January 31, 2000
Square Millennium Coverage - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 12:58 PM, EST
Gamespot posted tons of news from Square’s Millennium show.
Gamespot UK has most of the stories in their PS2 section.
Go here to check them out
Click here to see GameSpot US Final Fantasy IX, X and XI impressions.
GameSpot US also posted info about Square's new online service.
A bit of their article:
"While the biggest surprises of Square Millennium were all Final Fantasy-related, that wasn't all Square had to offer attendees. Taking up perhaps the biggest amount of time during the presentation was PlayOnline, Square's new online service that will begin in 2001 (it is also the name of a magazine currently published/distributed by DigiCube). Square began the Millennium show with a short scenario of the future, where three friends used the PlayOnline service to meet, send messages (one from a remote place), and play Final Fantasy XI (in a simulated scenario of what the game will be like)."
Full article
Core managed to get screens from the various FF games:
Final Fantasy IX screens & info
Final Fantasy X screens & info
Final Fantasy XI screens & info
PSX.IGN also slapped up tons of stories with info and pics from the Millennium show.
Instead of listing them all, I suggest you go directly to the site:
PSX.IGN
New Ridge Racer V screens & info - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 12:54 PM, EST
Gaming Age scored tons of screens and new info on Namco’s RR V.
Here’s a slice of their article:
"RRV, which is to be released to coincide with the launch of the system on March 4th, will feature five different modes of play which include Grand Prix, Duel, Versus Battle, Time Attack, and Free Run. Grand Prix will follow suit to Ridge Racer Type 4 in which you'll take a racing team and compete in various tournaments. With each team, a designated color will be assigned to the car that you choose. There are at least six cars confirmed at this point; among those cars are the Kamata Fiaro, Danver Toreador, Rivelta Solare, Kamata Fortune, Rivelta Mercurio, and the Himmel E.O.. In the Duel mode, you'll take on a race against one other car controlled by the CPU. This is similar to the final races from the original Ridge Racer. The other modes are pretty self explanitory."
Some screens:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5
Click here for more info & screens
Emotion Engine: Best Embedded Processor - Comments (5)
Posted by @ 12:53 PM, EST
Some parts of today’s press release:
Cahner's MicroDesign Resources, publisher of Microprocessor Report, presented Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Toshiba Corp. the honored 1999 Analyst's Choice Award for the Best Embedded Processor at this year's "Processing The Future 2000" dinner event held on Jan, 27 in Santa Clara, Calif
The 300MHz 128-bit Emotion Engine, developed jointly by SCE and Toshiba Corp., uses 0.18-micron process and has over 13 million transistors, which is equivalent to today's complex desktop PC microprocessors.
The Emotion Engine serves as the core CPU for Sony's Playstation2, allowing the advanced game system to handle 6.2 GFLOPS at peak floating performance and able to transform 66 Mpolygons per second (perspective transformation), to provide a level of graphics performance not seen even in the most powerful PCs.
"We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition of Toshiba's system level integration (SLI) capabilities," said Peter Richmond, director of System IC business development at Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. "The Emotion Engine is an excellent example of Toshiba's world-class expertise in developing complex SLI devices that include embedded high-performance RISC processor and memory cores and other logic."
PS2 shortage? - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 12:52 PM, EST
Incitegames posted a spicy article...
Here’s a slice:
"According to an employee at a Japanese factory supplying key components for the PlayStation2, the company is unable to produce the quantities originally agreed upon with Sony in order to meet the console's launch quotas. The source would not reveal exactly which component it is producing for the PlayStation2.
Although Sony is pressuring the company to increase its production rate, it appears unlikely that the company will be able to do so before March 4. Sony has made no official comment on whether the production glitch will affect the number of PlayStation2 consoles available at launch, but according to our source, it appears nearly certain that the number will be far reduced from original expectations."
Full story
Thanks to Super PSX2 for the news.
January 29, 2000
Square news - Comments (11)
Posted by @ 8:23 AM, EST
GameSpot scored some info from Square’s ongoing Millennium show.
Here’s a slice of their article:
"Final Fantasy IX features characters that are smaller in size compared to the recent Final Fantasy games (a bit more similar to the older FF titles) and are somewhat cartoony. A maximum of four characters can be formed in a party. Meanwhile, from what was said at the show, Final Fantasy X could aptly be described (graphically) as the "Shenmue of the PlayStation2" at this point - it looks very realistic. The game is still in early development stages, but Square has announced it will include its own online network software in the game called Play Online. Final Fantasy XI was announced as well, and it came with the tag line "Online Another World." The company has only revealed that the title will be an online RPG for the PS2."
Full article
Namco PS2 ad - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:22 AM, EST
Click here to check it out.
Thanks to Gaming Age for the pic.
The Sony Emotion Engine - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:21 AM, EST
PC World slapped up an article where they discuss the Emotion Engine and the PS2.
Here’s a bit:
"How adept is it? According to MicroDesign Resources, the processor can handle 6.2 gigaflops at 300MHz. A single gigaflop equals one billion floating-point operations per second. MDR says that makes the chip two times faster than a 733-MHz Pentium III and 15 times faster than a 400-MHz Celeron at handling tasks like full-motion video. For the statistics-minded, the processor can handle 75 million 3D transformations per second, and can render images at 2.4 billion pixels per second.
If these numbers translate into real-world performance, this should be one hot processor."
Full article
Thanks to Super PSX2 for the news.
PS2 IQ Remix+ in March
Posted by @ 8:20 AM, EST
Sony announced that they will be releasing IQ Remix + for the PS2 this March in Japan. It will be on CD-ROM and will cost 5800yen (about US$55).
