April 2002

Monday, April 22, 2002

EA Sports Ships 2002 FIFA World Cup
Steve @ 4:11 PM EDT
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BW SportsWire)--April 22, 2002--Until now, you could only imagine how it would feel to hoist the FIFA World Cup(TM) as millions cheer wildly. Wait no longer.

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today that it shipped 2002 FIFA World Cup, the only interactive game featuring official FIFA World Cup insignia, trophy, mascots, banners and flags, on display in the 20 officially sanctioned stadiums, as the world's top 32 teams battle against elimination in the first tournament ever held in Asia and the first to be sponsored by two countries, South Korea and Japan.

"2002 FIFA World Cup offers soccer fans the opportunity to experience all aspects of the world's most celebrated sporting event, including every moment of glory, every sight and every sound -- before the tournament actually begins," said producer Nick Wlodyka. "It promises to be the most authentic FIFA World Cup simulation and will deliver an unparalleled level of fun."

The game will be on store shelves tomorrow for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and PlayStation console, Nintendo GameCube(TM), the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft and PC-CD.

Features:

Gauntlet Dark Legacy Ships for the Xbox
Steve @ 2:12 PM EDT
CHICAGO--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--April 22, 2002--Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading software industry publisher and developer, announced today that Gauntlet(R) Dark Legacy(TM) for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft will ship tomorrow. Gauntlet Dark Legacy is scheduled to ship in fall 2002 for the Game Boy(R) Advance and is available now for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the Nintendo GameCube(TM).

Recreated for next-generation systems, Gauntlet Dark Legacy is a one to four player action-adventure videogame, which allows as many as four game players to battle cooperatively and interact simultaneously. Continuing the time-honored "hack-n-slash" style of gameplay, players work as a team as they embark on a quest to save the world. Using a force of special weapons, exotic magical powers and deadly combination attacks, players slay hordes of evil minions and hideous creatures -- such as Golems, Dragons and Chimera -- while searching for treasure, evading traps and solving the many mysteries of Gauntlet Dark Legacy.

"Now Xbox owners will be able to experience Gauntlet Dark Legacy's time-honored cooperative four-player experience," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway.

Whether playing alone or with companions, players adventure through eight magical realms -- Mountain, Desert, Forest and Castle and the new Ice, Town, Sky and Dream worlds. Throughout each mystical realm, players are challenged to find obelisks, rune stones and countless other items while confronting more than 50 different enemies and challenging bosses. Players can choose from a variety of characters -- including the new Jester, Sorceress, Dwarf and Knight -- who possess the ability to perform special turbo attacks and deadly combination moves during battle. Each character has different attributes, so players must decide which character they believe is best equipped to handle the next adventure. Players can also find more than 42 secret characters and unlock their hidden, split personalities.


Features:

Friday, April 19, 2002

First Screens of NBA Inside Drive 2003
Eric @ 1:51 PM EDT
Here are the first screens of Microsoft's first party Basketball game, enjoy!

NBA Inside Drive 2003 Screen Gallery 1  

NBA Inside Drive 2003 Shipping This Fall
Steve @ 1:19 PM EDT
REDMOND, Wash. — April 19, 2002 — Microsoft® Game Studios today announced it will release “NBA Inside Drive 2003,” its exclusive basketball title for the Xbox™ video game system, this fall in time for the start of the 2003 NBA season.

Following a strong debut on Xbox and a successful history on the personal computer, this newest addition to the “NBA Inside Drive” franchise features several new customization and gameplay enhancements. In “NBA Inside Drive 2003,” developed by High Voltage Software Inc., gamers will continue to enjoy team-specific playbooks and tendencies, superior graphics and fluid gameplay.

“NBA Inside Drive 2003” will include numerous updates, including a season dynasty feature and Dynamic Player Performance. Additional gameplay features, as well as the “NBA Inside Drive 2003” spokesperson and in-game announcers, will be announced before the game’s launch.

“‘NBA Inside Drive 2003’ puts players directly in the middle of NBA action,” said Pat Cook, sports studio manager for Microsoft Game Studios. “They’ll experience all the bumps, hand-checks and thundering dunks from the comfort of their living room.”

