since 2002, but is unable to extend its marginal loss any further until its own prices are reduced from Nintendo Australia. The GameCube is the least popular current-generation console in New Zealand, with both the Xbox and PlayStation 2 enjoying healthy sales ever since their respective local releases.

New Harry Potter Game
Posted by M @ 7:50 a.m. NZDT

Electronic Arts has announced a new game based on the Harry Potter books, entitled Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Set in Harry's third year at Hogwarts, for the first time gamers will play as friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as well as Harry Potter.

Players will unravel the mystery surrounding Sirius Black and his escape from the infamous wizard prison Azkaban.

Gamers will encounter a host of new characters and creatures, engage in a variety of sub-quests, fly on a Hippogriff, reveal the secrets of the Marauder��s Map, and take on their friends in multiple two-player challenges.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azbakan is scheduled for release on all current-generation consoles, PC and Game Boy Advance in 2004.

NFL Street Early
Posted by M @ 7:47 a.m. NZDT

GPStore yesterday announced EA Sports Big's NFL Street is arriving early, and should now be released this Friday.

Electronic Arts has entered into unprecedented partnership support with Sony Music for its EA Trax soundtrack for NFL Street. Expect to hear one of the best non-original soundtracks out there when the game releases on all formats this week.

You can check out more gaming and DVD release information daily from GPStore News.

Clearance Sale
Posted by M @ 7:46 a.m. NZDT

GPStore is currently clearing over 140 titles across all formats. Check out the home page for more information.

"In the future, we envision scientists sitting within a large wrap-around display and programming rover movements and experiments using simple touch-screen or voice commands, said Edwards." Sounds like the perfect game station.

New Secret Weapons Over Normandy Content
Posted by M @ 7:37 a.m. NZDT

The thrid package of downloadable content is now available for Secret Weaons Over Normandy via Xbox Live.

The package features one additional flyable plane, a single player mission, and an alternative camoflauge scheme for the Ju-87 Stuka. As a SWON first, this package includes the first Italian fighter craft in the game, the Macchi 202.

Combining Italian design skills with a German inline engine, the Macchi 202 is a more than capable fighter plane. SWON players will get the chance to take into action, as they fly for the Axis in combat against Allied invaders in a brand new mission named 'Escape from Tripoli'.

New Free Service Lets Gamers Track, Alert, and Connect Easily with Friends Online
Posted by M @ 7:36 a.m. NZDT

Ultimate Arena, Inc., the leading tournament platform for multiplayer online gamers, today announced that the beta version of Xfire is available at www.xfire.com. Xfire automatically tracks when and where gamers' friends are playing PC games online. With one click, gamers can instantly join their friends' games.

Xfire also supports in-game instant messaging notification, which alerts friends playing online when a buddy is ready to jump in.

Xfire users can:

• Join a game already running with one click
• Automatically be alerted when their friends are playing online
• Find and play with friends of friends
• Inform friends that the user is interested in playing a particular game

"Most gamers prefer to play games with friends, but find it a pain to organise," said Mike Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Arena, Inc. "Xfire eliminates the hassle by changing the online gaming experience from being game server-centered to being player-centered. Xfire helps gamers track, alert, and connect to their friends playing online."

To download the free beta version of Xfire, visit www.xfire.com a the link above.

Xfire's user-friendly interface lets gamers know when, where, and what game their friends are playing at any time. Xfire supports numerous server and non-server based FPS, RTS and RPG games.

Games supported by Xfire currently include America's Army: Operations, Battlefield 1942, Counter-Strike, Dark Age of Camelot, Dark Age of Camelot - Shrouded Isles, Diablo, Diablo II, Dungeon Siege, EverQuest, Halo, Lineage, Medal of Honor Allied Assault, Meridian 59, Neverwinter Nights, PlanetSide, Quake, Quake III Arena, Starcraft, The Temple of Elemental Evil, Unreal Tournament, Unreal Tournament 2003, Warcraft III Wolfenstein - Enemy Territory, XEvil, Call of Duty and Final Fantasy XI.

Middle-Earth Online Update
Posted by M @ 7:29 a.m. NZDT

Lord of the Rings-based Middle-Earth Online has a new, if far from original, feature for its game, which it calls 'time based advancement.'

The point of the feature is to prevent players' characters being left behind in the advancement stakes, especially for those with restricted online availability.

Time Based Advancement features:

• Character stats advance in real time, whether you are playing or not.
• When one stat is finished training, just log in and select the next stat you want to improve.
• Not being able to log in and play a considerable amount of time every day won't mean that you're left hopelessly behind your more active friends.
• Reduces repetitive game-play, or grinding, associated with increasing stats.
• Players who log in after a long absence will benefit from a small advancement bonus.

