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June 22
Activision Earns the BMX Crown (Games: PlayStation)
According to NPDs TRSTS report, Activision, Inc.s 02 sub–branded title, Mat Hoffmans Pro BMX was the No. 1 video game in sales dollars for the PlayStation during the month of May. In addition, the title ranked as the No. 10 bestselling video game overall in terms of revenue. Players perform hundreds of tricks in a variety of courses, as 10time world vert champion, Mat Hoffman, or seven other top pros. Mat Hoffmans Pro BMX released midMay.
Fishtank Dives Deep this Fall (Games: PC)
Fishtank Interactive announced the November release of Arx Fatalis. The fantasy roleplaying game is being developed by Arkane Studios, and plunges players into a mysterious underworld vast with with dungeons, sewers and several dark, subterranean locations. Arx Fatalis features a number of subquests, 50 different spells, 3D interactive environments, singleplayer game play and a unique online multiplayer death match mode.
Haemimonts Druid King (Games: PC)
Haemimont Games announced the development of an RTS title, with new rules and more adventure. The Druid King (working title) will feature a large adventure world consisting of many maps to navigate at will; magical druids and priests; heroes that command armies and the outcome of battles; highresolution graphics with 3D terrain; advances in technology that support more than 100 million pixels and 5,000 units; an ingame editor; and Internetbased multiplayer capabilities with random maps support. The Druid King will be released in the first quarter of 2002. More info.
Midway KOs Arcades (Industry Insights)
Midway Games Inc. has decided to withdraw completely from the coinop video game business, and centralize its development efforts on nextgen platforms. The decision is based on the steady decline within the arcade market. Such a hasty decision will force Midway to reduce the companys workforce to fewer than 60 employees, and take a noncash pretax charge of less than $8 million for the quarter ending June 30. Going forward, Midway will focus exclusively on games for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance. As a result of this strategy, Midway expects to generate significant revenue and profit growth in fiscal 2002.
The Operatives Source Revealed (Games: PC)
Monolith Productions released the source code for The Operative: No One Lives Forever. The 5.46MB download of NOLF Version 1.003 is available at Noonelivesforever.com. Aspiring programmers/avid gamers will need Microsofts Visual C++ 6.0, Microsofts DirectX 8 SDK and 400MB free disk space to create their own levels, and keep them uptodate.
Comanche Takes Flight Once Again (Games: PC)
NovaLogic Inc. announced the development of Comanche 4. The successful Comanche series is based on the U.S. Armys RAH66 by BoeingSikorsky. The helicopters versatility in reconnaissance, ground attack and air combat roles will be emphasized in the games allnew missions, wherein players battle as a Comanche pilot. In addition, players will have to dodge fire from ground troops brandishing handheld Stingers. The game will feature online multiplayer support, a 3D virtual cockpit and an arsenal of destructive weaponry. Comanche 4 is slated for release in late 2001.
Saitek Triggers a Fast Finger for Less (Hardware & Peripherals)
Saiteks ST50 Action Stick and Throttle provides a valuepriced PC product with highend capabilities. The game controller features a special constant force spring system, which is normally found on more expensive models. In addition, ST50 comes equipped with a rapidresponse trigger, a thumb button for firing or smoothaction rotary throttle and an ambidextrous design. The ST50 Action Stick and Throttle is available now at WalMart for $10.
TakeTwo Has More Titles (Games: Game Boy Advance)
TakeTwo Interactive Software announced the companys first two Game Boy Advance releases. Tang Tang is a strategic puzzler that is being developed by GameVision Inc. Following the August debut of Tang Tang, GBA owners can expect a Duke Nukem title sometime this fall.
Ubi Softs Market Rebound (Industry Insights)
Ubi Soft Entertainment surpassed its 25 percent sales growth projections for the fiscal year ending March 31. In fact, the company reported net consolidated sales of $236 million, which is up 39.4 percent over the previous year. However, net income for Ubi Soft decreased to $4.2 million because of acquisition costs, and the sluggish start of new console sales. With the Xbox and GameCube entering the market later this year, analysts predict a market rebound by the end of 2001. That said, Ubi Soft anticipates a 35 to 40 percent increase in sales, and a net profit margin of 4 to 5 percent for the next fiscal year. Furthermore, the company maintains its longterm sales target of $1.5 billion by 2005/06. Ubi Soft has approximately 160 games currently under development 70 of which are for nextgen platforms.