Thanks to GameSpot for the info.
Stepping Selection - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 8:19 AM, EST
Some new info on this game from GameSpot:
"There will be a standard mode similar to the arcadeversion of the game, a challenge mode with four difficulty levels, and an all-music mode to customize your step style, difficulty, and music. Players can unlock secret modes later on as well.
Stepping Selection is scheduled for a March 4 release with a price tag of 6800yen (about US$65). The controller will be sold separately for 6800yen (about US$65)."
Pics:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5.
New Multitap for PlayStation2 - Comments (4)
Posted by @ 8:18 AM, EST
Sony will be releasing a multitap for the PS2 March 4th. It will let players use the new 8MB-memory card and allow for 4 players.
The first 4-player game that will be compatible with the multitap is T&E Soft's Golf Paradise.
Thanks to GameSpot for the info.
January 28, 2000
Interview with Epic Games - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 2:20 PM, EST
3DGPU slapped up an interview with Tim Sweeney of Epic (Unreal guys). He babbled some about the PS2...
Here are the interesting bits:
"What single piece of upcoming graphics technology do you see impacting the gaming scene the most?
The Playstation2. It will completely up the ante in the graphics race, and be something that PC gamers will drool over. The big question now is whether NVidia and 3dfx can match it -- not so much in the paper specs, but in performance with actual shipping games.
Which companies do you see emerging as the forerunners in the graphics industry?
Sony, NVidia, 3dfx"
Full interview
Titanium Angels "prototyped" for PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 2:19 PM, EST
SCi is planning to move its action-adventure title Titanium Angels over to the PS2.
Here’s a slice of article:
"Based on future Earth, Titanium Angels revolves around Carmen Blake, a bounty hunter at the centre of a struggle between four races. Carmen is the last of her people, The Kindred, and the story takes her on a mission to assassinate the military dictator of a small but boisterous island nation."
Rockstar and Angel's PS2 Road Trip - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 2:18 PM, EST
Angel Studios and Rockstar Games announced that they were developing two new titles for the PlayStation2. Midnight Club: Street Racing and Getaway
Daily Radar got hold of a few pics of the games along with some info; a bit of it:
"Getaway is an open-plan racing game in which players have to deliver contraband across borders while being chased by the police and other smuggling operations. Set in a variety of rural environments, with an incredible new panoramic perspective, the game has a phenomenal physics engine to faithfully recreate the speed and sensations of tearing across the country, through farms, fences and forests while trying to outrun a variety of enemies"
Full article
New Armored Core 2 screens - Comments (3)
Posted by @ 2:17 PM, EST
Here are some new screens of From Software’s upcoming PS2 game Armored Core 2:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5.
New Evergrace screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 2:15 PM, EST
From Software also released 2 new screens of their upcoming PS2 RPG:
pic #1, pic #2
January 27, 2000
Movie from Square’s Baseball game! - Comments (19)
Posted by @ 4:26 PM, EST
Download this baby right now! (1.4 MB)
Spy Hunter PS2 details revealed - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:25 PM, EST
scored some info on Midway’s new PS2 game Spy Hunter.
A bit of their article:
"Contrary to previous rumour, the title is to have little to do with the original top-down, 2D race-and-shoot fest. The PlayStation2 version is, according to Midway sources this morning, to take the form of a strategy-fighting game."
More on Halo.... - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 4:24 PM, EST
Halo not confirmed... yet...
Bungie's Matt Soell posted a bit of info:
"Well, actually....that whole "confirmation" thing on Gamespot isn't true, in the strictest sense of the word. Sony hasn't approved Halo for PS2 yet, and while obviously we and Take Two would both like it to happen, it has not happened yet. Rumors are funny things. :-)
Obviously we think Halo would rock on PS2 but apart from signing up as a developer, we haven't done anything towards getting the game on that platform - the first step of which is going to Sony and saying "Here's what the game will be like, are you cool with this?" Take Two, for that matter, also has done no work in this regard."
Misc news - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:23 PM, EST
Ridge Racer V Update
Namco released some info on which controllers Ridge Racer V will be able to use; Dual Shock, Dual Shock 2, JogCon, and the NegiCon controllers.
New Artdrink title
Artidrink recently announced their second PS2 game, Buchigire Kongou.
It will be an action fighting game that lets players control construction workers driving bulldozers, which they use to fight opponents.
The game is scheduled for a spring release in Japan
Thanks to GameSpot for the info.
January 26, 2000
Ready 2 Rumble 2 for PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 11:37 AM, EST
Midway announced that they will be bringing the boxing game Ready 2 Rumble 2 for the PS2 at the US launch.
Thanks to GameSpot for the info.
Golf Paradise Movie - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 11:37 AM, EST
Core got hold of a movie of Golf Paradise
Check it out (13.7 MB!)
EA Square's PS2 Title Revealed - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 11:36 AM, EST
Electronic Arts Square announced a snowboard game for the PS2, Super Snowboard Cross.
The game will appear at the PS Festival 2000 this February, so expect more info soon.
Thanks to GameSpot for the info.
More developers for the PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 11:35 AM, EST
Edge of Reality, a company that has primarily focused on Nintendo 64 software for the Gathering of Developers, has now revealed that it will be working on a PlayStation2 title.
No details were available on what kind of game it is they’re doing.
The recently formed Incognito Entertainment (the makers of Rogue Trip) is developing a PS2 game.
Thanks to GameSpot and PSX.IGN for the info.
