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Week of April 1, 2001


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New Kiddie Decor
4walls.com signed a licensing agreement with Infogrames, Inc. to create and distribute murals and mural–style borders of popular Humongous Entertainment characters. Wallcoverings featuring Putt–Putt, Pajama Sam and the Backyard Kids are now available nationwide, as well as Cut–outs, Framed Prints, Stickers, Wrist Pads, Invitations and more.

PS2 Obtains Browser Access (PlayStation 2)
According to The Nikkei Industrial Daily, Access Co. has developed a version of its NetFront browser software that is compatible with the PlayStation 2. Companies such as Aiwa and Omron Corp. will bundle the browser software with their PlayStation 2 modems. Access may also decide to market the software separately. The company previously developed similar software for the Dreamcast.

Activision Boxes Another Fleet (Multiplatform)
Activision announced that it is right on schedule with the company’s development of Xbox titles, and will debut Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2x for the console at this year’s E3 show. Meanwhile, Star Trek Away Team shipped to retailers this week. The PC action/strategy title features 18 special forces missions, 17 crew members and is equipped with all of the standard Federation gear.

Third Time’s a Charm for Luna
Anarchy Enterprises’ Beta Version 1.3 of LUNA: Moon Colony Simulator will be available next week. The latest release of the company’s upcoming 3D sim/strategy game features five new disasters, refined controls and options, a faster game engine and characters that actually talk. Feedback is welcome, as the game is nearing its final stages of development. More info.

Ashcroft Bashes Games (Industry)
Once again video games were acknowledged as the root–of–all–evil among the nation’s youth in a story released by the Associated Press. Attorney General John Ashcroft’s 30–minute speech, which was delivered earlier this week to the American Society of Newspaper Editors, blamed video games and the media for propagating a culture of violence among children. Ashcroft even mentioned that Michael Carneal’s ability to aim a gun better than most police officers, in the Kentucky school shooting, was attributed to playing video games. Editors have been encouraged to run editorials praising those retailers who have enforced the use of the ESRB rating system. The speech was yet another attempt for the Attorney General to lash out at the affect of violent games and the media. Ashcroft made several appearances on morning TV talk shows after the recent San Diego tragedy, and spoke out about games at a juvenile justice conference last week.

Beta Testers Wanted for Diablo II: Lord of Destruction
Blizzard.com is currently accepting applications for the Diablo II: Lord of Destruction Beta Test. Applicants must own a copy of Diablo II. Approximately 2,500 Beta testers will be chosen at random. Hurry fast, as the open enrollment window closes at noon PDT on Wednesday, April 11.

Big Brother Meets Survivor with a Sports Finesse
Bluetorch and THQ Inc. have teamed up to create the Bluetorch RMX 2002 Free–Ride Moto Survival Tour. This interactive sporting event pits 20 of the world’s greatest freestylers against each other in a five team format while at the top natural terrain locations throughout North America. Each day, Bluetorch audience members view the rides online, and have up to 24 hours to cast off the rider of their choice. In addition, segments of the Survival Tour will air in May on FOX Sports Net. Bluetorch audience members will once again have the opportunity to place their cast off vote — only this time via a two–screen, or split–screen, interactive television experience. The $20,000 Survival Tour finale is slated to air in June, following the TV voting. More info.

Trouball Trouble
Capcom plans to release an addictive, mind–boggling puzzler for the Game Boy Color in July. Trouballs pits players in over 100 levels of stacked, multi–colored balls, as they set out to create 2x2 square combos. Once each level is cleared, the game becomes even more challenging. The Tetris/Puyo–inspired title will feature a unique bonus stage unlike any other puzzle game, as well as five full–length songs exclusively for Trouballs.

