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Week of April 8, 2001

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EA Dives Deep (Games: PC) Electronic Arts released details regarding a new submarine combat title that is being developed by Sonalysts. *Sub Command* is set in present day, and players select from three of the world’s deadliest submarines including the Akula and Seawolf attack class subs. The game will feature full 3D graphics; multiple missions; battles against 16 nationalities in three different campaigns; and Internet–based multiplayer modes. Sub Command is scheduled to dive this summer on the PC. Indrema’s Dream Dies (Industry Insights) It appears that John Gildred’s dream won’t live on — for now anyway. As reported earlier this week, the Linux–based Indrema L600 console had fallen on tough times, and was severely strapped for cash. It simply wasn’t the right time for Gildred’s dream to unfold, given the unstable market conditions and Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony’s ongoing console war. The open source entertainment console set out to break from the traditional gaming model, whereby console manufacturers maintain proprietary systems and require developers to play by their rules. Oddly enough, Indream officially ceased its operations last week, and the announcement is accessible on the company’s web site, which states that The Dream Lives On… More info. Next–gen White Wolf RPG (Industry Insights) An exclusive multiyear agreement between Interplay Entertainment and White Wolf will enable Interplay’s Digital Mayhem division to develop, publish and distribute titles based on White Wolf’s role–playing franchise, *Hunter: The Reckoning* and the World of Darkness universe. Specifics regarding platforms, game titles and features will be released in the coming weeks. Pickled on the Web (Games: Web) Juxt Interactive launched a web site for Billabong’s upcoming summer surfing film, *Pickled. The new site features games, interactive contests and a cutting–edge moviemaker that enables users to pull scenes from the movie and create their own clips. More info.* NewKidCo Sports Adventures This Year (Games: Multiplatform) NewKidCo International Inc. released details regarding their 2001 lineup of games. Kids will have a goofy good time this May in *Disney’s Goofy’s Fun House* for the PlayStation. Extreme sports–style action hits the PlayStation in June and the Game Boy Color in July, with *Sesame Street Sports. E.T.: Digital Planner* turns the Game Boy Color into a PDA with an Extra–Terrestrial techno feel in August. What an adventurous month September will be with *E.T.: The Extra–Terrestrial* for the Game Boy Advance and *Dragon Tales Adventures* for the Game Boy Color. October puzzles the Game Boy Color with *E.T.: Escape from Planet Earth* and manufactures unique space–age inhabitants in *E.T. & The Cosmic Garden. Also in October, E.T. sets out on the PlayStation to save Earth* in *E.T.: Interplanetary Adventure, as Warner Bros.* famous mouse/cat duo battle it out on the Game Boy Advance in *Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring. Nintendo Advances Life* (Industry Insights) Nintendo has announced an aggressive marketing campaign that encourages people to enjoy "Life Advanced." The company will spend more than $25 million on marketing activities to promote the Game Boy Advance launch, and approximately $75 million total by year–end. The multimedia campaign features three 30–second television spots in conjunction with the kick–off of in–store pre–sell efforts. Other advertising elements include consumer print ads; dioramas in airports, malls, high schools and junior highs nationwide; Internet ads, email campaigns and billboards; packaging and point–of–sale exposure through Oscar Mayer and Frito Lay; a sponsorship of the Planet Gruv mobile dance party from Teen People; and a "Road Trip 2001" *Sports Illustrated For Kids* promotion. Meanwhile, Nintendo is sure to turn heads at this year’s E3Expo with Advance Team: "human interactives." These game play experts will be decked out in specially designed jumpsuits that feature actual Game Boy Advance systems. After the show, the Advance Team will move on to various high–traffic venues, and provide consumers with personalized, hands–on Game Boy Advance sampling. Stay tuned as the Game Boy Advances your way! The PS2 Becomes a PC in Japan (Industry Insights) Planetweb and Ergosoft Corp. shipped an Internet solution for the PlayStation 2 in Japan. The