June 21
Activisions Three Winners (Games: PlayStation)
Activision, Inc.s 3D action/adventure game, SpiderMan, won "Game of the Year" in Sonys Fourth Annual PlayStation Choice Awards. In addition, Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2 took the top spot in the extreme sports genre, while Disney/Pixars Toy Story Racer received "Best Childrens Title" honors. Worldwide consumer voting takes place yearround at Scea.com.
Diablos Destruction Awaits (Games: Multiplatform)
Blizzard Entertainments new Diablo II expansion has gone gold. Diablo II: Lord of Destruction will be available for the PC in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Korean, Japanese and Chinese on June 29. In addition, the hybrid Macintosh format will be released in English and Japanese language versions. An original copy of Diablo II is required to access Lord of Destructions two new character classes with 30 unique skills and spells; more than 50 new monster classes with seven innovative boss monsters; and singleplayer, multiplayer or Battle.net Realm support. Preorders for the expansion have already reached the 2 million mark.
Craving a Razor Scooter? (Games: Game Boy Color)
Crave Entertainments Razor Freestyle Scooter for the Game Boy Color is now available on store shelves. The game brings all the same jumps, rails and obstacles found on the PlayStation version to the Game Boy Color. In addition, the new scooter incarnation features seven playable environments, upgraded handling capabilities and link play compatibility for headtohead competition.
Star Treks Golden Pirates (Games: PC)
Interplay Entertainment Corp.s latest addition to the Star Trek: Starfleet Command franchise has gone gold. Star Trek: Starfleet Command Orion Pirates is a standalone mission pack for the PC, with a 12mission campaign, 26 skirmish missions and three bonus missions based on the classic TV episode, A Piece of the Action. Orion Pirates has been developed by Taldren Inc.
Star Wars KartRacing Bombs (Games: Multiplatform)
Lucas Learning ceased production of Star Wars: Super Bombad Racing for the PC and Macintosh. The company has since changed its overall strategy, and will begin to focus exclusively on educational products. However, Lucas Learning will continue to market their existing line of entertainment titles. The PlayStation 2 version of Star Wars: Super Bombad Racing was released in April.
NetGames has Bacteria (Games: Web)
NetGames posted the latest demo for FINarts arcade shooter, Bacteria. Players pilot a miniaturized battleship through 50 levels in the body of Dr. Michail Rasarow, a biochemist that has been infected with 30 unknown viruses and bacteria. FINarts used their new 3D graphical engine, BoneMachine, for Bacterias development, and have incorporated the arcadestyle game play of such classics as Asteroids or Terminal Velocity. The full version of Bacteria will be available in July. More info.
Student Shines a Light on a Brighter System (Games: Game Boy Advance)
Amidst Nintendos recordbreaking sales of the Game Boy Advance come consumer complaints of a "toodim" console. Lighting has been an ongoing issue with the Game Boy since its 1989 debut. Nintendo maintains that an internal light would drain battery life. However, the Game Boy Advance runs up to 15 hours on a pair of AA batteries. There are a number of addon light accessories available, which create everything from screen glare to aesthetic concerns for some gamers. Therefore, Adam Curtis has taken matters into his own hands. The 22yearold engineering student at Iowa State University initiated a petition asking Nintendo to reconsider a backlit version, and has since launched a quest with fellow hackers to arm the handheld with brightness. Curtis is now exploring front or sidemounted options, and will post detailed instructions on his web site once he finds a viable solution.
Sierras Impression on Zeus (Games: PC)
Impressions Games and Sierra shipped the addon for the PC citybuilding title, Zeus: Master of Olympus. Zeus Official Expansion: Poseidon covers more of the ancient world of Atlantis, which is ruled by Zeus brother, Poseidon. Players mine a mysterious mineral, establish colonies and trade with ancient civilizations. Neverbeforeseen gods, monsters and heroes liven the story, and players will be able to create their own adventures in Greece or Atlantis with the games Adventure Editor.
