|
|
May 11———————————
Activision Acquires Jackie Chan (Games: Multiplatform)
Activision, Inc. obtained the worldwide rights to the animated television series, Jackie Chan Adventures. Under the agreement, Activision will develop and publish games for current and next–gen Nintendo platforms. The show features Jackie Chan as an amateur archaeologist, and his niece, Jade. The two travel the globe using their combined intelligence, wit, humor and martial arts’ skills to locate seven legendary portals, and defeat the evil Dark Hand organization. Jackie Chan Adventures airs Saturday mornings on Kids’ WB!, and will begin airing on the network Monday through Friday this fall. Specific titles and release dates have not been disclosed at this time.
Lord British Returns (Event)
Legendary game designer, Richard Garriott, will unveil a new development studio, and his plans for the future during E3. After taking a year off, Lord British is back with an Internet gaming venture, along with his brother, Robert Garriott. Destination Games has been designed to provide subscriber–supported, massively multiplayer online games. The Garriott brothers founded ORIGIN Systems in the early 80s, which spawned the highly successful Ultima series. Lord British will address the public on Thursday, May 17, from 1–2 pm, in the California Ballroom 1020. The ballroom is located in the Holiday Inn City Center’s San Francisco Room — directly across from the Los Angeles Convention Center.
EA Looks Ahead (Industry Insights)
There’s no doubt that Electronic Arts struggled with the PlayStation 2s lack of availability, but it’s starting to look a whole lot brighter for the company. EA expects Sony’s console to be a key driver for fiscal 2002 — accounting for 30 percent of revenues. Sony shipped 3 million units through the end of March, and is currently producing 1.5 million units per month. Given these figures, the installed base could reach 31 million by the end of 2002. EA’s reports of slowing sales, and lower margins on the company’s PlayStation and Nintendo 64 games hurt their full–year results. In addition, the PC business was down six percent this last year, due to the lack of a new SIMS–type mega hit. However, EA.com achieved a 50 percent market share in terms of minutes with its recently aquired site, Pogo.com, and Microsoft’s Xbox and Nintendo’s GameCube will help fuel the second half of fiscal 2002.
GAMEproducer and Digimask Align (Industry Insights)
Digimask inked a deal with GAMEproducer to market Digimask’s head modeling system to software developers and publishers on a global scale. GAMEproducer’s profound reach within the interactive entertainment industry will provide game developers and the like with a robust, platform–independent turn–key solution. The Digimask system enables players to position a fully–animatable 3D replica of their head into their games by using photographs. In addition, Digimask automates the development process by allowing developers to import real–world actors directly into games.
POX Invades Chicago (Event)
Hasbro unleashes its POX experience this Saturday, May 12, in Chicago. The first 100 people in line at FAO Schwartz will have a chance to win a free POX game. Following its exclusive debut in Chicago, the game will roll out across North America, with full distribution later this year. Players create their own POX character, or Alien Infector, and battle each other with wireless game units. An embedded Radio Frequency technology enables game play between units up to 30 feet away. If there are numerous POX units in range, they all battle each other until one player is left standing. Hasbro Games recruited 1,600 boys from Chicago as POX Secret Agents who have been playing the POX game since early April.
Infogrames’ Dark Tale Emerges (Games: Multiplatform)
Infogrames announced the release dates for Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare. This is the fourth installment of the original horror/survival, action/adventure game, and is based on the works of American novelist, H.P. Lovecraft. The game features two playable characters with differing paths; Darkworks’ torch technology; a music soundtrack by ex–Police drummer, Stuart Copeland; over 190 grotesque creatures and monsters; a gripping story line; cinematic movie sequences; and eerie sound effects. The New Nightmare will be available for the PlayStation and Game Boy Color on May 18, and the Dreamcast and PC on June 22. A PlayStation 2 release is slated for sometime in September.
Star Wars Podracing (Games: PlayStation 2)
LucasArts unveiled another E3 title, Star Wars Racer Revenge Racer II. Players select from 16 different pod racers, 18 challenging courses on five new planets and multiple game play modes. The game has been developed by Rainbow Studios — the makers of Motocross Madness and ATV Off–Road Fury. Star Wars Racer is scheduled to release in the first quarter of 2002 for the PlayStation 2. More info and screenshots.