Robot Wars 2 From Climax
Steve @ 1:16 PM EDT
20th April 2002, Fareham, Hants. UK. Following the success of its acclaimed versions of Robot Wars on PlayStation 2 and PC CD-ROM, Climax is pleased to announce the development of heavy metal successor Robot Wars 2. To be published on XBox and PC formats by BBC Multimedia for Christmas 2002, this all-action sequel is set to deliver a whole new bot battling experience.

Work on Robot Wars 2 is currently underway at the Fareham-based studio of Climax. One of the world’s leading interactive software development companies, Climax was previously responsible for coding the acclaimed Playstation 2 and PC editions of the original Robot Wars. The games have been a huge success, selling 250,000 units in 2001 across PC, PlayStation 2 and Game Boy – demonstrating the popularity of cross platform development.

Since its launch in the early ’90s the Robot Wars TV series has grown from cult status to become a massive worldwide phenomenon, with the BBC show now attracting an audience of around four million viewers. Taking its cue from the latest series, Robot Wars 2 cranks up the action with new events, new robots, and a wide range of new game features.

“We’re delighted to be working with BBC Multimedia on this prestigious licence once again,” says Karl Jeffrey, President of Climax. “The TV series continues to go from strength to strength, and the most recent Robot Wars Extreme series delivers the most exciting battles yet. With the Robot Wars 2 game we’re able to utilise the new show format to give gamers battles that are more addictive, intense and brutal than ever before.”

Details about the graphical and gameplay enhancements to be found in Robot Wars 2 are still under wraps, but Climax confirms that fans can expect a lavish 3D action game, with an exclusive XBox and PC design making it the most advanced Robot Wars title yet. A new range of robots and arenas will feature, with a two-player split-screen mode for enhanced multiplayer gaming.

“Climax did an excellent job with the first Robot Wars games,” comments Andrew Johnson, Sales & Marketing Director of BBC Multimedia. “Its PlayStation 2 and PC editions proved to be a huge success at Christmas 2001, and we’re confident that that its work on Robot Wars 2 will help us achieve continued success over the coming year.

Muppets Game Announced
Steve @ 1:14 PM EDT
TDK Mediactive, Inc. (OTC: TDKM), a global publisher of entertainment software, announced today an exclusive three-year, renewable worldwide licensing agreement with Jim Henson Interactive, a division of The Jim Henson Company, for the Muppets(TM), one of the most prolific brands in the entertainment industry. The agreement ensures TDK Mediactive exclusive rights to develop and publish games based on many of the Classic Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog(TM), Miss Piggy(TM), Fozzie Bear(TM), The Great Gonzo(TM) and more. Platforms covered by the license agreement include the PSOne and PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube(TM) video game system, the Game Boy(R) Advance and PC platforms.

"The colorful Muppet characters and their hilarious antics are tailor-made for videogames," said Vincent Bitetti, chief executive officer of TDK Mediactive. "The Muppet license is a continuation of our efforts to diversify our business across all viable platforms, categories and age demographics and fits well into the `E' rated segment of our business."

"In celebration of the 25th anniversary of `The Muppet Show,' we've been expanding the reach of Muppet characters by leaps and bounds this year," said Craig Allen, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Jim Henson Interactive. "The licensing agreement with TDK Mediactive will ensure that high quality, entertaining Muppet games will be produced for a variety of platforms, giving our fans the world over a true gaming experience that only the Muppets can deliver."

More about the Muppets license will be revealed at E3, South Hall, booth number 1446.

Thursday, April 18, 2002

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Unveiled
Steve @ 3:05 PM EDT
Ubi Soft Unveils Splinter Cell™, an All-Access Pass to the Reality of Global Espionage

Paris, France - April 18, 2002 – Ubi Soft® Entertainment, one of the world’s largest videogame publishers, unveiled today the latest creation inspired by the works of world-renowned novelist Tom Clancy. Splinter Cell™ is a third person stealth action game, featuring cyber-terrorism, shadow agencies, and covert operations and is set in the realistic, highly detailed geopolitical universe as portrayed by Tom Clancy.

In the fall of 2002, Ubi Soft will debut this lone stealth action game worldwide on the XboxTM video game system and PC CD-ROM, with further next generation platforms following in 2003.