EGBROWSER enables users to enjoy all the benefits of the web including surfing, retrieving email, online gaming, chatting or enjoying MP3 music. The new solution supports multiple USB modems developed for PlayStation 2, and can be purchased as a bundled product with many of these. USB printers and keyboards are supported options as well. In addition, Ergosoft will license the TCP/IP network stack library and Internet browser library to game developers, and other multimedia application software developers. Cossacks’ Golden Wars (Games: PC) Strategy First and CDV Software’s *Cossacks: European Wars’* has gone gold. Players will travel back in time to the historical events of 16th to 18th Century Europe, and immerse themselves into epic large–scale battles with up to 8,000 units and over 80 different unit types to choose from. Cossacks offers both single–player campaigns and online multiplayer action for up to eight players. Infogrames will distribute the title throughout North America on April 24. More info. Yuri Expands RA2 Under EA GAMES (Games: PC) Westwood Studios today announced it will release the official expansion pack for the real–time strategy game, *Command & Conquer Red Alert 2. Command & Conquer Yuri’s Revenge* will be part of the EA GAMES brand from Electronic Arts, and is the largest expansion pack in Westwood’s history. The PC mission disk adds new vehicles and tech buildings; single–player and co–operative campaigns; multiplayer features; Allied and Soviet units; an hour of movie–quality story sequences; exotic locales; and a new army led by the mysterious psychic warrior, Yuri. In the original *Red Alert 2, Yuri was a controllable unit on the Soviet side. Now, Yuri has managed to break from the Soviets, and launches his own bid for world domination this fall. Tony’s Third Ride* (Games: Multiplatform) Activision, Inc. plans to release the next installment of *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater* on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, PC, PlayStation and Game Boy Color. *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3* will offer fast–paced skateboarding fun with hundreds of combo moves and tricks to perform; personalizable items available for each rider such as glasses, hair, armbands and tattoos; expanded multiplayer modes for extreme action–packed game play; realistic urban settings complete with pedestrians, cars, traffic accidents, natural disasters and changing weather conditions; and some of the hottest skating locales in the world. Bam Margera of "MTV Jackass" fame, joins the roster this time around along with Tony and the other returning riders — Steve Caballero, Rune Glifberg, Eric Koston, Bucky Lasek, Rodney Mullen, Chad Muska, Andrew Reynolds, Geoff Rowley, Elissa Steamer and Jamie Thomas. Big Games! Blockbuster Awards! (Industry Insights) Award shows seem to cover just about every category imaginable these days, and the 2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards, which aired Wednesday night on FOX, were no exception. In entertainments biggest night, fans honored their favorites in movies, music and yes, even games. *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2* was this year’s big winner, capturing three of the six game–related honors that were presented. Favorite Video Game: *Driver 2* (PlayStation) Favorite PlayStation Game: *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2* Favorite Dreamcast Game: *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2* Favorite Game Boy Game: *Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2* Favorite N64 Game: *Mario Party 2* Favorite PlayStation 2 Game: *Madden NFL 2001* Tropico Grants Dictator (Contests) GodGames and PopTop Software have announced the winner of their "You Rule" contest. As the lucky winner, John Grant of Claremore, Oklahoma, will be featured in the upcoming PC title, *Tropico. The 3D building, strategy/simulation game gives virtual dictators the chance to oversee all of the necessities to develop a remote Caribbean* island. Mr. Grant will appear in the game as the dictator character, Palido Jaguar, when the game ships to stores nationwide on April 24th. Poseidon Makes an Impression Over Zeus (Games: PC) Impressions Games and Sierra announced the release of an add–on for the PC city–building title, *Zeus: Master of Olympus* this summer. *Zeus Official Expansion: Poseidon* covers more of the ancient world of Atlantis, which is ruled by Zeus’ brother, Poseidon. Never–before seen