Cyberathlete’s Speak of Tournaments
The Cyberathlete Professional League’s (CPL) is hosting an exclusive preview of Frag: The Arrival of a New Sport at the Counter–Strike Tournament. The $30,000 SPEAKEASY.net–sponsored event will be held from April 12–15 in Dallas, Texas. The documentary follows the progression of deathmatch competitions into professional competitive sports, and will be shown on April 14 at 9pm CT. In addition, Valve Software will preview a Beta version of its Multicast Spectator Mode. This professional tournament software enables the online gaming community to watch the action in real–time and follow game strategies from a birds–eye–view. Valve Software is the development house behind Half–Life.

ISDA’s Industry Overview (Industry)
The Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) has released a State of the Industry report. The latest report takes a look at; the history and current state of the U.S. computer and video game industry; the best–selling games of 2000 and who played them; the ISDA’s history, programs and members; and an overview of the industry’s piracy problem. According to the president of IDSA, Doug Lowenstein, "As we move further into the 21st century, it’s clear that the future of entertainment is one in which computer and video games play an increasingly important role in our society – one in which they change the way people live, work and play." The report is available in Adobe Acrobat format at the trade organizations web site. More info.

Nintendo InterAct’s with Accessories (Peripherals)
InterAct Accessories, Inc. released details regarding the company’s accessories for Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance and GameCube. The Game Boy Advance line–up features 24 products in all including a Bumper GBX rubber case protector; Travel Pak; Sport Shell Hard Case; Cleaning Kit; an all in one PowerRumble FX package with a 15–hour battery, dual stereo speakers, hand grips and built–in rumble; SharkLight and GlowGuard light sources; stackable Game Storage Cases; and a GameShark, of course. Gamers can even choose between a Power Pak, PowerPak EX, PlayLine Link Cable and PlayLine X4 Multiplayer Link Cable for extended power and link–up capabilities. InterAct’s GameCube line–up of peripherals and accessories are still in development, but should be available at launch. In the meantime, E3 attendees will get a sneak peak at samples of the GameCube products, as well as the Game Boy Advance line–up.

InterAct with Your PS2’s Memory
InterAct Accessories Inc. has developed a new CD–ROM that is designed to eliminate the need for multiple memory cards, and that can expand an eight–meg memory card into a 64–meg memory card, with room to spare. The Memory Manager Plus enables gamers to load, compress, copy, delete, archive and save games with their controller. As an added bonus, Memory Manager Plus is preloaded with 100 free game saves, and is packaged in a DVD–style storage case. The Memory Manager Plus will be available this month for the PlayStation 2.

JAMDAT Gets More of Dat Money
JAMDAT Mobile has secured $10 million in the company’s second round of financing. Patricof & Co. Ventures, Intel Communications Fund and QUALCOMM Incorporated each contributed to the funding. JAMDAT Mobile is the creator of Gladiator, which is a successful multiplayer wireless game. The increased capital will help JAMDAT continue with the development and distribution of its suite of middleware technologies and entertainment services. More info.

Switching the Blame in Charismatic Form
Maximum Charisma Studios denies that the popularity of their title, Fighting Legends, has anything to do with the increasing numbers of other canceled online titles. There was a lot of speculation when Electronic Arts pulled the plug on the Ultima Online and Infogrames dropped Dungeons and Dragons Online. In a statement issued by Maximum Charisma’s director of business development, Dale Lullo, "Fighting Legends is a broad market title that will span across PC and Console formats and we feel it would not be a direct competitor of niche titles such as Dungeons and Dragons or Origin: Ultima Online 2."

The Xbox is Coming, Or Maybe Not!
Microsoft Corp. denys a news report implying that the company’s new Xbox game console is running behind schedule as the development kit updates and releases try to help ease the migration to the Xbox hardware and software tools. According to the London–based, Financial Times, game developers had not received the Beta version of the Xbox in March, as scheduled. In addition, Microsoft allegedly told the developers that they had no idea when the kits would be shipped. Microsoft stands behind its statement that the Xbox will be released this fall in North America and a month later in Japan, and will make its debut early next year in Europe. In fact, John O’Rourke, director of marketing and sales for the Xbox, claims that Microsoft has hit all major milestones to date, and that the delivery of the Beta Xbox development kits are "still on schedule."... So where are they?