Witch Game Boy to Use? (Games: Handheld)
TDK Mediactive, Inc.s upcoming release of Wendy: Every Witch Way for the Game Boy Color will feature a special world playable only on the Game Boy Advance. Owners of Nintendos new handheld have exclusive access to three unique levels, and a secret code that unlocks an unlimited full attack feature for both systems. The Game Boy Color version includes 12 standard levels, three flying broom bonus levels, 21 different enemies, five types of firepower and gravity reversal. The sidescrolling action/adventure game is based on the smart and sassy Wendy the Good Witch character from television and comic books. Wendy: Every Witch Way is scheduled to ship in August.
Kohan on Linux (Games: Multiplatform)
TimeGate Studios, Inc. and Loki Software, Inc. announced that Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns is now in Beta for Linux. Kohan will be the first RTS title to be commercially available for the opensource platform. The game has already been released on the PC, with a storyline of historical discovery, a companybased combat system, classic military concepts and an easytomanage upkeepbased economic system.
June 20
3DOs Investments Prosper Results (Industry Insights)
The 3DO Company sees its technology strategy paying off with increased market share, and a number of notable company "firsts". According to NPD, 3DO has averaged a 4 percent market share for the PlayStation 2, and captured the No. 5 position in weekly publishers sellthrough. The best 3DO mastered last year was 2 percent and No. 15, respectively. In addition, four of 3DOs latest PlayStation 2 releases received Editors Choice Gold Awards the companys first honor of this magnitude for any console game. Another 3DO first occurred with the shipment of Army Men Advance in time for the debut of Nintendos recordbreaking Game Boy Advance. 3DO is also in position to rebound on the PC front this year, with another company first. NPD data currently shows High Heat Major League Baseball in the lead in terms of revenue, with 49 percent market share among all PC baseball games for 2001. And 3DOs Legends of Might and Magic PC demo racked up a company record in web downloads. Finally, the company recently acquired publishing and key technology rights for a new massivelymultiplayer Internet game. Jumpgate will be launched this fall.
Activision Curses Laras Sword (Games: Game Boy Color)
To coincide with Lara Crofts successful film debut, Activision, Inc. will launch Tomb Raider: Curse of The Sword worldwide for the Game Boy Color next week. Players run, jump, climb and fight in abandoned subways, swampy jungles and underwater submarines to uncover the mystery behind a sacred sword. In addition, Curse of the Sword features animation effects, and a variety of puzzles.
Aspyr Media Raids Eidos Tomb (Games: Macintosh)
Aspyr Media Inc. shipped Eidos Interactive Inc.s Tomb Raider: Chronicles for the Macintosh. The game was ported by Westlake Interactive, and is one of the first games to ship for the MacOS X. Chronicles combines the greatest elements of the Tomb Raider series with some familiar faces. New features within the game include tightrope walking, parallel bar swinging, a handtohand stealth attack, a grappling hook gun, sniper rifle, chloroform and a "search" option. In addition, Chronicles includes the Tomb Raider level editor, which enables Lara Croft fans to create and play unique levels of their own design.
Belkins Sensitive Mouse (Hardware & Peripherals)
Belkin Components announced the August release of its TouchSencepowered mouse for the PC. The N30 GameMouse tactile device is specifically designed for fastaction, shootertype games that demand a high level of control. The mouse includes Immersions TouchSense technology, which transforms digital information into physical sensations. To date, TouchSense tactile effects have been incorporated into over 200 software titles including Sierras HalfLife and Tribes II, as well as Electronic Arts Black & White.
Disneys Into Atlantis (Games: Online)
Disney Interactives multiplayer preview title, Disneys Atlantis: The Lost Empire Search for the Journal, is available online to broadband users through July. Using Into Networks IntoPlayer, gamers can journey through Iceland, 13years before Disneys Atlantis: The Lost Empire Trial by Fire begins. For instant access to the adventure, users with highspeed cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modems simply log into the Disney Interactive web site, and click to play. A CDROM version of the prequel has also been released through select companies and outlets. Search for the Journal can be played in traditional singleplayer mode as well.