Splinter Cell™ will grant players access to the highest echelons of national security, where shadowy operatives have the freedom to do whatever it takes to safeguard America. In Splinter Cell™, the player controls Sam Fisher, a field operative of a secretive “black-ops” NSA sub-agency called Third Echelon. Sam Fisher is geared up to infiltrate high-security strongholds, seize critical intelligence, destroy threatening data and neutralize the enemy - all without leaving a trace. Developed by Ubi Soft’s Montreal Studio in Canada, Splinter Cell™, is a unique experience that will have the player thinly skate on the fine line that separates fact from fiction.

“Splinter Cell™ is a really ambitious title that reaches unparalleled visual quality and innovative action packed game play thanks to Ubi Soft’s highly modified version of the next generation Unreal™ Engine”, said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubi Soft Entertainment Inc. “We consider it to be one of our premiere games of the year.”

Splinter Cell™ will be seen for the first time at the Electronic Entertainment Expo this May in Los Angeles.

Splinter Cell Screen Gallery 1  

Two Birthday's Today At XBox Exclusive
Steve @ 3:03 PM EDT
Well there are 2 birthday's here today. Eric and I coincidentally have the same birthday and it falls on April 18th. I am 22, and he is now 19. So Happy Birthday to us. :) Please note: this does not mean that we are taking the day off. More updates to come.

XBox Price Cut in Europe Official!
Steve @ 2:34 AM EDT
Right off of Microsoft's Official Website, it's all true, even the 2 free games and controller is true. Well this is one day that I wouldn't mind being a European XBox Fan.

If games are the food of life then if you bought your Xbox before 26th April 2002 prepare for a feast! As you may have read Xbox is coming down in price in the UK to a recommended street price of £199. As a big "THANK YOU" to everyone who bought an Xbox before 26th April we are offering, until 1st July 2002, the chance for you to get 2 games and an Xbox Controller for FREE! That means you could be playing games like Halo, Rallisport Challenge, Project Gotham Racing, Amped, Oddworld or Dead or Alive 3 amongst other great games for free! We are looking to extend the list of games on offer so if you can wait then we'd recommend you check back on this site on April 26th for the full list of games.


So, what do you need to do?

It's very simple. Just download this application form http://download.playmore.com/application/uk.doc, complete the required details (address, name, games I want, etc.) and email it to xbox@msdirectservices.com. The only qualifying factor is that you bought your Xbox in one of the 16 European launch countries before the 26th April 2002. That's it! We hope you enjoy this opportunity to play more of the great games Xbox has to offer.

We hope you continue to enjoy the Xbox experience whether it be fragging in Halo, kicking & punching in Dead or Alive 3 or fighting that over steer in Rallisport Challenge!

Wednesday, April 17, 2002

First Info on MLB SlugFest 20-03
Eric @ 6:33 PM EDT

Game Features:

Adrenaline-style Gameplay – Over-the-top action featuring fast-action batter/pitcher interface, leaping, diving and wall-climbing catches, screaming liners, mammoth deep drives and the fastest game of baseball you’ve ever seen.

MLB Authenticity – Real teams, real players, real stadiums, real stats and real player attributes and attitudes.

Fantasy Players and Stadiums – Bolster your line-up with the animals of the SlugFest diamond or take your game into exotic locations.

Real Player Faces – Unbelievably detailed faces, right down to expressions. You’ll even see them chewing gum.

Multiple Player Models – Sensational player models that feature different body styles.

Control – Intuitive, fast-action, adrenaline-style controls.

Dynamic Camera Angles – Capture all the backhand grabs, head-turning gappers and brushback pitches.

Animations – More then 1,500 outrageous, over-the-top animations that feature your favorite MLB players performing as they only dream they could.

Licensed Music – Explosive music from metal rock band Dry Kill Logic, including its all-new, millennium rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” as well as music from the electronica band, Curve.

Extra DVD Content – Experience Dry Kill Logic's exclusive SlugFest music video, “Riot at the Bat Rack!”

MLBP & MLBPA Licenses – All of your favorite teams, players and stadiums to compete and dominate with.


MLB SlugFest 20-03 is set to hit stores in early August, and if its anything like Blitz it should be a blast!! Screens are coming soon.

