Nintendo has opened the official site of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures.

To thwart the vile forces of a wind demon known as Vaati, legendary hero Link turns to the mystical power of the Four Sword to split himself into four colored copies of himself. Fusing cooperative and competitive multiplayer action, The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures for Nintendo GameCube features a unique gameplay system that incorporates both the television and the Game Boy Advance.

* Up to four players can link their GBAs to the Nintendo GameCube to join a frantic competition for Force Gems and special items while cooperating to move massive blocks, trigger switches, and slay mighty bosses.

* Explore eight worlds in the Hyrulean Adventure mode, or fight your friends in Shadow Battle mode until only one Link remains.

* A single-player mode allows you to assume control of all four Links and command their every move by seamlessly switching between battle formations.

* A high-resolution, top-down play perspective features visual effects like vivid colored lighting, water ripples, swirling smoke, and stylised weather effects. A New Zealand release date has not yet been confirmed, though the game is due for release in North America within the week.

Successor to GameCube Console to be Revealed at E3 2005.
Posted by M @ 10:13 p.m. NZST

With mixed indications from Sony over a 2006/2007 release for the PS3 and Microsoft seemingly happy to bring a unified standard to video game consoles, Nintendo has announced at an Osaka press conference it plans to unveil its next console at E3 2005.

So said Nintendo's Senior Managing Director, Yoshihiro Mori. This year's E3 saw Nintendo unveil its latest, dual-screened handheld, where all three platform holders seemed happy to talk about their plans to extend the current generation rather than excite the industry over the next generation.

Nintendo has traditionally unveiled its consoles at home in Japan, but has also made something of a habit of announcing release dates that prove to be premature. Nintendo has also delayed the release of next-generation hardware such as the Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance and GameCube due to late surges in existing hardware sales, a situation the company is currently enjoying in some territories with the GameCube.

Nintendo expects to make a profit of around NZ$1 billion in the next financial year.

Painful Realism for Football Manager 2005
Posted by M @ 4:05 p.m. NZST

Sports Interactive has signed an agreement with English Premier League online injury database PhysioRoom.com to help simulate injuries for Football Manager 2005.

"We are big fans of the previous management games that SI created and have spent far too much time over the years playing them," says PhysioRoom.com's Co-Founder Peter Lilley. "However, we thought the injury reports could be improved, therefore making the game even more realistic. For example, there were too many occurrences of one type of injury and all injuries seemed to come about through random bad luck. In reality the number and impact of injuries suffered by a club can be lessened by good managerial decision-making. We put this to Sports Interactive and they were positive because they were keen to improve realism in their new games."

"Should your star player be returning from injury before a crucial match, do you take the risk of a relapse by playing him, or do you leave him out so he might regain full fitness in time for the remaining games of the season? The final decision will still be the manager's, but from here on he or she will be making that decision from a more informed position," says Miles Jacobson, managing director of Sports Interactive.

Created in 2001 by Peter Lilley and David Wales, PhysioRoom.com came about when Lilley wanted to know more about the injuries that were keeping his players out of his fantasy football team. Wales (a chartered physiotherapist with Charlton Athletic who, at the time, was Lilley's flatmate) gave him advice on the nature of the injuries and how long the players were likely to be sidelined for. The pair realised that if they were interested in this information then it was likely that other fans would be too and, as a result, PhysioRoom.com was established.

PhysioRoom.com is now the definitive online resource for sports injury information. Its massive database provides a comprehensive guide to every injury likely to be suffered by a footballer and includes a wealth of information on each one, including the time of the season when it's most likely to happen, the player position it's most likely to happen to, how often the injury occurs in an average season, whether it's more likely to happen in a match or in training and the age of player it's most likely to afflict.

Football Manager 2005 will be published by Sega in Q4 2004. Further information is available from the Sports Interactive website, www.sigames.com.

Mobile Gaming Survey Reveals Shift in Habits
Posted by M @ 3:54 p.m. NZST

In-Fusio, a mobile games service provider and publisher in Europe, US and China, today announced the findings of its second in-depth reference study into the behavioural habits and trends of mobile games consumers in Java and ExEn technology. The survey reveals that the mobile games market is dynamic, in constant change and that significant trends and opportunities are emerging.

Summary of key findings:

• 60% of those questioned would like to be a member of a mobile game community
• Female gamers are loyal regular consumers of mobile games but aren't sufficiently catered for
• 36% of players are now older than 24
• 87% knew a mobile game was included when purchasing their phone up massively from 67% in 2002; 33% of those said it was a key criteria for choosing a phone
• Overall 'adventure' games top 'most wanted' chart (47%)
• Average game session stable at 20 minutes
• 58% of mobile games are played at home

The survey of a representative sample of 400 mobile gamers in France reveals that the majority (60 per cent) of those questioned would like a community or club aspect to support their mobile game activity, suggesting that whilst the quality of games (88 per cent) is a critical selection criteria when choosing a game, 'interactivity' is both an opportunity to develop loyalty and increase revenues.

Female mobile games players emerge as three times more likely (than men) to consistently download games, however the vast majority of female players (87 per cent) are interested in 'classic' and 'evolution' based games whereas the majority of games being developed are for the male market (sport, combat, adventure and video game licensed). This helps to explain why the majority of gamers are male (78 per cent).

Compared to In-Fusio's first mobile game survey in October 2002, the percentage of gamers that are over 25 years old has increased dramatically to 36 per cent (up from 22% in October 2002). The core of gamers are still to be found in the 18-24 year old segment with 42 per cent. 73 per cent of mobile gamers know exactly the cost of a mobile game and understand the relationship between price and the quality of games.

Commenting on the findings: Giles Corbett, co-CEO, IN-FUSIO said: "It is clear that games have become integral to the mobile phone market but as the consumer market evolves the industry needs to keep pace with the trends and habits of mobile gamers."

Deep Silver Announces Alexander the Great
Posted by M @ 3:53 p.m. NZST

Developer Deep Silver has the development of Alexander the Great, due for release on PC CD-ROM in Q4 2004.

The game, which has been in development by the Meridian93 studio since this February, is a 3D RTS/RPG which puts you in control of a squad of Alexander's elite Macedonian soldiers.

"There is a huge amount of interest in classical history at the moment and this title is a beautiful 3D gaming experience, we think this will be a great success for us." Commented Craig McNichol, MD of publisher Koch Media.

More information and movies can be found at http://www.shockwaveproductions.com.

Both the PS2 and Xbox version are due for release around Q4 2004. Check out the official website or see our first look feature for more information.

Massively Multiplayer Developer Mythic Entertainment Maintains Microsoft's 'Mythica' Mark Might Mystify Many Men
Posted by M @ 10:57 p.m. NZST

Mythic to Receive Trademarks and Domain Names as Part of Settlement Agreement

Dark Age of Camelot developer Mythic Entertainment has reached a settlement with Microsoft after alleging its use of the title Mythica for an upcoming game was likely to cause confusion.

"When we filed this suit we said that we were not looking for 'jackpot justice' and once Microsoft recognised this we were able to work out this settlement. We are extremely pleased with the resolution, the settlement and Microsoft's and its counsel's behavior during the proceedings," Mark Jacobs, president and CEO of Mythic Entertainment, said.

The case alleged that Mythica and pre-release publicity for such game infringed Mythic Entertainment's own name and amounts to unfair competition in violation of U.S. federal and state law. The complaint alleged that the term "Mythica" is so similar to Mythic's registered mark and name as to be likely to cause confusion, mistake or deception among consumers.

As part of the settlement Microsoft has agreed not to use the term "Mythica" or a number of derivations of that term in connection with future online games, and to drop its U.S. applications to register Mythica as a trademark. In addition, Microsoft will assign to Mythic Entertainment, for undisclosed consideration, certain international trademark applications and registrations, common law rights and associated goodwill pertaining to the name Mythica, as well as domain names that were using the name in commerce.

River City Ransom Returns on GBA
Posted by M @ 9:52 p.m. NZST

While it may not get the best reception in the USA right now, good old River City Ransom (originally published on the Nintendo Entertainment System) is about to reappear on GBA. Cult classic River City Ransom blends a significant amount of action, fighting and role playing elements into one game.

Panic strikes River City! "To the citizens of River City: I hold your high school captive! With my gangs of students and vicious bosses roaming the streets, nobody can stop me now! Meet my demands - or else!"

Fortunately, Alex and Ryan weren't in school the day Slick took it over. But now, their fellow students are prisoners - including Ryan's girlfriend! It's up to our two young heroes to battle their way past several dangerous city gangs, then defeat the gang lord to free the students of River City High and restore peace to the panic-stricken populace(!).

For more information you can visit the official River City Ransom Ex web site at www.atlus.com/rcr.

The ESA is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $7 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2003, and billions more in export sales of American-made entertainment software. The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show, business and consumer research, government relations and First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts.

Khan the Absolute Power Given Western Release
Posted by M @ 11:04 a.m. NZST

Korean-developed Khan the Absolute Power, which follows the history of Genghis Khan as a PC MMORPG, has been announced for a Western release following its 2002 release in Korea.

In Khan the Absolute Power players have several characters to choose from, including Knight, Micko, Necromancer, Sorcerer, Assassin, Wizard, Sage and Monk. Each character has its own unique skills that lead to different play styles. Khan the Absolute Power also supports VUI (Voice User Interface) technology along with real-time text messaging.

The background of the game is based on real history about Genghis Khan in the 13th Century. In 1225, right before seeing the other end of the European continent, Genghis Khan turned around and went back to the heart of the Mongol Empire. The Mongol army became the most disciplined, experienced, and feared force the world had yet to see.

This epic-based online game takes players to where Genghis Khan reached the end of his expedition. The game takes place in the small kingdom of Eurasia which Genghis Khan's brutal force was never able to conquer. Players will re-visit the history and prepare the battles against the greatest conquerer in history.

Developer Mirinae Entertainment is a venture company that transformed into a professional online game development company in 2001. It had over a few years gained a reputation of a leading PC-games developer in Korea, in the domestic and overseas market.

For more information on Khan the Absolute Power visit http://khan.mirinae.com.

Call of Duty: Finest Hour to Use Jim Henson's 'Creature Shop'
Posted by M @ 11:02 a.m. NZST

Original Call of Duty Console Game to Feature Animation Created By Live Performance

Game developer spark has enlisted the Academy Award-winning talents of Jim Henson's Creature Shop to provide an unprecedented level of realism, through its ground-breaking lifelike character animations, to the newest installment in Activision's epic and gripping war series, Call of Duty: Finest Hour. The WWII first-person action game is the first console video game to utilise the Henson Digital Performance Studio (HDPS) to animate in-game characters by digitally performing them live. Call of Duty: Finest Hour is in development by Spark, which is comprised of more than 30 individuals who have worked on the Medal of Honor series.

Utilising the Creature Shop's award-winning digital performance technology, Spark animators are able to capture Henson puppeteers digitally performing the actions of the characters live in-game on a virtual set. In doing so, the performers deliver an "amazing level of emotional realism and lifelike authenticity to the game's cast of gritty, war-torn characters, never before seen on a console title" according to the publisher.

The Creature Shop's technology also allows the Spark team to record and implement the preferred "takes?or cuts into the game in only a few hours, compared to the typical weeks of time required for character animation through traditional game development. Additionally, within the system, the animators can also link up with pre-recorded dialogue and lip sync to better capture spoken cues for each character, resulting in a greater emotional connection and an overall compelling gaming experience.