IncaGold Scoots Along with Xicat (Games: PC)
IncaGold and Xicat Interactive are preparing to hit the streets of North America with Micro Scooter Challenge this Friday. Micro Scooter Challenge features eight indoor and city tracks in various locations throughout the world. Players can choose from a variety of motorized or standard scooters, male or female riders, daytime or evening game play and weather options. In addition, Micro Scooter Challenge will sport the Micro Mobility Systems brand name. Meanwhile, other forthcoming collaborations from IncaGold and Xicat include Hotwired and Redneck Truckin.
Balders Gate Opens for the Last Time (Games: PC)
Interplays Black Isle Studios division, and BioWare Corp. shipped Baldurs Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. The addon provides several new locations, highlevel spells and powerful characters to the roleplaying game, Baldurs Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Throne of Bhaal is the final chapter in the epic saga of Baldurs Gate. Players fulfill their destiny as a child of Bhaal within the Forgotten Realms campaign world of the Dungeons & Dragons game.
Microsoft Winks at Bob with a Full Monty (Games: Online)
Bob Eubanks, Monty Hall and Wink Martindale appeared at the Hollywood Entertainment Museum this week to kick off Microsofts new online game show. The famed TV personalities were contestants in segments of the first two OutSmart episodes, and offered host, Tim Parker, a few "how to be a great game show host" secrets. The pilot episode debuted in May with Jessica Alba, and is still available in the OutSmart Gallery. Additional games release every two weeks exclusively at Zone.com.
A NUWAVE of Visual Game Play (Hardware & Peripherals)
NUWAVE Technologies, Inc.s Video Game Enhancer (VGE) settop box is now available at over 600 Electronics Boutique stores throughout the U.S., and will soon be available at J&R Music World. VGEs image processing technology visually enhances the graphics detail within a variety of todays video games by adding light where there is darkness, or information where there is a void. The hardware component attaches to all game consoles such as Sonys PlayStation 2, Microsofts Xbox, Nintendos Game Boy and so on. In addition, VGE features a DVD setting that optimally enhances viewing of all DVD movies.
Sony Brings Sega to Europe (Games: PlayStation 2)
Thats right, the onetime hardware rivals have teamed up to deliver PlayStation 2 titles throughout Europe. Sony Computer Entertainment will manufacture, distribute and market Segas games in five different languages. This is yet another effort by Sega to enter the lucrative software business. In fact, both companies announced their online collaboration efforts for the PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast this month, and inked a deal with Namco earlier this year. A new version of Segas Virtua Fighter is among seven titles currently in development, and at least two of these titles will be released before Christmas.
June 19
Might and Magics Legends Arrive (Games: PC)
The 3DO Company shipped Legends of Might and Magic for the PC. The game combines classic Might and Magic settings with the LithTech 3D engine to provide a firstperson, teambased multiplayer gaming experience. Players choose from four distinct game objectives, and have 20 game maps available to ensure hours of continuous game play. The Legends of Might and Magic game has been developed by 3DOs New World Computing division.
EAs Streetballers Hoopitup (Games: PlayStation 2)
Electronic Arts shipped NBA Street under the EA SPORTS BIG brand. The PlayStation 2 title takes basketball back to its roots on 12 blacktop courts throughout North America, and the first team to get "21" with a combination of style and attitude wins. NBA Street features two game play modes, mixed squads of NBA players, no refs and funky beats.
Game Boy InterActs with Dual Capabilities (Hardware & Peripherals)
InterAct Accessories, Inc. announced that several products from its Game Boy Advance line are also compatible with the Game Boy Color. The SharkLight is a batterypowered incandescent light that attaches to the back of either handheld system. The PlayLine Link and PlayLine X4 Multiplayer Link cables enable gamers to connect two or more GBA or GBC units together. The Sport Shell Hard Case stores either console, and its matching accessories. The Game Boy Advance Car Adapter and AC Adapter will also power the Game Boy Color. And finally, InterActs GameShark for the Game Boy Color supports GBC games on the Game Boy Advance system.