NewKidCo’s Little League Ball (Games: Multiplatform)
NewKidCo International Inc. announced a multiyear deal with Little League Baseball to develop video games for multiple platforms. Under the agreement, children ages six– to 14–years have the opportunity to experience the sport of baseball in an interactive environment with different skill levels and the parent "seal of approval". NewKidCo will incorporate Little League logos, rules and regulations. The first two titles will be released for the PlayStation and Game Boy Advance in the spring of 2002, with releases on the PlayStation 2 and GameCube following soon thereafter.
THQ’s E3 Lineup (Games: Multiplatform)
THQ unveiled a long list of 28 E3 titles, which range from original content for next–gen consoles like Red Faction and New Legends, to an expansive kids’ product line featuring animated television and motion picture favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants, Scooby–Doo and Power Rangers. Every conceivable platform will be represented in Petree Hall, booth 4001.
A complete list of the titles on display include:
- BASS Strike — PS2
- Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire — GBA, GBC
- GT Advance Championship Racing — GBA
- Hot Wheels Advance — GBA
- Hot Wheels Emergency Patrol — GBC, PC
- Hot Wheels Extreme Racing — PSOne
- Hot Wheels Jetz — PC
- Hot Wheels Mechanix — PC
- Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius — Multiple Next–gen Consoles
- Moto GP — GBA
- MX 2002 Featuring Ricky Carmichael — GBA, PS2, Xbox
- New Legends — Xbox
- Power Rangers Time Force — GBA, GBC, PC, PSOne
- Red Faction — PC, PS2
- Rock Power: Dream Scheme — GBA
- Rocket Power: Team Rocket Rescue — PSOne
- Rugrats — GBA, PC
- Scooby–Doo and the Cyber Chase — GBA, PSOne
- SpongeBob SquarePants Operation: Krabby Patty — PC
- SpongeBob SquarePants: SuperSponge — GBA, PSOne
- Star Wars Jedi Power Battles — GBA
- Tetris Worlds — GameCube, GBA, PC, PS2
- The Wild Thornberrys — GBA
- WWF Betrayal — GBC
- WWF Raw is War — Xbox
- WWF Road to Wrestlemania — GBA
- WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It — PS2
- WWF With Authority — PC Online
May 10———————————
Activision Supports GameCube (Industry Insights)
Activision, Inc. is working with Nintendo to develop two titles, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and Spider–Man: The Movie, for the GameCube. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater will feature the franchise’s signature game play, top–rated skaters and intuitive controls. Spider–Man: The Movie brings Columbia Pictures/Marvel Entertainment’s live–action film experience to the interactive arena with detailed 3D environments.
Activision’s Saleen Deal (Games: Multiplatform)
Activision is teaming up with high–performance automotive manufacturer, Steve Saleen, for an upcoming racing game. Supercar Street Challenge will feature Saleen’s $395,000 S7 American supercar, which accelerates from zero–to–60 in just under four seconds, and can achieve speeds in excess of 200 mph. Players can use the game’s design studio to create their own customized vehicle from the ground up, with tips and advice from Saleen himself. Supercar Street Challenge will be available this summer on the PlayStation 2 and the PC.
CPL Registration Opens (Event)
Registration for the Cyberathlete Professional League’s Four Year Anniversary Event is now open. The week’s activities will include a QuakeWorld and Doom II tournament; a Bawls–sponsored Consummate Computer Competition; workshops, daily giveaways and raffles; and an exhibition area. In addition, an 800–computer BYOC area will feature a Counter–Strike and Unreal Tournament challenge. The CPL anniversary event will be held in Dallas, Texas from June 28 through July 1. More info.
MacSoft Gets Bigger (Games: Macintosh)
Infogrames, Inc. acquired the Macintosh publishing rights to several high–profile titles from Take–Two Interactive Software. Tropico, Fly! II, Max Payne, Stronghold and Myth III are a few of the games under the agreement. Tropico and Fly! II will be available for the Mac this summer. According to PC Data, Infogrames’ Macintosh Publishing division, MacSoft, achieved a market share of over 37 percent in 2000.
InterAct Offers More PS2 Memory (Hardware & Peripherals)
InterAct Accessories will release two new memory cards for the PlayStation 2. The company’s 8MB and 16MB cards feature a suite of software utilities that expand their memory capacity by at least five times, and Iomega’ USB Zip drive offers support for additional storage on Zip discs. The 8MB or 16MB PS2 memory cards will be available in June for $19.99 and $29.99 respectively.
