May 27, 2002

E3 update from Aaron - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:45 AM, EDT
Aaron sent in a few more photo-articles:

E3 photos The missing shots!
Youve seen the games, the celebrities, and the booth babes, but now its time to take a look at some of the stuff you might not see on other sites. This is a collection of pictures that dont quite fit in with any particular category, but are still interesting. Enjoy!
Full article


E3 photos Celebrity hunting!
Victim #2: Jerry "The King" Lawler, Wrestler and WWE announcer
How I bagged him: Jerry was foolish enough to appear and sign autographs for us gaming schmucks. It was as simple as waiting in line and getting a booth babe to snap a picture.
Check it out


E3 photos Celebrity hunting Part2!
Day 2 brought a whole new batch of celebs for me to track down, and track them down I did. I actually spent more time trying to find these people than playing games. It was damn fun though read on to see who I found.
Full article

May 23, 2002

E3 update - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:20 AM, EDT
Aaron just sent in his E3 report for the first day of the show.
Heres a bit of it:

10:00: Went and played The Getaway on a couch that lit up on a screen suspended from the ceiling. Heres the deal the games a mess. Yes it can be cleaned up a lot before release, but dont get your hopes up. There were tons of bugs, the framerate was bad, and the controls left a lot to be desired.

10:30: Acclaim booth appointment. This was a whirlwind tour around the Acclaim booth where they showed Dave Mirra XXX which will be rated MA due to the abundance of naked women and f-words in the game. You have to see it to believe it. Turok Evolution looked pretty good, much better than the foggy game we last saw.

Full report




May 22, 2002

E3 news - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:39 AM, EDT
Aaron is in LA checking out the games at E3.
Heres a bit of his first report:

Online: Sonys going online on August 27th with release of their Network Adaptor, which will allow for both Broadband and Analog connections. While Sony is quick to point out that 56k users wont be left in the dark, it is up to the developer to decide if the game will support and analog connection. The Network Adapter will retail for $50 and include ISP software, game demos, and a coupon for Twisted Metal Black: Online.

Full article



Grand Theft Auto: Vice City announced
Rockstar Games recently announced Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, the follow-up to Grand Theft Auto 3.
Heres a bit of the press release:

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the latest installment in the gaming franchise that has exceeded 11 million units in total sales to-date. It will be available exclusively for PlayStation(R)2 and is expected to hit retail shelves in the United States on October 22nd.

Sam Houser, the executive producer of the Grand Theft Auto franchise and president of Rockstar Games, commented, "The success of Grand Theft Auto 3 has made us very proud, but it has also motivated us enormously. The work currently being done by our development and production teams in Edinburgh and New York is going to surpass the efforts of last year, as we set our sights on making an even more revolutionary gaming experience. This will be reflected in the size of the game, the scope of the gameplay, the extent of the gameplayer's freedom, the quality of production value and the all-important sense of style."

New Tomb Raider video on official website
Eidos will update the official Tomb Raider website with a new trailer today.
http://www.tombraider.com




May 16, 2002

World Of Outlaws: Sprintcars 2002 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:00 AM, EDT
We added a review of Infogrames Sprintcar racer:

The cars are nicely detailed and look very lifelike but they all look similar, which is due to them all looking the same in real life, but some variety is still missed. An interesting effect that the game employs to not only make things look more real, but too also make them more challenging is some good ol mud slinging. Not the kind of mud slinging that politicians use, but actual mud getting flung from the track onto your windshield, obscuring your vision. All in all its certainly not as pretty as Gran Turismo but its a nice looking game in its own right.

Full review

NBA LIVE 2003 screens - Comments (3)
Posted by @ 7:59 AM, EDT
EA released 5 new screenshots of its upcoming basketball game:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5

Eidos brings Legaia 2: Duel Saga to the U.S. and European markets - Comments (1)
Posted by @ 7:59 AM, EDT
Eidos today announced a new title for its Fresh Games label, Legaia 2: Duel Saga.
Heres a bit of the press release:

The game is the sequel to the critically-acclaimed Legend of Legaia, which was released on the original PlayStation game console in 1999. Developed by SCEJ (Sony Computer Entertainment Japan), Legaia 2 is a turn-based RPG, which features real-time backgrounds and voice acting. Eidos will translate and localize the game for the Western market.