Minority Report Confirmed for XBox
Steve @ 2:06 PM EDT
Santa Monica, CA – April 16, 2002 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) confirmed today that Treyarch is in development on a Minority Report game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox™ video game system and Nintendo GameCube™. Inspired by Steven Spielberg’s upcoming feature film, “Minority Report,” a 20th Century Fox and Dreamworks co-production starring Tom Cruise slated for release on June 21, the Minority Report video game puts players in the role of a PreCrime Police Officer wrongfully accused of murder. Throughout the 3rd person action/adventure game, players will explore many of the locations from the film, as well as make use of advanced weapons and gadgets straight out of the movie in an attempt to clear their name. Minority Report the game will be released in the winter of 2002 and has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

New Movies of MechAssault, Crimson Skies and Redshift
Eric @ 1:04 AM EDT
Xbox website Xeye has posted some new videos of MechAssault, Crimson Skies, and Quantum Redshift on their site. The movies are not of the highest quality, but do show off some of the games features. Another cool note is that they have an MS PR guy talking in detail about the games as he plays. This is also the first time ever that any site has posted a video of Quantum Redshift. Enjoy the movies and look out for more info on each of these games very soon.

Xbox Movies

Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex Ships
Steve @ 12:43 AM EDT
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Interactive, Inc., a studio of Vivendi Universal Publishing, announced today that "Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex(TM)" for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft has shipped to retailers nationwide.

Developed by U.K.-based Traveller's Tales, "Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex" for Xbox follows the same high-energy storyline as Universal Interactive's popular holiday 2001 release of "Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex" for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award 2002. Crash travels by land, sea and air to defeat his arch-nemesis and creator, the evil Dr. Neo Cortex.

Composed of more than 30 levels, the new title features the most realistic special effects ever seen in a Crash game. Vibrant graphics, real-time lighting and shadows, and even a new furry coat for gaming's favorite marsupial are made possible by the enhanced graphical capabilities of the Xbox hardware.

Level load times have been significantly reduced. "Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex" offers exceptional replayability with more than 40 hours of gameplay, multiple play modes, real-time sequences and five new bosses.

"'Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex' for Xbox is a perfect example of Universal Interactive's commitment to publishing quality interactive entertainment across multiple platforms," said Jim Wilson, president of Universal Interactive. "Traveller's Tales has done an excellent job maximizing the power of the hardware to create a title that Xbox gamers will enjoy."

Crash Bandicoot is among the best-selling character-based game franchises in the history of the PlayStation(R) game console. The Crash Bandicoot franchise has sold more than 25 million units worldwide, with more than 11 million units sold in North America alone.

"Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex" is rated E for Everyone and will be offered at a MSRP of $49.99. Further information about "Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex" is available at http://www.crashbandicoot.com.

Tuesday, April 16, 2002

More info & 10 New Screens of Quantum Redshift
Eric @ 2:50 PM EDT
What: Quantum Redshift™
Publisher: Microsoft® Game Studios
Developer: Curly Monsters Ltd.
Format: DVD for Xbox™ video game system
Availability: Holiday 2002

Product Overview:
Quantum Redshift challenges gamers to display a rare combination of raw racing skill and savvy weapons strategy to achieve ultimate victory.

Set 100 years in the future, “Quantum Redshift” features a new racing tournament of speed and daring that has become an organized sport and is raced on tracks all over the world. Gamers race on futuristic terrains and compete in fierce grudge matches against multiple opponents, including an archrival/nemesis character. “Quantum Redshift” delivers hyper speed racing, 16 vehicles, 16 detail-laden tracks, weapons strategy, intelligent AI opponents, spectacular aerial jumps and character-based nuances to appeal to action and racing gamers.

Features:

Vehicles – “Quantum Redshift” puts gamers in command of the most extreme, hyper-speed racing machines ever developed. Each hover vehicle interacts with any terrain type, but is specifically designed to excel on the driver’s home circuit.


Speed – The game features five levels of hyper-speed with the ultimate level - “Quantum Redshift” - reaching speeds over 900 mph. Gamers earn higher speeds and greater rewards by prevailing in each race and winning trophies. Acquiring trophies at various speed levels, unlocks special characters, speeds and tracks -- giving “Quantum Redshift” extended gameplay and depth.


Weapons – Each vehicle features its own unique holographic weapon technology. The game has 160 different weapons effects, letting characters attack with everything from plasma bolts to tidal waves to nuclear weapons. Each vehicle also has its own unique “weapons pickups” stationed at various points throughout the game.