"To best equip our cast of characters for the compelling and gritty experience of Call of Duty: Finest Hour, we had to find a production approach that would result in a new level of realism and life for each character," said Scott Langteau, producer and chief operating officer, Spark. "Having the characters performed live by highly skilled actors and integrating the results through a proprietary AI system gave us just the emotionally powerful and the cinematic impact we wanted."

"We are constantly looking for creative and exciting ways to apply our unique real-time performance technology and Call of Duty: Finest Hour is a perfect fit," said Pete Coogan, Managing Director of Jim Henson's Creature Shop. "This project really showcases the difference a performance approach can have on the overall gaming experience and we look forward to future collaborations with Activision and our friends at Spark."

The newest installment in the award-winning Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Finest Hour features all new missions, transporting players to the frontlines of new campaigns to experience the cinematic intensity and chaos of battle from the epic moments of war.

Deloitte Predicts Electronic Gaming Devices to Increase Five-Fold to 2.6 Billion By 2010
Posted by M @ 10:53 a.m. NZST

New Deloitte Report Examines Impact of Gaming Advances on Advertising, Wireless and Entertainment Industries

Unrelenting progress in processing power, network bandwidth and storage capacity will enable the electronic gaming industry to become five times more pervasive by 2010, with the number of devices (excluding PCs) on which games can exist growing from 415 million to 2.6 billion worldwide. "Moore's Law and Electronic Games," a report produced by the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Group at Deloitte, focuses on the industries, outside of the electronic gaming industry, that will be impacted by technological advances based on Moore's Law, as well as the positive and negative disruptions that the advancements will create.

"As technology continues to improve, new opportunities will arise for industries outside of the traditional electronic gaming arena, such as film studios, record companies, advertisers, mobile phone producers, communications operators, toy manufacturers and electronics manufacturers," comments Ed Shedd, technology and media partner at Deloitte. "The number and range of platforms on which paid-for electronic games can exist will expand significantly and will include mobile phones, MP3 players, PDAs, set-top boxes, children's toys and even exercise machines."

Moore's Law states that the transistor density of a silicon chip will double every two years. This implies that there will be significant technological growth by 2010 and that processing power will experience an eight-fold increase by 2010, greatly impacting the disruptiveness of the electronic gaming industry. It is expected that 450 million homes worldwide will have broadband connections by 2010, with one billion individuals having access to multimedia mobile phones that could support paid-for electronic games. Storage capacity will increase to 1,000 gigabytes of disk storage in a typical home PC by 2010, enabling games to be longer and more complex with enhanced visual detail, sound effects and music.

These advances will create new revenue opportunities for sectors related to electronic gaming and will expand audience reach beyond the traditional electronic gaming markets:

Advertising. Games publishers, looking to recoup spiralling development costs, are more receptive to product advertising in games. In-game advertising will become commonplace, particularly as technology improvements and shifting demographics make in-game product ads more appealing.

Wireless communications. Mobile operators will be the pre-dominant channel for selling and distributing phone-based games, with only a small number sold in retail stores. More advanced networks, prevalent by 2010, will provide higher transfer rates, enabling downloaded games to be more complex and sophisticated.

Entertainment. Electronic games represent an important new merchandising category, with cross-licensing between films and electronic games providing a major source of revenue. Music companies will recognise revenue opportunities, as music becomes a more essential part of the gaming experience. Video games have inspired entire lines of toys and action figures, allowing toys manufacturers to capitalise on cross-licensing opportunities.

"Electronic gaming has been the fastest growing sub-sector of the media industry over the past five years," comments Mr Shedd. "In the UK, electronic games currently outsell music singles ten-to-one, with year-over-year sales for the third quarter of 2003 increasing by 13 percent to $684 million. This growth means additional opportunities for industries typically not associated with electronic gaming, with the chance to create a new revenue stream."

Additional key findings from Deloitte's "Moore's Law and Electronic Games" report include:

Gaming publishers. Gaming publishers will have more platforms to leverage, including on-line play and mobile phones, but will also face escalating production costs as demand for more sophisticated games increases. Steep entry costs may drive smaller publishers out of the market.

Advertisers. Embedded advertising in games provides advertisers a new opportunity to reach an expanding market with attractive demographics. Aggregating eyeball hours for a game that sells three to five million copies implies at least 50 million hours of viewing time. The Sims Online game already includes an interactive advertising element.

Fixed-line operators. Fixed-line telecommunications operators will benefit from the increasing popularity of multi-layer online games and downloadable add-ons, leading to increasing subscriber revenues.

Mobile operators. With an equal ratio of females to males owning mobile phones, the expansion of games to mobile phones will likely increase the participation level of women to electronic gaming. However, bandwidth may be insufficient to support the growth until 3G networks are more widely available around 2010.

Music industry. The music industry will continue to benefit from electronic gaming. Titles like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City use music to enhance the game's appeal, and seven audio CDs from the game are sold separately. Music and licensing revenues will become a factor in mobile and handheld games.

Toy manufacturers. Electronic games have historically competed with traditional toy manufacturers in the youth market. Technological advances will create new opportunities to improve existing toys with electronic feature add-ons as well as for cross-licensing opportunities.

The report was researched and written by Deloitte's Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT) Group and Deloitte Research. Input was provided by clients, leading industry and financial analysts, and the 5,000 strong global Deloitte TMT team.

Don't forget to keep up to date with GPstore news for all the latest release updates in games, hardware and more.

Heavy Bombers and Jets Expansion for FS2004
Posted by M @ 11:29 p.m. NZST

Shockwave Productions, the developer responsible for the WWII air-combat expansion to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, FirePower, announced today it is publishing their next title, Air Power: WW II Heavy Bombers and Jets.

"Flying these amazing aircraft through the beautiful cities and landscapes around the world is just breathtaking. You won't be able to stop looking at them. These heavies have such enormous cockpits, with switches, levers, and dials everywhere that are all functional and so real, we refer to the actual WWII pilot manuals while flying. Air Power takes full advantage of Microsoft's latest technology, and all the powerful features beneath the hood. The wonderful thing about Microsoft's latest flight simulator is, all the detail and depth that can be programmed in, casual gamers can just jump in, throw the throttle forward, and takeoff in seconds. We are very excited about Air Power, and proud of everyone on the Air Power team for putting their powerful magic into another amazing game." said Scott Gentile, CEO of Shockwave Productions.

Features

• Gorgeously constructed aircraft, inside and out, down to the last rivet.
• Fully clickable cockpits with authentically working switches, dials, and gauges.
• 3D cockpits so real, they look just like their 2D rendered counterparts.
• WWII air-combat veterans and modern warbird pilots were actively on board to bring these aircraft to life today in stunning detail.
• Authentic Flight Models® use wind tunnel technology to create the most fluid flying experience, including realistic stalls and spins.
• Accurate Engine Management means real-world fuel flow and cruise performance.
• Enhanced lighting visual effects.
• Fly the famous heavy bombers of WWII and the ingenious German jet technology that opposed them through 50 missions; attending word-wide air-show circuits, PR events, and repairs.
• Over 100-page manual filled with pilot reports, authentic flight manual diagrams, rare factory blue prints, and other hard-to-find information.
• Built to take full advantage of Microsoft's latest flight simulation technology.

Aircraft

• B17F and B17G "Flying Fortress"
• B29A "Super Fortress"
• B24D and B24J "Liberator"
• PB4Y-2 "Privateer"
• Lancaster BIII and "Grand Slam"
• Ar234 "Blitz Bomber"
• Ta183 "Huckebein "Raven"
• He162 "Salamander"

More information and movies can be found at http://www.shockwaveproductions.com

Combat Mission: Afrika Korps goes Aussie
Posted by Gunner @ 11:24 p.m. NZST

Combat Mission: Afrika Korps is about to be purchased by the Australian Army as a training aid.

The game has been licensed by the Australian Government, Department of Defence to aid Officers in historical education.

The Australian Defence Simulation Office has formally placed an order to obtain a special version of Combat Mission: Afrika Korps to be able to simulate and re-play historical tactical engagements in Greece, Crete and North Africa from 1940-1943. This version will be available for issue to all members of the Australian Department of Defence and will include a multimedia presentation on the Battle for Crete.

Besides a number of changes to mainly the Australian Order of Battles, Greece will be added as a playable theatre (something a lot of players wanted in the original release).

The Australian version will not be available commercially.

More E3 Trailers
Posted by @ 4:10 p.m. NZST

Here's a few more trailers that were shown at this year's E3.

Downloadable:

Capcom
Viewtiful Joe 2 (GC, PS2) - WMV, ZIP Compressed

Konami
Rumble Roses (PS2) - WMV
Silent Hill 4: The Room (Xbox, PS2, PC) - WMV, LZH Compressed
Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour (NDS) - ASF

Streaming:

Sega
Phantasy Star Universe (PS2) - WMV

Square Enix
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (Movie) - SWF

No US release date has given at this time, but the compilation is out in Japan this July.

Red Dead Revolver - New Screens
Posted by @ 9:58 p.m. NZST

New screenshots from Red Dead Revolver, Rockstar's western-themed action title.

PS2:
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8

Xbox:
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12

Konami have launched the official website for Metal Gear Acid, the card RPG game for PlayStation Portable; based on the best-selling stealth action series, Metal Gear.

Nothing much is on site at this time. There's a streaming version of the trailer (in WMP's WMV format) that was shown at this year's E3 (this is the first direct-feed footage of a PSP game available), and a mailing address.

Thrustmaster Broadens Focus to Consoles, Introduces Wireless Steering Wheel
Posted by M @ 8:01 p.m. NZST

Thrustmaster will be bringing a new range of force feedback steering wheels to PC and consoles, including the Xbox, at the end of the year.

Thrustmaster's latest offering is an official replica of the wheel on the Enzo Ferrari, one of the latest Gran Turismo gems from the celebrated manufacturer.

Enzo Ferrari Force Feedback, the reference wheel in the PC range, features a beveled, carbon-textured upper section, high-quality rubberized handgrips, 4 wheel-mounted levers and many controls on either side. The wheel is available in the US for a suggested retail price of US$89.99.

At E3 2004 last week Thrustmaster also presented the newest entry in its PC lineup, Enzo Ferrari Wireless ?the first wireless wheel for PC, also under the Ferrari license. With a design and ergonomics comparable to those of the Enzo Ferrari Force Feedback, this wheel employs unique radio frequency technology along with a knee-top system allowing gamers to play with the wheel resting on their lap. The Enzo Ferrari Wireless PC is scheduled for release in September 2004 at a suggested retail price of US$69.99.

The Enzo Ferrari for PC/PS2, the only replica of the Enzo Ferrari wheel which is compatible with PC and PlayStation 2, includes progressive pedals and central clamping system and will be released at the end of the year.

Thrustmaster also makes the Ferrari dream accessible to console gamers with the Playstation 2 version of its Enzo Ferrari wheel ?the Enzo Ferrari Force GT ?as well as the 360 Modena Wireless (for PS2). A replica of the wheel on the famous 360 Modena Ferrari, as its name suggests it is also a wireless wheel which provides the freedom of movement and ease of use expected by PS2 gamers. With its included knee-top system, it can be used seated comfortably on a sofa (SRP: USD 49.00).

The 360 Modena Force GT is the only wheel under official Xbox license to utilise a 'force effects' system. Equipped with a mechanism developed by Thrustmaster's R&D and approved by the Microsoft Xbox team, it allows players to choose between Force Effects/vibration or no effects, and also includes wheel-mounted levers and a knee-top system. The wheel will be available for a RRP of US$99.00.

Thrustmaster is also offering the Universal 360 Modena wheel, also licensed by Ferrari and compatible with the Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube and PS one consoles. The Universal 360 Modena includes a knee-top system and is sold at a suggested retail price of USD $49.00.