Latest Product Release News
Posted by M @ 7:27 a.m. NZDT

Check out the latest product release information for games, DVDs, hardware and more at GPStore News.

Yesterday - Arc: Twilight of the Spirits due next week, Destruction Derby: Arenas due Friday.

Screenshots are due to be released shortly.

Media Centre for PlayStation 2
Posted by M @ 2:36 a.m. NZDT

Not to be outdone by the Xbox, the PlayStation 2's multimedia evangelism might finally get some assistance - but not from Sony.

Bill Gates' Consumer Electronics Show announcement of the Xbox Media Center Extender Kit , which allows PC-routed digital entertainment to be enjoyed on your television via Xbox Live, has been met by the announcement of the Mad Catz Xploder Media Center Live for PlayStation 2.

Xploder features include:

• Recognises all major media standards
• Automatic network configuration
• Fully upgradeable - future formats will be catered for
• No more wires - wireless network compatible*
• Easy to use - simple installation and setup
• High performance - allows user defined playlists
• Combines the excellent storage facilities of a PC with the powerful media playback features of the PS2
• DVD quality movies with full DVD controls (play, rewind, fast forward, pause etc.)
• CD quality music
• Full parental control

Fore Player on PS2
Posted by M @ 2:35 a.m. NZDT

Sony Computer Entertainment has today announced Hot Shots Golf Fore! on PlayStation 2, to be released at the end of the year.

Hot Shots Golf Fore! is the English-language version of Minnano Golf 4, and is currently announced for North America.

Based on the fast-paced gameplay that fans of the franchise have grown to love, Hot Shots Golf Fore! ...provides breathtaking graphics and true-to-life golf physics that will include more golfers, caddies and courses than ever before, and by popular demand, miniature golf, as well as a unique online gameplay mode.

The game has sold over a million copies in Japan since its release on 27th November. The series has sold close to 7.5 million copies worldwide.

From the Cradle to the Tomb
Posted by M @ 2:35 a.m. NZDT

After a disastrous 2003 update to the Tomb Raider series, Tomb Raider and Lara Croft creators Jeremy Heath-Smith and Adrian Smith have left Core Design to form their own development studio.

Circle Studio has recruited 35 former Core employees, and is currently working on prototypes for current- and next-generation PlayStation and Xbox hardware.

Heath-Smith was executive producer of the Tomb Raider motion pictures, including last year's Tomb Raider: the Cradle of Life.

The duo co-created Tomb Raider and Lara Croft with Toby Gard. Lara Croft is now the most recognised video game character of all time.

Edinburgh Games Festival Returns
Posted by M @ 2:35 a.m. NZDT

The committee of the Edinburgh International Games Festival has today announced the return of the show in August 2004.

The inaugural 2003 show was an "overwhelming success" according to the committee.

The programme for 2004 will offer:

• An extra half day of sessions bringing the conference programme up to 1.5 days
• An all new series of 'Game Screenings' ?personal presentations to the public and press by some of the industry's leading games creators
• Extended public exhibition, Go Play Games, at the National Museum of Scotland, following last year's sell-out event
• Increased coverage and support from leading magazines Edge, MCV and Develop

The official Expansion Set offers exciting new challenges, additional detailed graphics, optimised game functions and new adventures, including three new continuous-play games and twelve single-player scenarios with varying degrees of difficulty. A new battle scenario will also be included, designed especially for newcomers. The New World sold over 700,000 copies in 2003. Treasures, Monsters and Pirates is due for release in Q2.

Prince of Persia, Beyond Good and Evil Release Update
Posted by M @ 12:10 p.m. NZDT

Local Ubisoft distributor Monaco Corporation has advised Gameplanet that Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time is due for release on GameCube and Xbox late February, and Beyond Good and Evil late March.

Armed and Dangerous Xbox Live Bonus Mission
Posted by M @ 12:10 p.m. NZDT

The first available bonus mission for LucasArts' slapstick shooter Armed and Dangerous can now be downloaded via Xbox Live.

In the all-new mission, entitled Summer Home, the King's troops are looking for payback and are determined to destroy Lily's lovely Summer Home sitting high upon a hill. It is your mission to prevent the ogres from destroying her idyllic house. If they succeed, Lily would have nowhere to summer and would wind up living on the streets. Keep her relaxing abode safe from harm! Log into Xbox Live and download today!

Ground Control 2 - Operation Exodus Weekly Features Online
Posted by M @ 12:10 p.m. NZDT

Massive Entertainment's Ground Control 2 - Operation Exodus website is hosting weekly features detailing characters, screenshots, movies and other content for their forthcoming strategy title. The features are touted as a good primer for interested newcomers and fans alike. Operation Exodus will be publised by Vivendi Universal Games.