The Zone’s Air Supremacy (Event)
Microsoft’s USAF Fighter Ace Air Conquest massively multiplayer tournament is underway at Zone.com. Death matches will take place at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm PDT every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of May. Winners from each heat will participate in a one–on–one showdown for $250, and placement in the semifinals. Eight of the 16 semi–finalists will then proceed to the finals on June 2, at 12:00 pm PDT, for a chance to win a grand prize of $2,000. Fighter aces must arrive 10 minutes prior to the each death match to participate. More info.
Microsoft Oddresses the Xbox (Event)
Microsoft is hosting a live chat for Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee on Friday, May 11, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm PDT at Xbox.com. Several members from the game’s development team will be on hand including assistant director, Chris Ulm; game designer, Dan Kading; real–time modeler, Marquise Bent; and Oddworld’s president and creative director, Lorne Lanning. Gamers are invited to pose burning questions about Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee, the Xbox, E3, Slig brutality, Gabbit recipes, or any other "odd" thing that comes to mind.
A Green Ogre’s Colorful Tale (Games: Handhelds)
TDK Mediactive, Inc. shipped Shrek Fairy Tale FreakDown for the Game Boy Color. Players engage in a no–holds–barred, comical fighting adventure as Shrek, Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man or the Big Bad Wolf, duke–it–out for the title of "Ultimate Champion". The game features three levels of difficulty; nine arenas; six playable characters with three more to unlock; and a host of unique fighting moves such as farts and bad breath. Shrek Fairy Tale FreakDown is the first game to be shipped under TDK Mediactive’s five–year, worldwide licensing agreement with DreamWorks SKG, and is scheduled to be released for the Xbox this fall. Shrek, the computer–animated comedy from DreamWorks Pictures, opens in theaters May 18.
Tecmo’s PictureParadise of Monsters (Games: PlayStation 2)
Tecmo Inc.’s PlayStation 2 monster breeding and battling game will be the first U.S. title to feature Sony Electronics’ PictureParadise technology. In the Monster Rancher series, players train and care for their monsters, and enroll them in tournaments to fight for prizes and fame. With the new technology, players can truly personalize their virtual pets with real–world clothing, jewelry and other accessories. The software takes an existing image from a Sony digital camera or camcorder, and imports it into Monster Rancher 3 with a standard USB cable.
THQ Goes Wireless (Games: Wireless)
THQ Inc. created a new division to develop content exclusively for the emerging mobile entertainment arena. THQ Wireless will be led by the division’s recently appointed general manager, Doug Dyer. THQ plans to display several of the Java–based games that are slated to release this fall, at E3 in Petree Hall, booth 4001.
In related news, THQ announced an expansion to its publishing agreement with Siemens AG’s Information and Communication Mobile division. The two companies are developing an advanced mobile gaming engine that provides a universal game API for Java–based mobile phones.
May 9———————————
Shocking Titles for Download (Games: Web)
AtomShockwave Corp.’s interactive entertainment brand, Shockwave.com, announced a direct–to–consumer, paid content initiative with the launch of two new game collections. The company’s Shockmachine entertainment playback device enables more than 40 million registered users to download games for offline play on PCs. The Midway Classics collection features 10 arcade titles including Spy Hunter, Rampage and Joust. The Shockwave.com Favorites captures 10 online hits such as Deer Hunter, gameLab’s LOOP, Tamale Loco and DJ Fu Wax Attack. The two collections are priced at $19.95 each, or $29.95 for both.
Goats Battle for Supremacy (Games: PC)
BattleGoat Studios posted new Supreme Ruler 2010 content. Visitors to supremeruler2010.com will find the first released story line from the game’s 200 scenarios, Hot Spots – California; interviews with lead designer, David Thompson and lead programmer, George Geczy; new screenshots; and an ask the development team section. The PC–based, economic and military strategy game is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2002.
New Online Gaming Report (Industry Insights)
In a 300–page report, DFC Intelligence predicts 95 million people will be playing online games worldwide by the year 2005. The Online Game Market 2001 provides a complete market overview with the history of online games, business models, operating costs, technology considerations, online distribution, advertising, game genres, consumer types, playing online via video game console systems and detailed company profiles. The report features 10 different scenarios for online game revenue growth, and expects online games to be a major driver for the consumer adoption of broadband services. However, the online game market is still very much in its infancy. More
info.
EA’s Fox Deal and GameCube Support (Games: Multiplatform)
Electronic Arts signed a worldwide co–publishing agreement with Fox Interactive that includes games based on The Simpsons, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Aliens. EA will unveil Aliens: Colonial Marines for the PlayStation 2, and The Simpsons Road Rage for the Xbox at E3. Both titles are slated for this fall, along with The Simpsons Road Rage for the PlayStation 2. And in 2002, another Simpsons’ title is scheduled for the PlayStation 2, while Buffy will slay her way to the Xbox.