January 25, 2000
Jikkyou World Soccer 2000 info - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 3:55 PM, EST
Core scored some new info on Konami’s soccer game Jikkyou World Soccer 2000:
"The game will feature more than 100 different teams including International teams with full player rosters. From what we've been told, players will also be able to create their own players and add them to selected teams.
Play modes:
Open Game: Exhibition
League
International Cup
Olympic Mode
Scenario Mode
Training Mode
PK Mode"
Full article
TTT Delay - Comments (9)
Posted by @ 12:12 PM, EST
Tekken Tag Tournament is no launch title for the Japanese PS2 anymore. The game has been pushed back to 30th March.
Namco’s game Ridge Racer V is still planed as a launch game though.
PS2 good for business - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 12:11 PM, EST
Found this bit of info over at the MagicBox:
"Japanese news Nakagawa Junichi reported that the stock price of several Playstation 2 developers have boosted up as the launch day of Playstation 2 approaches. Konami's stock price has gone up 11.79% since December, after announced the release of 5 PS2 titles in March. Namco has raise for another 6.87% after confirming both Ridge Racer V and Tekken Tag Tournament as PS2 launch (no TTT for launch) titles. Square's stock price when up 4.3% after the announcement of Driving Emotion Type-S. Both Jaleco and Imagineer have also raise for 6.73% and 10.95% respectively."
PS2, when will the price drop? - Comments (18)
Posted by @ 12:13 AM, EST
Daily Radar posted an article on the price about ps2.
A bit of the article:
"So you're not an early adopter. Like many gamers, you might not feel comfortable investing a huge chunk of change to be the first one on your block to have the latest and greatest technology. So how long will you have to wait until the PlayStation2 is at a price that you can afford? Well, no one (not even Sony) knows. ."
Full article
New ATrain6 screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 12:07 AM, EST
Core Magazine posted some new pics & info of ATrain6.
Here's a slice:
"Artdink is developing A6 by incorporating a number of exclusive graphical effects, thereby decreasing the number of polygons needed and giving objects a completely new level of depth. Herein are a handful of new screens from a near-complete version of A6, expect more later this week."
Full article
January 24, 2000
Halo Is Confirmed - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 11:05 PM, EST
Videogames.com posted an article on Halo for ps2, with some cool screens.
Some of it:
"GameSpot News has confirmed that the futuristic combat game Halo is headed for the PlayStation2 platform. In development at Bungie Software, Halo has often been rumored as a possibility for the next-generation PlayStation console due to its superior visual capabilities. Now, a source close to the project has gone on record and informed us that PlayStation2 Halo "is definitely happening." Take-Two's Rockstar Games will be publishing the port. ."
Full article
New Namco information - Comments (5)
Posted by @ 4:33 PM, EST
Gaming Age got hold of a report from Morgan Stanley (investment company) on Namco.
A slice of the article:
"PS2 development tools are still not all ready, and many companies are having difficulties developing software for PS2. They expect Namco to do well at the Playstation 2 launch, because of their development experience. As a result, a certain unnamed European software developer asked Sony to delay the launch because of "software development delays"."
Full article
Take Two to announce their PS2 games - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 11:50 AM, EST
Here’s a part from today’s pressrelease:
"On a going forward basis, Take-Two's Rockstar Games division has several releases planned for Sega's Dreamcast system, the first of which, Wild Metal, will ship this week, and a version of Rockstar's best-selling Grand Theft Auto series, which the Company expects to ship in its second quarter.
Additionally, the Company hopes to unveil Rockstar's extensive plans, including a planned list of releases, for Sony's upcoming PlayStation 2 system in the coming weeks. The Company has invested heavily in PlayStation 2 development over the past 9 months."
January 22, 2000
Control your games with your voice - Comments (23)
Posted by @ 9:43 AM, EST
Daily Radarposted an article on voice recognition controlling your games on ps2.
Here's a slice:
"Despite Sony's tightlipped take on the subject, the company is deep into the research and development of a technology that could impact videogame control as much any device in the past. Sony is currently developing speech recognition technology in the US that would enable users to talk to their PlayStation2 via a headset and microphone. Although we won't see it until a year or two after launch, speech recognition for the PlayStation2 is one of its most exciting features." Full article
New Tekken TT Screens - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 6:29 AM, EST
Gaming Age scanned in the some new TTT pics from the latest Famitsu. They’re not the best quality but there are three characters that we have not previously seen.
Check them out here
Latest PS2 Games Pricing Info - Comments (0)
January 21, 2000
Tecmo Bowl - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 10:07 PM, EST
TECMO isn't just bringing back Ninja Gaiden. I have gained some info that Tecmo Bowl is coming to psx2. The game isn't confirmed nor announced, but from reliable sources i have gained this info. TECMO is bringing back one of my favorite football series, thank you TECMO.
WWF Smackdown - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:53 PM, EST
The smacketh downeth.
Videogames.com posted a hands on impression of the PSX game WWF Smackdown.
Here's a slice:
"Based on an advanced version of the Toukon Retsuden 4 (a Japanese wrestling game from Yukes, the company also developing Smackdown) engine, the game looks surprisingly good. From the first time they saw it, our editors have said it may be the best-looking and best-animated wrestling title ever."
Full article
FF9 Delayed? - Comments (8)
Posted by @ 3:34 PM, EST
Even though the game hasn't been announced for psx or psx2,Rumors out of Japan suggest that FF9 has been delayed. The culprit? None other than Dragon Quest 7. Rumors speculate the release date of FF9 was pushed back, because not even Square wanted to compete with the very popular Dragon Quest series. Square originally intended for FF9 to release the same time as DQ7{sometime in march}but it looks like we all might have to wait a little longer for the next installment of the Final Fantasy series.