PlayStation Penetration Rivals NES
Posted by M @ 12:09 p.m. NZDT

With worldwide sales of the PlayStation 2 reaching 70 million and PSone sales continuing, the PlayStation, PSone and PlayStation 2 have together found their way into a third of North American homes, a level of market penetration rivalling the Nintendo Entertainment System, which ceased production in the late 1980s.

In Japan, Nintendo has recently released a Game Boy Advance modelled on the Japanese version of the NES, the Famicom. Nintendo had previously produced a similar model with an controller-coloured interface to mark the Famicom's 20th anniversary.

Nintendo has also announced plans to reveal a new game machine to compliment the company's existing lineup at E3 in May.

Big Weekend In
Posted by M @ 12:09 p.m. NZDT

Our Sunday reading this weekend covers first hands-on impressions of the Logitech Driving Force Pro USB steering wheel and Gran Turismo 4: Prologue, Gunner's first monthly Armchair General column, our review of Joytech's new 7" widescreen TFT screen for Xbox, and coverage from the weekend's ChinaJoy 2004 game show. We'll also have the NZ weekly top ten charts for you.

PlayStation 2 Screenshots Update
Posted by M @ 12:08 p.m. NZDT

Check out the latest PlayStation 2 News for PS2-related screenshots you might have missed due to technical problems yesterday.

Latest Product News
Posted by M @ 12:08 p.m. NZDT

Check out today's GPStore News for the latest release information. GPStore covers games, DVDs, hardware and more.

Yesterday - X2: The Threat restocked, Finding Nemo (DVD) pre-orders shipping today.

The best part seems to be the addition of Internet and LAN play. Check out the website for full details of the team's progress.

Driv3r Short Film Trailer Available Today
Posted by M @ 12:54 a.m. NZDT

The first trailer for Ridley Scott Associates' three-minute short film, Run the Gauntlet, was made available about three minutes ago on the official Driv3r website.

The 30-second trailer is the first of two promoting Episode I of the minute-long Driv3r promotional live-action vignettes. The second trailer will be available on 19th January, followed by the full Episode I on 23rd January.

Screenshot Roundup
Posted by M @ 12:41 a.m. NZDT

Check out today's feature for new screens on games we've been covering in this week's news, courtesy of Cullen.

Prince of Persia, Beyond Good and Evil Coming for Xbox and GameCube
Posted by M @ 12:08 a.m. NZDT

Ubisoft's smart, technologically advanced titles are promised to arrive in NZ 'after 20th February', says the giant publisher.

There's more good news, too. Rather than porting the PS2 versions, each title has been optimised for the superior abilities of the GameCube and Xbox. Even the unlockable original Prince of Persia has been recreated with each particular format in mind.

While Prince of Persia's place as one of the greatest platforming series of all time is affirmed by the latest version (actually the prequel to the original), Beyond Good and Evil is a totally new title and Ubisoft has announced its RRP as AUS$49.95 and NZ$59.95.

More Product Release News
Posted by M @ 12:07 a.m. NZDT

Check GPStore News for the latest releases and upcoming games, DVDs, accessories and more.

Click here for the free download of a large portion of the multiplayer part of the game, fully valid and compatible with full version online servers!

Little Big World
Posted by M @ 4:37 a.m. NZDT

Check out today's previews on two sim updates ready for release in January and February.

The Game Boy Advance gets its own edition of the Sims Bustin' Out, while its big brother gets the rather larger-scale SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition, which features both macro and mico gameplay.

Soldiers: Heroes of WWII
Posted by M @ 4:19 a.m. NZDT

Codemasters has signed up to publish Soldiers: Heroes of WWII from Ukranian developer Best Way. This is the third signing from Russian publisher 1C Company. Previous titles were Perimeter and Wartime Command.

Soldiers is a third-person tactical action game based on over 25 European battle missions you can play as British, Russian, German or American forces.

The action lets you command a team as well as take control of a single soldier and chose your mission style from gung-ho to high stealth.

Key gameplay features:

Star Wars Battlefront Announced
Posted by M @ 3:57 a.m. NZDT

LucasArts has today announced the latest Star Wars game based on the original trilogy and prequel stories, optimised for multiplayer LAN and online play on PC, Xbox and PlayStation 2.

Both console and PC players will be able to participate in the most memorable Star Wars battles set in over 15 environments across 10 diverse planets including Hoth, Geonosis, Yavin, Tatooine and Naboo. Players will be able to select one of over 20 different soldier types from four factions: Rebel Alliance, Imperial Army, Clone Army and Droid Army. Each soldier will have specialized abilities and the freedom to use ground-based turrets found on the battlefront as well as over 15 diverse ground and air vehicles including the AT-ST, X-wing and speeder bike.