Project Gotham Racing 2 Content Released
Posted by t()mbst()ne @ 6:26 p.m. NZST

Released today, a new content pack for Project Gotham Racing 2 has finally become available for Xbox Live enabled gamers. The guys at Bizarre Creations have been hard at work on the content and we can safely say, it's all good. The download is Premium Content which will cost kiwi gamers $7.99NZ +GST. Here is a list of whats in the package for your money:

• Eight Cars: Ranging from a classic 1950's Porsche, a Ferrari 365 GTS4 (Daytona), all the way to the latest BMW 645Ci and a Chevrolet Corvette C6 which isn't even available for sale yet.
  
• Seven Tracks: Located in Paris, as with the other cities in the game, faithfully recreated and contains landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

PlayStation Sells 100 Million
Posted by M @ 3:11 p.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI) announced today that for the first time ever in game console history, PlayStation and PSone hardware achieved cumulative worldwide shipments of more than 100 million units as of today.

The milestone has taken Sony nine-and-a-half years, with the combined sales of PlayStation, PSone and PlayStation 2 units rivalling the Game Boy, which has sold around 170 million units worldwide. The PlayStation 2 had sold 70 million units worldwide as of the end of March.

The downside of the success of the PlayStation 2 is that Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has told Gameplanet it will not reduce the price of the console in line with the announcement of a US$149 price point for North America at E3 last week.

SCEE president and COO David Reeves outlined plans to continue growing the PlayStation 2's appeal with new products to entice non-gamers. He cited the Eye Toy as a recent product that had achieved similar results. Tomorrow SCENZ will release SingStar, a karaoke title which comes with two microphones and judges players' singing while accompanying a range of hit songs from original artists.

Further to our announcement that Project Zero 2: Crimson Butterfly will be released in NZ and rated M15+, Monaco Corporation has advised the game will now be released on PlayStation 2 this Friday, a week earlier than previously announced.

Second Pandora Tomorrow Xbox Live Patch Available
Posted by t()mbst()ne @ 2:41 p.m. NZST

A patch for the popular Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow has been released today for the Xbox and will automatically update when Xbox Live gamers log in to play. The patch addresses some bugs and also adds a few new features such as:

• Increased communication quality in the lobby that now indicates who is talking in the lobby.
• When creating a game session, the player can now specify the language he or she wishes to speak. In optimatch results, the language the host selected is displayed.
• The "Games in a Row" and "Revenge" parameter can no longer be used in ranking mode.
• When the host changes the game mode or the ranking option, the other players are informed (the game mode is displayed in orange, the ranking icon blinks). This remains until the ready state is switched on again.
• A little up or down arrow to show whether an objective indicated by an Enhanced Reality icon is located below or above the player's location is now present.
• The game now tests if there is an opposite wall close enough before sticking a spy trap.

Project Zero 2 Coming to NZ
Posted by M @ 12:15 p.m. NZST

Monaco Corporation has advised Gameplanet that the much-anticipated Project Zero 2: Crimson Butterfly will be released in New Zealand after censorship costs had earlier forced the company not to distribute the game.

Project Zero 2, developed by Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden developers Tecmo, will be rated M15+ rather than R16. Gameplanet rates the original Project Zero the scariest game of all time. We'll have a full review of the sequel on 28th May, the day of release.

First GTA: San Andreas Screenshots
Posted by M @ 12:00 p.m. NZST

Take-Two Interactive has released the first screenshots of Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

You can also subscribe for San Andreas news and check out three pieces of art here. We'll have more news as it comes to hand.

Codename: Gordon is out!
Posted by snark^ @ 11:04 a.m. NZST

The Abuse-like sidescroller Codename Gordon has finally been released. Starting off life a an ambitious fan-made project the team struggled through their own delay problems before being picked up by Valve last year and reformed under the name Nuclearvision. It's even got the manipulator weapon now...

The game is only available on Steam and hopefully should keep us all happy until the real thing arrives later this year.

Sony
Gran Turismo 4 (PS2) - ASX
Ape Escape Mega Stadium (PS2) - ASX

SingStar This Week
Posted by Matt @ 4:42 p.m. NZST

Sony's SingStar is due to release in New Zealand on Friday. Coming complete with two USB microphones, SingStar lets you warm up your vocal chords (for the next NZ Idol auditions?) by providing feedback on how well you karaoke your way through different game modes. Gameplanet reckons SingStar will be quite hilarious as a party game.

Xbox Live! Giveaway Winner
Posted by t()mbst()ne @ 4:42 p.m. NZST

Congratulations to J VandeLaar, who has won the prize draw for the Xbox Live Giveaway care of Microsoft New Zealand. Mr VandeLaar wins:

• An Xbox Live! Starter Kit which contains one years subscription, two online demos plus a headset.
• A copy of the upcoming XSN rally game, Rallisport Challenge 2 from Microsoft Studios.

Have fun and see you online!

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Posted by gimpsLTD @ 11:26 a.m. NZST

Relic and THQ have opened up the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War official site. The site contains information on the four playable races as well as some screenshots of the game in action and the expected system requirements.

Devil May Cry 3 Trailer (PS2)
Posted by @ 3:03 p.m. NZST

Capcom has released the Devil May Cry 3 trailer, that was shown at this year's E3.

Download it here. MPG, 3.46 mins, 49MB.

Devil May Cry 3 is exclusive to PlayStation 2.

DJ - Decks & FX
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 10:27 a.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment have just announced the first release of it's music mixing software, 'DJ - Decks & FX'. Developed by Relentless software, in Brighton, and exclusive to PlayStation 2, 'DJ - Decks & FX' allows wannabe DJs a chance to get behind virtual decks and mix like a pro.

This brand new application allows you to select tracks from a well-stocked record box, mix beats, add effects and even record and replay samples from the many tunes at your disposal. By utilising the USB headset you can even listen to individual tunes on one deck or check on recorded samples while your adoring crowd will hear the full impact of your DJ Set coming out through the Speakers.

'Decks & FX' is ideal if you fancy hosting your own house party or even just chilling out with mates, and with over 50 in-game licensed tracks (TBC), you can use your tune selection and skills with the cross fader to mix your way to DJ heaven.

'Decks & FX' is set down for an autumn release in the UK so hopefully we'll see it around then too.

Midway E3 Games Blowout
Posted by @ 1:44 p.m. NZST

Midway are one of the classic gaming companies, so we're quite pleased to see the strong line-up they have at E3 this year. We've collected some information and some screenshots of five of their most promising games.

• Mortal Kombat Deception
• Area 51
• NARC
• Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy
• Shadow Hearts 2: Covenant

Iron Phoenix Website Launched
Posted by @ 10:29 a.m. NZST

Sammy Studios has launched the Iron Phoenix Web site, a fairly detailed site containing inormation on the story and modes in this upcoming XBox Live game.

For more details check out the fact sheet we have available.

Painkiller 'Masters' Tournament Electronic Sports World Cup
Posted by @ 10:16 a.m. NZST

DREAMCATCHER and LIGARENA today announced a Painkiller 'Masters' Tournament, running July 6th to 11th, as part of the 2004 Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) finals at the Futuroscope in Poitiers, France.

Released globally in April, Painkiller is the PC shooter that everyone is talking about. The ESWC groups together 600 champions from 44 different countries for the first live televised, e-sports worldwide show.

More than 40,000 visitors are expected at the Futuroscope throughout the event. A Painkiller game zone will offer visitors free access to the game's single-player and multiplayer modes throughout the event.

Far Cry: Instincts and Full Spectrum Warrior - New Screens (Xbox)
Posted by @ 2:19 a.m. NZST

The latest screenshots of Far Cry: Instincts. An entirely new Xbox exclusive, developed by Ubisoft's Montreal studio. Based on the PC sleeper-hit FPS by German developer, CryTek. Has a tentative date of Q4 2004.

From the Xbox version of Full Spectrum Warrior (Pandemic/THQ), the highly anticipated 3rd person army simulation title. Due late June.

Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow - New Details and Screens (Xbox)
Posted by @ 12:55 a.m. NZST

Presenting new screenshots from Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow (Ubisoft), an Xbox exclusive title.

Black Arrow is more or less a Rainbow Six 3 'standalone expansion'. The Single Player campaign set in Mediterranean and Eastern European environments; providing new gear and weapons. Terrorist AI has been improved - they now call for backup, and use hostages as human shields.

Black Arrow is one of the first games to use Xbox Live 3.0's new features - user-created tournaments; Messaging; and Clan statistics. There are two new multiplayer modes - Capture The Point, and Capture The Flag. Private team lobbies have been added where players can use a planning interface to strategise, before their online matches begin. Another notable addition is a 2-player splitscreen co-op mode.

Expected to be released during Q3 2004.

GTA: San Andreas - Plot Details Unveiled
Posted by @ 4:21 p.m. NZST

Rockstar has revealed the plot synopsis for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Taking place in the early '90s, you are Carl Johnson - a man who, five year earlier, had fled from the stressful living of Los Santos, San Andreas - a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. Where filmstars and millionaires do their best to avoid the dealers and gangbangers.

His mother's murder, the crumbling of his family, and his childhood friends going off the rails, prompts a homecoming for Johnson.

Upon his return to Los Santos, two crooked cops frame Johnson for homicide. Pushed on a quest over the whole state of San Andreas, Carl Johnson endeavors to save his family and to take control of the streets.

GTA: San Andreas is slated for October release on PlayStation 2.

GTA San Andreas Web Site Launched
Posted by Matt @ 1:27 p.m. NZST

Rockstar Games has launched its Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Web site. Thus far, only screenshots and a mailing list are on offer from the site.

San Andreas is scheduled for release in October.

Sony Announce Rise of the Kasai
Posted by @ 1:00 p.m. NZST

The Mark of Kri was one of the better games we played last year, let down mainly by its length. So it is good news to hear that a sequel is on the way. Rise of the Kasai returns players to the world of Rau and his trusted guide, Kuzo for a story that encompasses events both prior to and after those in The Mark of Kri.

With both one- and two-player modes, and a reported length three times the size of The Mark of Kri this is one sequel worth keeping an eye on. More information on Rise of the Kasai can be found here.

Dead or Alive Ultimate Release Date
Posted by Matt @ 12:41 p.m. NZST

Tecmo has revealed that Dead or Alive Ultimate is scheduled to release Q4 2004 for Xbox. Ultimate will be one of the first 3D fighting games to go online with Xbox Live.

"Dead or Alive Ultimate is one of our biggest titles for the remainder of 2004 and we're very happy to be able to show a new trailer and reveal new details on the game to the press during E3," John Inada, Tecmo's General Manager said. "With more stages and costumes than any other game in the fighting series as well as its worldwide online capabilities, Dead or Alive Ultimate is the link to the future in fighting games."

World of Warcraft This Year
Posted by Matt @ 12:27 p.m. NZST

Blizzard Entertainment has revealed today that World of Warcraft is nearing completion. Blizzard president and co-founder Mike Morhaime has said "When we set out to create a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, our goal was to give players an incredibly dynamic online gaming experience filled with endless possibilities while expanding the scope of the Warcraft universe. We look forward to accomplishing this goal with the release of World of Warcraft later this year."

World of Warcraft is currently undergoing closed beta testing in North Korea and the U.S.A.

Viewtiful Joe to release on PS2 and GameCube
Posted by @ 12:11 p.m. NZST

One of the best bits of news we've seen lately is the confirmation by Capcom of the release of a sequel to one of our favourite games of 2003, Viewtiful Joe. This time Joe is joined by his girlfriend Sylvia, with both characters to be playable in the game.

