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January, 2002


January 30, 2002

Linux on your PS2! - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 7:36 AM, EST
Sony announced today that it is set to release "Linux (for PlayStation 2)", targeted toward the Linux development community in North America.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

Designed as a hobbyist development environment, users can not only run the wide variety of computer applications written for the Linux operating system, but also create original programs and applications designed to run on "Linux (for PlayStation 2)."

The "Linux (for PlayStation 2)" Release 1.0 kit includes:
-- Internal hard disk drive for PlayStation 2 (HDD) with 40 GB capacity
-- Network Adaptor (Ethernet) (for PlayStation 2) with 100 Base T Ethernet interface
-- Linux Kernel version 2.2.1 (with USB device support)
-- "Linux (for PlayStation 2)" Version 1.0 software distribution on two DVDs
-- gcc 2.95.2 and glibc 2.2.2 with VU assemblers
-- XFree86 3.3.6 with PlayStation 2 GS support
-- Computer monitor adaptor (for PlayStation 2) (with audio connectors)
-- USB Keyboard and mouse (for PlayStation 2)
Full press release




Acclaim announces Shadow Man: 2econd Coming - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:35 AM, EST
Acclaim today announced that it will release Shadow Man: 2econd Coming for the PS2 at the end of February.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

“Shadow Man: 2econd Coming builds upon the success of its predecessor by leveraging the power of the PlayStation2,” said Evan Stein, Vice President of Brand. “With vast new environments, hordes of dangerous enemies and intense action at every tap of the controller, Shadow Man: 2econd Coming will have players on the edge of their seats.”

Developed by Acclaim Studios Teesside, Shadow Man: 2econd Coming marks the return of Mike LeRoi, an undead demon-hunter on a twisted voodoo journey through the darkest recesses of the soul. In Shadow Man: 2econd Coming, players assume the role of both LeRoi and his “Deadside” alter ego, Shadow Man, as they battle the Grigori, a group of sadistic demons that have been masquerading as humans for the past 2000 years.



Deus Ex: The Conspiracy screens - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 7:35 AM, EST
Eidos released some new screens of its upcoming adventure first person shooter:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6
The game should hit stores March.


January 29, 2002

MX Rider review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:07 AM, EST
We added a review of Infogrames motocross game, MX Rider:

The gameplay is average and could have been tightened a lot more. The controls are very awkward at times when both racing and trying to pull of tricks. There are more than 30 tricks to master if you have the patience and endurance to figure them out. Interestingly enough is how tricks in this game are actually meaningful. Performing successful tricks during races makes you become more popular with the fans and the sponsors will reward you with money and more lucrative signing deals. The opponent AI is better than I expected as they react to your moves and to state of the race.
Full review




Dance Dance Revolution hit stores April 23rd - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:06 AM, EST
Konami recently announced that it will ship Dance Dance Revolution Konamix for the PS2 on April 23, 2002.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

The hottest dancing craze continues with a brand new sequel to Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). Dance Dance Revolution Konamix rocks America with over 50 songs, three new play modes and a special workout mode. DDR Konamix is the only game to get players up off the couch, dancing and laughing while burning calories.

"Dance Dance Revolution Konamix takes the hottest dancing game to an all-new level with an awesome song library and new gameplay modes!" said Jason Enos, Product Manager at Konami of America, Inc.

January 23, 2002

Max Payne review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 10:38 AM, EST
We added a review of Rockstar’s first person shooter, Max Payne:

After getting by the less than stellar visuals, the actual gameplay and control have been done quite well. Controlling Max through his journey is simple enough thanks to an easy control layout utilized on the Dual Shock 2. The ability to cycle through weapons and equip them is painless and fast. Switching to and from slow motion and the coveted bullet time sequences is also a snap. While utilizing the bullet time is addictive, you are limited to its use thanks to a gauge that once finished does not replenish until you move onto the next area of a particular level. Therefore, in later stages of the game where its use will ultimately decide your fate, you will have to use it sparingly.
Full review




Grandia II ships Jan 29th - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 10:38 AM, EST
Ubi Soft announced today that its RPG Grandia II will ship January 29th.
Click here to see the box art
For more info on the game go here


Turok: Evolution screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 10:38 AM, EST
Acclaim is bringing Turok: Evolution to the PS2, Xbox and GameCube.
Check out some screens of the game (Xbox screens):
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7, pic #8, pic #9, pic #10, pic #11, pic #12
The game is scheduled for a September release.


Jonny Moseley Mad Trix screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 10:38 AM, EST
3DO released some new screens of its skiing game Mad Trix:
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, pic #15


Terminator: Dawn of Fate - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 10:37 AM, EST
Infogrames announced today that Terminator: Dawn of Fate is currently in development for the Xbox and the PS2.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

"Terminator: Dawn of Fate packs the same frenetic action and over-the-top battle sequences that made the blockbuster movies one of the most popular franchises of all time," said Laddie Ervin, director of marketing for Infogrames, Inc.'s Los Angeles label. "Since Terminator: Dawn of Fate takes place before the first Terminator movie, we've developed new elements for the Terminator universe, including all new Skynet Hunter/Killer (HK) machines, characters and storylines that would have existed before the first movie began. I strongly urge all Xbox and Playstation 2 gamers to sharpen their skills-they're in for more no-holds-barred, metal stomping cyborg warfare than they've ever experienced in a video game before."



