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February, 2001


February 28, 2001

Top 10 PS2 Games, 2/11-2/17 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:20 PM, EST
1) ATV Offroad Fury, Sony, $50
2) Knockout Kings 2001, Electronic Arts, $51
3) Madden NFL 2001, Electronic Arts, $50
4) Oni, Rockstar Games, $50
5) SSX, Electronic Arts, $51
6) NHL 2001, Electronic Arts, $51
7) Tekken Tag Tournament, Namco, $50
8) Midnight Club Street Racing, Take 2 Interactive/Rockstar, $49
9) Rayman 2, Ubi Soft, $51
10) Smuggler's Run, Take 2 Interactive/Rockstar, $50

Well, more importantly, this weeks top selling PS2 games is led by ATV Offroad Fury, by Sony. I think this is the first time that a first party game made it to number 1(correct me if I'm wrong). Well I haven't played it, but It obviously must be pretty good. Knockout Kings at number 2, definatly a game worth at least trying.
Thanks to DailyRadar for the list.

NHL Faceoff 2001 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:51 PM, EST
We added a review of 989 Sport’s hockey game:

The only thing saving FaceOff from total degradation is how well it can actually play at times. We found the control of the players and the overall speed of the game is much more smoother than EA's NHL 2001. To test how well a hockey game plays I always look to the power play in the game. If you can smoothly throw the puck around while the defense makes their box then you know something is good. In a lot of games including NHL 2001 it is almost impossible to get a clean shot on the powerplay. In FaceOff you can not only do it but you can move around and set up a nice tip play or generate a rebound for one of your pressing forwards at the net.
Full article




Media - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:51 PM, EST
Hudson released a few new screens of its PS2 fighter Bloody Roar 3:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7

C&VG posted new screens of DMA Design’s Grand Theft Auto 3: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3
Go here for more screens & info

DailyRadar kicked up new movies of Gran Turismo 3, Extermination, Z.O.E., Klonoa 2 and more. Click here to check them out

Core posted new screens of Konami’s mech fighter, Z.O.E.:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3


Metal Gear Solid 2 Online Ranking - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 6:03 PM, EST
Konami has started a new page devoted entirely to the demo of Metal Gear Solid 2 packaged in with the Zone of the Enders game in Japan, Europe, and the US. When the demo is completed, a pass code will be given to the player that basically summarizes your statistics in a word. The pass code will be placed on an Internet ranking site, which can be found here, that will list your score in relation to everyone else who has signed up for the site. The online ranking page will be open at 6PM Japan time. It appears Konami is going all out for this demo and it makes me wish I had the actual final game even more.


Metal Gear Solid 2 Delayed in Europe - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:33 PM, EST
Konami admits that Metal Gear Solid 2, arguably the most anticipated title from the company and for the PS2, will be delayed until 2002. Konami officially stated that it will release within the fiscal earning year up until March of 2002, but a release within 2001 is highly improbable in Europe. No official statement has been made concerning the US release, but the Japanese release is still scheduled for the end of 2001.


Devil May Cry demo with Resident Evil: CVX, this July! - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 3:08 PM, EST
It was announced yesterday that Capcom's "Resident Evil: Code Veronica X" will include a demo of "Devil May Cry" when Resident Evil: CVX is released this summer. Capcom estimates that RE: CVX will hit shelfs in July 2001, and Devil May Cry will hit shelfs late Fall 2001.

"Devil May Cry takes full advantage of the technical advancements of the PlayStation 2 by delivering stunning graphics and gameplay that immerses gamers into a dark fantasy world. Devil May Cry is destined to be a blockbuster hit as Capcom fans will see for themselves this spring with the inclusion of the playable demo in copies of Resident Evil Code: Veronica X, also for PlayStation 2. Capcom Executive Producer Shinji Mikami has certainly created another masterpiece."
(Todd Thorson, IGN)

It's good to see a game will finally be taking advantage of the advancements of the PS2. Graphics claim to be sharp, gameplay is expected to be top-notch as well.

Full article





February 27, 2001

ATV Offroad Fury review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:37 PM, EST
We added a review of Sony’s All-Terrain Vehicle racing game:

The courses have been designed with utmost details and are vast in scope. You can see very far ahead in each level whether it be pine-covered mountains or cirrus laden skies. Not only can you see into the distance but you can also drive there. We spent hours upon hours just driving around each level before we even got the various challenges each had to offer.
Full review




PGA TOUR Golf 2001 ships - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:37 PM, EST
Electronic Arts delivers Tiger Woods to golf fans and PS2 owners, as Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Golf 2001 ships for the PS2 today.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

"We took the best golfer in the world as well as three of the most beautiful and well-known golf courses in this country and developed the best-looking and fastest-playing golf game to date," said John Vifian, executive producer of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Golf 2001. "PlayStation 2 fans and golfers alike have been waiting to get their hands on a game featuring Tiger Woods on a next generation system, and they will really enjoy the look and feel of this one."