Or maybe we will just have to wait for a ff collection a little longer. Another rumor from Japan suggests that FF9 will just be a collection of all the FF games, from ff1, gameboy games, to ff8. The rumor also speculates that the collection will be on PS2. We might all have to wait a little longer for a new FF game.
More info and rumors on ff9 when they come available.
PS2 as a digital VCR? - Comments (3)
Posted by @ 1:30 PM, EST
This has been reported all over the net, and it looks like the PS2 will be able to record data from your TV. Sony will be releasing a 50 Gigabyte HD in 2001 that could be used for storing the data.
This would be a pretty awesome feature, so hopefully this will turn out to be true :)
Konami release list - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:28 PM, EST
Here’s the latest Year 2000 release list from Konami:
Confirmed March 4th Launch Day titles:
Drum Mania
Jikkyoo World Soccer 2000
Summer:
Gradius 3 & 4: Revival of the Legend
Eisei Meijin 6
Jikkyoo Baseball
Raizeriito
Date Still Pending:
Majong Yarooze 2
Thanks to GameFan for the info.
New screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:27 PM, EST
Gamespot has been really busy, they posted screens from the new Square games, All Star Pro Wrestling and Gekikuukan Pro Baseball. They also have some new screens from Stepping Stage and Street Fighter EX3.
Check it all out:
All Star Pro Wrestling Screens
Gekikuukan Pro Baseball Screens
Stepping Stage Screens
Street Fighter EX3 Screens Part1
Street Fighter EX3 Screens Part2
ReTro - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 9:33 AM, EST
Hey everyone, im the new guy on the psx2central team.
I will be helping with the news. Since this is my first post i want to give a shout out to all my yahoo buddies in the game room.
January 20, 2000
Summoner Preview - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 5:13 PM, EST
We kicked up a spicy Preview of the RPG Summoner.
Here’s a slice:
"The game takes place over huge 3D environments from the continent of Medeva with a European influence to the Asia inspired Orenia. Every location has been well thought out with realistic aspects of culture, history and mythologies.
Players can control up to four other characters or summon various creatures using your mysterious power. The other characters you'll be working with throughout the game also have their own unique stories as well."
Full preview
More on Raven... - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:12 PM, EST
Raven's Jake Simpson updated his .plan again with some new PS2 realated stuff:
"So, Monolith are doing a version of their Lith Engine for the PSX2 eh? I don't recall seeing any official announcment of that anywhere. Maybe it's just me, but I think that's a pretty significant thing. "As Mike stated in his e-mail, LithTech 2.0 PC is pretty much done (PSX2 LithTech was unaffected)" from an interview on Voodoo Extreme with Dan Miller. So far we have Tim and the guys doing an Unreal Tourney Engine port for the PSX2, we have Jason Hall and Co. doing Lith Tech and then there's us that have made an announcement. I wonder how many other PC developers are hard at work unlocking the secrets of the PSX2?
For the record, (and since I've received numerous emails about this) there is nothing I can tell anyone about what we will be doing on the PSX2 yet. We haven't decided on an Engine, a game, or any kind of delivery date. So far we are just exploring the inner workings of the machine, with an aim to getting a feel for it, and what we can expect out of it. Assigned to this is Gil Gribb, our technical Wizard (tm), Code King(tm) Pat Lipo and myself, spearheading the effort. Since we are all involved in the frantic race to finish up SOF to some degree, our attention to the new project is not as constant as I would like. But that should all settle down in a couple of weeks or so."
Thanks to Voodooextreme for finding this info.
New Square PS2 titles - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 5:11 PM, EST
Square announced two sport titles for the PS2, All Star Pro Wrestling and Gekikuukan Pro Baseball.
All Star Pro Wrestling, Square’s first wrestling game, will feature Japanese professional wrestlers. Square says the game will feature graphics that realistically reproduce body-muscle movements and facial expressions.
Gekikuukan Pro Baseball will be a realistic (not a baseball game with big head characters) and will feature real Japanese Baseball teams.
This game will be out later March in Japan
Thanks to Gamespot for the info.
SNK to develop for the PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:11 PM, EST
SNK is now a subsidiary of Japanese pachinko maker Aruze. They have been given US$47.7 million and a part of that funding will be used for PS2 game development :)
Thanks to Gamespot for the info.
Stepping Stage for the PS2
Posted by @ 5:10 PM, EST
Jaleco will be releasing its arcade dancing game Stepping Stage for the PS2. It is quite similar to Konami's Dance Dance Revolution series, where players will step on the different buttons on the dance pad as the music is playing.
The game will be available at the Japanese PS2 launch, March 4th
Thanks to Gamespot for the info.
Munch's Oddysee Designer Diary
Posted by @ 5:10 PM, EST
Gamespot updated their Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee Designer Diary.
Click here to check it out
January 19, 2000
PlayStation 2 Much? - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 12:10 PM, EST
Gaming Age posted an article about the PS2 and if it is "too much".
Here’s a slice:
"The Playstation 2 looks perfectly capable of being the next mass market consumer electronic product, but hardcore gamers simply want the PS2 to be as good, if not better than the Playstation as a videogame machine. "I'm thrilled that I'll be able to surf the net or watch movies on my new game console, but what I want to do most is play games (Mike Fischer, Namco of America; PSM)." Mike's words speak volumes of how gamers will expect nothing but the best and most innovative games to take advantage of the what PS2 technology has to offer. Whether that involves connecting a hard drive, a digital camera, or downloading product through e-distribution remains to be seen. But if there is any product that can deliver an entertainment unit into living rooms around the world, it will be the Playstation 2 that could truly bring videogaming to the masses."