We have a fact sheet here with more details about the sequel. So far Capcom have only released a handful of small screenshots, available below. Thankfully it looks like Capcom have retained the distinctive style of the original. Stay tuned for more information on one of our most anticipated sequels.

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8

New Half-Life 2 E3 2004 Video
Posted by Egor @ 11:52 a.m. NZST

Update A massive 664MB, full quality, 30 minute version of the video is now available, showing also the demo from the Vivendi stand at E3. Download now!

A new video showing a presentation of Half-Life 2 at E3 2004 has been posted by GamersHell.

In addition to new footage of the game, the demonstration includes a short look at "Counter-Strike: Source". Comments by Gabe Newell in the video suggest this may represent the multiplayer component of Half-Life 2.

You can download the video here (34MB XviD, 13mins). Half-Life 2 is due for release later this year.

F.E.A.R Announced
Posted by gimpsLTD @ 11:48 a.m. NZST

After some speculation over exactly what Monolith's E3 announcement would be it has been revealed that the people who gave us the No One Lives Forever series, Aliens vs. Predator 2 and Tron 2.0 have been busy beavering away on a new title called F.E.A.R.

"F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault and Recon), is an intense first person close-quarters combat experience with rich atmosphere and an engaging storyline.

"The story begins as an unidentified paramilitary force infiltrates a multi-billion dollar aerospace compound. The government responds by sending in Special Forces, but loses contact as an eerie signal interrupts radio communications. When the interference subsides moments later, the team has been literally torn apart. As part of a classified strike team created to deal with threats no one else can handle, your mission is simple: Eliminate the intruders at any cost. Determine the origin of the signal. And contain this crisis before it spirals out of control."

F.E.A.R is expected to be released in 2005.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II Details
Posted by @ 11:33 a.m. NZST

LucasArts has released a fact sheet and a bunch of screenshots for Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords at E3 today. For more details check out the fact sheet and PC screenshots, and part one and part two of our Xbox screenshots feature.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is scheduled for a February 2005 release for PC and Xbox.

Capcom Announce Devil May Cry 3
Posted by @ 11:18 a.m. NZST

Capcom have announce the release of Devil May Cry 3, due in the US later this year. The story is set prior to the original Devil May Cry and tells of the battle between Sparda's twin sons, Dante and Virgil. After a disappointing outing in the last game we're hoping that Devil May Cry 3 is a return to the form of the original.

Check out our feature for more information.

KOEI and the PSP
Posted by @ 8:53 a.m. NZST

KOEI has announced their plans to develop three titles for Sony Playstation Portable with the first title Dynasty Warriors available for the launch of the new console.

The gameplay of Dynasty Warriors will be very suitable to the new handheld and will deliver the ultimate action experience using the functions of the new system. With the Dynasty Warriors series having sold over 7 million units worldwide, the game being developed for the Playstation Portable will be created with the exact market that Sony are pursuing in mind. Furthermore, KOEI are developing two more titles for PSP. One of them is a Strategy game and and the other is a Board game .

The Dynasty Warriors title is also to be released for the Nintendo DS.

E3 – UFO Aftershock Announced
Posted by Gunner @ 8:43 a.m. NZST

Cenega Publishing have announced a sequel to their successful UFO: Aftermath squad based tactical wargame.

"The story continues...

After the alien invasion, the Council of Earth successfully fought the Reticulans and moreover discovered their secret plan: to cover the Earth with "Biomass", a network of alien organic tissue that, the Reticulans hoped, would become conscious and endowed with immense psychic powers. The Reticulans who invaded the Earth are not true representatives of their kind, they are a breakaway faction that burned the bridges and chose this backwater part of space to conduct its experiments.

The Reticulans would construct a large satellite (several kilometres across) with a closed ecosystem and move the remnants of human population there. The experiment with the Biomass would go on on the surface. Then something went horribly wrong..."

With new enemies and allies and improvements to the game engine itself this is likely to be another worthy instalment in the series.

The fantastical tale of Ys: The Ark of Napishtim will take players on an incredible journey through beautifully rendered environments, both at sea and on land, as they explore the mysterious Vortex of Canaan. Taking on the role of the red-headed hero, Adol Christin, players will embark on an all-new journey packed with adventure, exciting plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Metal Gear Acid Announced
Posted by Matt @ 9:34 p.m. NZST

Konami Digital Entertainment has announced Metal Gear Acid, a new title in the famous Metal Gear series to be released exclusively on Sony's PlayStation Portable. Renowned developer Hideo Kojima will be working on the stealth adventure title. More details will be revealed at a later date.

Sherlock Holmes Announced
Posted by Matt @ 9:07 p.m. NZST

Digital Jesters has announced a PC game based on the Sherlock Holmes universe. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Silver Earring lets players take control of the famous detective himself as well as his sidekick, Dr Watson. The Silver Earring tells a brand-new Sherlock Holmes story and, according to the publishers, the detailed gaming environment will delight knowledgable fans and newcomers alike.

SEGA and the PSP
Posted by Matt @ 8:57 p.m. NZST

SEGA has confirmed two titles that it will release for Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP). Puyo POP Fever is new version of a popular Japanese puzzle game Puyo POP, and a title known only as Project S is also in development.

SEGA to Publish for Nintendo DS
Posted by Matt @ 8:38 p.m. NZST

SEGA has announced plans to publish titles for Nintendo's upcoming portable gaming platform, the Nintendo DS. SEGA will apparently publish titles that make substantial use of the hand-held's technology - these may include the dual-screens, touch-screen, microphone or other features of the DS.

The first games SEGA has planned are Sonic DS and Project Rub (working titles), and both are planned to make use of the touch-screen.

EyeToy: AntiGrav Announced (PS2)
Posted by @ 7:39 p.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment America have announced EyeToy: AntiGrav, by developer Harmonix Music Systems (Frequency, Amplitude, Karaoke Revolution). EyeToy: AntiGrav is an arcade hoverboard-based extreme sports title, that ultilises EyeToy's body and colour tracking capabilities, to command actions using one's body, and not a controller.

Proprietary arm bands are used to track body movement through colour recognition, as players control the on-screen characters in steering, speed, and trick maneuvers, while avoiding obstacles in the game environment. From a choice of eight playable characters with differing stats, gamers will race across eight different courses of diversified terrain, grinding rails and getting big air to perform tricks. Race against AI-controlled characters, or a "ghost image" of a previously recorded top performance. Also featuring an interactive soundtrack, that changes according to actions performed. Gear upgrades can be won throughout the game, by competing in competitions.

EyeToy: AntiGrav is currently set for a Q3 2004 release in the US, expect a PAL release to follow soon after

Gran Turismo 4 - New Screens and Features
Posted by @ 5:54 p.m. NZST

Fresh screenshots from Sony's upcoming 'killer-app' Gran Turismo 4.

New features to be included in this instalment are GT Photo Mode, and of course the highly anticipated GT Online Mode. In GT Photo Mode, gamers are given the opportunity to travel in their cars to popular locations the world-over (such as "Piazza San Marco, Shibuya, Tsumago, Sagano", etc), and carry out photo sessions. Photos taken can be saved to a Memory Card, and then be printed out via a USB printer, or shared with friends. In GT Online Mode, up to 6-players will be able to race head-to-head. Players can also "build communities" for the discussion of automotive topics, thanks to chat functionality and detailed menu screens.

Gran Turismo 4 has been given a "worldwide" release date of November 2004, although it's possible that this date only qualifies for North American and Asian regions. The PAL version maybe delayed for sometime after. In the mean time, the preview version, GT4: Prologue will be available at the end of May (sporting 54 unlockable cars, and 5 tracks).

Doom 3 Release Date
Posted by Matt @ 3:14 p.m. NZST

Activision and id Software have announced that they expect Doom 3 to ship this summer in the U.S. In southern hemisphere terms this equates to a release somewhere between June and August.

id Software has been extremely reluctant to disclose any release date for Doom 3 in the past, so presumably this one is a fairly accurate indication. Gameplanet has its fingers crossed.

Juiced
Posted by @ 2:00 p.m. NZST

Rolling up to the starting line and challenging any and all comers in the racing category, Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. today unveils its eagerly anticipated street racing video game, Juiced, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Launching this fall for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft and PC, Juiced uniquely combines the depth of a car modification simulation with the authenticity of true street racing tactics and culture. Juiced features nearly 50 licensed vehicles; real-time modding with hundreds of authentic aftermarket parts; more than 7.2 trillion unique custom car creations; realistic car physics and damage; and a robust suite of online head-to-head play modes, including for the first time ever, "crew based" team racing and racing for competitors' "pink slips."

"Since announcing Juiced in January, the game has quickly become one of this year's most anticipated releases," said Marc Metis, Senior Vice President of Brand Management for Acclaim. "Juiced captures the thrill of street racing in an authentic way, from licensed cars and vast customization options, to online racing for pink slips, resulting in an unparalleled gaming experience. We encourage all E3 attendees to get behind the wheel of Juiced and see for themselves why this racing title will be king of the streets when it launches in the fall."

Developed by Juice Games, Juiced is a racing simulation that totally immerses players in the lifestyle, community and risk-taking of the real-life street racing scene in a unique and compelling way. Juiced doesn't pay lip-service to the modding scene, it takes players there and immerses them in the culture – from the dashboard to the drivetrain. Style comes in a close second to speed, however, it takes more than a fresh coat of pearlescent paint to earn respect on the road; it takes the ball bearings to go up against the trash-talking, nitrous-burning faithful who want to strip everyone of their cash, cars and pride. Juiced also lets players connect with their community and share the high-octane action by recruiting drivers to become part of their crew and race together as a team to put the brakes on the competition.

Juiced will offer many exciting features, including:

Interview with a Made Man
Posted by @ 2:00 p.m. NZST

Leaving Hollywood clichés at the curb and taking gamers into the real world of the Mafia, Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. today announced the 2005 release of Interview with a Made Man for the current generation of console gaming systems. Currently under development with Acclaim Studios, Interview with a Made Man is based on real-world events and will allow players to assume the role of Joey Verola as he is indoctrinated into the dark world of organized crime and relive his life – every moment, every kill – as he rises through the ranks to become a "Made Man". Being shown behind closed doors at E3, Interview with a Made Man was created in conjunction with renowned Mafia expert and author David Fisher, who has 10 best-sellers to his credit, including Joey the Hitman: The Autobiography of a Mafia Killer and Hard Evidence, for which he was the only reporter to ever be granted full access to the FBI's famed crime lab. Fisher is currently working on a new novel that brings together for the first time, legendary FBI Agent Joey "Donnie Brasco" Pistone and former Mafia Family head Bill Bonnano.

"Interview with a Made Man is the first installment in an epic, high-action trilogy that will deliver the most authentic Mafia-based video game experience ever created," said Ben Fischbach, Director of Brand Management for Acclaim. "Working with David Fisher allows us to leverage his expertise and gain exclusive access into the real world of the Mafia, from racketeering and assassinations to the ultimate goal of becoming a Made Man."

Interview with a Made Man will feature:

Dungeon Siege II Details
Posted by @ 11:29 a.m. NZST

Microsoft has released details of the latest in the Dungeon Siege series: Dungeon Siege II for PC. Players will return to the fantasy land of Aranna, a land scarred by civil war where the lines between good and evil are blurred. Players must lead an elite battle party against Valdis, a vicious marauder determined to return the world to order, no matter the cost. Dungeon Siege II promises to set a new standard in role-playing games by combining an intriguing story-line with intense real-time party combat and cutting edge 3D graphics.