Tracks – The game features 16 detail-laden tracks, across eight different world locations where gamers hurtle across rough terrain, through forests, across turbulent water and over massive jumps. The futuristic racing circuits include: Silver Rock Canyon, a former national park in New Mexico; Kalau Wastelands, a former nuclear test site in Siberia; Fuusoku City, a newly developed metropolis located in Japan; Solar City, a cosmopolitan city sometimes referred to as “Hong Kong Down Under”; Brackenstowe Vale, a track for water specialists, located in the glorious Lake District; and Draco Island, located in the Pacific Ocean with an active volcano.


Characters – Players choose from one of sixteen characters including: Tara Vivas, a former red-hot teen pop sensation; PrinceYuri Galitz, a wealthy Russian who claims to be the last of the Romanov line; Kumiko Nikaido, the daughter of one of the greatest racers of all time; and Zaki Shaheen, a skilled racer who believes he owes his success to Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the dead. Each of the 16 drivers has his/her own unique ship, home circuit and weapons. Intense nemesis storylines, developed throughout the game via cut scenes and animation, range from “political adversaries” to “estranged lovers.”


Advanced audio – In leveraging the audio capabilities of Xbox, “Quantum Redshift” supports Dolby 5.1, in addition to a fully interactive music soundtrack, composed by acclaimed musical sensation, Junkie XL. “Quantum Redshift” also supports the widescreen television format.


Multiplayer – Quantum Redshift supports up to four-player split screen action.


Quantum Redshift Screen Gallery 1  

LucasArts to Publish Wrath
Eric @ 2:43 PM EDT
LUCASARTS NABS PUBLISHING RIGHTS TO WRATH™, THE HIGHLY COVETED ACTION/STRATEGY GAME BY THE COLLECTIVE
Wrath Slated to Release for Next Generation Console Systems in 2003

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- April 15, 2002 -- LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC today announced it has, following intense competition, acquired the rights from The Collective, Inc. to publish Wrath, one of interactive entertainment's most highly sought after games. Wrath, expected to release for next generation console platforms in 2003, is a dynamic arcade-style game with a turn-based element that uniquely blends strategy and action.

"Wrath's gameplay garnered an immense amount of well-deserved buzz when The Collective revealed the game to the press last year," says Simon Jeffery, president of LucasArts. "LucasArts feels it is the ideal publisher; Wrath complements our original game legacy incredibly well and supports our continuing strategy of working with the world's premiere game developers."

"Wrath is our first original title, and with it we aim to establish a new genre and standard in head-to-head console gaming," says Richard Hare, creative director for The Collective. "Considering LucasArts' rich heritage of developing exceptional, innovative games, they are without doubt the best publishing partner for Wrath and we are delighted to be furthering our relationship with them."

Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis on Xbox
Eric @ 2:40 PM EDT
Xbox prepares for a military assault from the million-selling "Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis"
APRIL 16 -- Owners of the Xbox video game system from Microsoft are to get a dedicated edition of the million-selling military simulator Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis.

Codemasters will publish a customised Xbox version of the multi-award winning game this winter. The Xbox edition is being developed by Bohemia Interactive Studio, creators of the original PC title, and will contain the entire original game along with an additional prequel campaign called Resistance.

Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis takes action gaming to a brand new level, as Jonathan Smith, External Development Studio Head at Codemasters explains:

"Operation Flashpoint is a groundbreaking title, giving players the chance to participate in a Cold War conflict just the way they want to. It's a game that has set new standards of immersive realism, and we're delighted to bring it to Xbox.

"On Xbox, it offers twice as much action as in the original PC game, with the inclusion of the enhanced Resistance missions. We are refining the controls and interface for maximum playability, and beefing up the graphical effects to take full advantage of the hardware."

Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis is the ultimate realistic war experience where everything happens for real. Its conflict setting draws the player into the action so deeply because it is such a believable military environment.

For the first time in such a game, the player controls and commands not just soldiers of all levels and squads but also land, sea and air vehicles - both military and civilian - from cars, to APCs, to tanks and even military helicopters.

The scenario is modern warfare: It is 1985, in the midst of the Cold War, and Gorbachev has been elected to power bringing with him policies of glasnost and perestroika. However, resistance Soviet groups are opposed to the new wave and are refusing to serve the new regime in Moscow.

One group has taken control of an island community, and is using it as an armed stronghold for the old order. NATO has been called to act as the peacekeeping force. Operation Flashpoint opens with the player joining the first mission against the Soviets.