With the exclusive license of the Pebble Beach Golf Links(R), players can choose to play on the famed course or two other elite courses inside the 17 Mile Drive on California's Monterey Peninsula, SpyGlass Hill Golf Course(TM) and Poppy Hills Golf Course(TM). The beauty, grace and challenge of each course are reflected in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2001.
Full press release




Extermination impressions - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:36 PM, EST
Gamespot posted first impressions of Sony’s adventure game, Extermination:

Players can perform "region actions" through the use of the D-pad or analog stick and the X button. Depending on the situation, region actions vary from jumping, climbing, hanging on edges, jumping off and grabbing on to ledges, dodging attacks, or shaking off monsters. Simple actions, like jumping, are relatively easy to perform, while more complex actions, such as dodging an enemy attack, are more difficult. Additionally, the length of your jump is not predetermined, so you'll actually have to gauge each jump as you're leaping. Unfortunately, in this demo there were no areas where you had to jump a dangerous gap, so we were unable to see exactly how this system will work. Also, the X button is used for both jumping and picking up items, so control can become somewhat confusing at times.
Full article




Media - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:36 PM, EST
C&VG posted some new screens of Gran Turismo 3:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4
Go here for more

C&VG also scored first screens of Acclaim’s adventure title, Fur Fighters:
pic #1, pic #2
Go here for more info & screens

Atlus released new screenshots of its PS2 version of Maken X, Maken Shao:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9
Thanks to Gaming Age for the screens.

Core posted new screens of Namco’s adventure title Klonoa 2:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3
Go here for more screens

IGN posted a few screens and a movie of Capcom’s adventure game, Devil May Cry.


February 23, 2001

Updates... - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 11:28 AM, EST
Sorry for the lack of updates this week :/ Been busy with other work...
Anyway, Aaron is updating the site today with a boatload of new movie reviews, click here to see which ones. (They will be added later today...)

Don't forget to check out the forum, there's always daily news posts.


February 15, 2001

Reviews - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 3:02 PM, EST
We added a review of EA’s theme park simulation game, Theme Park Roller Coaster:

This game is much more than a Coaster simulation, much more. You’ll not only be able to ride your attractions, you’ll also be able to explore the park in a first-person view and play all the mini-games in your entertainment paradise. Be careful not to get your feet wet when walking around the park, because realistic weather effects are now available.
Full review

We also posted a review of Acclaim's RC racer, RC Revenge Pro:
Gamers can race against each other in multi-player mode around villages, across desert islands, through lagoons and over valleys. Drivers can eliminate rivals by assaulting them with such weapons as water balloons, oil slicks and lightning bolts. New vehicles are earned by completing challenge cup races which occur in diverse environments including Jungle, Horror, Science Fiction, Monster, Cartoon Worlds and a PS2 exclusive Pirate World.
Full review




Media - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 3:00 PM, EST
Namco released new screens of its platform game Klonoa 2:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8
Gaming Age posted a movie of the game here.

C&VG scored first screens of Konami’s Tennis game, WTA Tour.

Gamespot UK posted new screens of Metal Gear Solid 2 and of Codemasters World War II action game, Prisoner of War.


Red Faction impressions - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 2:59 PM, EST
IGN posted first impressions of Volition’s first-person shooter, Red Faction:

The one-playable level demonstrates several cool features that are core to Red Faction. The demo is a single-level that shows off special effects, a good range of weapons usage, and provides players with the ability to pilot a submarine. There is no two-player action in this demo. At the very beginning, you get to control a stationary missile launcher, sort of like a gattling gun, but substituted with grenade-like missiles instead of bullets. We started off the level by grabbing the gun and watching as the militia from the mining corporation Ultor rush in to stop your uprising.
Full article




February 13, 2001

Oni review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:00 PM, EST
We added a review of Rockstar’s action-fighter, Oni:

Oni features a large amount of voice acting, and it is well done. Much of the communication done during a mission is done through Shinatama who shares a neural link with Konoko. She will tell you when you have new objectives or warn you when something is amiss. Konoko herself does a fair amount of talking, she'll talk trash to a fallen guard if you tap the X button. She'll actually talk when he's not dead, but you'll be hard pressed to find the time during a brawl to talk smack.
Full review




Printer compatible PS2 game - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 4:59 PM, EST
IRD1 Industries announced today that its first PlayStation2 title, currently known as PS2 Project, will feature USB printer compatibility.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