Key Features:

• Elite Battle Party: Players must choose battle comrades carefully to build a party of up to six members. Parties can be honed over time using an all-new character development system filled with new skills and specialties.
• Hero Powers: As the stakes have increased, so have the party's abilities. Each class now has access to unique Heroic Powers that are capable of turning the tide of battle, but they require wisdom and strategic timing to use properly.
• Powerful and unusual allies: The packmule was only the beginning. Players can now choose from a number of exotic creatures with special abilities that adventure and grow alongside players.
• More Dangerous Enemies: Players will face-off against opponents whose power and tactical prowess will rival their own. The enemies in "Dungeon Siege II" will have all-new powers and abilities. As a result of the new Coach AI technology introduced in "Dungeon Siege II," enemies are full of surprises.
• Interactive World: The world of "Dungeon Siege II" is brimming with activity. From pitched battles raging around players as they adventure through the world, to special environments that players can turn to their tactical advantage in the heat of battle – players will do well to pay heed to the world around them.
• Jaw-dropping special effects. The new SFX engine in Dungeon Siege II takes visual special effects to the next level for everything from the environmental atmosphere to dazzling spell effects, creating an engrossing and immersive gaming experience.
• Cinematic storytelling. Dungeon Siege II introduces a new Flick authoring system providing a new level of in-engine cinematic storytelling that keeps players in the game world instead of pulling them away from it. New story-driven quests provide a deeper adventure that evolves with players as they complete quests and missions. In addition, the dynamic world of "Dungeon Siege II" changes around players in real-time in response to their combat and quests.

Return to Mysterious Island Announced
Posted by Matt @ 10:03 a.m. NZST

The Adventure Company has announced that it will publish a new adventure game based on Jules Verne's classic novel The Mysterious Island. The game, aptly titled Return to Mysterious Island, follows the story of Mina, a young woman who becomes stranded on an apparently uninhabited island. Naturally, it's the player's job to solve puzzles and help Mina return to civilisation. Return to Mysterious Island is being developed by Kheops Studio.

Nintendo DS Lets Players Touch the Future
Posted by @ 8:39 a.m. NZST

Hot on the heels of Sony revealing the PSP comes Nintendo, with new details on their new portable console. With its two screens, Nintendo DS instantly shows its innovative face. But capabilities like a touch-screen input, voice recognition and wireless communication set it apart from every other game device, and again demonstrate Nintendo's passion for groundbreaking originality.

"When Nintendo came down and presented the DS platform to us, I think everyone was in shock," says Will Kassoy, Activision's vice president of global brand management. "It was amazing. Our technical guys were drooling at the abilities and wanting so much to dive into programming for the system."

Two screens offer two perspectives on the action at once. The touch screen could make accessing items, moving characters or navigating menus as easy as a tap or drag on the screen. Voice recognition could let players simply tell the game what they want it to do. Chat software will let users transmit text messages, handwriting and even drawings to one another. And wireless functions could link players in the same room - or across the country.

"This has a huge potential," says Yoichi Haraguchi, Namco's vice president and executive officer. "It is very nice that we can create games using DS that were not even possible before." Nintendo DS also will include two processors, 3-D capabilities on both screens, 16-channel sound and a rechargeable battery that features a low-energy-consumption design. One media bay handles new DS game cartridges that hold one gigabit of information and more. The second media port allows for compatibility with Game Boy Advance games, as well as a host of possible future accessories.

"While others plan to let you go a little faster down the same roads you have always traveled, Nintendo plans to take you down incredible avenues you've never seen before," explains Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president, sales and marketing. "We understand the hand-held market better than anyone else, and Nintendo DS paves a new path of originality and success."

More than 100 companies worldwide have received software development kits and are planning games for Nintendo DS. Games in development by Nintendo include a new Super Mario game, a Metroid game, a WarioWare game and PictoChat, software that lets players send instant text and picture messages. Third-party publishers also have announced games in development, including a Spider-Man 2 title from Activision, a Rayman game from Ubisoft, a SpongeBob SquarePants title from THQ, a Yu-Gi-Oh! game from Konami, a Sonic title from Sega, a Bomberman game from Hudson Soft, a Need for Speed game from Electronic Arts and a Pac-Man title from Namco.

The system's official name, price and launch lineup will be announced at a later date. For more information, including photos and screenshots, visit our complete E3 Nintendo DS coverage.

Sony Announces Product Specifications of PlayStation Portable (PSPTM)
Posted by @ 7:52 a.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today the product specifications for the handheld video game system, PlayStation®Portable (PSPTM). 3D-CG games incorporating high quality full motion video similar to PlayStation®2 can be played anytime, anywhere with PSP. PSP is scheduled to be launched in Japan in the end of 2004, followed by the North American and European launches in the spring of 2005.

PSP comes in a black color, with a 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD centered in a sleek ergonomic design with a high quality finish that fits comfortably in the hands. The dimensions are 170mm x 74mm x 23mm with a weight of 260g. PSP features a high quality TFT LCD that displays full-color (16.77 million colors) on a 480 x 272 pixel high-resolution screen. It also comes complete with the basic functions of a portable player such as built-in stereo speakers, exterior headphone connector, brightness control and sound mode selection. Keys and controls inherit the same operability of PlayStation® and PlayStation 2, familiar to fans all over the world.

PSP also comes equipped with diverse input/output connectors such as USB 2.0, and 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless LAN, providing connectivity to various devices in the home and to the wireless network outside. The world of gaming is further enhanced by enabling users to enjoy on-line gaming, or by connecting multiple PSPs to each other, directly via the wireless network. In addition, software and data can be downloaded through a USB or wireless network onto Memory StickTM PRO Duo. All of these features can be enjoyed on one single system.

PSP adopts a small but high capacity optical medium UMDTM (Universal Media Disc), enabling game software, rich with full motion video and other forms of digital entertainment content, to be stored. The newly developed UMD, the next generation compact storage media, is only 60mm in diameter but can store up to 1.8GB of digital data. A broad range of digital entertainment content such as music video clips, movies and sports programs can be provided on UMD. To protect this entertainment content, a robust copyright protection system has been developed which utilizes a combination of a unique disc ID, a 128 bit AES encryption keys for the media, and individual ID for each PSP hardware unit.

Of particular interest to us is an image of a PSP version of Gran Turismo 4. We'll certainly be trying to track down more information on this possible launch title for the PSP.

We'll be providing reports from the hottest games of the event as well as presenting news announcements and other media releases as they come to hand.

Spy on Codemasters
Posted by Matt @ 9:01 p.m. NZST

Codemasters has launched its E3 Live Web site, which will feature news reports from the Codemasters booth as well as a live Web cam feed so you can see activity in the area as it happens.

Codemasters will be showing off Colin McRae Rally 2005, Club Football 2005, Dragon Empires and Soldiers: Heroes of World War II and apparently have some other surprises in store for the event as well.

Halo 2 Release Date Confirmed
Posted by t()mbst()ne @ 4:09 p.m. NZST

Microsoft announced on Monday a November 9 launch date for Halo 2 on the Xbox, the sequel to its popular Halo video game. The original game has sold approx. 4.5 million copies, putting it among the biggest-selling video games ever, and played an important part in Microsoft's efforts to break into the games business with Xbox.

The orginal Halo received high accolades from around the world when it was first launched two years ago and has since then become one of the most popular system link titles on the Xbox. Halo 2 promises to deliver the same enjoyment in not only single player but on system link and has also confirmed Xbox Live play as well. Exact details on the online modes have not yet been announced.

Microsoft and EA Strike Deal
Posted by t()mbst()ne @ 4:00 p.m. NZST

Microsoft and Electronic Arts have reached an accord on how to split the profits from online video games, removing an obstacle to what is expected to be one of the fastest-growing parts of the games business.

Explaining why the two sides had been unable to reach agreement before, Robbie Bach, the executive in charge of the Xbox service, said: "Everything we're doing is new - we're taking time to make sure we get it right."

More than 1m users play their EA games online on PlayStation, the company said. Microsoft, meanwhile, has 750,000 subscribers for its online service, and on Monday reiterated a target of 1m by the end of June.

Take a deep breath because here are the first games currently confirmed for Xbox Live: Battlefield Modern Combat, Timesplitters 3, Goldeneye 2, NCAA Football 2005, Madden NFL 2005, NBA Live 2005, FIFA Soccer 2005, NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 and last but definitely not least, Burnout 3.

Xbox Live Giveaway
Posted by t()mbst()ne @ 1:49 p.m. NZST

Gameplanet has teamed up with Microsoft to give you a chance to win some Xbox goodies, including:

• An Xbox Live Starter Kit with two online demos plus an Xbox headset.
• The upcoming RalliSport Challenge 2 with Xbox Live play.

To be eligible to win all you have to do is name three Xbox Live titles currently available. Send your answer, along with your name, address and Gameplanet Forums username to aperry@gameplanet.co.nz with the subject heading "Gimmie that Live Kit".

In order to use Xbox Live you must have broadband internet access. Competition is open to New Zealand residents only and closes on Sunday 16th May.

Citizen Zero on Display at E3
Posted by Matt @ 12:39 p.m. NZST

Micro Forte, the developer of Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel, has announced that it will be showing off Citizen Zero at E3. Citizen Zero is a massively multi-player online game which combines the action of a first-person shooter with the depth and character of a MMORPG.

While only the Xbox version will be on display at E3, the game is also under development for PC.

King Arthur Game Announced
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 11:14 a.m. NZST

Konami Digital Entertainment today announced plans to publish video games based on one of the summer's most anticipated films, "King Arthur". Under development by Krome Studios, the King Arthur video game will utilize footage from the Touchstone Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Films movie and feature likenesses of characters from the film. The game is being developed for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube.

"Having seen early footage of the film, it's clear this is going to be an adventure that will translate well into an excellent action video game," said Geoff Mulligan, Chief Operating Officer, Konami Digital Entertainment - America. "With the game shipping in the fall, we will offer gamers and movie fans an exciting way to take their experience with King Arthur beyond the silver screen."

"The King Arthur video game is inspired by the epic true story that gave rise to the King Arthur legend," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager of Buena Vista Games. "By working with the talented team at Krome and Konami, the real story of King Arthur will be played out with intense battles, innovative combat and realistic environments."

The King Arthur video game will immerse fans into the lush environments and vivid scenery from the film. Players take control of the motion picture's heroes – Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, Tristren or Bors – and utilize their unique skills as they embark on a perilous mission revealing the historic tale of the real Knights of the Round Table. Featuring single or cooperative play, combat on horseback and multiple mission types with diverse goals, the King Arthur video game will provide a cinematic action adventure experience of epic scale.

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean, Top Gun), directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), and written by David Franzoni, the King Arthur film will hit theaters nationwide (US) on July 7, 2004. Bolstered by stars including Clive Owen (Gosford Park, Beyond Borders), Keira Knightley (Bend It Like Beckham, Pirates of the Caribbean) and Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast, Cold Mountain), the film portrays the true story behind the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

New Predator & GoldenEye Screens
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 11:09 a.m. NZST

Here's a few new screenshots for earlier-announced upcoming titles GoldenEye: Rogue Agent -

...and Predator: Concrete Jungle

Even from this brief early look I'm sure you'll agree that both titles are showing promise of good things to come!

Splinter Cell 3 Announced
Posted by @ 10:40 a.m. NZST

Ubisoft has announced that their Montreal studio is developing Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3 (working title).

Taking place in 2008, Sam Fisher returns to carry out a dangerous series of missions to locate and destroy a origin of information attacks coming from North Korea. To carry out his operations Fisher will employ a host of unconventional counter-intelligence activities to gather intel, disrupt enemy operations and neutralize adversary targets.