Microsofts Rails of Realism (Games: PC)
All Aboard! Microsofts PCpowered locomotive has arrived. Train Simulator enables railroad enthusiasts to climb aboard the cab of their favorite trains from both past and present, and revel in the games realistic sights, sounds and details. Players must skillfully engineer the regulator on a steam engine, or the air brake system on a modern diesel, as they navigate through busy urban corridors and treacherous mountain passes. According to the National Model Railroad Association, there are over 1 million model railroad enthusiasts in the U.S., and approximately 1.5 million domestic freight and passenger rail cars in operation today. Microsofts Train Simulator is available in stores now.
Featured trains within the game include:
- Amtrak Acela
- Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway
- Kyushu Railway Co.
- Odakyu Railway Co.
- The Flying Scotsman
- The VeniceSimplon Orient Express
Midway Salivates Over a New Theme Song (Games: PlayStation 2)
Midway Games Inc. signed Island Gold Recordings act, Saliva, to voiceover SpyHunters theme song. The hard rock/hiphop/grunge band will rerecord the Theme From Peter Gunn for Midways upcoming PlayStation 2 release. Saliva will record one instrumental format, and a lyrical version for SpyHunter. In addition, Midway plans to include a music video special feature, with behindthescenes footage from Salivas recording session, and exclusive band interviews. Henry Mancini, composed the original Theme From Peter Gunn, and is responsible for other show tunes such as Pink Panther and Baby Elephant Walk.
Segas Latest Venture (Industry Insights)
According to Reuters, Sega Corp. announced plans to enter into nongaming fields by leveraging its entertainment expertise. Furthermore, the companys sales projections for 2004 are ¥10 billion, or $81.40 million. The general manager of Segas entertainment division, Munehiro Umemura, said that the new business venture will include graphicallyenhanced educational titles, and training software that simulates such occurences as earthquakes.
Segas Sonic Boom (Games: Dreamcast)
Sega of America shipped Sonic Adventure 2 for the Dreamcast. The worldwide release marks Sonic the Hedgehogs 10th anniversary. Sonic is joined by familiar friends, Knuckles and Tails, and together they set out to foil the evil plans of Dr. Robotnik, Shadow and Rouge. Sonic Adventure 2 features a new twoplayer splitscreen mode, more than 30 action stages and a plethora of Chao minigames.
Sonys Twisted Car Combat (Games: PlayStation 2)
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. shipped Twisted Metal: Black for the PlayStation 2. The game brings a deeper and darker game play experience to the Twisted Metal franchise. Twisted Metal: Black features more than 18 deathmatch battlegrounds; 11 singleplayer venues; 14 vehicles; loads of weaponry and combo attacks; enhanced player environments with moving traffic, changing weather, living pedestrians and interactive objects; improved vehicle physics; and a variety of game modes. Destruction is at the games core, but deadly strategy is essential for creative kills. Twisted Metal: Black has been designed and developed by the creators of Twisted Metal 1 and 2.
TDK Mediactives Shrek Fights to the Top (Games: Game Boy Color)
TDK Mediactive, Inc. shipped over 100,000 units of Shrek Fairy Tale FreakDown for the Game Boy Color since the games May 7 release. According to NPDs TRSTS report, the movieinspired slapstick fighting game was the No. 5 best-selling Game Boy Color title, and ranked 17 overall in the video game category for the week ending June 9.
June 18
Wisecracks and Politically Incorrect Dukeism Welcome (Contests)
ARUSH Entertainment is looking for clever oneliners in the publishers Talkin Tough with Duke Nukem contest. The most original, creative and clever phrase will be used in the upcoming episodic PC game, Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project. In addition, the winner will receive a NVIDIA GeForce3 graphics card, an ARUSH Tshirt and a free copy of Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project. Duke fans can submit their 17word or less "Dukeism" until July 15. More info.
What If Youre an Air Warrior? (Event)
EA.com is hosting a recreation of the historical attack on Pearl Harbor this Saturday, June 23, at 4:00 p.m. PST. The Air Warrior III "What If" event enables gamers to choose their side, position and aircraft, as they take to the skies in one of seven meticulously recreated planes that took part in the actual Pearl Harbor attack. Commanders have been selected from Air Warriors longstanding fan base. Novice pilots can practice a few maneuvers without the threat of attack prior to this weekends battle. In addition, cyber pilots will also have an opportunity to pick up tips from Air Warrior vets through ingame chat lobbies and message boards. In order to participate, players must sign up for EA.coms PLATINUM subscription service. More info.