gods, monsters and heroes liven the story, as players build Atlantis into a mighty kingdom. In addition, players will be able to create their own adventures in Greece or Atlantis with the game’s Adventure Editor. Netgear Sponsors CPL Event (Conferences & Expositions) Netgear Inc. has been added to the list of sponsors for the SPEAKEASY.net Cyberathlete Professional League gaming event in Dallas, Texas, April 12–15. Over 40 of Netgear’s speedy Ethernet switches will help create a fast and flawless network at the event for gamers to share fast Internet connections and memory–rich games. Top Sellers and Renters (Industry Insights) EA’s *Black & White* secured NPD Intelect’s number one spot in a list of the top ten PC titles sold for the week ending March 31. *The Sims House Party Expansion Pack, The Sims, Tribes 2, The Sims Livin’ Large Expansion Pack, Serious Sam, Roller Coaster Tycoon, NASCAR Racing 4, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings* and *Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2* each captured the remaining nine consecutive placements. Meanwhile, the Video Software Dealers Association’s top five game rentals for the week ending April 8 include *Pokemon Stadium 2* in the top spot, followed by *Conker’s Bad Fur Day* and *Paper Mario. All three games are Nintendo 64* titles. *Onimusha: Warlords* and *The Bouncer* rounded off the fourth and fifth positions, on the PlayStation 2. TDK’s No Rules Game Plan (Industry Insights) TDK Mediactive, Inc. entered into a worldwide licensing agreement with R & S Trading. Under the five–year agreement, TDK obtains exclusive rights to develop and publish games featuring the No Rules clothing brand for next–gen consoles and various handheld devices. The first title to display the hip, urban lifestyle branding will ship in five languages for the Game Boy Advance this November. TDK plans to incorporate daring activities such as snowboarding, skateboarding and scooter–riding with the new license in place. Xbox Sports New Legends (Games: Xbox) Xbox owners will be transported to a futuristic China gripped in war this fall, with the release of *New Legends* from THQ. The combat–driven, action/adventure game will be among the first wave of titles for the next–gen console. Players assume the role of Sun Soo, as they battle to free their homeland using a variety of defensive, ranged and melee weapons, coupled with the style and skill of martial arts fighting. New Legends is the vision of Infinite Machine’s president, Justin Chin, who is also responsible for the highly–accliamed PC title, Jedi Knight. THQ previously announced its plans to release *WWF Raw is War* for the Xbox as well. THQ Advances Racing GT–style (Games: Handheld) THQ Inc. will release *GT Advance Championship Racing* along with the *Game Boy Advance’s* June 11th, U.S. launch. Players have 32 tracks to master with more than 40 authentic cars, which can be upgraded with parts from leading manufacturers such as Honda, Mazda and Mitsubishi. In addition, the Game Boy Advance’s link cable enables players to race head–to–head for some intense racing action. GT Advance Championship Racing has already obtained critical acclaim in Japan on the new handheld. VSDA Applauds Ashcroft (Industry Insights) The Video Software Dealers’ Association issued a press release acknowledging U.S. Attorney General, John Ashcroft’s, efforts to address the media in hopes that they will begin to recognize those retailers who enforce video game rating restrictions. This plea was part of a speech Ashcroft gave last week, which urged communities and citizens to help create a safer society. The VSDA was particularly pleased with Ashcroft’s reference to parents and their active role in deterring the types of software that their children rent or purchase. The VSDA has implemented and promoted a Pledge to Parents movie and video game ratings education and enforcement program for the past seven years, and recently added a Parents in Control element to publicly recognize complying video retailers. A New LUNA Has Landed (Games: PC) Anarchy Enterprises’ *LUNA: Moon Colony Simulator* Beta version 1.3 is now available for download. The 3D sim/strategy game for the PC is loaded with special effects, animations and graphic enhancements; six new disasters; talking characters; improved game play; a refined game engine; and more. The latest release of LUNA Beta 1.3 is possible thanks to the thousands of players who have contributed to the company’s "Open Game