FOR DEVELOPERS
3D Plug–In for 3D Studio Max Debut
Electric Rain, Inc. expects an early spring 2001 release of its 3D Studio Max Plug–In version of their popular Swift 3D product. Users of this high–end modeling software have the ability to export directly to the Macromedia Flash file format, as well as other types of vector–based files. A demo of the product will take place February 21st, at flashforward2001. More info.
FOR DEVELOPERS
Flash Goes Above and Beyond
Macromedia’s Flash Player for the Microsoft Windows–powered Pocket PC platform is available for developers to fine–tune content prior to the availability of the full–featured versions release later this year. In addition, Macromedia Flash Player 5 can now be downloaded to produce high–impact web experiences for the Linux and Solaris platforms. More info.
GAMES_MULTIPLATFORM
Trade Wars En Route from Realm Interactive
After purchasing the rights to the name from Epic Interactive Strategy, Real Interactive is now working steadily on a new, up–to–date version of Trade Wars 2002, the classic BBS game. With a new moniker, that being Trade Wars: Dark Millennium, this MMORTSG (massively multiplayer online real–time strategy game) will be set within a universe that can accommodate thousands of simultaneous players. You’ll form corporations, build empires and initiate trade routes, mine those resources, and engage in — war! Versions for the PC, Linux, Macintosh and console systems will debut late next year. The official website.
GAMES_PC
Attention All NBA Fans
Electronic Arts shipped NBA LIVE 2001 for the PC. The latest EA SPORTS release takes players out of the stands and onto the court for some one–on–one action with the computer or head–to–head cyber–basketball via EA.com. NBA Live 2001 is equipped with everything from post moves to life–like player models. More info.
GAMES_PC
Electronic Arts Motors On
Later this year, PC gamers can look forward to another cool racing title from Electronic Arts. This new offering is called Motor City Online wherein you’ll be able to not only take on the competition, but also handle the business side of racing... buying cars, trading them, and then customizing your vehicles. A variety of cars will be included in the game, from those mean ol’ muscle cars to classics.
GAMES_PC
Interplay Ships Expansion
Grand news for PC gamers... the highly–anticipated expansion offering, Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter, is now en route to retail. With a variety of new areas for you to explore, natsy critters and some pretty awesome spells, you should also note that the UI has also been improved through your ability to establish various options for the game’s configuration. Game info.
GAMES_PC
Beta for Nexon’s Title
Starting on February 22nd, Nexon is initiating their fourth Beta test schedule for their Shattered Galaxy title. What’s grand about this online RTS is that ANYONE can get involved in the Beta test! Just head over to the company’s website to become part of this magnificent effort.
GAMES_PC
Strategy First Offers Next Disciples
Be prepared to get engaged in an even more enhanced version of Strategy First’s Disciples: Sacred Lands... to release by the end of this month, the company is rolling out their Disciples Gold Edition. What makes this offering special is the addition of 25 more scenarios, more multiplayer functionality and all of the updates that have been applied to the game since its original release. There are more than 10 new maps for your exploration and domination. Details.
There’s also a new patch available for Sudden Strike, U.S. v.1.2, which fixes all multiplayer compatibility issues between the European and North American versions of the game. There’s also GameSpy support, simplified mine placement, as well as a more realistic "bridge repair" mode. Download site 1 and Download site 2.
GAMES_PC
PC_GAMES
Game Designed for IT Pros
Here’s a first... Verado has just released a computer game the company describes as a computer game specifically built for IT professionals. They call their new offering Verado: The IT Security Game. Basically, this is a FPS that places you in the position of a harried IT worker. You have too many responsibilities and too few resources (sound familiar?) There are various eccentric and quite dangerous adversaries (such as data thieves, phreaks, pingers, and spammers) and you must use your resources to hold the line and save your servers. You can download this new game at this direct link.
TECHNOLOGY
CD and DVD Authoring from Apple
Apple’s new 733 MHz Power Mac G4 with SuperDrive and iDVD application software is now available. The combination CD–RW/DVD–R drive can read and write CDs as well as DVDs. Apple’s new application software enables users to create professional quality DVDs for playback on consumer DVD players. More info.