It is a game of complete freedom with military crisis situations to handle on your own initiative. Once past the mission briefing stage, it's the player's decision how the overall mission or campaign is tackled. This variety also allows players to dip in and out of all kinds of action gameplay from commanding a squad, driving rumbling vehicles, and piloting a helicopter to being a sniper.

Again, incredible detail unfolds in each role: A NATO sniper makes use of the US-standard M21 sniper rifle with its correct optical markings. However, if they relieve an immobilised Soviet sniper of his rifle, they will be faced with Soviet-standard optical markings through the sights - and they do work differently.

The open environment of the game is massive and you can go anywhere at anytime; you're not limited to playing in mission-specific 'walled' areas.

On Xbox, the game comes complete with an additional campaign titled Operation Flashpoint: Resistance, set years before Operation Flashpoint's Cold War hit crisis point.

Resistance creates an additional 100km2 island and casts the player as Victor Troska, an experienced ex-Special Forces soldier. Having turned his back on his military past, Troska has settled into a respectable civilian life on the island of Nogova*, a short distance from the main game's three islands. However, his situation changes when the Soviet force invades the island group and destroys Troska's idyllic dreams.

Reluctant at first to return to a conflict situation, he is forced to participate in, and then lead, the ramshackle Resistance effort, which grows up in response to the Soviet occupation of the island.

As Operation Flashpoint: Resistance begins before the US Army and its resources came to the islands, players have to scavenge equipment from whatever sources they can manage.

Throughout the closely linked missions, the overriding objectives include growing your resistance force by gaining new recruits and gathering equipment, preserving as many of your comrades as possible to build an army strong enough to repel the Soviets.

Combined, the main game and the prequel campaign, makes Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis the best military simulator for any platform and a true must-have title for the Xbox gamer.

Hotly tipped to repeat its Game of the Year success, Codemasters is set to release Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis on Xbox this winter.

Friday, April 12, 2002

NCAA College Football 2k3 Announced for Xbox!
Eric @ 2:38 PM EDT
SEGA Sports Drafts 2001 Heisman Trophy Winner Eric Crouch as New Cover Athlete for NCAA College Football 2K3
Former Nebraska QB Gets Signed By SEGA Sports as Official Spokesperson for ``NCAA College Football 2K3'' Just Before the 2002 NFL Draft

SAN FRANCISCO--(BW SportsWire)--April 12, 2002-- SEGA Sports(TM), the brand that continues to set new standards in sports gaming, today announced the signing of former University of Nebraska quarterback and 2001 Heisman® Trophy Winner Eric Crouch to serve as the official spokesperson and cover athlete for ``SEGA Sports(TM) NCAA® College Football 2K3.'' Produced by Visual Concepts, the development house behind the sports video game revolution and makers of the acclaimed NFL 2K and NBA 2K series, ``NCAA College Football 2K3'' will deliver an authentic college football experience never before seen in sports video games, in time for the start of the 2002 college football season.

``Eric Crouch took the role of college quarterback to a new level, so drafting him for the SEGA Sports team was a natural choice. He epitomizes what SEGA Sports stands for; a commitment to revolutionizing the sport,'' said Tom Nichols, group director of sports marketing, SEGA of America. ``Eric met with the development team to help recreate the look and feel of college football, including enhancing the option play in our game. With his help and the many advancements in the game, 'SEGA Sports NCAA College Football 2K3' will definitely score a touchdown with gamers this season.''

Amassing 3,000 yards rushing and 4,000 yards passing during his Nebraska career, Eric Crouch is one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play collegiate football. His athleticism and versatility on the field have endeared him to Nebraska fans and sports enthusiasts around the country. Crouch, who is readying himself for the NFL draft, recently participated in a development session at Visual Concepts in San Rafael, California where he worked with developers to create new plays, moves and audio for the upcoming ``NCAA College Football 2K3'' release. Crouch joins the long line of great athletes who have graced the covers of SEGA Sports titles such as tennis stars Venus Williams and Serena Williams, 76ers luminary Allen Iverson, and Yankees All-Star slugger Jason Giambi.

``I'm so glad to have been drafted onto the SEGA Sports team,'' Crouch said. ``College students are known for spending a lot of time playing video games and I was no different during my career with the Cornhuskers. We played 'NCAA College Football 2K2' at home, in the locker room and on the road, which is why it's so exciting to be able to contribute my expertise to the next version -- 'NCAA College Football 2K3.'''