Full article
Midway Gets Gravity Games
Posted by @ 12:09 PM, EST
Midway Games announced on Tuesday that it has obtained the exclusive rights to create games based on the Gravity Games license from EMAP USA. Gravity Games is a series of alternative sports, lifestyle, and music festivals that broadcast on NBC. Midway will publish Gravity Games-themed games for all major game platforms, including the Sega Dreamcast, the Nintendo 64, the PlayStation, the Game Boy Color, and future consoles such as the PlayStation2 and the Nintendo Dolphin.
Thanks to Gamespot for the info.
January 18, 2000
Added a Chat - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:31 PM, EST
I'm trying out a chat service, it is IRC style.
To join the chat click the link to the left under the menu or just click here :)
Type-S preview - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:08 PM, EST
We slapped up a fat and nice Preview of Square’s Type-S.
Here something to get the juice going:
"Type-S has been in development for about a year by Escape (a subsidiary of Square). They are putting a lot of resources into this game and Square acquired licenses from big Japanese car manufactures Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Honda, and Mitsubishi so we'll be seeing a lot of cars from these companies in the game.
The main focus of Type-S is to deliver an ultra realistic racing simulation experience…."
Full preview
Sony heats up for PS2 festival - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:07 PM, EST
scored some new info about the PS2 festival:
"According to an official release today, “Several new software titles will be announced for the first time at the events stage”. This will take place on February 18, the business day. We can only guess what Sony has in store, but we can guarantee you’ll be among the first to know."
Click here to see the ad
Sony to set up net retailer - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:05 PM, EST
Straight from The Nihon Keizai Shimbun Wednesday morning edition:
"TOKYO --Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. announced Tuesday it will establish Feb. 1 PlayStation.com Japan Inc. to sell game consoles and software products via the Internet.
Although the new firm will take orders online, the products will be delivered off-line. However, the new company is expected to be the base for Sony Computer's plans to sell and distribute music, movies and game software from 2001 to PlayStation2 users via high-speed, large-capacity cable television lines.
Sony Computer will likely provide all of the firm's 480 million yen in capitalization. The online unit will start sales in mid-February, prior to the March 4 release of the PlayStation2 128-bit console.
The PlayStation and PlayStation2 consoles and related software and peripherals will be included among the goods for sale online. PlayStation2 software will be sold when the new console is released. In the near future, music CDs and DVDs will be sold at the virtual store."
The url to the new site is: http://www.jp.playstation.com/
Strong PS2 support from Eidos - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:05 PM, EST
Eidos is hard at work, right now they have seven PS2 titles under development for release within the next 18 months.
Thanks to FGN for the info.
And the winner is... The Emotion Engine - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:04 PM, EST
Snagged this bit of info straight from the old chumps over at Core:
"This morning the Microprocessor Report announced that Sony/Toshiba's Emotion Engine, otherwise known as the heart of the PlayStation2, has been named the winner of their prestigious 'best embedded processor' award. Other processors within the category included 'RC Cores V3 configurable core,' 'C-Port C-5 network processor,' and the 'IBM PowerPC 405GP.' A special awards ceremony is scheduled on January 27 at the Westin Hotel in Santa Clara, California."
January 17, 2000
Hidden and Dangerous II for PS2 - Comments (3)
Posted by @ 1:56 PM, EST
Take Two has confirmed Hidden and Dangerous II (soldier sim game) for PlayStation2, and has placed a tentative release date of fourth quarter 2000.
Thanks to for the info.
Typ-S info - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:56 PM, EST
Square has released some info on their racing game Type-S. According to them, Type-S will bring PlayStation2 owners, “light, sound, air, grit, heat-haze and reflections with an unparalleled level of realism”.
The camera will follow the eye of the driver in the car, not the windscreen of the car as in previous sims. Escape and Square will even replicate the effects of gravity on the body during races, although neither party has gone into detail as to how this will be achieved.
All cars in the game are constructed from official physics data, technical specs and dimensions. Honda, Mitsubishi, Matsuda, Nissan, Toyota and Subaru are all on board, among others.
Thanks to for the info.
Square Advertising - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:55 PM, EST
Square has begun to advertise their PS2 games, first out is Type-S, which got a 4-page ad.
Click here to see the ad
P2 developer 7-Studios speaks - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:55 PM, EST
PSX.IGN posted and interview with 7-Studios about their PS2 strategy RPG game Legion
Here’s a slice:
"IGNPSX: Have you found developing on PlayStation2 to be a problem?
Lewis Peterson: Just listening to the programmers; it's different but I think they have been enjoying it. It's quite different from what they are used to with the PC where there is lots of memory and the actual geometry is less. PlayStation2 is different because there's not so much memory but lots of geometry processing.
We've been hearing a lot of talk about how PlayStation2 is difficult to program [for]. But I don't know what people were expecting. I don't know if they were expecting the Holy Grail out of this. Perhaps they thought it would do everything for you and would be straightforward. But I think that anytime you get new hardware and new technology it's going to be a challenge."
Full interview
Dragon's Lair 3D for PS2
Posted by @ 1:53 PM, EST
Dragonstone Software has confirmed that they are working on a 3D Dragon's Lair game for the PS2.
Dragon's Lair 3D will be similar to Prince of Persia 3D, a free-roaming action/adventure.
Thanks to PSX.IGN for the info.
January 14, 2000
Tons of Type-S screens - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 6:38 AM, EST
Click here to check them out
Thanks to Peter Bago for sending them in.