January 22, 2002

Deus Ex: The Conspiracy screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:00 AM, EST
Eidos released some new screens of Deus Ex:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5, pic #6, pic #7
The game should be released sometime in March.


Malice for PS2 - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:00 AM, EST
Sierra and Argonaut Games today announced Malice, a platform-adventure game, is coming to the PS2. Malice is currently in development for the Xbox and is due to release worldwide next fall on both next generation consoles.
A bit of the press release:

"Malice is going to offer PlayStation 2 fans a surprising protagonist, one unlike any they've seen before," said Barbara Schwabe, vice president of marketing at Sierra. "With significantly superior gameplay, visuals and audio, PlayStation 2 enthusiasts should expect a truly refreshing video gaming experience."

"Malice is an original and extraordinary heroine and I expect her character to turn the game into one of Sierra's leading franchises in the years to come," said Mike Ryder, president at Sierra. "And with the depth of the story; innovative content and gameplay, the game is positioned to be one of the great platform-adventure games on the next generation console systems."



Fatal Frame March 5th - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:00 AM, EST
Tecmo announced it will be shipping Fatal Frame for the PS2 on March 5th.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

Called the "scariest game ever" by James Mielke, editor of Electronic Gaming Monthly, Fatal Frame features many interesting twists on the survival horror genre, beginning with its gritty real-life atmosphere. Based on a true story involving a cult in the mountains of Japan, Fatal Frame takes place in the haunted Himuro mansion and nearby surrounding area.

Because the majority of the game takes place in a dilapidated, haunted mansion, the designers were able to focus heavily on developing a creepy, unsettling game atmosphere, complete with darkened hallways, sticky cobwebs, and rotting staircases. The player-controlled flashlight illuminates some, but not all, of the nearby surroundings. It is barely enough to spot some of the wandering ghosts before they attack.

"I simply wanted to make the scariest game imaginable," stated Makoto Shibata, Chief Producer for Fatal Frame. "Having personally witnessed the dark world of evil spirits, I was not scared at all playing other competitor’s games … but when I play Fatal Frame, I truly sense the presence of spirits in the room."
Go here for more info




January 18, 2002

WWF Smackdown: Just Bring It review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 4:29 AM, EST
We added a review of THQ’s latest wrestling game, WWF Smackdown:

Smackdown will entertain an audience of gamers. I enjoy this game more when it is played in groups. Gamers will be able to play from one to four players with no evident slowdown. The controls are easy enough to learn and it is simple to pull off desired moves. For example, X is the action button, triangle is used for running, square is reverse, and circle is used to grab opponents. So it is a great party game if one wants to have an all out brawl with their friends and seek sweet revenge. The controls respond well to the character reactions on screen. There is no time lapse between the control and what one sees on the screen. As a result the game plays tight and fast. Slowdown is not an issue, even when there are multiple characters on the screen.
Full review




FIFA 2002 review - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 4:29 AM, EST
We also added a second staff review of EA’s FIFA 2002:

As mentioned above, the gameplay is definitely more strategic than in past years. The control has been overhauled to include an innovative new passing system. The new system incorporates an open-ended and flexible passing model. Pass the ball into space, utilize through-balls and one-twos. Direct your teammates on strategic runs through the defense. This new system allows players of all skill levels to enjoy what the game has to offer. Kick and Pass strength meters have also been added this year to give players more control over their shooting skills.
Full review




January 15, 2002

SSX Tricky review - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 5:40 AM, EST
We added a review of EA’s snowboarding game, SSX Tricky:

The gameplay mechanics are a tightened version of last year's excellent controls. Now add in more tricks and the new uber tricks which take airborne stunts to the next level. In order to pull these tricks off, players must fill their boost gauge all the way to the top. As you pull off primary tricks, you gain turbo like momentum to push you further to do more tricks and eventually having enough boost to start performing the uber tricks. While the uber tricks are rewarding once accomplished, in many cases you will find yourself wiping out trying to master them.
Full review




Zidane Football Generation screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:39 AM, EST
Cryo released first screens of its upcoming PC/PS2 football game, Zidane Football Generation:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5


January 14, 2002

NASCAR Thunder 2002 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 6:55 AM, EST
We added a review of EA’s latest PS2 racer:

Not only have the visuals have been improved but so has the gameplay. The controls have been tweaked to the point now that anyone should be able to pick up the game and play it. Some hardcore fans may be thinking "oh no it's an arcade game". This is not the case as the game is fully customizable. If you want pure simulation, then you've got it. It is a good mix of simulation and arcade play. Cars can be tweaked as needed. In the car setup you will find options for transmission, tire pressure, rear spoiler, suspension, wedge and gear ratio. In terms of on screen action, things move along at a quick pace. With 43 cars on the track, unless you are totally useless, you will find yourself close to the pack.
Full review




Victorious Boxers review - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 6:54 AM, EST
We also posted a review of New Corporation’s boxing game, Victorious Boxers:

By far the best aspect of Victorious Boxers is the actual fighting. The controls are nicely arranged and very easy to learn. Jabs and hooks are performed with the controller’s face buttons, and more powerful variations of the punches can be done by pressing one of the shoulder buttons in conjunction with a face button. All movement is handled by the left analog stick where you can duck, dodge and weave with ease. All of the controls work flawlessly, save for the “Z-targeting” which is used to keep the boxers facing each other. It’s a frequent occurrence to have your boxer facing the opposite way as your opponent for no apparent reason. This situation can usually be fixed by wiggling the analog stick, but sometimes it just has to resolve itself. Fortunately, the computer also has this problem, so the disadvantage is spread out.
Full review




January 10, 2002

Jak and Daxter: The precursor legacy review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:11 AM, EST
We added a review of Naughty Dog’s platformer, Jak and Daxter:

The game also features a vibrant, colorful look that is more reminiscent of a Disney Movie than a videogame. If no load times and a superb draw distance weren’t enough, the game moves along at speedy framerate, chugging along at only the busiest of outdoor areas. It all adds up to create a fantastic cartoon-like world that really puts to shame any 3D platfomer world to this point. The game’s camera, while far from the worst camera in a game, isn’t really as good as it could have been. It does move quickly, but as a result you often end up disoriented. It can be adjusted by using the right analog stick, but this becomes quite tedious and impractical in many areas.
Full review




January 8, 2002

Solider Of Fortune: Gold Edition review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 9:40 AM, EST
We added a review of Raven Software’s first person shooter:

The gameplay is rather simplified thanks to an easy control layout on the Dual Shock 2 controller and the option to use a keyboard. As far as story goes, you take control of real-life mercenary John Mullins, hired to track down and eradicate a fanatical terrorist group who has stolen 4 nuclear warheads. Your adventures will take you across 5 continents that entail 26 levels of "action movie" gameplay. Each level has objectives that tend to change as you get further into each area. The objectives are realistic enough to make SOF stand apart from the usual "run around and blow everything up in site" kind of shooter. As mentioned above some of the locations are nicely done and this point is propelled even further when you throw in some intense action sequences.
Full review




January 4, 2002

New Final Fantasy XI Footage - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 6:41 AM, EST
Finally, an online Final Fantasy. Check it out:

Square recently released a new promotional trailer for their PlayStation 2 RPG 'Final Fantasy XI.' Specifically, the movie provides an overview of the game including battles, interface navigation and much more. For reference, Final Fantasy XI will be the first online compatible character in the series. In the finished version, players can build their own character from one of several races including Galka (warriors) and Tartares (dwarfs) amongst others. Check out the trailer below.
Movies:
Final Fantasy XI Trailer (50MB)

Thanks to Core for the info




January 2, 2002

FIFA 2002 review - Comments (8)
Posted by @ 4:06 AM, EST
We added a review of EA’s latest soccer game:

With all this newfound passing control, EA has implemented a new way to show players making runs. As a player takes off, he’ll get a colorful blur streaking behind him. If you are able to get him a pass, he’ll be in a good position to get off a shot or at the least advance the ball downfield. Truth be told, the whole passing system does take lots of practice to master, but EA has taken one of the most frustrating aspects of the game and made a good pass almost as fulfilling as scoring a goal.
Full review




18 Wheeler American Pro Trucker review - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 4:06 AM, EST
We also added a review of Sega’s arcade racer:

The gameplay mirrors the arcade version. You must choose from one of five over the top drivers, each with his rig and clear each stage. To clear a stage in the arcade mode, you must reach the goal before the time limit runs out. If you are able to finish the course, you will be awarded money based on the combined value of the cargo and any remaining time. Controlling the rigs are easy enough as each has its own unique handling capabilities. It is possible to get a few vehicle upgrades for beating your opponent.
Full review




January 1, 2002

Have the Need For Speed? - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:47 AM, EST
All new screens from Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2:

vElectronic Arts has taken it time with the Need for Speed series on Sony's newest system, but the day has come: EA has finally and officially announced that it's bringing Need for Speed to the PlayStation 2. The best part? Ditching the concepts of Porsche Unleashed and High Stakes, the Vancouver-based Black Box development team went right back to the best game in the Need for Speed series (c'mon, it was) and decided to create a sequel to it. So, we get the mean-ass cops and their strange vendettas against fast drivers and we get lots of licensed cars, and it's going to be cool.
Images:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Full article






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