``SEGA Sports NCAA College Football 2K3'' features enhanced gameplay mechanics, new ``college look'' player models and a comprehensive Legacy Mode which allow gamers to assemble a football program from the ground up -- creating the most authentic college football simulation off campus. ``SEGA Sports NCAA College Football 2K3'' also offers all 117 Division 1-A teams, 25 Bowl Games, a full-fledged Heisman Trophy race and enhanced in-stadium effects -- creating a truly electrifying college football experience. With these and many other new features, ``SEGA Sports NCAA College Football 2K3'' brings the gamer closer to the college gridiron than ever before.

``SEGA Sports NCAA College Football 2K3'' will be available at retailers nationwide this Fall for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo GameCube(TM), and the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft® at a suggested retail price of $49.95. This game will be rated ``E'' for everyone.

Shadow of Memories Announced
Steve @ 2:17 PM EDT
Konami of Europe (KOE) has lifted the lid on the latest of its enviable roster of development studios, with news that September will mark the release of the first games to emerge from its newly established European research and development team (KOE R&D).

PC and Xbox conversions of the popular PlayStation 2 adventure Shadow of Memories will herald the new European studio's arrival. As a showcase of KOE R&D's talent, however, the PC and Xbox conversions will also offer a graphically enhanced version of Konami's stunning tale of time travel and the repercussions of changing fate.

Shadow of Memories is a tale of choices and their affect on others. The game 's hero, Eike, is murdered and awakens to find himself in limbo, somewhere between life and what lies beyond. A mysterious figure introduces himself as Homunulus and offers Eike a means to alter his destiny and avert his murder.

As the cinematic mix of puzzle solving and exploration unfolds, however, Eike will visit 1980, 1902 and mediaeval time zones and the methods he uses to avert his death will have a knock-on effect on those he meets.

Converting such a massive game has been a mammoth task, but KOE R&D has proved its worth with an incredible game that draws the player into a world of mysteries and a twisting plot that can culminate in any one of four endings. It also proves that while KOE R&D may be a relatively new addition to Konami's talent base, it is a welcome companion to the existing Tokyo, Osaka, and Honolulu studios as part of Konami's development portfolio.

"We are very proud to see our R&D gearing up for its first release", commented Konami of Europe President Kunio Neo. "Konami has taken its Europe operation very seriously for many years now and his further underlines our commitment to the market".

KOE R&D studio manager Tony Bickley added, "Shadow of Memories has been the perfect start for us and we expect the title to go down well. We're currently investigating a wide selection of projects, across both traditional gaming platforms and new areas of business. It's an exciting time for the studio".

KOE R&D, the European R&D of Konami of Europe, was founded in October 2000. Its first tasks were to establish a studio in Milton Keynes, UK, track down talented developers across Europe and evaluate different gaming platforms. The studio's first game project, The Tour de France, was a co-production with KCE Osa, the Japanese team in Osaka, which will be released in June 2002. Shadow of Memories for PC and Xbox was the first production, handled solely by KOE R&D.

Shadow of Memories Screen Gallery 1  

Thursday, April 11, 2002

First Screens of Fila World Tour Tennis
Eric @ 5:24 PM EDT
Here are the first screens of Fila World Tour Tennis to go along with the press release. So far the game is looking really good and with its pretty impressive list of features this should be one to watch for Tennis fans.


Fila World Tour Tennis Screen Gallery 1  

10 Very Impressive New Screens of WSB
Eric @ 5:20 PM EDT
Sega just released 10 great looking new screens of there upcoming baseball game World Series Baseball which happens to be "Only on Xbox". This game has been getting great impressions from all over the World Wide Web and for good reason. WSB is set to be released on May 2nd and this is one Baseball fan that will be counting down the days to its release!


World Series Baseball Screen Gallery 1  

Robotech: Battlecry Coming This Fall
Steve @ 2:57 PM EDT
CALABASAS, Calif. April 11, 2002 - TDK Mediactive, Inc., a global publisher of entertainment software, and Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT), the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toy products, are pleased to announce that "Robotech: Battlecry " for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube(TM) video game system, as well as "Robotech: The Macross Saga" for Game Boy(R) Advance, will be released this fall. Based on one of the most successful animated series in the United States, "Robotech: Battlecry" is visually spectacular, featuring the fast-paced action and sweeping drama of the popular television show.