Moto1 Selects NetImmerse
Moto1 Inc. licensed NDL’s NetImmerse 3D game engine to develop a racing game for the PC, and either Microsoft’s Xbox or Sony’s PlayStation 2. Trans–Am will feature the drivers, tracks and vehicles from the Trans–Am racing circuit. While the company is using NDL’s technology primarily to build road–racing games, Motol plans to expand into other genres in the future. Trans–Am will be released in the third quarter of 2001.

NPD Intelect’s PC Top Ten
The Sims secured NPD Intelect’s number one spot in a list of the top ten PC titles sold for the week ending March 24. The Sims Livin Large Expansion Pack, RollerCoaster Tycoon, Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood Of Steel, Sierra Sports: NASCAR Racing 4, Diablo 2, Age Of Empires II: Age of Kings, Hoyle Casino 2001, Serious Sam and Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 each captured the remaining nine consecutive placements.

Digital Illusions Plays in the Sandbox (Industry)
Sandbox Studios Canada is merging with Digital Illusions CE. The exact financial terms of the merger have not been disclosed, but cash payment and Digital Illusion shares were involved. Sandbox is currently developing Shrek for the Xbox, along with six other titles for various platforms.

The Dreamcast Woes, Delights and Moves Out (Dreamcast)
It appears that Sega of America’ upcoming Dreamcast title, 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker, will lack an online multiplayer game play option in order to meet the game’s scheduled May launch. Meanwhile, Sega of Japan has announced a June 23rd shipdate for the Japanese version of Sonic Adventure 2. The Dreamcast title will support the DC Modem, VGA Box and vibration pack. The U.S. release date has not been announced. And, in related news, French distributor Bigben Interactive SA (BBI) has agreed to sell off Sega’s Dreamcast inventory in Europe.

Shrapnel Crosscut’s RuneSword
Shrapnel Games and Crosscut Games inked a deal to publish RuneSword II for the PC. This role–playing game features two full–length adventures and three mini–adventures, as well a construction set for players to create their own adventures.

Japan’s Coca–Cola Fantasy (PlayStation 2)
Square has announced a huge Coca–Cola tie–in with the release of Final Fantasy X in Japan. The PlayStation 2 epic role–playing game is shipping much earlier than expected. Specially marked 500ml bottles of Coke and Diet Coke will feature one of four Final Fantasy action figures. Each figurine will represent realistic, but rather small cartoon–like versions of the Yuna and Tidas characters. Final Fantasy X’s U.S. release isn’t expected until the fall, at best.

Take Two’s Take on the Xbox Delay
Take Two’s business model for the year ending October 31, 2001 does not include any Xbox titles. Therefore, a potential delay in the delivery of the next–gen development kits would not affect the company’s fiscal 2001 operating results, or the delivery of its titles for fiscal 2002.

A Magical Fantasy for the PS2
TDK Mediactive, Inc. announced the company’s plans to ship a Tolkien–inspired action/adventure title this November for the PlayStation 2. Pryzm Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn, stars Pryzm, a powerful unicorn, and Karrock, a giant troll, who form a reluctant alliance to drive back an evil plague and heal the inhabitants of the Troll Mountains, Elfin Forest, Gnome Hills and the Nymph Marshes. Players control both characters as one entity and battle multiple enemies, while trying to locate and restore the health checkpoints in the land.

Casper Spreads His Friendliness to the PS2 (PlayStation 2)
TDK Mediactive is currently developing a new title for the PlayStation 2, which features the friendliest ghost in town, Casper. Casper Spirit Dimensions is scheduled to release in time for Halloween. Casper takes on Kibosh and his evil minions in four separate worlds including a Spirit World, Kibosh’s Factory, Medieval World and an Amusement Park.