In related news, EA pledged its support to Nintendo with 10 GameCube titles. SSX snowboarding, NBA Street basketball, FIFA soccer and Madden NFL football are a few of the proposed franchises for the next–gen console. Madden NFL 2002 will be on display at E3.
GodGames’ E3 Gathering (Games: PC)
GodGames created Club Gathering to provide information, visuals and interactive entertainment to the hardcore gamer. CD–ROMs are sent out to all who sign–up every 60 days, and it’s totally free. The CD has all the skinny on GodGames’ upcoming titles plus game demos, product updates, new music and behind–the–scenes footage segments. So if you can’t make it to GodGames’ Promised Lot, a Special E3 Edition of the Gathering of Goodness CD will have it all with videos for Max Payne, Duke Nukem Forever and Stronghold; a playable demo of PopTop’s Tropico; Croteam’s final Serious Sam demo; and new Schoolgirl videos.Sign–up!
Star Trek’s Shattered Universe (Games: PlayStation 2)
Trekies, prepare to embark on a different voyage in Interplay’s final Star Trek game. Star Trek: Shattered Universe is a space–based, action–shooter that takes place after the events portrayed in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and follows the basic story elements from the original Star Trek series, Mirror, Mirror. The game is scheduled to ship for the PlayStation 2 in the fourth quarter of this year.
The Xbox Jedi Knight (Games: Xbox)
LucasArts confirmed that Star Wars Obi–Wan is being developed for the Xbox. The third–person action game is based on the Episode I universe, and was originally scheduled for the PC. As Obi–Wan, players use his telekinetic Jedi powers, agility and skill with a lightsaber to battle Darth Maul and hostile druids in 15 different levels. Star Wars Obi–Wan is scheduled to release this winter. More
info and screenshots.
The Rage is on for E3 (Games: Multiplatform)
Rage will be demonstrating a variety of sports, puzzles, driving, shoot’em–ups, action/strategy, music creation and boxing titles at E3 in Kentia Hall, booth 7254. The lineup includes:
- David Beckham Soccer — PSone, PS2, GBA, GBC, Xbox
- Denki Blocks — GBA, GBC
- eRacer — Xbox
- Gun Metal — Xbox
- GTC: Africa — PS2
- Incoming Forces — PC
- Inline Skating — PS2, Xbox
- Pocket Music — GBA, GBC
- Rocky — PSOne, PS2, GBA, Xbox
Kohan Patches In (Games: PC)
Strategy First Inc. and TimeGate Studios posted a patch for Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns. The patch adds password capabilities and other improvements to multiplayer games; supports Team Deathmatch maps; fixes some game play exploits; addresses a few minor unit balance issues; and optimizes the graphics engine. And on a more colorful note, the development team has also changed the Void Beast’s spikes to correspond with the player’s colors. The 3MB patch is available for download at kohan.net.
TDK Mediactive’s E3 Lineup (Games: Multiplatform)
TDK Mediactive provided a list of eight titles to be showcased at E3 in the South Hall, booth 966. The company’s lineup includes Shrek Fairy Tale FreakDown and Wendy: Every Witch Way for the Game Boy Color; Lady Sia and No Rules for the Game Boy Advance; The Land Before Time: Great Valley Racing Adventure for the PlayStation; Casper Spirit Dimensions and PRYZM Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn for the PlayStation 2; and Shrek for the Xbox. Details regarding No Rules and Shrek will be unveiled for the first time at the show.
Proposed shipdates for each game is as follows:
- Casper Spirit Dimensions — October 2001
- Lady Sia — September 2001
- No Rules — November 2001
- PRYZM Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn — November 2001
- Shrek — Fall 2001
- Shrek Fairy Tale FreakDown — May 2001
- The Land Before Time: Great Valley Racing Adventure — May 2001
- Wendy: Every Witch Way — September 2001
May 8———————————
Activision’s New Branding (Industry Insights)
Activision, Inc. introduced a new brand identity and logo for the company’s entire line of action sports games. The Activision O2 brand is being launched with an integrated marketing campaign that includes tags on TV; print and online advertisements; in–store collateral materials; athlete and event sponsorships; cross–promotional in–game branding; and a web site. The O2 name was derived from the chemical formula for oxygen, and represents the idea of catching "big air". Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX will be the first title to release under the new brand on May 15 for the PlayStation and Game Boy Color. Other upcoming games featuring the new label will include Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 for the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance; Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2x for the Xbox; Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance and PC; Shaun Palmer’s Pro Snowboarder for the PlayStation 2, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance; and Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.