Development." More info. UFC Craves Xbox (Games: Xbox) Crave Entertainment unleashed details regarding the company’s first title for the upcoming Xbox game console. *Ultimate Fighting Championship: Tapout* portrays the real–life, mixed–martial arts, pay–per–view spectacular. The game will feature more full contact fighting; stylized fighter entrances and signature submission moves; a variety of game play modes including 16–player tournaments, arcade, training and versus; a complete roster of brawlers such as current UFC middleweight world champion, Tito Ortiz; and the same music, sound and visuals experienced in the actual UFC telecasts. Ultimate Fighting Championship: Tapout will release this fall. Jane’s Combat.Net Loses the Battle (Games: Web) Jane’s Combat.Net will effectively discontinue its online service for the *Jane’s Combat Simulations* series on April 30. Electronic Arts posted the announcement to the site along with the company’s regrets. The decision was based on EA’s desire to focus their efforts on EA.com and its variety of online games, which includes a WWII online flight sim titled, *Air Warrior 3 Millenium Version. Jane’s Combat.Net currently supports a number of Jane’s branded flight combat simulations such as F–15, F/A–18, Fighters Anthology, Fleet Command, Longbow 2, USAF* and WWII Fighters. A New Accessory InterAct’s with the PC (Hardware & Peripherals) InterAct Accessories, Inc. plans to release a vibration feedback joystick for the PC this summer. The Raider Advanced FX features six programmable fire buttons, an ergonomic handle design with Z–twist and throttle outputs, a LED indicator for the rumble effect, an eight–way rubberized POV switch at the top of the joystick and a high–speed USB interface. The Raider Advanced FX will ship this July, along with a free copy of GameShark for the PC. Links Expands Online (Games: PC) Microsoft today launched a web site designed for *Links’* virtual golfers and aspiring course builders. The official *Links 2001 Expansion Pack* site features detailed information regarding the add–on’s new courses, PGA Tour players and course design kits. *Links 2001* is required to run the Expansion Pack, which is scheduled to ship in the latter part of May. More info. Midax Experiences Rebirth Time Travel (Games: Multiplatform) Xbox and PlayStation 2 owners are about to see the effects of time, with the upcoming release of *Rebirth, Time Travel Paradox Scenarios* from Midax. This new third–person, action/adventure game revolves around a sabotaged time–travel episode between the years 1940 and 2000. Rebirth is being developed with NDL’s NetImmerse game engine, Havok Physics, Miles Sound System and 3D Studio MAX. Newgold Networks the Earth with Games (Games: Web) Newgold’s PlayLink Corp. has agreed to serve as Network Earth’s official games provider. Subscribers to Network Earth will have the ability to add custom versions of PlayLink’s multiplayer board, card, word, strategy and action games to their personal web sites. The newly formed partnership with PlayLink enables Network Earth to continue building a strong community among its subscribers’base. Network Earth provides family–focused entertainment, education and communication content for a monthly fee in the form of Personal and Family Portals, as well as a Super Portal. Porivo Reveals Gaming–related Web Experiences (Industry Insights) Porivo Technologies and GAMEproducer have formed a strategic alliance to provide leading game companies with detailed web information for their marketing and web operations management. GAMEproducer’s clientele includes Microsoft, Sony, Disney, Viacom, Electronic Arts and Ubi Soft. Under the agreement, GAMEproducer’s users will have the ability to purchase and implement Porivo’s peerReview service. Porivo’s web performance testing service generates more meaningful test results and realistic pictures of last–mile web application performances. More info. Air Traffic 3.0 Touches Down Ahead of Schedule (Games: PC) Shrapnel Games shipped *Air Command 3.0* a day before its scheduled release date. The air traffic control simulation title features multiple difficulty levels, pilot digitized voices, pilot errors and miscommunications, as well as an airport editor. Developer Joe Jaworski worked with an actual Air Traffic Controller to offer gamers a chance to really experience the behind–the–scenes mechanics of air traffic controlling in major international airports. A demo of Air Command 3.0 is also available from the Shrapnel Games