Splinter Cell 3 will be on display at E3 this week.

Sega to Publish The Matrix Online
Posted by Matt @ 10:10 a.m. NZST

Sega has announced that it will co-publish The Matrix Online with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Sega is to manage distribution of the game whilst Warner will oversee development. Both companies will work on marketing the title, which is expected to go into its beta stage in the near future.

Ubisoft was originally on-board to publish the game but opted out earlier this year.

Infinium Labs to Unveil Phantom Gaming Service
Posted by @ 9:30 a.m. NZST

Infinium Labs, Inc. will debut its much anticipated Phantom(TM) Gaming Service -- the first end-to-end, on-demand game distribution service -- at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), in Los Angeles. In a game industry first, the company plans to provide the Phantom Gaming Service hardware free of charge to consumers who sign a two-year contract for a basic subscription to its flagship online gaming service at US$29.95 per month. Consumers can also opt to buy this advanced gaming "receiver" and required accessories without a commitment for US$199, which will be credited back to their account over two years if they remain a subscriber.

The Phantom Gaming Service has four key components: the service itself, the receiver hardware, a robust yet flexible distribution network and a large library of games. Titles will be streamed on demand from the service to a Phantom receiver over any broadband Internet connection, in much the same way as consumers receive on-demand satellite or cable television content. Subscribers will receive an initial library of free games, which will be supplemented with new choices each month as a part of their subscription fee. Additional titles can be rented or purchased. Premium content packages will also be made available.

"With the Phantom Gaming Service, publishers can get a title to gamers within hours of when the gold master is cut," Bachus said. "They hand us a disc, and we'll do the rest, making it available to consumers in record time because we don't have to deal with physical manufacturing and distribution. We can also help publishers get a buzz going with rentals before the title arrives at traditional outlets. Another benefit will be a new revenue stream from previously released titles." The Phantom Gaming Service is slated to go live in the US on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004. No word yet on any local release, but we'll be sure to keep you updated.

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Atari to Unveil Sneak Preview of Urban Lifestyle Game at E3
Posted by Gunner @ 9:12 a.m. NZST

Atari in partnership with fashion pioneer Marc Ecko, the creator and guru behind the popular urban lifestyle brand called Ecko, and Complex Magazine have created a new video game. Currently the game is called Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure. They promise that the game will "……be genre-defining. Revolutionary. We will put the flag in the ground of popular culture."

This game has certainly got us intrigued and particularly how "Getting Up" in urban parlance is all about getting your graffiti tag up and noticed this. With Ecko himself involved in the development we are likely to see something very special. Look out for further news from our on the spot team at E3.

E3 Insider Site Goes Live
Posted by Matt @ 9:12 a.m. NZST

E3Insider, the official consumer Web site of E3, has gone live today. The big addition to the site this year is the "fan cam": a live Web cam which gives visitors a unique look inside the event.

Dreamfall Web Site Launched
Posted by Matt @ 9:00 a.m. NZST

Funcom has launched the official site of Dreamfall - The Longest Journey. The site features information about the game's three protagonists as well as story info, concept art and screenshots.

Dreamfall is expected to release for PC and console in 2005.

Vivendi Universal have announced Predator: Concrete Jungle (for Xbox and PS2). Developed by Eurocom (Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy), Predator: Concrete Jungle is a 3rd person action game based on the popular movie franchise. Take control of a deadly Predator, "hunting the Earth for criminals using superhuman powers, fantastic vision modes and an impressive array of alien weaponry."

In Predator: Concrete Jungle, players will their hunt pray in an urban setting (reminiscent of the disappointing 2nd movie), in a story of revenge against an organised crime syndicate and it's leader who are bent on the destruction of all Predators. Spanning two different eras, the 1930's, and the 2030's. This original story also ties into the origins of Weyland-Yutani, the sinister corporation from the Alien films. Gamers will explore a city landscape, stalking human sport, while equipped with clocking technology, hunt-adapted vision modes (Thermal Scan, Neuro Scan, Prey Scan, and Tech Scan), and armed with an arsenal of advanced Predator-trademark weapons such as wristblades, plasmacaster, combistick, speargun and smart disk. The combat engine will allow stylised attacks against different enemies.

Predator: Concrete Jungle is tentatively scheduled for a Q4 2004 release.

MechAssault 2 - New Screens (Xbox)
Posted by @ 2:12 a.m. NZST

The latest screenshots from MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf (Day 1 Studios/Microsoft Game Studios). The upcoming sequel to the Xbox-exclusive mech combat arcade game, based in FASA's Battletech universe. MechAssault 2 is tentatively set for January 2005.

Also the official site was recently launched, featuring "stunning new screens, gameplay descriptions and a list of features for this highly anticipated new 'Mech title for Xbox."

Following on from last week's Gameplanet news item, Monaco Corporation, distributors for Acclaim Entertainment Pty Ltd in New Zealand, has announced the name change of World Championship Rugby to Zinzan's World Championship Rugby.

The game has been created by the team behind Jonah Lomu Rugby on PlayStation and will be released on PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC on 28 May 2004 with an RRP of $89.95.

"This new game takes us back to the grassroots of rugby; Zinzan Brooke is not only a New Zealand sports icon but has also played a quintessential part in the development of NZ rugby and where it is today. We are delighted to have Zinzan on board representing the best rugby video game in the market," says Ben Ward, Interactive Group Product Manager, Monaco Corporation.

Zinzan's World Championship Rugby is different to the other rugby titles in the sense that it encourages a faster, more arcade-like feel with less statistics. A very open style of play is encouraged with many big tackles, flashy passes and flat out speed. The set pieces are also less complicated, making the game more accessible to young and more casual gamers.

For more information on Zinzan's World Championship Rugby, visit www.worldchampionshiprugby.com.

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Midnight Club 3 Announced
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 11:33 a.m. NZST

Rockstar Games has just announced that it will release Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition for PlayStation 2 and Xbox towards the end of this year. As the title suggests, Rockstar has entered into a partnership with DUB magazine, which it hopes will infuse the game with an unparalleled level of expertise and knowledge of the automotive industry and the street customization scene.

"The Midnight Club series has redefined the racing genre with its revolutionary open-ended racing and seamless integration of street racing culture," said Dan Houser, Rockstar Games' vice president of creative. "Now, through the combination of Rockstar San Diego's technical prowess and DUB's notoriety as the pulse of the automotive lifestyle world, we are poised to once again push the boundaries of speed and style well beyond anything ever seen before in racing games with Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition."

"We at DUB are extremely excited for the opportunity to bring our knowledge and influence to Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition, which is sure to be the quintessential racing game for any true aficionado of the automotive and racing lifestyle," added Haythem Haddad, creative director and co-founder of DUB. "The flair for innovation and cultural progression that Rockstar Games and DUB are universally known for will undoubtedly become the trademark of Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition. We look forward to working with Rockstar Games to exceed the limits of what is expected of a racing game."

Farenheit
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 11:32 a.m. NZST

Fahrenheit, a spectacular interactive thriller, set in New-York, gives gamers the unique chance to play both hunter and fugitive, which in turn leads them to speak, explore, interact, fight and confront unknown dark forces.

For no apparent reason, ordinary people are randomly killing total strangers. Although there is no link between the murderers, they all seem to follow exactly the same ritual and pattern.

Lucas Kane becomes one of these murderers when he kills a stranger in the men's room of a restaurant. Finding himself in control of Lucas, the player is haunted by strange visions and the desperate need to find out what is happening to him. At the same time he must keep one step ahead of the police, especially Inspector Carla Valenti and her teammate agent Tyler Miles.

Key Features -

• You play more than one character in the game. How you act as one character can have a consequence on other characters you will control later in the game.

• Fahrenheit blends the limits between cinema and interactivity in ways never seen before, all in real-time 3D.

• The unique interactive writing techniques mean the player's actions really affect the storyline

• Uses ICE technology (Interactive Creative Environment) : Two years in development, Quantic Dream's new generation of technology allows immersive 3D gameplay and graphics, unique cinema directing, virtual actors and cutting-edge motion capture animations.

Developers Excited About Nintendo DS
Posted by M @ 11:30 a.m. NZST

Nintendo says the video game industry's biggest and best developers are lining up to be the first to create innovative content for its upcoming dual-screen hand-held innovation, code-named the Nintendo DS.

"Nintendo DS is going to push hand-held technology to uncharted territories," says Yves Blehaut, senior vice president of Atari. "It's going to energize both developers and consumers with amazing new game mechanics and new game design. Once more, Nintendo leads the way with something unexpected and totally innovative."

To date, more than 100 companies worldwide have received software development kits and are planning games for Nintendo DS, which for the first time offers gamers two separate perspectives on the action. Companies include THQ, Electronic Arts, Activision, Atari, Ubisoft, Majesco, Capcom, Sega, Konami, Hudson Soft, Namco, Bandai, Koei and Square Enix.

"The Nintendo dual screen is something that we're really excited about developing for," says Nick Earl, vice president and general manager of Electronic Arts. "It's very innovative, which is classic Nintendo."

It is hoped the Nintendo DS will revolutionise how people approach, perceive and enjoy video games. "It's exciting to see so many publishers are as inspired about the Nintendo DS as we are," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "The creative contributions of the publishers will reinforce Nintendo's reputation as the industry's leader in innovation."

The Game Boy line has sold more than 168 million units worldwide during the past 15 years, and Nintendo believes its dominance will continue into the future, a view shared by some industry analysts.

The Nintendo DS will be unveiled at the 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next week. Gameplanet will be reporting from the show in Los Angeles on all the major announcements and more.

TimeSplitters: Future Perfect in Development
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 9:30 a.m. NZST

Electronic Arts have just announced the return of one of the most critically acclaimed console first-person shooters with TimeSplitters Future Perfect, in development by Free Radical Design Ltd. and is to ship in early 2005 under the EA GAMES brand.

In TimeSplitters Future Perfect, victory is in the hands of the player's past, present, and future self in a battle that stretches throughout time where humanity is on the brink of destruction from the malevolent TimeSplitters. Cortez—the tough-as-nails hero from previous installments—finds himself in a frantic race against time in a desperate bid to trace the origin of the TimeSplitters and save mankind.

This third installment of the best-selling franchise will feature hundreds of hours of gameplay and an improved Story mode that ties all the missions together, immersing gamers in an epic adventure between the years of 1914 and 2401. Innovative "meet yourself" time travel gameplay lets players be their own ally by teaming up with past and future versions of themselves. The game also will allow two players to fight through the Story in Co-op mode, and features extensive Challenge and Arcade modes, and a Multiplayer mode that will allow gamers to battle in 16-player death match online on their PS2s.

In addition, gamers will experience an improved Map Maker feature allowing them to easily create and play their own maps and share them online. TimeSplitters Future Perfect promises to be one of the deepest arcade shooters on the console with hundreds of unlockables, more realistic environments, spectacular special effects, high quality animated cut scenes, an improved physics engine, smarter enemy AI, and much more.

Under development by UK-based Free Radical Design Ltd, the team behind the celebrated TimeSplitters franchise, TimeSplitters Future Perfect is scheduled for release in early 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube.

Prince of Persia 2 to Feature Freeform Fighting System
Posted by M @ 8:55 a.m. NZST

If you thought the fighting system for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time needed tweaking, it seems Ubisoft agrees with you.

Prince of Persia 2 (working title - the name has of course already been used long, long ago) is currently being worked on and boasts a brand new 'free-form' fighting system (whether this follows Rise to Honour and Fight Night 2004's use of the right analogue stick is yet to be seen).