Star Wars Battlefront also allows some serious LAN play. Console gamers on both PS2 and Xbox will be able to play 32-player LANs and 16 online, with double that for PC. All systems will have voice chat support.

Star Wars Battlefront is scheduled for release at the end of the year.

Phantom Games List Pulled
Posted by M @ 3:45 a.m. NZDT

More from the funny fellows at Infinum Labs. The recent list of some 500 games for the so-called Phantom video game console has been replaced by a screen claiming the list is being updated. Why Infinium would want to remove the list, unless forced to, is hard to imagine.

Latest Product News
Posted by M @ 3:37 a.m. NZDT

Check out today's product news here. GPStore News keeps you up to date with the latest on availability and timing of games, hardware, DVDs and more.

Yesterday - Beast escapes, Deus Ex 2 delayed.

PlayStation 2 News
Posted by M @ 3:09 a.m. NZDT

Check out PlayStation 2 Geek for more PS2-related updates.

Yesterday - Darkwatch: Curse of the West, Miami Vice, WWX: Rumble Rose

Nanobreaker is scheduled for release at the end of the year.

Contra Gets 3D Update
Posted by M @ 12:59 a.m. NZDT

Konami's famed Contra franchise is set for its first 3D update on PlayStation 2 at the end of this year.

Neo Contra retains the gameplay elements players have come to know with a new setting and characters.

Set in the distant future, Neo Contra continues the adventure of the legendary hero, Bill Rizer, and introduces a visually striking new character to the series - Genbei Jaguer Yagyu, a mysterious Samurai. In addition to stylized characters, players will also experience realistic environmental destruction and explosions as they make their way through extremely detailed stages. The game's incredible CG cinematic sequences will also enhance its engaging storyline and overall dynamic visual design.

Konami says the game will be on show in May at the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.

Survival of the Friendliest
Posted by M @ 12:58 a.m. NZDT

Due to overwhelming interest, there's a new website to tell everyone more about the free Clan Recruiter service from the UK's Thunderbolt Network.

Decidedly international, Clan Recuiter aims to bring together players to fast track the process of forming clans for online multiplayer gaming. The service is due to be up and running this March for PC with future console support still at the planning stage.

Check out their games list to see if Clan Recruiter is right for you.

2 comments

Stop Bus
Posted by M @ 12:58 a.m. NZDT

NVIDIA has announced its 16 lane PCI Express bridge chip from the Consumer Electronics Show, a revolutionary product which "significantly increases" bandwidth between a computer's CPU and GPU, managing the flow and creating depending on what applications need the most.

NVIDIA says the chip "...affords the ability to instantly adapt a variety of the company's graphics processing units to the new PCI Express bus technology with the full capabilities and throughput offered by [the chip]".

GOTY Hell
Posted by M @ 12:57 a.m. NZDT

And you thought it was because we didn't have anything better to publish. Gameplanet's recent war game coverage is due in no small part to the sixth annual Wargamer.net game of the year awards. Voting for the Readers' Choice Awards is now open online. Unlike the official awards, Readers' Choice votes only decide one winner for each category.

As one would expect from a war game site, the fun doesn't stop there. The Wargamer.net encourages people to write their reactions to the votes and, if your letter isn't published, to "participate" in the forums on the matter.

Gameplanet will have its monthly war game column starting soon.

Latest Release News
Posted by M @ 12:57 a.m. NZDT

GPStore has all the latest news in game and DVD releases here, updated daily.

DIY Phantom
Posted by M @ 12:46 a.m. NZDT

The promises are coming thick and fast for the Phantom video game console.

Check out the official website for a laugh, even if you're not planning to make a bank deposit with Infinium Labs any time soon.

The official Phantom website invites players to customise their "gameing" [sic] service to meet their needs through the online-only sales and distribution programme. Aside from a host of design and linguistic traits suggesting something is seriously amiss, the marketing approach itself seems borne of naivete, or at least the expectation of as much from the public.

When is all this available? 31st March. M predicts a slight delay...

1 comment

Thorny Issue for Rumble Rose
Posted by M @ 2:33 a.m. NZDT

More taboo than death and mutilation, the prospect of nudity has been raised for Konami's female wrestling title for PlayStation 2, WWX: Rumble Rose, according to reports over the weekend.

With player models being developed by the same people responsible for Tecmo's Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball on Xbox, the focus is on detail and to get the most out of the PlayStation 2's processors. To that end, there will be no create-a-player mode and four-player is not confirmed. Online capabilities are also still being worked on.