TECHNOLOGY
Satellite in Power Position
PanAmSat Corporation’s newest satellite is now positioned in its permanent orbital slot and ready to begin delivering advanced video and data broadcasting services throughout the Americas, Europe and Africa later this month. The PAS–1R Atlantic Ocean Region spacecraft launched in November 2000. This announcement marks the retirement of the PAS–1 commercial international communications satellite, launched in June 1988. More info.
TECHNOLOGY
Internet Useage Soars
According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, more than half of the U.S. adult population used the Internet last year while receiving 16 million newcomers in just the last six months. Additionally, nearly three–quarters of children ages 12– to 17–years had Internet access. Email was the most popular feature while top uses on the web were looking for hobby information, browsing for fun and retrieving news. More info.
TECHNOLOGY
Two Way TV Continues to Expand
Two Way TV’s games channel reaches over 700,000
cable TV homes with its carriage on NTL and the recently–completed
Telewest Active Digital roll–out of its 377,000-plus subscribers. Later this year, Two Way TV will increase its subscriber base by one million homes when it launches on ONdigital. The Two Way TV channel broadcasts interactive arcade games, trivia challenges, word puzzles and observational games daily for players to compete nationally or in their home with friends and family. More info.
TECHNOLOGY
VideoShare Empowers Unique Streaming
VideoShare, Inc. and ADS Technologies are bundling VideoShare’s streaming video software and services with ADS’ line of PYRO 1394 Digital Video products. The streaming solutions are ideal for producing, storing and sharing Internet video. With the FireWire interface, users capture and obtain sharper editing and streaming of more professional–quality video via the Internet with decreased downloads.
WEB
Digital TV and Web Content ZOOM’s
ZOOM CULTURE inked a deal with Fox Sports Net to air a reality–based, extreme sports series on cable television and the web. On Wednesday, April 4, at 3:30 p.m. EST., Playground Earth’s viewers will venture to the most dangerous extremes through the digital camera–work of young, independent filmmakers. Meanwhile, ZOOM has plans to release a "Web Channel" with downloadable TV segments and interactive content. More info.
WEB
Talking Heads on the Web
LIPSinc's strategic alliance with UK–based Digimask brings fully animated, photo–realistic talking digital heads to the Internet. Interactive digital talking representations of real individuals will create more personalized, face–to–face, real–time communication in gaming, instant messaging and customer relationship management. More info.
WEB
In Control of Streaming Media and Web Hosting
VitalStream Inc.’s proprietary web–based application is now available. MediaConsole gives customers complete control of their streaming media and web hosting accounts. For $49.95 per month, virtual web hosting customers can utilize StreamPak to add streaming media capabilities to their basic hosting account. More info.
February 19, 2001, News:
With A Song In Your Heart, Caillou Offers four PBS–based Books, Downloadable Books from Early Foundations, Nyko Offers New GBA Goodies, IIPA Wants Action Vs. Pirates, European Access to Might & Magic, Online Gaming ’Tween GigaMedia & Sega.com Voided, FunMail To Bring Japanese WAP Wonderments
Current Reviews & Features
Links 2001 from Microsoft, reviewed by Ed Hurta
Oni from G.O.D./Rockstar, reviewed by Michael Askounes
Quake 3 Team Arena from id Software, reviewed by Reuben Ahmed
Giants: Citizen Kabuto from Interplay Entertainment, reviewed by Michael Askounes
Walt Disney World Magical Racing Tour from Activsion, reviewed by Reuben Ahmed
Delta Force: Land Warrior from NovaLogic, reviewed by Paul 'Sly' Wolf
The Cole Perspective #3: Game Industry Checkup by David Cole.
Spawn: In the Demon’s Hand (DC), reviewed by Alex Nekrassov.
Xtreme Sports from Infogrames (DC), reviewed by Reuben Ahmed.
Reach for the Stars from SSI (PC), reviewed by Michael Askounes.
Close Combat V: Invasion Normandy from SSI (PC), reviewed by Sean Freeman.
Racing Madness from Microsoft (PC), reviewed by Mike Chantry.
...back to FGN’s home page.
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