The company's award-winning Montreal studio is currently developing Prince of Persia 2. The Prince has to embark upon a path of both carnage and mystery to defy his preordained death. His journey leads to the infernal core of a cursed island stronghold harboring mankind's greatest fears.

Only through grim resolve, bitter defiance and the mastery of deadly new combat arts can the Prince rise to a new level of warriorship - and emerge from this ultimate trial with his life.

In order to accomplish his mission, the Prince benefits from a brand new free-form fighting system that allows gamers to channel his anger as they wage battle without boundaries. Each game fan will find his or her own unique fighting style as they manipulate their environment and control the Ravages of Time. You can dig into an arsenal of weapons that, when used in combination, create advanced arm attacks that verge on fatal artistry. Prince of Persia 2 promises that game fans will fight harder, and play longer, emerging from the experience as deadly-capable skilled masters of their own unique combat art form.

"Sands of Time was the most critically acclaimed game of 2003," said Yves Guillemot, President and CEO of Ubisoft, "With Prince of Persia 2, we intend to build on that masterpiece that will take Prince of Persia one step further to take over the action-combat genre. We will offer you an even higher level of excellence that should once more convince the critics and the public."

EyeToy: Chat
Posted by @ 8:25 a.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have announced another title for use with the EyeToy USB camera.

EyeToy: Chat is developed by London Studios and shows yet again the continued versatility of the PlayStation 2 as a complete home entertainment system.

On show at E3 in May, EyeToy: Chat offers a brand new way to use your PlayStation 2. By utilizing the Network Adaptor, EyeToy and a PlayStation 2, consumers will be able to open up a whole new world of communication in their living room. This innovative application - the first of it's kind on any games console - allows you to turn your PlayStation 2 into a videophone giving you the opportunity to communicate with other EyeToy: Chat users anywhere in the world completely free.

EyeToy: Chat offers four very different ways to communicate including text, voice, video mail and one to one video chat. The 'text chat' rooms allow 256 people to talk together, while 16 people can converse at one time in the 'voice chat' rooms. Of course the real fun of using EyeToy: Chat are the video chat functions where you can see the person you are talking to 'in real time'. For the cost of your broadband connection you can have free unlimited video chat with anyone in the world... What you chat about is up to you!

The more competitive chatterboxes also have the option to play one of three games together while using the one on one video chat, including: Chess, Draughts and 'Naval War'. EyeToy: Chat also gives you the chance of sending 30-second video mail messages to people on your buddies list... Which can be much more fun than leaving a message on an answer phone!

SCEE has worked very closely with several children's charities to ensure that EyeToy: Chat is safe as possible to use for even the youngest members of the family. New EyeToy: Chat users will be required to register their details online at PlayStation Net; they will then need to verify their details by inputting the PIN number sent to their address. With strict safety measures in place, chat room moderators and clear processes for grievances, EyeToy: Chat is one of the safest communication packages available on any system on the market.

Safe to use, unlimited free chat time, great for keeping in touch with family wherever they are, chatting to friends or just meeting new people.
Here are 2 screens of it in action.

Pyro Studios, developer of the Commandos series, is working on a new strategy title, Imperial Glory, to be published by Eidos in early 2005.

Imperial Glory promises to be the most extensive strategy game ever, offering an in-depth management model along with graphically stunning real-time land and naval battles in full 3D. Choose which of the five great 19th century Empires to lead: Great Britain, France, Russia, Prussia or Austro-Hungary, each with their own unique attributes.

Command your troops in large-scale battles across the globe, from the green fields of England to the icy wastes of Russia and sweeping deserts of Morocco. However, ultimate glory will depend on your utilising politics, trade, diplomacy, resource management and technology research. This is an age of change - be at the leading edge of the modern world or your civilization will crumble and fall.

Íñigo Vinós, PR Manager of Pyro Studios says: "Imperial Glory will offer an unrivalled, absorbing gameplay experience in the strategy genre. Our overall aim has been to offer incredible depth and detail, but at the same time ensure the game is accessible to all players."

John Davis, Eidos' European marketing director says: "Pyro's expertise and pedigree in this genre is widely recognised following the success of the Commandos series and Praetorians. Imperial Glory is a quality title that will shake the foundations of the strategy empire."

For more information, screenshots and to register to receive regular updates visit www.imperialglory.com.

Massive Assault Stand-Alone Expansion Set Announced
Posted by M @ 2:43 a.m. NZST

Wargaming.net announced today that it is developing Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance - the stand-alone expansion set for its highly acclaimed turn-based strategy game Massive Assault. The development has been going for the last six months.

"Considering how well Massive Assault and Massive Assault Network were accepted by gaming community, [the] Massive Assault franchise will be Wargaming.net's major focus for the next couple of years," said Victor Kislyi, President of Wargaming.net.

Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance features a renewed global conflict, starting five years after the First War for the New Worlds ended in Free Nations Union's victory. The remnants of the defeated Phantom League go underground, preserving a couple of undisclosed Secret Allies with hidden research facilities. New types of unprecedently powerful weapons have been developed. They commence their surprise attack during the celebration of the Anniversary of the Great Victory, destroying more than half of the F.N.U. forces on the parades - then they easily overtake all major cities driving the remaining F.N.U. detachments to mountains and islands and to some yet unpopulated planets.

Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance will include all-new "Assault" mode, where a player will be given limited resources to recruit and deploy a task force and capture a network of well-guarded enemy strongholds, taking key positions within established turn limit. This mode will add one more exciting strategic level to Massive Assault's gameplay - huge face-to-face battles similar to those of ancient and medieval times.

"Massive Assault was acknowledged by the industry as a sharp innovative strategy game, in many respects rejuvenating turn-based genre with its original Secret Allies concept, dynamic gameplay, great balance and its true easy-to-learn-hard-to-master formula," said Nick Katselapov, VP, Marketing & Public Relations. "However some shortcomings were pointed out by the press and the players such as non-adjustable difficulty levels and identical unit sets, plus requests for new unit types and planets and wider range of tunable gameplay options - we have taken care of all that and added tons of new features and content."

Other additions and improvements will include:

• 6 new planets for World Wars including massive-sized deathmatch map
• 2 Mega Campaigns featuring various warfare styles: prevailing defensive operations for F.N.U. and offensive tasks for Phantom League. Mega Campaigns will also include World War and "Assault" mode steps.
• 20 new single-player scenarios with new mission types and twist
• All-new "Assault" game mode
• New A.I. - with more sophisticated tactical techniques and strategic "talents"
• Variable number of Secret Allies for each side in World War
• 10 new units, unique for each side, leading to different strategie
• Unit graphics technology completely remade - now units look more detailed and feel "real"
• Enhanced 3D engine: increased performance, improved terrain and effects graphic
• Additional battle music & new voiceover
• Massive Assault Network compatibility
• 2 new battlefield viewing modes: CNN-style "fancy camera" and historic-atlas-style 2D strategic map mode
• Many single-player and multiplayer gameplay enhancement
• LAN play

Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance will greatly expand the Massive Assault world and give the game's fans much wider variety of strategic choices. For the convenience of the gamers who have yet to experience the Massive Assault world, the original Massive Assault game is not required in order to play Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance. Phantom Renaissance includes its own set of tutoring missions.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Crisis Zone exclusively for PlayStation 2. Developed by Namco, the leading producer of games for both arcade machines and home consoles, Crisis Zone is a fast paced first-person action shooter compatible with both the G-con 2 and the G-Con45 light guns.

From the developers of the hugely successful Time Crisis series, Crisis Zone is based on the classic arcade version with exclusive new features and levels for PlayStation 2 - most notably unique 'double gun-play' allowing players to choose whether to use one or two guns to blast their way to victory!

Crisis Zone takes place in the recently opened Garland Square complex on the outskirts of London, after the heavily-armed terrorist group U.R.D.A has attacked and taken-over the area. Their motives have yet to be discovered but as elite S.T.F (Special Tactics Force) counter-terrorism officer Claude McGarren, the player's mission is to help secure Garland Square and suppress the U.R.D.A terrorists by whatever means necessary.

Armed with a bullet-proof riot shield and a sub-machine gun, McGarren must eliminate any terrorist threats encountered through environments including a shopping mall, park and office building. All the weapons can be put to great effect in the fully-destructible environments; players are able to destroy everything around them from blasting stock from shelves to burning racks of clothing with a flame-thrower, or wreaking havoc with a rocket launcher.

With addictive double-gun action and such a fantastic array of hardware, Crisis Zone will keep you hooked so get ready to have some serious fun!!

GoldenEye: Rogue Agent
Posted by @ 11:36 p.m. NZST

After promising to take the player to the other side of the Bond story with its GoldenEye license, Electronic Arts has released details of the latest addition to the James Bond universe, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent.

Going where no previous James Bond game has dared to tread, the upcoming GoldenEye: Rogue Agent first-person shooter from Electronic Arts breaks all the rules by transporting players to the dark side of the Bond universe to experience life as a high-rolling, cold-hearted villain. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to ship later this year 2004, on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube under the EA GAMES brand.

As an aspiring 00 agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality, the player is hired as an enforcer by Auric Goldfinger, the wealthy super-villain with a lust for all things gold. Goldfinger is locked in a ruthless war against his archenemy, the brilliant scientist Dr. No. The prize is control of the world's greatest criminal organization. A brutal encounter with Dr. No costs the player an eye, but Goldfinger's technicians replace it with a gold-hued, synthetic eye, earning the player the name 'GoldenEye'. Players have the ability to customize and upgrade their villain persona and wreak havoc as they make their unrelenting rise through the ranks.

With a radical twist to the Bond franchise that makes the player's goal to rule the world rather than save it, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is the ultimate thrill ride through the 007 underworld. Players will cross paths with such legendary allies and enemies as Oddjob, Scaramanga, Xenia Onatopp, and, of course, Pussy Galore on globe-spanning missions of vengeance and demolition. Players will travel to famous and original Bond locations from the mountains of Switzerland to the streets of Hong Kong and from Fort Knox to Dr. No's Crab Key lair in the Caribbean. Enemies will react intelligently in combat situations and use the environment to their advantage for intense and unpredictable shootouts.

GoldenEye: Rogue Agent seamlessly integrates single-player, multiplayer split-screen, and online gameplay for the PlayStation 2 console across all game modes. Featured modes include story-driven campaign missions, deathmatch style simulator trials, and objective-based war games. Officially licensed by MGM Interactive, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is being developed by EA's Los Angeles studio.

Ubisoft has opened a community website focused on user support of its new FPS Far Cry. The site is designed to allow development to spread of new content from the Sandbox Editor that comes with the game.

Keep an eye on the site for mods, news, Ubisoft future development involvement and more.

EverQuest II Beta Signup
Posted by M @ 11:32 p.m. NZST

Sony Online Entertainment is taking applications for a June start to its EverQuest II beta test.

Those interested in participating should visit the official site where registrations are being taken now.

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EA Reports Record Year
Posted by M @ 11:14 p.m. NZST

Electronic Arts, the US' best-selling publisher, has reported net revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 was US$2.957 billion, up 19 percent as compared with $2.482 billion for the prior year. EA had 27 platinum titles (over one million units sold) in fiscal 2004. Six franchises sold more than five million units: The Sims, Need for Speed, Medal of Honor, FIFA Football, The Lord of the RingsT and Madden NFL Football.

Highlights for the year (comparisons are to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003):

Net revenue: North America - up 12 percent to $1.6 billion; Europe - up 34 percent to $1.2 billion; Asia Pacific - up 10 percent to $97 million; Japan - down 12 percent to $71 million. Reported net revenue increased by $156 million or 6 percent due to changes in foreign currency rates.