Legaia 2: Duel Saga is a worthy addition to the Fresh Games label, said Mike McGarvey, CEO of Eidos Interactive. The games unique RPG-style gameplay will be highly appealing to the hardcore gamer.

Screens: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4

Midnight Club 2 announced - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:59 AM, EDT
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc announced today that Midnight Club 2 is in production for the PS2.
Heres a slice of the press release:

"Midnight Club turned a lot of heads at the launch of the PlayStation 2 with its frantic gameplay, open plan racing and unique attitude," said Dan Houser, Creative Director of Rockstar Games. "With Midnight Club 2, we're pushing the boundaries even further by adding more cities, tricked out vehicles, stylized characters and a myriad of extra features to keep the series moving forward. With a slick interface and a truly original approach, Midnight Club 2 stands in a class of its own."

Building on this solid foundation, Midnight Club 2 expands the cityscape with new modes of transportation, incredibly realistic AI and an energetic, stylistic atmosphere all its own. You are an elite, next generation illegal street racer, more dangerous and skilled than ever racing throughout the cities of Paris, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Each location boasts open-ended routes, loads of shortcuts and massive jumps.

True Crime: Streets of L.A. announced - Comments (2)
Posted by @ 7:59 AM, EDT
Activision recently announced True Crime: Streets of L.A. for the PS2, xbox and GameCube.
Heres a bit of the press release:

"Mission-based driving and action adventure collide in this bold new direction for interactive entertainment," states Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios. "Infused with the unique flair of Hong Kong action films, True Crime: Streets of L.A. allows players to experience first-hand the car stunts, close calls, quick wit and high-action that are synonymous with this distinct style of cinema."

Developed by Luxoflux, the creators of the successful Vigilante 8 series, the game blends multiple genres into a single cinematic action game. Car chases, shootouts, foot pursuits and hand-to-hand combat are all in a day's work when it comes to taking down the mob. More than 20 branching missions and 100 sub-missions lead gamers down dozens of possible paths and outcomes. Busting a robbery could tip players off to a future crime, or a foul-up could just as easily get an informant killed. As players cruise the mean streets, random missions can also pop-up on the car radio adding even more gameplay to the immense adventure.

May 14, 2002

Final Fantasy X review - Comments (4)
Posted by @ 7:13 AM, EDT
We added a review of Squares latest RPG:

At first glance of most of the environments in the game, I swear I saw my PS2 sweating. This installment, Square has done away with the pre-rendered landscapes (though not entirely) in favor of real-time, fully polygonal monstrosities. Now, if youre thinking detail will be sacrificed, think again. FFX sports the most detailed environments in any game Ive ever bared witness to.

Full review

Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:12 AM, EDT
We also posted a review of Segas dolphin game:

Just like it did on the Genesis, Ecco: DotF sounds excellent. While the composer from the original games does not do this music, its very good, and fits the game nicely. The games sound effects all sound lifelike, whether they are from a dolphin, or one of the giant whales that youll encounter in your journey. For some reason, there are lots of bubble noises in the game, which is odd since Ecco doesnt seem to have any Scuba gear. Its there to remind you that you are underwater, but comes off as rather silly.

Full review

TransWorld Surf in stores this week - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 7:12 AM, EDT
Infogrames is launching the action sports game, TransWorld Surf onto the PS2 this week
Heres a bit of the press release:

"TransWorld Surf immerses gamers in the most realistic surfing experience available on PlayStation 2," said Jean-Philippe Agati, senior vice president and general manager of Infogrames' Los Angeles studio. "Featuring enhanced character models and animations, awesome water textures and wave physics, added gameplay features and living, breathing environments, TransWorld Surf will mesmerize gamers for hours on end!"