High-Res Sky Surfer Shots
Posted by @ 6:37 AM, EST
Gamespot posted some pics of Sky Surfer.
Check them out
If you want some info on the game check out our Sky Surfer preveiw.
Sony's Creative Crusade - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:37 AM, EST
Found an interesting article over at FGN.
Here’s a slice:
"Although the franchise seems old now, third-party development chiefs are using the original Tomb Raider title's success as an example of the rewards that can be reaped when a developer takes risks. While the firm is keen to maintain a fair proportion of racing, sports and action games, it expects game creators to tap into PlayStation2's revolutionary capabilities.
A Sony insider told FGN Online, "Some publishers are bound to want to play it safe from the start, and there will be no shortage of tried and tested formulae. But Sony is working hard to evangelise the new platform as an opportunity to break new barriers."
Full article
January 12, 2000
Konami RPG for PS2 revealed - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 2:31 PM, EST
Konami has released some information on their new RPG, Time Adventure.
Here’s a slice from article:
"Konami’s RPG, possibly the first heavyweight example of the genre to arrive on PlayStation2, centres around the exploits of a male character. Our hero, who is yet to be named, starts the nine-chapter adventure by - ironically enough - dying. As he breathes his last, he hears the words, “If you want to change your destiny of death…” and wakes up a few hours before. Now having the ability to travel across time, the protagonist must change events to ensure living through to following chapters. In each chapter one of the characters is out to kill the hero. The object is to survive to the final instalment."
Playstation 2000 Festival details - Comments (3)
Posted by @ 2:30 PM, EST
Gaming Age posted a tentative list of which games that will playable at the Playstation 2000 Festival. This event will kick off February 29th.
Here’s a bit of the list:
SCE:
GT 2000,
Fantavision,
I.Q. Remix+
Namco:
Ridge Racer V
Tekken Tag Tournament
From Software:
Eternal Ring
Ever Grace
Square:
Type-S
Baseball Game
EA-Square:
Fifa 2000
Boarder Cross
Konami:
Jikkyu World Soccer 2000
Drumania
Capcom:
Street Fighter EX3
Full list
Atleast three PS2 launch games from Acclaim - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 2:29 PM, EST
Yesterday Acclaim reported Fiscal First Quarter results, in the presserelease this line could be found:
"For the upcoming introduction of the PlayStation 2, Acclaim plans to have a minimum of three titles available during the launch period."
"New" High-Res RRV Screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 2:29 PM, EST
Gamespot got hold of a few “new” (one of them might be new…) Ridge Racer V screens.
Go here to check them out
Zero Story screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 2:28 PM, EST
Core scored a few new screens for Enix’s “love” game, Zero Story.
Go here to check them out
Metroworks Releases Integrated Development Environment For PS2
Posted by @ 2:27 PM, EST
Metroworks has now released CodeWarrior Version 1.5 for the PS 2.
CodeWarrior is an integrated development environment that can help developers creating games for the PS2.
``Our support for PlayStation 2, in addition to our roadmap for continuing development, establishes Metrowerks' commitment to long-term support of games development,'' said David Perkins, president and CEO, Metrowerks. ``We're very pleased with the quality of the tools and we expect game developers to be pleased as well. More than 30 game development companies have expressed their commitment to CodeWarrior for PlayStation 2.''
Thanks to Gaming Age for the info.
January 11, 2000
More on Raven... - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:39 PM, EST
Raven's Kenn Hoekstra just updated his .plan with some more info:
"As our esteemed President Brian Raffel announced yesterday, we are, indeed, working on a PSX2 title. We have the development machines in hand (three in fact) but keep in mind that this project is in the wee, early stages. 90% or more of the company's efforts are going into finishing Soldier of Fortune and Voyager: Elite Force. The PSX2 project is in its infancy and really only a three or four man team at this point.
Our early efforts are being strictly focused on the technology side because there is quite a learning curve there. Jake Simpson, Pat Lipo and Gil Gribb are looking into the tech and getting up to speed on how to work with it. We are coordinating our efforts with Activision as well in an attempt to create a general knowledge pool that can be used by our console dev teams and their console dev teams simultaneously. They scratch our back and we scratch theirs (as the saying goes) as we all branch out in this new direction.
As far as the actual GAME part of it, we're merely brainstorming new ideas and working in the pre-planning stages. We have several ideas on the table and there are multiple directions we can go. Contrary to this report, our console plans have nothing to do with Heretic II. I suggested a DreamCast port of Heretic II some time ago (before the DC launch), but the idea never got off the drawing board. At this point, we are planning to move on to new horizons and a totally new (and unannounced) game title.
That said, Raven has three projects in development...Soldier of Fortune, Voyager and Project PSX2. We are also starting to formulate ideas for our next project after Soldier of Fortune. No word yet on whether that will be a Soldier of Fortune sequel, a totally new PC game, console game, Mac game or Atari 2600 cartridge. =)
More on Raven's future projects in the near future. Keep an eye to the sky!"
Thanks to the kick ass PC site Voodooextreme for the info.
Raven Softare developing for PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:09 PM, EST
Brian Raffel, Project Director at Raven Software updated his .plan file with this info:
"I am also proud to announce that Raven Software will be doing a Playstation2 title, which will be announce in the near future. We are very excited about venturing into the console market, particularly on the PX2. We finally got all of our development systems and they are awesome."
More PlayStation2 Type-S Screens - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 4:08 PM, EST
Gamespot scored 3 new screens of Square’s Type-S
Check them out here
American Arcade March 4th
Posted by @ 4:07 PM, EST
Astrol announced that their pinball game, American Arcade, will be available at the Japanese PS2 launch. The game will be about 5800 yen.