"We are extremely pleased about our partnership with Mattel and Harmony Gold along with developer Vicious Cycle," said Vincent Bitetti, chief executive officer of TDK Mediactive. "Our upcoming games have captured the dramatic storyline, art direction and amazing battle sequences that characterize the `Robotech' universe."

"`Robotech' is a phenomenal brand with great potential -- the games will appeal to many audiences -- everyone from fans of the original TV series to core gamers to the casual consumer," said Amy Boylan, senior vice president of New Media at Mattel, Inc. "With the popularity of anime and giant mechs on the rise, `Robotech' is poised to become one of the standout games this year."

About "Robotech: Battlecry"

A mission-driven action title, "Robotech" embodies the classic mecha-filled mayhem of the animated series. Featuring all-encompassing destruction on a giant scale, "Robotech" is a high-octane arcade shooter that captures the television show's spectacular visuals and epic storyline.

As an intrepid fighter pilot, the player must protect cities of Earth from roving bands of a giant alien race, the Zentraedi. The player pilots the versatile Veritech Fighter, a giant transformable mechanized robot that can convert into a high-flying jet fighter, a 40-foot tall humanoid robot, and a combination of both. Each transformation mode offers new movement options, special abilities or weapons.

To succeed in battle, the player must use more than one mode to complete their assigned objectives. In keeping with the "Robotech" identity, the environments, mecha, characters and overall appearance are modeled directly from the stylized look of the highly regarded animated series.

Features for "Robotech: Battlecry" include:

Take Two Takes Conflict: Desert Storm and The Italian Job
Steve @ 9:28 PM EDT
SCi Entertainment Group Plc (SEG), one of Europe’s leading publishers of computer games, today announces the signing of North American publishing agreements with Take Two Interactive (“Take Two”) for its eagerly awaited game Conflict: Desert Storm and for the PC version of the number one Playstation hit The Italian Job.

Based on the 1991 Gulf War, Conflict: Desert Storm is a squad based action game, where the player takes control of an elite Special Air Service or Delta Force Unit, ordered behind enemy lines to infiltrate enemy territory and neutralise key targets. Cameron Spence, an ex-member of 22 Special Air Service (SAS), is advising SCi on the logistics and realism of the product. The game will be launched on Sony Playstation 2, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and PC formats.

The Italian Job, based on the classic film starring Michael Caine, was released on Sony Playstation in October 2001. It was an immediate success, charting at number one in the Playstation charts for four weeks and remaining in the Top 20 ever since. The PC version of The Italian Job will be released to the retail market in the UK and in Europe on 12th April 2002. Take Two signed the US rights to the Playstation version of The Italian Job in February 2002.

The agreements grant exclusive North American publishing rights to Take Two in return for guaranteed income, further royalties depending on the success of the game and a substantial marketing commitment. In order to maximise the effectiveness of this marketing expenditure Conflict: Desert Storm will be simultaneously launched Worldwide on Sony Playstation 2, Microsoft X-Box and PC in early September 2002, and launched on Gamecube a few months later.

Take Two, which is one of North America’s leading games publishers, will be responsible for publishing and marketing the product in North America. Through its hugely successful titles, Grand Theft Auto 3 and State of Emergency, Take Two has held the number one position in the United States Playstation charts for every week of 2002. Grand Theft Auto 3 was the most successful Playstation 2 title in the United States in 2001 selling nearly 2 million units.

SCi (SEG) was founded in 1988 and is one of the leading games publishers in Europe. It has produced titles for Playstation, PS2, Nintendo 64, GameBoy Color, GameBoy Advance and PC including the hit games Carmageddon, Thunderbirds and The Italian Job. The group has one of the fullest pipelines in European gaming with titles like Gumball 3000, The Great Escape and Futurama set for release over the coming 24 months. SCi was first listed on AIM in 1996 followed by a successful move to the official list in March 2000.

Jane Cavanagh, Chief Executive of SCi commented:

“We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Take Two. The phenomenal success with Playstation 2 titles since 2002 proves that Take Two is one of the most dynamic companies in the American market. Anticipation for Conflict: Desert storm is very high. We believe that this agreement gives us the basis for a very exciting worldwide release. This agreement will form an important component of our results in the 2002 financial year.”