The game is reported to be amongst Konami's E3 lineup in May.

Dance Dance Revolution Extreme Calorie Counter
Posted by M @ 2:21 a.m. NZDT

More from Konami. Latest information on Dance Dance Revolution Extreme for PlayStation 2 suggests the game will feature a workout mode, including a calorie counter which keeps track of your progress during the game. For the fitter player, DDR Extreme promises plenty of other features and songs, including the returned "Oni" mode which allows only four mistakes, a mission mode for one or two players, and music videos to boot.

Homeworld 2 Update Patch
Posted by M @ 2:11 a.m. NZDT

Sierra Entertainment has released its 1.1 update patch for Relic Entertainment's outstanding Homeworld 2, which apparently fixes quite a few issues with the game. Click on the link to download the patch.

New PS2 Flight Controller and Airforce Delta Strike Game
Posted by M @ 1:43 a.m. NZDT

Logitech has announced the Flight Force force feedback USB flight controller for PlayStation 2 at the weekend from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The device is due in the US next month, the same time as the first compatible game, Konami's Airforce Delta Strike. Check out the site for all the information on this promising title. Previous versions in the series have been released on Xbox and Dreamcast.

The Flight Force controller includes the following features:

• Twist handle provides precise rudder control and it locks when not needed
• Multiple hand grip positions offer comfort and control in different types of game situations
• Seven action buttons deliver easy access to fire weapons, select targets, and perform other functions using both hands
• Eight-way hat switch lets you quickly select your point of view High-precision throttle controls speed and power
• Stable, weighted base keeps joystick in place for enhanced control

Logitech says more compatible games are due soon. We'll have local release details as soon as they are available.

GPStore News
Posted by M @ 1:43 a.m. NZDT

Check out today's online store release news here!

Freedom Force vs. the Third Reich brings dynamic storytelling, fast-paced tactical role-play, and larger-than-life characters from the comic book pages to the computer screen. In this title, the league of heroes must travel back in time to defeat Blitzkrieg, defender of the Reich and his homicidal henchmen. With action spanning from the blasted battlefields of World War II to the dazzling depths of distant dimensions, Freedom Force vs. the Third Reich will give Freedom Fans more than they can handle.

Massive Assault Gets Editing Tool
Posted by M @ 12:16 a.m. NZDT

Wargaming.net has released a scenario editor for its global domination strategy game Massive Assault, and plans to include scenarios created by players in future updates of the acclaimed game.

Other improvements made available include a new Easy Scenario Pack, a patch, a new World War map, and a couple of new online play features. Other improvements are still being worked on.

China's First Game Exhibition Begins Next Week
Posted by M @ 12:15 a.m. NZDT

China Joy 2004 kicks off in Beijing next weekend. Organisers hope the show will become as E3 is to the US and the Tokyo Game Show to Japan. The show will include conferences on stopping piracy, and developers from Russia, Korea and Japan have been invited to attend the show.

We'll have coverage from the show next week.

Last Week's Top Ten Game Charts
Posted by M @ 12:15 a.m. NZDT

Excludes bundles and re-releases

All formats

1. Lord Of The Rings Return King PS2
2. Medal Of Honor Rising Sun PS2
3. Need For Speed: Underground XBox
4. Cricket 2004 PS2
5. Rugby 2004 PS2
6. Stacey Jones Rugby League PS2
7. Jak 2: Renegade PS2
8. Need For Speed: Underground PS2
9. Ratchet & Clank 2 PS2
10. Dragonball Z: Budokai 2 PS2

Henry Townshend finds himself trapped in his apartment that has been cursed by a deeply rooted evil. Only by exploring mysterious portals leading to disturbing alternate worlds will Henry begin to uncover the truth. However, in true Silent Hill fashion, mysterious new characters, horrendous creatures, and the undead will use any means necessary to impede his progress. Silent Hill 4: The Room features a terrifying experience that fans and newcomers will never forget.

Stacey Jones Rugby League Dominates Australasian Charts
Posted by M @ 12:39 a.m. NZDT

The first ever New Zealand-made PlayStation 2 and Xbox video game Stacey Jones Rugby League has been the top selling game in Australasia ever since its release last month.

It didn't matter that the 2003 season was long over. Kiwi developers Sidhe Interactive took extra time to make significant improvements to the game and the result has shown the value in doing so.

After trouncing Australia in the Kiwis' final international rugby league match of the season, the game's sales result has been seen by local gamers as another victory for New Zealand, not dissimilar to the locally made Lord of the Rings trilogy's conquest of the US box office.

We'll have last week's NZ sales charts for you tomorrow.