Activision’s PC Presence (Games: PC)
Activision plans to have a strong PC lineup at E3. A list of the titles on display in the South Hall, booth 946 will include Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Soldier of Fortune 2, Spider–Man, Star Trek Armada II, Star Trek Bridge Commander and Supercar Street Challenge. Activision will feature a number of console–based games as well.
A PC Full of Fish at E3 (Games: PC)
Fishtank Interactive will feature eight PC games at E3. The company’s lineup includes a 3D submarine action title, Aquanox; a first–person RPG with medieval flair, ARX Fatalis; a futuristic NY–based hovercar racer, BeamBreakers; a survival/horror H.P. Lovecraft story, Call of Cthulhu; a ’50s/’60s automobile company–building sim, Car Tycoon; a 3D, turn–based strategy game with multiplayer capabilities, Etherlords; a sci–fi turn–based, real–time strategy, R.I.M.; and a RTS battle between pigs and rabbits with 15 single–player and 10 multiplayer maps, S.W.I.N.E. Fishtank will be located in Kentia Hall, booth 6045.
Proposed shipdates for each game is as follows:
- Aquanox — fall 2001
- ARX Fatalis — Q1 2002
- BeamBreakers — Q1 2002
- Call of Cthulhu — Q1 2002
- Car Tycoon — Q1 2002
- Etherlords — November 2001
- R.I.M. — September 2001
- S.W.I.N.E. — November 2001
Her Agreements with S&SI and Nintendo (Games: Multiplatform)
Her Interactive renewed a licensing agreement with Simon & Schuster to develop 10 new multiplatform Nancy Drew games over the next five years. Her Interactive’s award–winning, super–sleuth series currently includes Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion, Nancy Drew: Stay Tuned for Danger and Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill.
And in other news, Nintendo has approved Her Interactive as an official licensed game developer for the Game Boy Advance. Her Interactive develops and publishes interactive entertainment for girls and women.
Ingram Micro Launches Video Game Division (Industry Insights)
Ingram Micro Inc. entered the video game market with a new division that will provide hardware, software and accessories to retail resellers under the direction of a 15–year video game veteran, Lang Moffat. Ingram Micro XTREME utilizes Ingram’s existing infrastructure to offer a fully integrated, end–to–end solution for video game customers and manufacturers. Ingram Micro Inc. is a Canadian distribution and support company.
Nuby Supports GameCube (Industry (Hardware & Peripherals)
Nuby Interactive announced a complete line of controllers and accessories for the GameCube. The GameCube line will be available for the launch of the new console with standard, fully programmable and wireless controllers — all with added options. Nuby will display its product offerings at E3 in the West Hall, booth 2108.
A Shoebox Full of E3 Titles (Games: PC)
Shoebox Interactive will have the following titles on display in Kentia Hall, booth 6241.
- Gothic is a hybrid, real–time 3D action role–playing game that is set in a prison world with competing factions. As a players strength and skills improve, the development and evolution of those skills will be visible in his movements and choices. Gothic has already been released in Germany, and will soon be available in the U.S.
- It’s catfights galore with Girlscamp, wherein players choose from 10 sporty, girly or high maintenance female characters to battle over boys, clothes and boundaries.
- Help! I’m a Fish! is a 3D underwater adventure for kids. The mysterious Professor Mackrill has become obsessed with the possibility that the world may flood, and concocts a special drink that turns humans into fish. Stella, Chuck and Fly must avoid enemies, solve puzzles and find clues in their search for an antidote.
SOE’s EverQuest Trilogy (Games: PC)
EverQuest: Trilogy will be available this fall from Sony Online Entertainment. The anthology includes the original EverQuest; the Ruins of Kunark and Scars of Velious expansions; a collectible map of Norrath; and two collectible figurines. EverQuest has become a successful massively multiplayer online role–playing fantasy world with 375,000 subscribers. EverQuest: Trilogy provides unlimited hours of game play with five enormous continents, 13 races and over 400 supporting characters.
Time to Play MLB 2002 (Games: PlayStation)
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. shipped 989 Sports’ MLB 2002 for the PlayStation. The baseball title features eight modes of game play; total control fielding and batting; TV–style presentation; commentary from Vin Scully and Dave Campbell; more than 300 motion–captured animations with 250 personalized moves; professionally–consulted AI; new stadiums; and authentic MLB trophies. Atlanta Braves’ outfielder, Andruw Jones, stars on the game’s package cover.