January 10, 2000
Golf Paradise preview - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:27 PM, EST
We slapped up a Preview of T&E Soft’s golf game, Golf Paradise.
Here’s a bit of it:
"One feature of Golf Paradise that stands out is the ability to create your own golf courses (with help from the Genesys-G game engine). When designing a course, the game takes into account basic topography features and such so that the courses turn out to be playable. In other words the game just gives you a helping hand when creating courses."
Full preview
Import guide... soon... hopefully... - Comments (9)
Posted by @ 5:25 PM, EST
We’re writing up an import guide for the PS2. We need help in finding importers from all over the world.
So if You know an importer with a webpage that will sell the Japanese PS2 please send the URL or post it in the “comments”.
January 8, 2000
Epic Games Gearing Up For PlayStation 2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:36 PM, EST
Avault posted an interview with Epic.
Here’s a slice:
"It is the mantra of high-tech game developers worldwide: "Yes, we are targeting the PlayStation 2." For Epic Games, which is coming off the PC success of Unreal Tournament, this means putting their proverbial noses to the grindstone and getting their engine up and running on the next-generation console as soon as possible. "It is our number one priority right now," Epic Vice President Mark Rein told the Adrenaline Vault during an interview about the company's plans for Sony's upcoming machine.
Although the developer has not announced a PlayStation 2 title, Rein told us significant progress has been made on porting the engine to the platform, and that the goal is to have Unreal Tournament running on the console near the middle or end of February."
Full interview
Summoner for the PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:35 PM, EST
THQ yesterday announced that Summoner, an RPG developed by Volition, is coming for the PS2.
PSX.IGN has a fat preview of that game, go here to check it out.
Jikkyou Soccer Release - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 1:34 PM, EST
Konami has confirmed that their soccer game Jikkyou World Soccer 2000 will be available at the Japanese PS2 launch, March 4th.
The price is expected to be 5800 Yen.
Thanks to Core for the info.
PS2 game ads - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:34 PM, EST
As you probably know, the advertising for PS2 games has started in Japan.
Core got hold of 2 more ads from Atlus and Artdink, check them out:
Primal Image Advertising
Atrain6 Advertising
January 7, 2000
New Ridge Racer V & Tekken TT pics - Comments (7)
Posted by @ 12:46 PM, EST
scored tons of new screens from Ridge Racer V and Tekken TT.
A few Ridge Racer pics:
,
,
.
Blair Witch for PS2 - Comments (9)
Posted by @ 12:43 PM, EST
More from the lads over at , they report that Blair Witch (the game) is coming for the PS2.
Here’s a slice of their article:
"Take Two sources have confirmed this morning that the Nocturne engine-based Blair Witch game from Terminal Reality will appear on PlayStation2 later this year. The PC version will be scaring the wits out of PC owners this summer."
Call of Cthulhu- Dark Corners of the Earth for PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 12:41 PM, EST
Headfirst Productions (developer of Simon the Sorcerer 3) is working on an Action Horror title for the PS2 (will be available for PC and Mac too)
Here’s a slice from the official page:
"The game will be featuring all of the creatures and stories from H.P. Lovecraft's fevered imagination, we are going to create the most atmospheric and chilling horror adventure game ever seen."
According to GameGirlz preview of the game it will be out Q3 2001.
Click here for some screens of the game
Spring TGS 2000 listing - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 12:40 PM, EST
Gaming Age posted a full list of the exhibitors that will be at the Spring Tokyo Game Show.
A few companies from the list:
CAPCOM CO.,LTD
ENIX CORPORATION
From Software,Inc.
KOEI CO.,Ltd
KONAMI Co.,Ltd.
NAMCO LTD.
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
SQUARE Co.,Ltd
Full list
Square's PS2 Type-S screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 12:39 PM, EST
Gamespot scored some screens of Square’s racing game Type-S.
Go here to check them out
500 GP Release - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 12:38 PM, EST
The development on 500 GP for the PlayStation2 is progressing so smoothly for Namco that they have internally bumped up the game's scheduled release to sometime in March 2000.
Thanks to Core for the info.
January 6, 2000
NBA Live 2000 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:21 PM, EST
We slapped up a fat review of the PSX game NBA Live 2000.
Here’s a slice:
"This game is simply loaded with options such as 3 point shootout, 1 on 1 with Michael Jordan (yes he is in this game) and the biggest addition, the teams of NBA legends ranging from the 50's to the 90's. A good addition this year is the franchise mode. This let you play up to 10 seasons with any team you choose. Though not nearly as deep as Madden2000's it is still a good option."
Full review
Sony to display PS2 on Feb 19 - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 1:19 PM, EST
From the Nihon Keizai Shimbun Friday morning edition:
"TOKYO --Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. will display its new PlayStation 2 game machine on Feb. 19 at a special two-day game event, company sources said Thursday. Gamers will get a chance to try out the eagerly awaited successor to Sony's hit PlayStation terminal ahead of its release March 4.
About 20 new game titles will be available for testing, including racing and battle games developed for the new machine.
The subsidiary of Sony Corp. (6758) has ploughed 130 billion yen into developing a microprocessor that provides film-quality graphics which can be manipulated in real time. The company plans to ship 1 million sets in the first two days of sales."
Sony warns caution on US price - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 1:18 PM, EST
got some comments from Sony about Gamestop’s PS2 price ($399).
Here’s a bit of their article:
"“It’s normal in these situations for retailers to set the price high at first,” said one Sony source. “The $399 figure is certainly no indication on the European price – nothing has been confirmed for any territory as yet.”