NFL Street Just Down Road
Posted by M @ 12:07 a.m. NZDT

NBA Street's Big brother is about to hit town. Word on the street is that Electronic Arts' multi-format NFL Street is due late next week under the EA Big brand. Check out today's preview for all the details.

My Little Phoney
Posted by M @ 12:04 a.m. NZDT

It seems the Phantom video game console is real enough. The Consumer Electronics Show today revealed the console for all to see. Although no-one saw it running, it's hard to see why anyone would bother paying for a spot at the show to host a hoax. It looks exactly like this.

Green Fees Leave Bitter Taste
Posted by M @ 12:04 a.m. NZDT

There's a new course available for the superb Links 2004, but Microsoft's decision to charge for the extra content is not going down well with putters.

Microsoft has released the Plantation Course at Kapalua, Hawaii for download on Xbox Live. To sweeten the deal for US players, four people will win a new set of golf clubs and three a GPS-enabled Suunto Golf Watch.

Shining Force Resurrected
Posted by M @ 12:03 a.m. NZDT

Written by staff that worked on the original Mega Drive version over a decade ago, the RPG battle game Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon is due out on GBA this April.

Shining Force will feature improved graphics, rebalanced gameplay, three new characters, and a "Unique Card System" to make battles more tactical.

The Shining Force series is a gem in Sega's past consoles, and screenshots of the GBA version show the graphical standards of the Mega Drive and Saturn games have been maintained.

We've also had the Extreme Value Pack just released on Xbox and PS2. The pack contains Conflict Desert Storm, Hitman 2 and V8 Supercars.

CES Kicks Off
Posted by M @ 12:56 a.m. NZDT

It's time for this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which is reported to be a much heavier show for gaming than in recent years. We'll have reports from the show over the weekend.

Driv3r Inspired Short Films
Posted by M @ 12:51 a.m. NZDT

For the first time ever, a series of short films have been created to promote a video game. The first of the three Driver 3-inspired original films, by Ridley Scott Associates, will debut online on 23rd January.

Each live-action film will be - you guessed it - three minutes long. Entitled The Gauntlet, the films will be the core component of both the DRIV3R web site, www.DRIV3R.com, and an extensive global marketing campaign beginning late January.

'Phantom' Console / Hoax Full Details Revealed
Posted by M @ 12:51 a.m. NZDT

M won't believe it till he sees it, but it hasn't stopped excitement over the release of full details of one Infinium Labs' Phantom video game console.

Check out today's feature on the console, including pics and specs. It is claimed the machine will debut at this year's E3 show.

PS2 Now Launched in China
Posted by M @ 12:51 a.m. NZDT

Sony's Chinese launch of the PlayStation 2 has begun in two of the planned five cities. The delayed and muted launch is thought to be for the same reason console manufacturers have long avoided the world's largest market.

According to the Business Software Alliance, 92 percent of software used in China is unlicensed, the second highest rate of piracy in the world.

Nintendo, which has always used its own media to prevent piracy, has a unique solution for its recently released Chinese console, the iQue. The controller-shaped device plays games downloaded to 64MB flash cards from authorised stores. As a security measure, each card will work with only one iQue, and each iQue with only one card.

Gamers pay for the right to download each game an unlimited number of times. The games have to be erased from the cards to allow subsequent games to be downloaded.

Hong Kong remains a prominent centre of electronics consumption, with Japanese versions of all consoles and equipment in plentiful supply. M will be in Hong Kong and China for a month from next week, hoping to get a hands-on of the iQue during his travels. You'll be sure to hear all about it.

You can also find a full list of fixes and enhancements, as well as links to the patch on the Official Site

Sid Meier in Computer Hall of Fame
Posted by M @ 3:10 a.m. NZDT

Legendary developer Sid Meier was one of ten of the most important developers of computer technology and industry incucted in to the Computer Hall of Fame. The Computer Museum of America (CMA) asked the public to choose their favourite innovators for induction into the Hall of Fame Class of 2002. The top five vote-getters were:

• Sid Meier, author of groundbreaking computer game software
• Jay Miner, who developed graphics for the Atari and Amiga lines of personal computers.
• Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the World Wide Web
• William D. Mensch, co-designer of the MOS 6502 and other processors
• Dennis Ritchie, co-developer of UNIX operating system

Each inductee will receive an official CMA Hall of Fame award plaque and his likeness and achievements will be displayed in the Museum as well as on the web site. They will be joining other luminaries including Admiral Grace Hopper, Charles Babbage and Bill Gates.

The CMA is dedicated to preserving the major milestones in the development of the computer industry and chronicling those milestones for the enrichment and education of all. The Hall of Fame is an extension of this goal, recognizing the contributions of innovators in the computer industry.