S&S’s New War Voice (Games: PC)
Simon & Schuster Interactive’s real–time strategy, modern–warfare title, Real War, will feature the commanding voice of R. Lee Ermey. Ermey is best known for his Golden Globe Nominated role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. After eleven years in the Marine Corps, Ermey enrolled in the drama program at the University of Manila in the Philippines. Francis Ford Coppola was in the area filming Apocalypse Now, and offered Ermey a featured role. The actor has since appeared in approximately 40 other films. With all of this experience, gamers will surely be prepared for their Real War missions with Ermey’s military–style briefings in August.
Ubi Gets an Exiled Myst (Games: PC)
Ubi Soft Entertainment shipped Myst III: Exile for the PC and Macintosh. The sequel features five new ages to explore, and a new adventure in the Myst saga that begins 10 years after Riven ends. Myst III moves away from the static visuals of the first two games, and brings the mystical worlds of Exile to life in 3D.
May 7———————————
Gaming Burns Calories (Hardware & Peripherals)
CycleFX’s GameRider combines video gaming with good health, fitness, athletic training and weight control. The company’s stationary bike is controlled by pedaling, steering and pushing handlebar–mounted action buttons, and is compatible with over 40 PlayStation racing titles. Additionally, CycleFX develops and manufactures PC–based electronic interfaces for bicycles and exercise machines. E3 visitors can take a test ride on this revolutionary bike in Kentia Hall, booth 6953.
Innovative Consulting Services (For Developers)
The Game Design Studio delivers individualized consulting services to the video gaming industry. Pascal Luban, founder and CEO of the company, has developed an innovative strategic analysis technique that classifies studios into four categories — adventurers, innovators, conquerors and independents. This classification approach enables the company to tailor its services accordingly. Luban created the Game Design Studio to serve the video gaming industry’s shift towards the film industry’s production model. The Game Design Studio provides this methodology, as well as custom game concept development; script or game design doctoring; game design coaching; release strategies; and expansive "turn–key" game design documentation.
More
info.
InterPlay’s Rubu Tribe (Games: PlayStation 2)
Interplay’s Digital Mayhem division announced an upcoming PlayStation 2 title that combines exploration, strategy and action game play. In Rubu Tribe, players lead a tribe of Rubu creatures whose village has been built on the back of a massive Uut beast. Players will face many external and internal challenges during their sacred and mystical journey, as they try to maintain Uut and keep the Rubu’s happy. Rubu Tribe is being developed by Outrage Entertainment, the makers of the Descent series, and is scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of this year.
Complete Oddworld Demo (Games: Xbox)
Microsoft announced the availability of an exclusive Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee demo at xbox.com. Oddworld Inhabitants’ co–founder, Lorne Lanning, provided an adlibbed guided tour of the game at this year’s Gamestock in March. The complete version of this presentation brings Oddworld to life, and features Munch and Abe working together as a team to overcome obstacles. Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee will ship this fall for the Xbox.
Nyko InterAct’s with Game Boy (Hardware & Peripherals)
Nyko Technologies, Inc. and InterAct Accessories, Inc. have announced an exclusive licensing agreement. InterAct obtains the rights to use Nyko’s patented Worm Light technology to create a lighting accessory for the Game Boy Advance. InterAct’s new GlowGuard GBA product features a white LED that shines on the handheld’s screen, and a plastic shield to protect the screen from damage. The agreement also includes InterAct’s LightSaver for the Game Boy Color.
Square’s Final E3 Lineup (Games: Multiplatform)
E3 attendees will have their first chance to play Square’s PlayStation 2 title, Final Fantasy X. In addition, the company will unveil Final Fantasy Chronicles for the PlayStation, which includes remakes of Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger. And as a special bonus, visitors to the South Hall can take a peek at Square’s upcoming film, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, before it hits theatres on July 11.
Wilco Revises 767 Flights (Games: PC)
Wilco Publishing released an update for its Microsoft Flight Simulator add–on. The 1.9 MB 767 Pilot in Command patch features the usual fine–tuning and bug repairs; options to plot a fixed position between waypoints on a flight plan; a new "rising runway" display that appears on the EADI during landing; and broader control over the occurrence of random failures.
More
info.
Last week’s news
...back to FGN’s home page.
|
|
|
Copyright© 2001 Future Games Network
Subscribe | Privacy Statement
|
|