TransWorld Surf allows players to experience what it's like to boost 12 feet out or get shacked at G-Land. All of the super-sick moves that made pros like Taj Burrows, Andy Irons and Shane Dorian famous -- including massive airs, blazing tailslides and hundreds of other mind-numbing tricks -- can be pulled off the most realistic 3D water on any system across more than 20 of the world's sweetest breaks.

May 9, 2002

Knockout Kings 2002 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:04 AM, EDT
We added a review of EAs latest boxer:

They have used motion capture technology to bring our legendary boxers to life. They have added motion blending and hand animation, so that the boxers have very fluid movements in the ring. The faces of the boxers are highly detailed and every feature can be seen thanks to the 3D face mapping technology. While playing, the facial contortions from fast devastating combos can be seen and I must say it looks surreal.

Full review

Colin McRae Rally screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:04 AM, EDT
Codemasters released new screens of its upcoming racing game: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4
The game is scheduled for a September 2002 release.
Check out the official website

Commandos 2 Men of Courage screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:04 AM, EDT
Eidos released new screens of its war game Commandos 2:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4
The game is scheduled for a Summer 2002 release.

May 8, 2002

NBA Live 2003 screens - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:48 AM, EDT
EA released first screens of its upcoming NBA game:
pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4, pic #5
The game is scheduled for a Fall 2002 release.

ESPN NBA 2Night 2002 review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 5:47 AM, EDT
We added a review of Konamis basketball game:

The up close shots of the players are good, some of the best texture mapping I have seen for player facial animations. However, the overall graphic presentation may not beat out NBA 2K2, but it is far from an eye sore.

Full review




May 7, 2002

Maximo review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:49 AM, EDT
We added a review of Capcoms action game Maximo:

Capcom has also brought a lot to the table in terms of the game play. Now I know Ghosts and Goblins is a classic, but just running, slashing, and jumping would not suffice in todays action market. Maximo has been provided with quite a few interesting moves to his arsenal for exciting game play. First you start off with two different striking actions, but as you progress in the game you acquire different skills that can be used to increase your level of attacks. Maximos shield can also be used to defend or attack as well.

Full review




May 3, 2002

Herdy Gerdy review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:19 AM, EDT
We added a review of Eidos’ adventure game Herdy Gerdy:

The music in this game suits the cartoonish environment that encompasses this title. I was also very impressed with the voice acting in this game. They have taken alot of time into developing this title and the interesting characters bring it to life. All the sound effects are there to give the game its environmental feel. From birds chirping to hearing crickets in the background make the game really come alive.

Full review

Eve of Extinction review - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:19 AM, EDT
We also posted a review of Eidos’ action game EOE:

To jump and grab onto ledges is frustrating, sometimes the character would not react in sequence with what the joystick command was. The movement in this game also needs attention. At times I noticed that the characters move like they are on ice, it just doesnt seem like they are running through a real environment.

Full review

Lethal Skies website - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:18 AM, EDT
Sammy Entertainment today opened up the official website for the upcoming air combat game Lethal Skies.
Go here to check it out

Hitman 2: Silent Assassin - Comments (0)
Posted by @ 8:18 AM, EDT
Eidos recently announced that Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is currently in development for the PS2 and the Xbox.
Here’s a bit of the press release:

“The Hitman series is groundbreaking in the stealth shooter genre,” said Chip Blundell, Marketing Director of Eidos Interactive. “The nature of the series lends itself perfectly to the gaming consoles. Hitman 2 places gamers in the role of a hired gun codenamed Agent 47, and provides them with innovative and thrilling missions that will put the Hitman series at the top of its genre.”

“The Hitman 2 team is building on the original Hitman in order to develop a stylish game built from the ground up for the advanced video game consoles,” says Janos Flosser, Managing Director of Io Interactive. “Hitman 2’s incredibly intensive gameplay and in-depth character interaction makes for an incredible third person based gaming experience.”

Screens: pic #1, pic #2, pic #3, pic #4
The game is currently slated to arrive on store shelves in Fall 2002