Tecmo Dances into Your Friends’ Inbox (PlayStation 2)
Tecmo, Inc. just released an interactive commercial for the PlayStation 2 dance game, Unison: Rebels of Rhythm and Dance. The commercial features streaming video of scenes from the game that include; full stereo sound with a track from the game’s soundtrack; animated graphics; links to purchase Unison, access more information or win free Limited Edition, Unison/DOA2 demo discs. Anyone can view the spot online or send it to five of their friends by visiting a designated web site — no downloads, proprietary plug–ins or players are required. More info.

Ceyah at Kohan for a War of a Challenge
TimeGate Studios, Inc. is now accepting applications for its one–on–one, single–elimination tournament at kohan.net. In Ceyah Wars, players will dare to master the Ceyah Faction, as they compete against one other to become the Champion and win Kohan memorabilia. The site enables each player to view the entire tournament bracket, download competitors’ previous game films and strategize for their next match. Registration for Ceyah Wars ends April 11th, and the competition begins on the 18th. More info.

I Recon It’s an Xbox Ghost (Xbox)
A new team–based action title is being developed by Red Storm and published by Ubi Soft for the Xbox. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon will focus on a special–forces army unit that may include online game play. More details are expected to follow at next month’s Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

Week of March 25, 2001 — News Windows XP Beta Testing; Sybex Has All the Secrets; Animation Challenges Solved; A Game Developer’s Dream Series; Coming Soon from Atlus; Dragon Warrior Sequels; A Shark Attacks the GBA; The Tohunga’s are Coming to the GBA; Nintendo Makes Day One GBA Cuts; GBA is a Sell–Out in Japan; Lady Sia for the GBA; The Caped Crusader on the GBC; 3DO and Lucas in a Star War?; The Activision Upswing; And the Winners Are...; Blue Planet Immerses in the Net; EA Craves Some New Titles; The Logitech and Labtec Exchange; PS2 May Lead the Xbox in Japan; A Random Prima Sale; Red Storm Makes a Move; Bill Gates Live; Sun Warms Up Games; Another Online Fantasy World Emerges; Black Isle is Torn; Discreet Flys High with Microsoft; EA SPORTS Lines ’em Up; Stay Tuned, Young Olympians; Revenge of the Bricks; What the Rage is Now; Macronix Chips In to Help Nintendo; Creatures are Docking; A Million Dollar Real–Life Treasure Hunt; A Party for Everyone; An EB Battlecruiser Exclusive; Good & Evil is Black & White; Attention All War/Strategy Gamers and History Buffs; Kohan Demo is Available; Hail to Ash; Virtual Reality Gaming; Iomega Zips onto the PS2; Mad Catz Accessorizes the GBA; Radical Xbox Accessories; Immersing Mice with Feedback; Peripherals Thrust onto the Xbox; 3DO Turns Up the Heat; Army Men Attack the PS2 Again; System Offers Handheld Emulation; A New Quake Shakes Up the PS2; Virtual Soccer is Hot; Copeland’s New Nightmare; Kurt and His High–tech Coil Suit Return; Konami is in the Zone; Free Red Faction Demo; PS2 Exceeds the PSOne; Twister Meets the Macarena; The PS2 is Looking Cooler; Theater Quality Sound on the PS2; A Virus Spreads to the PS2; PSOne Has the Clues for the Blues; Networking the PS2; AMD Processes Faster Than Intel ;Powerful Home Networking Chipset; Games Surround in Sound; Kingston’s Very Own Home Net; Konami Adopts 3D Sound for Silent Hill 2; Let the Robotic Pet Frenzy Begin; More Dot.Com Woes in Gaming; Wireless Virtual Playground; Take–Two Takes to the Palm; Xbox Defines Visual Clarity; Xbox Masters Testing and Verification; A Blooming Xbox; Xbox Delivers Online Gaming in Japan; Xbox Becomes a More Agile Machine ...back to FGN’s home page.

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