101st Airborne Soon
Posted by M @ 3:08 a.m. NZDT

The award-winning real time Havok physics engine has been included for use in the two more upcoming games - Tribes Vengeance from Vivendi Universal and an undisclosed Atari project - bringing up the total to 101 games using the technology.

Recent titles that shipped containing Havok 2 game dynamics include Max Payne 2, Deus Ex: Invisible Warrior, URU and Crash Nitro Cart.

Havok technology is the most powerful real time physical simulation solution worldwide. It offers integrated rigid body, soft body, cloth, and rope dynamics with the fastest collision detection and most robust constraints across all consumer level hardware platforms. These include the PC, Mac, Linux, PS2, Gamecube and the X-box.

Going Nowhere Fast
Posted by M @ 3:08 a.m. NZDT

Yes, it's another mobile revolution. Premier graphics co ATI is proud to have the acclaimed developer Climax working with its new Imageon 3D accelerator for PDAs and mobile phones to come up with an impressive technology demo. "This is the very cutting edge of technology for mobile platforms and we were very happy and excited to play a part at such an early stage," says Climax Portables' Mike Merren.

There's no word as yet of specific games that Climax will develop using the technology, but you can bet ATI's accelerator will make a big difference to games on relevant platforms.

The portable gaming market is set to hot up significantly with the release of Sony's PlayStation Portable at the end of this year. Assuming the format isn't suddenly downgraded like the PSX, PSP will become the most advanced portable format with a performance level not far behind the PlayStation 2.

This is expected to prompt Nintendo to release its updated Game Boy, said to be already well under way, but the cash cow is not known for its reaction times. On the plus side, Nintendo's R&D and hardware innovation is second to none, as is the strength of its hardware partnerships (though ATI's status will be interesting to follow).

The key difference with Sony has been software alliances, which have seen superior hardware trumped more than once. Nintendo has also held on, as it were, to each generation of hardware for as long as possible. Although Sony has done the same and more with the PSone, it has always been fast to release new products to market.

Whozat?
Posted by M @ 3:03 a.m. NZDT

A new use for your PlayStation LCD screen. Grown tired of using your 5" screen as a wing mirror in your Gran Turismo virtual cockpit? Those little speakers sound just like a portable radio, enhancing Ritchie Benaud's Cricket 2004 commentary no end. The little screen even makes it look like the real thing, and the whole package reminds us of the days when cricket coverage was free to anyone, anywhere. And the team was a little more consistent...

Strategy at its best!
Posted by M @ 3:00 a.m. NZDT

Sick of online cheaters, lag, paying more for computer games than beer? Dutch developer Johan Geuze is proud to advise his massively multiplayer space game Ferion was voted 'Massivley Online Game of the Month' at the MOGD (Multiplayer Online Games Directory) for December.

One adoring player: "Man it would be nice if I could just...wait a minute...hot damn, it's programmed in here." Classic.

Speaking of cheap...
Posted by M @ 2:57 a.m. NZDT

More from Europe: gamers who always wanted to play a Massively Multiplayer Online Game but were put off by the costs should take a look at forthcoming release BiosFear, says Tiscali Games.

"No need to spend your hard-earned money on the software - the client is free. Also, monthly subscription fees will be cheaper than most other MMORPGs. Combine this with BiosFear's easy accessibility and you have the ideal game for online-gaming beginners. But veterans needn't panic - there is more than enough hard fighting action to keep your blade sharp.

"BiosFear will be setting standards for long-time enjoyment as well - the game continues to be developed, so players can expect regular patches introducing new and exciting items, monsters, gameplay features and maps - without having to pay anything for the update except for the standard subscription fee."

Open Beta phase started on December 22, 2003. Players can register for this free Beta phase at www.biosfear.co.uk. After the Open Beta phase ends, subscription will cost EUR 6.95 per month or EUR 17.95 for three months or EUR 29.95 for six months.

Valve Leak
Posted by M @ 2:55 a.m. NZDT

Everyone seems to be getting excited about rumours of the Half-Life 2 dev kits being shipped soon, speculating the game itself could be here before its April ETA. Developers Valve aren't saying anything, so we won't hold our breath. Check out our recent preview for an excellent read on the latest info on the game.

(Source: Bastion)

Rainbow Six 3 for PS2
Posted by M @ 3:13 p.m. NZDT

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3, recently released on Xbox, has just been announced for PS2 this March.

The Xbox version has been extremely well-received. But along with the Xbox's inevitable alterations to gameplay from the PC original, one more thing is certain to change for PS2.