web site. More info. Pokemon On Tour (Contests) The *Pokemon Trading Card Game* is about to launch its 2001 tour. Tour events are held in malls, community centers and schools throughout the U.S. and Canada. *The Pokemon Trading Card Game Tour* begins on April 14 with a series of 20 one–day and six, two–day qualifying events. Participants in each event compete for a STS Prize Package including Pokemon TCG Neo products, as well as a paid trip to the Super Trainer Showdown at the New Jersey Meadowlands Convention Center, June 23–24. More info. Activision Gives Nintendo a Mouse–of–a–Good Time (Games: Multiplatform) Activision, Inc. obtained worldwide rights to publish and develop games based on this summer’s *Stuart Little* film. The exclusive agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products brings the Stuart Little franchise to Nintendo’s Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance and GameCube. In addition, Activision has the option to create games for the 2002 release of *Stuart Little 2. The title for the Game Boy Color should be available this summer, while the Game Boy Advance’s version isn’t expected until sometime next year. As for the GameCube, Activision hasn’t made any firm commitments to develop a game for the new platform, but reserves the right to do so under this new agreement. MSNBC Takes on the Console Battle* (Industry Insights) The console war has become a game of cat and mouse for the industry’s leading hardware manufacturers, and until the GameCube and Xbox actually ship, no one really knows who is going to come out the winner in the end. In a story posted today by MSNBC, some very enlightening information was presented to fuel the war even more. What can be said for the PlayStation 2? The console’s launch was very disappointing, while it has taken nearly a year for the first million–selling game to appear. And as far as programers are concerned, Sony has not provided a good tool set for them to use. Now with Nintendo’s GameCube the big question is whether or not mini–DVDs can store enough data to compete with the full–sized ones, and reports indicating that Nintendo shows little interest in working with third–party vendors can not be a good sign. Microsoft, the newcomer in the video game playing field, has so much more to prove, as it still remains to be seen if the Xbox’s management can man–handle marketing and publishing games. And what’s left to be said about the Dreamcast? The system was easy to program, had the best library, was the first to market equipped with online games and a modem, but Sega ceased manufacturing earlier this year. MSNBC’s, *Comparing the Consoles, is definitely worth the read! Acclaim’s Fearless Cabbies* (PlayStation 2) Acclaim Entertainment Inc. has obtained the rights to publish *Crazy Taxi* for the PlayStation 2. Crazy Taxi will retain all of the features that helped the game obtain phenomenal success on the Sega Dreamcast including four different cabs and drivers; two expansive, interactive courses; nine mini–games; true driving dynamics; humorous mission–based game play; and a rockin’ soundtrack featuring Offspring and Bad Religion. The comical cab ride is scheduled to ship worldwide on the new platform next month. bam! is Movie Driven (PlayStation 2) bam! entertainment has a new title, *Driven, for the PlayStation 2* and Game Boy Advance due this fall that is based on Franchise Pictures and Warner Bros.’ upcoming film of the same name starring Sylvester Stallone. Stallone plays the role of Dale Earnhardt who was recently killed while racing.The title will feature real–life racing action with spectacular crashes, flying debris and true–to–life car handling. Driven’s enhanced graphics and speed enables players to experience the high–tech action drama set in a dangerous and exhilarating world of open–wheel driving. Codemasters Mixes–It–Up (PlayStation 2) Codemasters secured DJ/remixer, David Morales to front the European edition of *MTV Music Generator 2. Morales will be joined by a selection of music artists including Gorillaz, Apollo 440, Cassandra Fox, Bentley Rhythm Ace, Dano, Funkmaster Flex, Halo Varga, Tony Hewitt* and Zombie Nation. MTV Music Generator 2 utilizes the PlayStation 2’s 48–channel audio capabilities, and enables players to edit or remix each of the artists’ tracks. In addition, individualized video sequences can be created to run simultaneously with the music. The MTV Music Generator 2 is scheduled to launch in the U.S. on May 22, and will release on