Knowledge Adventure is Having Illusions (Industry Insights)
Swedish developer, Digital Illusions, inked a publishing deal with Vivendi Universals educational software subsidiary, Knowledge Adventure. Under the agreement, Digital Illusions will create two childrens software products.
Conquer the World in this Age (Contests)
Microsoft announced the debut of the Age of Empires II: The Conquerors International Tournament. One victorious player will be awarded $50,000 in a glorious battle for world supremacy. Over fifteen countries will hold individual tournaments via the MSN Gaming Zone, LAN events, or local partners midJuly through September 28. A national champion will receive prize money, and represent their country at the world finals on October 24 in Redmond, Washington. The finals will be hosted by the legendary game designer, Bruce Shelley. More details will be available next month from Ensemble Studios.
GBA Sets New Record (Industry Insights)
According to Nintendo of America, the Game Boy Advance sold through a recordbreaking 500,000 units during its first week at retail. In fact, gamers were lucky if they got their hands on one after its June 11, ship in the U.S. However, Nintendo expects these shortages to be temporary, and has since shipped more than 100,000 additional units. At this rate, Nintendo will have shipped more than 1 million handhelds by the end of the month. Nintendos launch of the Nintendo 64 in 1996, set the alltime industry record, with nearly half a million units in four weeks. By achieving the same level of success in only week, the Game Boy Advance is now Americas fastest selling game system ever.
Square Unites with Namco and Enix (Industry Insights)
According to Reuters news service, Enix Corp., Namco Ltd. and Square Co. Ltd. will team up in online games, overseas distribution and mobile technology. Under the agreement, Namco and Enix will provide new online games for Squares Play Online (POL) service. It appears that Enix will consider an online version of Dragon Quest in the future. Meanwhile, details were not disclosed regarding Namcos plans for Tekken. POL is slated for a March 2002 launch, to coincide with the release of Squares online version of Final Fantasy for the PlayStation 2. In addition, the three companies will collaborate on overseas game sales, and jointly develop technologies for the delivery of wireless games. Allegedly, Sony and NTT Communications will back the joint venture.
HalfLifes Shortlived Life (Games: Dreamcast)
Sierra has officially nixed the HalfLife Dreamcast project. "Sierra regrets the cancellation of HalfLife for the Dreamcast due to changing market conditions." There has been continuing speculation over the PCinspired games release, and todays announcement only validates those suspicions. HalfLife is yet another thirdparty title to be removed from the 2001 Dreamcast lineup. No further information is available at this time.
Final Fantasy Licensees (Industry Insights)
Squaresoft unveiled a new licensing program for the July 11 release of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within from Columbia Pictures. This announcement is a further extension to the companys existing licensing programs for Final Fantasy IX and The Bouncer video game franchises. Current Square licensees include:
- Bandai Action figures and play sets (FFIX and film)
- Brady Games Strategy guide (FFIX and The Bouncer) and the "Making Of" Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within book
- Changes Tshirts (FFIX and film)
- Comic Images Trading cards (Film only)
- Disguise Halloween costumes (Film only)
- Entertainment Calendars Calendars (FFIX and film)
- Fossil Watches (Film only)
- Great Eastern Posters and wall scrolls (FFIX, The Bouncer and film)
- Palisades Marketing Action figures, vinyl statues, resin statues and minibusts, lunch boxes (FFIX and film)
- Pocket Books Novelization (Film only)
- Seiko Watches (Film only)
- Sport Fun Skateboards (Film only)
Time to Redecorate with Kohan (Miscellaneous)
TimeGate Studios released four new PC wallpapers with favorite scenes from the realtime strategy title, Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns. The following backgrounds are available here:
- Capture the Commencement of the Cataclysm
- Explore the Opening of the Dark Rift
- Travel Through the Ancient Ruins
- See What Happened to Your Hero After Losing His Last Battle
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