Insiders are now pointing to a European price-point of between 250 and 299 for PlayStation2. As for the release date, Sony has vehemently smacked down intense speculation of a European slip into 2001.
“Those rumours are lies and are not to be believed,” the source continued. “From what we’re hearing, chip and unit production is well ahead of schedule. That doesn’t mean the machine will come out any earlier, but there are certainly no indications of any sort of slip in any way.”"
Square PS2 racing game - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:17 PM, EST
Square has announced Type-S, a racing-simulation game.
Here some info about it (from Videogames):
"The game is being developed by Escape (a subsidiary of Square), a company that previously worked with Dream Factory on the Tobal and Ehrgeiz series. The game will feature a " driver's eye" camera angle; the player will be able to see the interior of the car, as well as the driver's hands on the steering wheel. In preparation, Square has already acquired licenses from Japanese manufacturers, including Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, and Toyota to add those companies' cars to the upcoming game. Real racing tracks like the Suzuka and Tsukuba circuits in Japan will also be included as part of the game's course library."
Type-S is scheduled for a spring release in Japan
DrumMania Pricing - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:16 PM, EST
Konami has officially unveiled the pricing for their upcoming PlayStation2 launch title, DrumMania
The price is set at 6800 Yen.
Thanks to Core for the info.
January 5, 2000
Sega games on the PS2? - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 12:20 PM, EST
Gaming Age posted an article about the firm of Nikko Solomon Smith Barney’s report on some DC related things.
Here’s an interesting bit of the article:
"Sega will start to spin off parts of its development divisions starting in February and have a total of 11 or 12 separate subsidiaries by June. It appears that Sega is giving the go ahead for these new companies to be open platform. They intend to focus more on PC games than Sega has in the past. Also, and quite interesting, is that it seems that they will be developing games for competitors' platforms (PS2, Dolphin?) but NSSB says only when fully warranted. The focus will be on profitability, and this will be the main factor when choosing to develop for a specific platform."
Full article
From Software Ad - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 12:18 PM, EST
From Software has begun advertising their PS2 games (Armored Core 2, Eternal Ring and Evergrace) in Japanese magazines.
Here’s a pic of the ad.
Thanks to Core for the info.
PS2 @ Gamestop - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 12:17 PM, EST
Gamestop (Babbage’s & Software Etc online store) added PS2 to their pre-order section.
They put up the release date as 09/30/00.
Still, the only thing Sony has said is “fall 2000”.
They also put up a price for the PS2: $399
But they added this line about the price:
$399 is the best guess we have for how much the Playstation 2 will cost. Don't worry; if Sony decides that the price will be lower than $399 at launch, we'll charge you the lower price.
Go here to check it out
January 4, 2000
Two more games - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 3:19 PM, EST
Vile will be publishing sequels to two Human titles. They are Twilight Syndrome and Fire Pro-Wrestling.
Thanks to Gamespot for the info.
One more Koei launch title - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 3:18 PM, EST
Koei will not only release Kessen for the Japanese launch, they will also release Mahjong Taikai III. A civil war Mahjong game, featuring characters from Romance of 3 Kingdoms and other historical simulation games.
Thanks to MagicBox for the info.
January 3, 2000
A-Train 6 preview - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:35 PM, EST
We smashed up a Preview for Artdrink’s sim game A-Train 6.
Here’s a bit:
The object of the game is to build and manage everything involved with a railroad company. But there is so much more to do than just building railroads. A-Train integrates many aspects of life into the game such as managing finances, dealing with natural disasters and even competing with other companies.
Full preview
Armored Core2 & Eternal Ring pics - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:33 PM, EST
From Software has been busy and released a few pics of Armored Core2 and Eternal Ring
Check them out:
AC2 #1, AC2 #2, AC2 #3, AC2 #4, AC2 #5, AC2 #6, AC2 #7, AC2 #8, AC2 #9, AC2 #10
ER #1, ER #2, ER #3, ER #4, ER #5, ER #6, ER #7, ER #8,
ER #9
Thanks to PS2 Insider for the pics.
MediaCreate Talks PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 1:27 PM, EST
Core posted a small interview with MediaCreate president Hosokawa-san.
Here’s a slice of it:
Question: There have been many gaming related developments this year. One of the biggest announcements was the PlayStation2, what kind of an impact do you think the PS2 has had so far?
Hosokawa-san: The impact has been very big. The original PlayStation has been a huge success which helped fuel interest in it's successor. Despite all the rumors before it's official unveiling, the PlayStation2 official specifications are impressive. I think the keys to it's success will be the number of units sold next year, hardware prices, and a diverse lineup of software appealing to people who typically don't purchase game consoles.
I think the PS2 does have some problems appealing to this older market though. One is the DVD movie lineup, and the other is the system's expandability. I don't think Sony has sufficiently explored the expandability of the PlayStation2 for future uses. Also, I think we may only regard the PS2 as a true 'game console' for the first few years.
In the domestic market, the Dreamcast has very little influence. Therefore, I think the PS2 and Dreamcast can coexist in Japan, but not in North America and Europe. I think the PS2 will greatly affect the Dreamcast in those markets. When the PS2 is released there next September it should be interesting to see the impact on the Dreamcast market.
Full interview
Stuff... - Comments (5)
Posted by @ 1:26 PM, EST
Sorry for the lack of updates recently, I’ve been spending the holidays with my family and my friends. Just been really lazy :)
But now I’m back at my apartment so updates should get back to normal.
Also, be sure to stop by at the recently opened Console Next.
News generated by NewsPro.