May 25 in the UK. Indrema Dreams of Cash (Industry) According to an article posted on redherring.com, John Gildred’s startup gaming company would rather fight than quit. Indrema’s 50 open–source community developers, volunteers and employees are now finishing a working console prototype, dubbed L600. The entertainment console, based on the open–source Linux operating system, would enable developers to design and run their own games on the device. It’s estimated that the Indrema system will be available in limited supply by the end of this year, but without the necessary capital, Gildred’s dream is sure to crumble. IDSA’s 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. Lionhead’s Additions are Black & White (PC) The Lionhead Studios development staff is currently working on the problems found within the newly released PC title, *Black & White. Add–ons, patches, new skirmish maps, as well as other cool features can be found at bwgames.com* as they become available. In addition, registered users will be able to vote for various game play enhancing add–ons such as LAN Spawn, Creature Dancing, Village Banter, Soccer, Sandbox Land, Map Editor and Creature Skin Editor. Build Your Own Dungeon Siege Site (PC) Microsoft just released a set of downloadable assets, all of which can be used by fans to construct web sites based on Gas Powered Games’ upcoming fantasy role–playing game. The *Dungeon Siege Fan Site Kit* contains 10 in–game screen shots, four screens of game concept art, 12 rendered character images, biographies of the development team and logos. *Dungeon Siege* is scheduled to release this fall. More info. Digital TV Gaming (Technology) Newgold’s PlayLink Corp. and Triveni Digital have joined forces to deliver interactive gaming over a standard digital television signal. Many individuals already have the ability to interact with television programs using ATVEF–enabled Digital TV Set–Top Boxes. To capitalize on this growing market, PlayLink will use Triveni’s platform to broadcast interactive games. This new technology will be unveiled April 21 through an advertainment game at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas. Kohan’s Patched In on the Net (PC) TimeGate Studios and Strategy First released the first patch for *Kohan. Version 1.0.7* has been designed to improve many aspects of game play with tweaks to the multiplayer, campaign and editor’s features. The 3.0 MB file can be found at kohan.net, along with TimeGate’s auto–patching tool and a patch for the Kohan demo. Waterloo Demo Now Available (PC) Strategy First Inc. and BreakAway Games have released a demo for *Waterloo: Napoleon’s Last Battle. The demo enables war gamers and history buffs to actually try the game out before they purchase it. Waterloo: Napoleon’s Last Battle is based on Sid Meier’s Gettysburg* engine, and reincarnates the era of the Napoleonic Wars. The strategy game arrived in stores earlier this month. More info. Furby’s Clammy Friend (Analog) Tiger Electronics has a new companion for *Furby, Shelby* the interactive clam. Shelby excels over Furby with; a 70 percent increased vocabulary; 50 percent more memory; his speech-phrase cababilities are three times greater, and he has more sensory input than Furby. Like Furby, Shelby responds to its surroundings. Shelby’s vocabulary consists of 180 words in Shelbish, Furbish and English. And yes, Shelby can even communicate with other Tiger toys. Shelby retails for $24.99 (if you are lucky enough to find one). *Week of April 1, 2001 — News* New Kiddie Decor; PS2 Obtains Browser Access; Activision Boxes Another Fleet; Third Time’s a Charm for Luna; Ashcroft Bashes Games; Beta Testers Wanted for Diablo II: Lord of Destruction; Big Brother Meets Survivor with a Sports Finesse; Trouball Trouble; Cyberathlete’s Speak of Tournaments; ISDA’s Industry Overview; Nintendo InterAct’s with Accessories; InterAct with Your PS2’s Memory; JAMDAT Gets More of Dat Money; Switching the Blame in Charismatic Form; The Xbox is Coming, Or Maybe Not!; Moto1 Selects NetImmerse; NPD Intelect’s PC Top Ten; Digital Illusions Plays in the Sandbox; The Dreamcast Woes, Delights and Moves Out; Shrapnel Crosscut’s RuneSword; Japan’s Coca–Cola Fantasy; Take Two’s Take on the Xbox Delay; A Magical Fantasy for the PS2; Casper Spreads His Friendliness to the PS2; Tecmo Dances into Your Friends’ Inbox; Ceyah at Kohan for a War of a Challenge; I Recon It’s an Xbox Ghost ...back to FGN’s home page.


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