"As we have been designing our product we have spent a lot to time understanding the sales channel and have a grasp on what consumers are looking for and what all potential players in the console market are looking to add," says IRD1 Industries President Zain Dinath, "IRD1 has invested a lot of time in studying the competitive landscape of this emerging console market, and are confident that our product will certainly find a place in the hearts of gamers that long for the benefits of old school gameplay, and the advancements in PlayStation2 technology."
Full press release




Le Mans 24 Hours for PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:59 PM, EST
Infogrames recently announced that it will bring 24-hour racing to the PS2 this summer with Le Mans 24 Hours
A slice of the press release:

"If you loved Melbourne House's Test Drive Le Mans for the Dreamcast, then Le Mans 24 Hours for the PlayStation2 will blow you away," said Laddie Ervin, director of marketing for sports and racing at the Infogrames San Jose Label. "As stellar as Test Drive Le Mans was, people told us what would make it absolutely perfect and we listened. Rear view mirrors, real-time headlights, animated drivers and an animated pit crew are just a few of the new features that will accompany the awesome gameplay of Le Mans 24 Hours."
Full press release

Gaming Age scored a few screens of the game, click here to check them out.




Screenshots - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:58 PM, EST
C&VG scored new screens of Ubi Soft's Jungle Book game and of Le Mans 24 Hours.

Gamespot UK kicked up first screens of Wacky Races, Gamespot US posted new screens of Twisted Metal: Black.


February 7, 2001

All-Star Baseball 2002 preview - Comments (3)
Posted by @ 5:01 PM, EST
We added a preview of Acclaim’s upcoming PS2 baseball game:

Polygon count will be dramatically increased, giving believable "life" to the player models and stadiums. A good example of the difference between the Playstation 2 incarnation and ASB games of the past is that there will be more polygons in the player model’s head alone than was used to create entire stadiums in previous years.
Full preview




Knockout Kings 2001 ships - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:00 PM, EST
Electronic Arts today announced the release of Knockout Kings 2001 for the PS2.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

Each fighter comes with his or her own personal biography detailing their career and their approach to the "sweet science" of boxing. And, as always, EA SPORTS delivers the sport's realism. Each fighter's strength, weight, height, speed, reach, and stamina are factored into the artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure a realistic boxing experience. EA SPORTS has also incorporated individual fighting styles and signature moves, which were provided by many of the boxers for the game. Utilizing motion-capture technology, a process where boxers wear a computerized suit that measures body movements, the production team captured all their moves and re-created them in the game.
Full press release




Klonoa 2 screens
Posted by @ 5:00 PM, EST
Namco released two screens of its platform game, Klonoa 2:
pic #1, pic #2


Hideo Kojima interview - Comments (5)
Posted by @ 5:00 PM, EST
Core had a chat with Konami’s Hideo Kojima, talking about MGS2.
A slice:

CoreMagazine.com: In some of the earlier footage released, we see soldiers attack Snake behind shields. In order to defeat them, Snake switches to first-person mode and aims at their kneecaps. How often will players need to utilize the first-person mode?

Kojima: There are parts where it will be preferable to use this view, but for the most part it's up to the player. Those who want to just play the game like a shooter can use the automatic lock-on feature, but in this case Snake will only target the enemies' torsos. Using the first-person view lets the player aim for specific body regions.
Full interview




GT3 impressions - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:59 PM, EST
Gamespot tried out a new build of Gran Turismo 3.
Here’s a bit of what they had to say:

Another new addition to the Gran Turismo 3 demo is the rally mode. The rally mode was playable in the auto-show demo, but it was extremely limited. You could only pick one track, Smokey Mountain, and only one car, the Suburu Impreza Rally Edition. Still, from what we saw in the very early demo, the rally mode in Gran Turismo 3 has been vastly improved since the last game. While Gran Turismo 2's rally mode essentially replaced asphalt with dirt, it's obvious that Gran Turismo 3's rally mode has a completely new set of driving parameters. Cars on dirt react exactly like you would expect them to--there's lots of sliding and bumping, and the physics accurately depict high-speed off-road racing. Additionally, plenty of different surfaces help differentiate between racing on and off the path.
Full article




Lunatic Dawn Tempest - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:59 PM, EST
Gaming Age posted first screens and a movie of Artdrink’s PS2 RPG, Lunatic Dawn Tempest.
Go here to check it out


February 5, 2001

F1 Championship Season 2000 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:57 PM, EST
We added a review of EA’s latest F1 game.
Here’s a bit:

The arcade physics and AI tend to have a snowball effect on other aspects of the game such as damage. There are three settings, forgiving, normal and off. But you'll be saving yourself a world of frustration if you just left damage off because the amount of times your car will get smashed and pushed around will have you pitting every lap otherwise. This is unfortunate because part of the suspense and strategy of F1 is to avoid touching the other cars which makes you more careful and gives you a feeling that there is something greatly at stake if you do hit someone. But seeing how playing with damage off is the only practical way to play the game, this element of suspense is lost.
Full review




New games from Infogrames - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:57 PM, EST
Infogrames announced today that it will release La Femme NikitaT on next generation video game console systems and PC in Fall 2001.
A slice of the press release:

The La Femme NikitaT game will remain true to the popular television series. In the scenario familiar to fans worldwide, Nikita is falsely accused of a hideous crime and sentenced to life in prison. Taken from prison to a place called "Section One" - the most covert anti-terrorist group on the planet - Nikita is trained as a spy and assassin by Michael, a technical expert, who serves as her mentor and teacher.
Full press release

Ifogrames also announced it is developing a game for the PS2 and other consoles based on the popular comic strip Peanuts.
A bit of the press release:
“We are very excited that United Media has entrusted Infogrames with one of the most renowned properties of all time. This deal brings us to the next level with our library of phenomenal licenses," said Robert Miles Watson, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Licensing for Infogrames, Inc. "We are combining the beloved Peanuts characters and more than 50 years of history to create a fun gaming experience for kids of any age through several upcoming titles."
Full press release




Project Eden screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:56 PM, EST
DailyRadarUK scored new screens of Core’s PC/PS2 action/adventure game, Project Eden:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10, pic #11, pic #12, pic #13, pic #14
For more info go here


Starfighter gone gold - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:56 PM, EST
Lucasarts announced its SW game Starfighter is ready for manufacturing and is scheduled for a February 21st release. Lucasarts also released a new movie of the game on the official site.


February 1, 2001

NCAA Final Four 2001 review - Comments (5)
Posted by @ 6:55 PM, EST
We added a review of 989 Sports’ college basketball game, NCAA Final Four 2001:

989 claims to have "More than 1,000 Motion Captured Moves" in Final Four. I didn't count them, so I suppose we'll have to take their word for it on this one. The dunks are impressive, the player animations are well done, the players move quickly (60 fps) and smoothly. Last but certainly not least is the addition of cheerleaders. If the movement into 128-bit gaming is to be known for anything, it's bound to be the return of cheerleaders to sports gaming. Double Dribble had them, Tecmo Bowl had them, and now we can add NCAA Final Four 2001 to that illustrious list.
Full review




Red Faction - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 6:55 PM, EST
Volition recently released some new screens of its PC/PS2 first-person shooter, Red Faction:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10, pic #11, pic #12, pic #13, pic #14

The Daily Telefrag smacked up an interview with James Tsai, Assistant Producer for Red Faction.
A slice:

ALIEN: You selected Mars as the scene of action. Why? Any specific reason? And will we meet any aliens or UFOs on the planet?

James Tsai: Setting the game on Mars gave us the creative latitude to incorporate everything we wanted to into the story. A mining colony with deplorable conditions, advanced weaponry and vehicles, freedom in designing compelling environments for the game's levels, and a foreboding sense that you're stuck in unfamiliar (or alien) territory, among other things.
Full interview

More Red Faction... Action Vault paid a visit to Volition and scored some info on the game:
Another element of the story-driven orientation that will set Red Faction apart from simple shooters where you just blast anything that moves is the substantial use of voice acting, both to move the central story forward and to help build atmosphere. According to Alan Lawrence, the game will ship with some 500 lines of "persona" or built-in voice messages in addition to regular conversations. These will include assorted combat-oriented remarks such as "cover me" or "I'm going in" along with some that provide the player general albeit not plot-critical information about the planet, different places, the Ultor Corporation, various characters et al.
Full article




Sega interview - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 6:54 PM, EST
Gamepen had a chat with Gwen Marker, Consumer PR Spokesperson for Sega of America.
Here’s a bit of the interesting interview:

GamePen: The announcement states that Sega will be developing for the Game Boy Advance and PlayStation 2 and is currently negotiating with Microsoft and Nintendo for the GAMECUBE and Xbox. Will titles released for one console be released for all of them? Will Sega be favoring one console over another?

Gwen/Sega: We will review our games for different platforms on a case by case basis. We will also look at the local market to determine if a game should be released. For example, while Virtua Fighter 4 will be released for the PlayStation 2 worldwide, the Sakura Wars title and the Let's Make a Pro Sports Team series will be made for Japan only. There is currently no preference to make games for one platform over another.
Full interview




Temp forum - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 4:49 AM, EST
I have put up the forums on a temporary server...
Temp Forums




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