A URL plastered on a wall in the game and subsequently forgotten until the game's release has since been purchased by a savvy player and linked to porn sites across the Internet.

While both the game and sites are rated R18, Ubisoft has advised the oversight will be dealt with for all versions of the game with the removal of the URL. For more information on the game, see today's PS2 news.

Ban-hunt
Posted by M @ 2:35 p.m. NZDT

Publisher Take 2 's eagerly-awaited Xbox Grand Theft Auto Double Pack will be sent out to GPStore pre-order customers tomorrow, and available instore from Friday.

The Double Pack, featuring GTA3 and GTA: Vice City, is the latest release from the troubled publisher developed by Rockstar Games, whose works include State of Emergency and Manhunt.

According to the New York Post, columnist Chistopher Byron would have you wishing the games received a greater outrage even than Michael Jackson's alleged crimes. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is up for particular rebuke.

"This is 10,000 times worse," cries Byron. The hyperbole doesn't stop there. "...everything [looks] incredibly and shockingly real, with blood spewing everywhere." And we thought graphics were Vice City's weak point.

There was no such commotion over the genesis of GTA's 3D antics. Body Harvest, also from Take 2 on the Nintendo 64, was equally over the top. Perhaps the ratio of aliens to humans and a good cause allowed the game to pass rather unscathed.

Byron has his allies. American prosecutor Jack Thompson believes that even now sits an army of gamers fresh from training at their home-installed murder simulators, "ready, willing and able" to carry out the kind of violence they have been playing at.

No, this didn't stop you from playing war in the garden as a child, let alone the lounge. As Edge magazine noted last month, the US Army, "...which has had a significant involvement with computer training simulations over the last 20 years, has no doubt that there is absolutely no real-world training value in firing a gun in a video game."

Jon Krakauer, author of the seminal Under the Banner of Heaven, offers this understanding of the process that allows a violent fanatic to do his work. "Ambiguity vanishes from the fanatic's worldview; a narcissistic sense of self-assurance displaces all doubt... His perspective narrows until the last remnants of proportion are shed from his life." Although for Krakauer's subjects "all bets are suddenly off," the experience that leads to this transformation is believed by the subject to be real.

Jack Thompson's argument is about conditioning rather than training. And the US Army, having installed Xboxes to allow soldiers to play Full Spectrum Warrior in their barracks, would seem to agree on this point - in which case perhaps it's the real army, not Thompson's imaginary one, we should be worried about.

Y2K4
Posted by M @ 2:35 p.m. NZDT

If you lost us over the last few days, apologies for being offline. All is back to normal, save the lost news and forum posts (check out the replacement New Year posts from a few cheeky forumites).

We've heard rumours the wheel's full turning capabilities also work with Gran Turismo Concept, which, like GT4 Prologue, was an updated short game based on a limited selection of tracks and cars. The full version of Gran Turismo 4 is the only version that is planned for a PAL release, likely to be this Winter (Southern Hemisphere).

Summary of Last Month's Reviews
Posted by M @ 10:37 a.m. NZDT

Gameplanet reviews for December:

• Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (PC) 4.5
• Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon (PC) 4.5
• Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time (PS2) 4.5
• Pro Evolution Soccer 3 (PS2) 4.5
• Max Payne 2 (Xbox) 4.5
• Ghosthunter (PS2) 4.5
• Raindbow Six 3 (Xbox) 4.5
• Dungeons and Dragons Heroes (Xbox) 4.5
• Uru: Ages Beyond Myst (PC) 4.5
• Dungeon Seige: Legends of Aranna (PC) 4.5
• Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King (PS2) 4.5
• Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup (PC) 4
• Need for Speed: Underground (PS2) 4
• NBA Live 2004 (Xbox) 4
• NBA Live 2004 (PS2) 4
• Fifa 2004 (Xbox) 4
• XIII (Xbox) 4
• Lock On: Modern Air Combat (PC) 4
• Secret Weapons Over Normandy (PS2) 4
• Sonic Pinball Party (GBA) 4
• Gladius (PS2) 3.5
• World Rally Championship 3 (PS2) 3.5
• Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup (PS2) 3.5
• 007 - Everything or Nothing (GBA) 3.5
• Cricket 2004 (PS2) 3.5
• Stacey Jones Rugby League (PS2) 3.5
• Medal of Honor: Rising Sun (Xbox) 3
• Medal of Honor: Rising Sun (PS2) 3
• Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (PS2) 3
• Dino Crisis 3 (Xbox) 2

For the daily offerings of the Gameplanet Network, 2004 will herald a number of changes in content. It's pretty hard to beat the forums for sheer entertainment value, but we'll be working to deliver complimentary coverage and give you all a good reason to check in at least as often as you have over the last year.