European net revenue topped $1 billion for the first time in EA's history.

Gross margin was 62.7 percent - up 6 points from 56.8 percent.

Operating income was $776 million - up 70 percent. Operating margin increased 8 points year-over-year to 26 percent.

EA won eleven awards at the Seventh Annual Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences ("AIAS") ceremony for Need for Speed Underground; Madden NFL 2004; The Sims Superstar; The Sims Bustin' Out; Command & ConquerTM Generals; Medal of Honor Rising Sun; The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King; and SSX 3.

For this fiscal year Electronic Arts expects net revenue to be between US$3.25 and $3.40 billion - up 10 to 15 percent on the year ended 31st March 2004.

Guilty Gear X2 Comes to Xbox with Online Play
Posted by M @ 10:56 p.m. NZST

The popular fighting franchise's latest installment, Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, makes its debut on the Xbox video game system from Microsoft this Winter, courtesy of Majesco. Developed by ARC System Works, Guilty Gear X2 #Reload features Xbox Live support, offering players head-to-head competition, real-time global rankings, and community support of voice and friends.

"Our ability to identify select properties with an established audience and publish them at an attractive price-point is an advantage we hope to exploit, and Guilty Gear X2 #Reload certainly meets those criteria," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing for Majesco Sales Inc.. "With hardcore 2D fighting enhanced by compelling multiplayer support via Xbox Live, we are excited to add Guilty Gear X2 #Reload to our product portfolio."

In Guilty Gear X2 #Reload ,a newly discovered form of energy has been used to create devastating bio-weapons from fused human and animal DNA. Known as the Gears, they are now intelligent, self-aware creatures set loose upon the populace and threaten human control of the planet.

Feature highlights for Guilty Gear X2: #Reload include:

• Arcade Mode: where players battle the CPU in elimination battles;
• Medal of Millionaire Mode: a brutal one-fall, medal competition;
• Versus Mode: two-player battles to settle scores including Xbox Live matches;
• Survival Mode: 1,000 levels of endurance;
• Story Mode: featuring multiple endings, players can learn the truth behind the Gears;
• Mission Mode: take on opponents via certain rules and specific conditions;
• Training Mode: customizable training mode allows players to fine-tune their skills;
• 20 characters plus hidden characters and EX characters;
• Signature Instant Kill moves for each character;
• Thousands of moves and combos including Psych Bursts, Overdrive Attacks and Instant Kill Techniques;
• Progressive Scan Video Support;
• Intense metal and rock soundtrack.

For more information visit www.majescogames.com.

Ubisoft to Publish Square Enix in NZ
Posted by M @ 4:14 p.m. NZST

Ubisoft has added another feather to its cap with the signing of an exclusive publishing agreement with Japanese video game producer Square Enix including the forthcoming RPG Star Ocean: Till the End of Time, slated for an Australian/New Zealand release on PlayStation 2 in Spring 2004.

Alain Corre, Ubisoft's managing director for Europe, Asia Pacific and South America, said, "We are very proud that Square Enix, one of the best RPG creators in the world, chose Ubisoft as a publishing partner for the new opus of their mythic franchise Star Ocean. It is the very first time in this current generation of machines that this mythic brand will be introduced to Australian and New Zealand gamers and [we have] no doubt they'll praise it as the PlayStation 2 RPG game of the year.

"We are very excited at the prospect of bringing such a strong title as Star Ocean: Till the End of Time to the Australian and New Zealand public," said John Yamamoto, president of Square Enix Europe. "This demonstrates our commitment to bringing an ever-greater range of quality titles to the PAL market."

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time uses the same recipe for success as other Square Enix games such as Final Fantasy X-2, which includes an intense story and engaging characters. Ubisoft says all these ingredients are gathered in Star Ocean, offering beginners as well as RPG fans more than 60 hours of gaming in an original sci-fi universe. During the eventful quest started by two charismatic teenagers looking for their dear ones, every decision has an influence on the variable endings.

Ubisoft says the quality of the graphics owes a lot to the use of a new powerful 3D engine. This new feature enabled the creation of "breathtaking" environments and cut scenes and fantastic effects during battle without the nuisance of long loading times.

Ubisoft says the dynamic battle system "revolutionises" Japanese RPGs and gives an impressive pace to the game. In Star Ocean, players can fight real time battles and plan their strategy thanks to the absence of random fights hidden enemies.

They can even fight against each other thanks to the two-player battle mode. To add to the experience, Square Enix worked with talented Japanese composer Motoi Sakuraba (Star Ocean: The second Story, Valkyrie Profile) to create an original and immersive soundtrack, available in Dolby surround sound.

Colin McRae Rally 2005 is coming in Q4 complete with online play on PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

Set to be revealed at this year's E3 Expo (May 12-14, Los Angeles), Colin McRae Rally 2005 takes the series forward with a massive multi-event career challenge and introduces online head-to-head rallying, for up to 8 players, on both PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

The all-new career challenge is the heart of the new game and has players hurtling through over 20 different classes of rally events earning the right to compete against the very best.

Offering real progression and the most diverse selection of rally cars to choose from, drivers will be pummelled through 300+ stages driving cars from 4-wheel drive, 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel Classics, Super 2-wheel, Rear Wheel, Distinctive and 4x4 classics. Beyond the career challenge, there's even more rally gaming with the title's 4WD championship, rally, stages and online gaming modes.

Colin McRae Rally 2005 includes a new bonnet-cam and an improved chase cam to give a real sensation of speed and undulation. Enhanced damage and scenery visuals include new individual damage models for every car.

For more information, visit www.codemasters.co.uk/colinmcrae2005.

Key points:

• The #1 rally game evolves as Colin McRae Rally 2005 takes the series online for up to 8 players on PlayStation 2 and Xbox with more cars, more stages, and new challenges.
• Drive the most diverse selection of cars through new, non-linear career challenge with over 20 individual rally events and over 300+ stages.
• 30+ featured cars include the Volkswagen Golf MK5, Toyota Celica GT-FOUR, Lancia Stratos, Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Alfetta GTV Turbodelta, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII, Peugeot 206, 205 T16 Evo2 and the distinctive VW Beetle RSi!
• 9 international locations (new German rally joins events through UK, Sweden, USA, Finland, Australia, Spain, Greece, and Japan), in Rally game mode, each with 8 stages. Large, animated spectator crowds cheer you on through the stages.
• Incredible detail: An individual damage model for each car ?right down to paintwork scrapes and a 'dazed' visual effect as you recover from a crash!

Metal Slug Advance
Posted by M @ 11:24 p.m. NZST

SNK will debut its first title for the Game Boy Advance at E3 2004. Metal Slug Advance will feature five, all-new, action-packed missions plus four mini game stages, and diverse areas and rugged terrain including subterranean dungeons, mysterious ruins, limestone caverns, and lava zones.

As an added bonus, Metal Slug Advance will feature over a 100 different Metal Slug E-cards to enhance player's abilities and assist them in the completion of their missions. Metal Slug Advance will be available in August 2004.

New Worms
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 11:22 p.m. NZST

Sega Europe Ltd has announced the development of Worms Forts Under Siege, the latest title in Team 17's hugely entertaining Worms franchise. Worms Forts Under Siege is underway for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC, and will be unveiled at E3.

Since history began, castles have provided the backdrop to some of the most dramatic battles of all time... and in Worms Forts Under Siege, now it's your turn to take part in your own epic struggle, pitting fort against fort, worm against worm, and Catapult against Trojan Donkey!

Unleashing destruction on a scale never seen before in a Worms game, take personal command of your worm garrison and battle your way through time... from Ancient Egypt, to the epic struggle for Troy, facing the might of the Samurai, or aiding King Arthur in his knightly quest! You'll need skill, strategy and a healthy dose of Worms attitude if you want to master all 30 different weapons, and unlock the huge array of hidden maps, speech banks, missions, and challenges.

Matthew Woodley, European Marketing Director, SEGA Europe Ltd, commented, "We've really enjoyed the experience of working with Team 17, and the simple yet thoroughly addictive gameplay of Worms Forts Under Siege makes it a great way to spend your time, either on your own but especially with friends. Team 17 has managed to improve on a winning formula once again."

Debbie Bestwick, Commercial Director, Team 17 Software Ltd, added, "Building on the strengths that have made the Worms games such a success, this latest instalment sees the series taken to a new level of gameplay. With massive weaponry and fortifications, there's a whole new strategic element that really adds to the engaging gameplay and addictiveness of the Worms experience."

Worms Forts Under Siege is scheduled for release on all three formats in Europe in Q4 2004.

Def Jam Vendetta Renamed
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 11:19 p.m. NZST

Electronic Arts announced last Friday that it's time to take control of New York's hip-hop underground!

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

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

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

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

Eidos Releases First Details, Trailer for Crash 'n' Burn
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 11:16 p.m. NZST

Prepare to enter the nitrous-fuelled world of Crash 'n' Burn where dangerous driving is not only encouraged, it is the only way you'll survive! Crash 'n' Burn is being developed by Climax's Brighton studio, and will be available on PlayStation 2 and Xbox this autumn.

Choose your car, paint it, polish it, and personalise it. Build it up with new components, giant spoilers and reinforced fenders. Supercharge it, fill it with nitrous and then take it to the back street circuits of Miami, San Francisco, L.A. and New York. You're at the back of the pack, grid position sixteen with fifteen cars ahead of you, polished until they gleam. Your primary objective is to take first place; your secondary objective is to run everyone else off the road. Crunch them into the barrier, rip, shred and tear sheet metal from their frames, leave their burning engine blocks and melted tires in your wake. The last driver with four wheels wins. Then do it again, online, with support for up to 16 players (PlayStation 2 and Xbox).

Crash 'n' Burn will be showcased on the Eidos stand (South Hall #924) at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which takes place in Los Angeles from May 12-14. Check out the trailer at www.crashnburngame.com.

Halk-Life 2 Changing Minimum Specs
Posted by snark^ @ 11:12 p.m. NZST

Half-Life 2's minimum specifications are probably going up. Doug Lombardi made the following comment in the recent PC Zone article when asked if the 733MHz minspec still counted:

"We're probably going to push that to a 1GHz processor with 128MB RAM and a DX7 or DX6 level 3D card -- we're not sure yet." ... "We'll be pointing people towards 256MB RAM and an ATi 9600, 9600XT, 9800 or 9800XT for optimal peformance. Once you get over a 1.2GHz processor the improvement that you see will be negligable, so long as you have all those other pieces in play."

From the same article: Gabe Newell also admitted the delay hasn't just been down to the hacking and that they'd just underestimated the amount of work needed to be done as well. Currently they're just working on "tuning, tuning and more tuning" so there is still the possibility of a NZ Winter release.

Sidhe Interactive Takes Gold
Posted by M @ 10:50 p.m. NZST

Local game development studio Sidhe Interactive celebrated winning not only the Creative Gold category at the 6th annual Wellington Region Gold Awards ceremony on Thursday, but also a win in the overall category, the Supreme Gold award. The awards celebrate commercial enterprise and excellence in the Wellington region.

Previous winners of both the Creative and Supreme Gold awards have included Weta Digital and Weta Workshop, special effects wizards behind the highly acclaimed Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

"2003 was a great year for our studio in so many respects", commented Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive. "We are honoured to receive the top award when so many businesses here are experiencing great success".

Amongst their achievements of 2003 was the release of Stacey Jones Rugby League for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC which dominated Christmas videogame sales in the Australasian market.

Commenting on the future, Wynands said Sidhe are working on multiple as yet unannounced projects including game development for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP).