Keep an eye on the official forum for more news and discussion coming soon.

WCG Registrations Closing Thursday
Posted by Egor @ 10:28 a.m. NZST

A reminder that registrations for the World Cyber Games 2004 New Zealand Preliminary will be closing this Thursday, 2nd September. Anybody interested in competing at WCG and not yet registered should get in quick before entries close.

The event will see over 200 gamers from around New Zealand competing in Auckland for the chance to win great prizes, including a trip to San Francisco to represent New Zealand at the WCG Grand Final in October, the computer gaming equivalent of the Olympics.

Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, WarCraft III: Frozen Throne, Unreal Tournament 2004 and Halo (Xbox) events have now been confirmed. A Need For Speed: Underground event remains unconfirmed pending sponsor support.

Gameplanet, organisers of the WCG NZ Preliminary, announced today that due to lack of participation the FIFA Soccer 2004 and Project Gotham Racing 2 (Xbox) events originally planned will not be going ahead.

Sniper Elite Sets Its Sights On EGN
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 12:12 a.m. NZST

Sniper Elite, the new Sniper simulation game from UK super-developer Rebellion, will be unveiled at EGN this year.

The game is set in Berlin 1945 during the final advance of the Soviet army and is based upon actual historic events. Sniper Elite sees the player take the role of an elite sniper recruited by the American OSS to navigate through the warn-torn city and retrieve the Nazi Atomic secrets before the Soviet NKVD reach them. This mission marks the beginning of the Cold War.

Unlike many of its contemporaries, Sniper Elite is not a FPS. The game-play challenges you to move, react and think like a real sniper. Many of the scenarios are again based upon real-life events.

Jason Kingsley, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion said, "We wanted to achieve something unique with Sniper Elite. Sniping, by its very nature, is a completely different discipline to normal combat. You can't charge around relying on your firepower and expect to survive. You have to utilise your surroundings, find the best cover to observe your targets and ultimately kill without being seen."

"The targets consist of both Nazi and Soviet forces. The game's AI provides a complete non-linear format, so you can progress through the 28 missions anyway you want, but more importantly, the enemy conducts itself independently throughout, only reacting if they see you, so stealth is paramount."

Jason Kingsley continues; "We also wanted the experience to be as realistic as possible, so with the help of research trips to Berlin, first hand accounts and a myriad of plans and photos, we've recreated Berlin as it was in 1945, even down to the bullet holes in the buildings! In addition, we received help from British and French Army advisers on the overall sniping experience and the techniques used."

From 'Bullet trajectory degradation' and wind effect to 'Empty lung' and bullet cams, Sniper Elite promises to be the most realistic and engaging sniper simulation to date.

Jason concludes; "The result is a gaming experience that takes you into a world where stealth, cunning and paranoia are life-savers. It's tough, but being a Sniper Elite was not meant to be easy."

Rebellion will be exhibiting at EGN from 1st-3rd September at Stand TI22.

Sniper Elite will be available to view on PS2, Xbox and PC formats.

Electronic Arts and A&M Records released details today on plans to have world renowned, multi-platinum selling musical group The Black Eyed Peas provide and produce the soundtrack to the videogame and their likenesses as characters for the highly anticipated The Urbz: Sims in the City videogame. In an extraordinary collaboration across the two industries, the game will include exclusive versions of nine tracks from the upcoming Black Eyed Peas' album "Monkey Business" due out this fall. These songs are being recorded specifically for the PlayStation 2, the Xbox, and the GameCube versions of the game, due to release in November.

The Urbz: Sims in the City is EA's latest franchise based off of the number one selling people simulation game, The Sims. For the first time, Sims are moving to the city and it's all about your reputation. Unlock all nine districts in the city that never sleeps and gain access to all the hottest VIP spots until you reach the highest penthouse in the sky and acquire control of the entire City. Band members Will.I.Am, Fergie, Taboo and Apl.de.Ap appear in the game as musicians teaching players hip social moves and unlocking reputation-enhancing missions. All the while, players can groove to the newest Black Eyed Peas songs custom mixed by Will.I.Am in Simlish, the game's authentic quirky language.

"This is an unprecedented collaboration," said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Audio at Electronic Arts. "Never before has a band gone back in to the studio to re-record their album in another language, specifically for a game. Once again, EA has set the bar higher than ever before."

Half-Life 2 Pre-Loading Begins
Posted by Egor @ 5:40 p.m. NZST

Preloading of Half-Life 2 content began today for users of Valve Software's Steam platform. Players willing to download the entire game can begin preloading now so that they will have the game ready to go in time for its launch late September.

No purchase is necessary to preload the game; simply run Steam and select Half-Life 2 from the games menu. When the game is released it can be purchased through Steam to unlock it for play.

Alternatively, those who prefer to get their games on CD can of course pre-order Half-Life 2 from the Gameplanet Store for day one delivery.

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Area 51 Gets the Star Treatment
Posted by @ 12:15 a.m. NZST

Leading interactive entertainment developer and publisher, Midway Games Inc. today announced that it has gathered a blockbuster Hollywood cast to lend their award-winning talents to its greatly anticipated new action-thriller, AREA 51. Featuring the voice talent of David Duchovny, Powers Boothe, and Marilyn Manson, Midway's AREA 51 is scheduled to be available in the first half 2005 for the PlayStation 2and the Xbox.

"Today's top games must deliver a complete and engrossing entertainment experience," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer at Midway. "By utilizing the voice talents of some of Hollywood's most recognizable names combined with stunning graphics and sound, AREA 51 will deliver a polished experience in all phases on par with the best games available."

Cast in the lead role is David Duchovny, star of the ultimate conspiracy-theory television show, The X-Files, who will bring his instantly recognizable voice to AREA 51's lead character Specialist Ethan Cole, a special forces soldier specializing in hazardous materials investigations. Powers Boothe, who currently appears in the mini-series Deadwood, will provide the voice of Major Bridges, while infamous recording artist Marilyn Manson will deliver an unforgettable performance as Edgar, the gray alien.

Microsoft will host the first public showing of playable Halo 2 code at the World Cyber Games in Auckland next month.

The debut appearance from 17-19 September comes a week before Wellington's Armageddon expo and two months ahead of the game's international release.

From what Gameplanet has played of the latest beta version of Halo 2, we can say fans will not be disappointed with what they see next month.

The World Cyber Games is the world's largest and most prestigious gaming event, with local winners flying to San Fransisco to represent their country during a week-long festival in October.

The Auckland World Cyber Games final will also feature playable code of Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War on PC.

Entries are still open for all events of the Games on Gameplanet's official site.

Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl Beta Test
Posted by M @ 11:44 a.m. NZST

THQ will stage a limited public multiplayer beta test for Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl, which was one of the most anticipated PC games of the year before its recent delay till March.

THQ says signups for the public beta test will be announced on the official Stalker website within the coming weeks, from which 5000 gamers will be selected to participate. Playable code of Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl will be on show at next month's World Cyber Games along with Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War and Halo 2.

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Wrestling Legends for Smackdown! vs Raw
Posted by M @ 11:43 a.m. NZST

THQ has updated its list of rostered wrestlers for WWE Smackdown! vs Raw, sheduled for release on PS2 in November.

A number of 'legends' have now been added: Andre the Giant, Hawk, Mankind, Animal, Jimmy Snuka, The Rock, Bret Hart, Legend Kane, Roddy Piper, Brutus, Beefcake, Legend Undertaker.

King of Fighters package announced for Europe
Posted by @ 9:24 a.m. NZST

At long last, possession of one of videogaming's most influential fighting series has become a reality for home console owners. Those unfortunate enough not able to afford the luxurious NEOGEO can rejoice, as Ignition Entertainment is announcing the release of both King Of Fighters 2000 and King Of Fighters 2001 in a double pack for the Xbox and PlayStation 2, to be released early November '04.

The King Of Fighters series has existed for exactly one decade now, and with good reason. Years of refinement have created a deep and involving fighting system that has provided gamers with the level of intricacy that all fighter fans crave, and the unique 2D styling provides an instantly memorable look that invokes wistful sighs from long-time arcade goers.

The sheer wealth of characters (over 30 initially selectable in King Of Fighters 2000, and even more available in King Of Fighters 2001) ensures that players will find a pugilist that suits their personal fighting style, and the innovative Striker system, which allows players to call forth a helping hand from other characters when things aren't going so well, adds another dimension to the already distinctive gameplay.

"We're extremely pleased to finally be able to bring the King Of Fighters series to European homes, and feel that these two titles are a great way for the consumer to familarise themselves with the franchise ahead of the release of KOF: MI" says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment.

"This will be the first time the series has been affordable on home consoles for many gamers, and we're sure that its increased availability will confirm the opinions of many that this is one of the greatest 2D fighters ever made."

Gameplay features

• Staggeringly high number of well-balanced individually-styled characters (35 initially selectable in KOF 2000, 40 in KOF 2001)
• Redesigned character selection screen and menus
• Innovative continue system that allows players to handicap the CPU fighters
• Multiple modes of play, including Team Play and Party Mode Multiple ways to use characters in KOF 2001, including 1-on-4, 2-on-3, and a maximum of 4-on-4 character matches
• Watchable intro movies from previous King Of Fighters games
• Special new Strikers, never before seen on any home or arcade system
• Tried and tested gameplay, refined over literally thousands of hours of human vs human experience.

Do you like racing and want to try it online?

The latest Nascar truck league, due to commence on 1st September, is your opportunity to get out on the track with a large group of guys who love to burn rubber. They are about to start a Nascar trucks racing series and it's open to everyone, particularly first-timers. The league will run for ten weeks on a Wednesday night from 9pm, with practice for an hour or so before. Tomorrow night there will be a full practice race before the league starts next Wednesday.

What do you need to race? You need a copy of Nascar Racing Season 2003, the final game from the now-defunct legendary racing developer Papyrus, and the Crastsman trucks mod which is linked through here. While not mandatory, a good steering wheel will make a big difference to your ability to hold your line amongst a group of opponents (the Logitech Driving Force Pro gets the editor's recommendation), but you will need at least a joypad for adequate control.

How much does it cost? The only cost is for your equipment and Internet connection.

How do you go about joining the league? Go to the signup thread in the Gameplanet Simulations forum.

Will you be the smallest fish in a big pond? No, there will be a lot of first-timers joining.

Don't know anything about racing and want to learn? The more experienced drivers will all be happy to help so feel free to type away during practice sessions tomorrow and before each race and any time in the Simulations forum.

The simmers look forward to seeing you there!

SOCOM II LAN this Sunday
Posted by M @ 11:56 p.m. NZST

Gameplanet's PlayStation 2 forums are organising a social SOCOM II: US Navy SEALs LAN this Sunday in central Auckland from 10am - 6pm.

Entry is free but only players will be permitted on the premises. We may also have preview code for one or two upcoming PS2 titles but the focus will be on SOCOM teams action ahead of our next official multi-title console gaming day in December (Halo players are still being accepted for the World Cyber Games in Auckland from 17-19 September).

To register for SOCOM II, check this thread in our PlayStation 2 forums. From Gameplanet's experience in the previous two SOCOM II LANs, a full day's lag-free play will hardly be enough!

NCsoft Unveils European Plans at EGN
Posted by @ 11:24 p.m. NZST

Guild Wars, City of Heroes and Lineage II on show

NCsoftTM Europe, the newly created subsidiary of the world's biggest online games company, NCsoft Corporation (www.ncsoft.net), today announced that it will be attending the new industry facing show, European Games Network, between 1st and 3rd September 2004 at London ExCeL.

Sebastien Vidal, Chief Operating Officer of NCsoft Europe, confirmed that the company will be holding exclusive demonstrations of its three key products: Lineage II, the ground-breaking City of Heroes and the eagerly anticipated Guild Wars.

Vidal said: "EGN offers us the facility to firmly establish our presence in the European marketplace. It is a ready-made opportunity for us to present our products to both trade and media while also doing business with our prospective channel partners."

NCsoft announced the launch of its new European subsidiary in July. It has already successfully established itself in North America, Japan, Taiwan, China and Thailand. The launch of its European company takes NCsoft one-step closer to constructing a global network for online game services.

City of Heroes is a true departure from the MMORPG market, which is primarily filled with medieval fantasy-based titles. The game enables players to realize their comic book dreams. The game is easy to learn and sports state of the art 3-D graphics. Depending upon the hero's powers, a player may soar through the city's skyline, leap tall buildings, or run at super-speed. If a player has seen it in the pages of a comic book, he'll be able to live it out in City of Heroes.

Lineage?II: The Chaotic Chronicle is the much-anticipated prequel to the world's most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Lineage. Lineage II, which takes place in the medieval fantasy world of Aden, offers a dynamic 3-D setting drawn in exquisite detail. Players explore and quest through beautifully rendered 3-D environments crafted with a modified version of the Unreal engine. Backgrounds and characters have a nearly perfect, life-like appearance, giving Lineage II a look and feel that separates it from its predecessor ?and all other MMORPGs.

Guild Wars is the highly anticipated competitive role-playing game from the key developers behind Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo. In the fantasy world of Guild Wars, players can engage in cooperative group combat, in single player adventures, or in large head-to-head guild battles. Guild Wars is a game that will constantly evolve, using streaming technology to provide players with the latest updates while they're online.

Guild Wars developer, Arenanet, recently announced a Global Beta event on 29th through 31st October 2004.

NCsoft is planning to launch Lineage II and City of Heroes in Europe by the end of 2004, with Guild Wars following in 2005. After that, the company will continue to service new games with the objective of establishing itself as a leading online game company in the European region by 2005.

Two New Half-Life 2 Movies
Posted by Egor @ 12:31 p.m. NZST

Two new Half-Life 2 movies are now available from Gameplanet Downloads. The movies are hi-res Bink videos of the demos shown at E3 2004.

• Half-Life 2 'Tenements' Official Video
• Half-Life 2 'Ravenholm' Official Video

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Eidos Signs Lego Star Wars
Posted by InFiLtRaToR @ 9:14 a.m. NZST

Just when you thought every facet of the Star Wars franchise had been explored, Eidos announces it has secured the distribution rights to LEGO Star Wars with Giant Interactive Entertainment Ltd for all countries except Japan! The game will be released in April 2005 for the PlayStation2, Xbox, PC and Game Boy Advance and will provide younger gamers with a chance to finally swing a light sabre like their older siblings!

LEGO Star Wars combines two childhood favourites, LEGO and Star Wars, to create an innovative and exciting action-adventure title designed for young gamers. The game is based on The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and the eagerly awaited Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, slated for worldwide release in May 2005.

Under an agreement between LucasArts and Giant Interactive Ltd, LEGO Star Wars is currently being developed by Traveller's Tales for the PlayStation2, Xbox and PC. Amaze Entertainment is developing the Game Boy Advance version.

Mike McGarvey, CEO of Eidos says:
"This signing of a title with such wide spread appeal and recognition is a major coup for Eidos. We look forward to working with Giant on maximising the game's potential."

THQ has released the schedule of wrestlers for its forthcoming Smackdown vs Raw title.

Current Wrestlers:

A-Train, Garrison Cade, Rico, Batista, Hardcore Holly, Rob Van Dam, The Big Show, J.B. Layfield, Sable, Booker T, John Cena, Scotty 2 Hotty, Bubba Ray Dudley, Kane, Shawn Michaels, Charlie Haas, Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin, Chavo Guerrero, Mark Jindrak, Stacy Kiebler, Chris Benoit, Matt Hardy, Tajiri, Chris Jericho, Molly Holly, Torrie Wilson, Christian, Randy Orton, Triple H, Chuck Palumbo, Rene Dupree, Trish Stratus, D-Von Dudley, Rey Mysterio, Undertaker, Eddie Guerrero, Rhyno, Victoria, Edge, Ric Flair.

Non-Playable

Earl Hebner, Jonathan Coachman, Tazz, Eric Bischoff, Michael Cole, Vince McMaon, Jerry Lawler, Mike Chioda, Jim Ross, Paul Heyman.

WWE Smackdown! vs Raw is due on PS2 this November.

San Andreas Website Opened
Posted by M @ 11:42 p.m. NZST

Rockstar has opened the official website for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

The site features screenshots, background information and the first trailer with more to come soon. Gameplanet will be continuing its exclusive look at the game in our previews section with a look at shopping and employment later this week. In the meantime, check out the site and our preview coverage so far.

Young Inventors Wanted
Posted by M @ 11:23 p.m. NZST

TV2 is doing a show entitled Young Inventors TV and has asked Gameplanet to let you know they want to hear from any kids out there with an idea or two and that wouldn't mind being on telly.

Entries are open till 30th September. The site above lists a few 'kidventions' including a silent hairdryer, self-cleaning toilet and 'very lazy boy'. The programme will have inventors including Bruce 'Rocket Man' Simpson and Peter Witehira to help kids make their dreams a reality.

Don't worry if your idea has nothing to do with gaming - but if it is related, Gameplanet would love to hear about it, too.

Battlefield Vietnam Prizegiving
Posted by M @ 10:16 p.m. NZST

Electronic Arts presented members of this year's winning Battlefield Vietnam tournament with their prizes at the EA NZ head office in Auckland last week.

The winners were:

Shane Powell - (Rooties) Tom Wylie - (G.I.Joe) Chris Marshall - (c2) Stuart Jack - (Diebacca) Robert Tilley - (Luse K) Andrew Casey - (Spinal) William Cambell - (Purplehaze) John Paul Moore - (JpM) Tom Hatcher - (Deagle) Ross Delaney - (Skulk) Michael Edwards - (Tempest) Jeff Hoffman - (Luckystrike)

The prize pack had a total value of $10,000 including $5,000 cash. EA plans to hold another Battlefield tournament next year.

Doom 3 TinMan Squad Mod Released
Posted by Egor @ 10:38 a.m. NZST

Local mod developer TinMan has just released his new mod for Doom 3, TinMan Squad Mod, exclusively through Gameplanet Downloads.

The mod allows you to have a team of marine henchmen do your bidding in Doom 3 single player. Check it out here!

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Commenting on the success of the court action, David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe said, "This case, together with the recent successful criminal case against chippers in Belgium, confirms in the clearest possible terms that Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has the right to prevent the illegal infringement of our intellectual property rights, and those of third party games developers. We are sending a clear message to manufacturers and distributors of mod chips throughout the PAL territories that we will continue to pursue legal action against them."

Sony Drops Euro Price to Match NZ
Posted by M @ 7:05 p.m. NZST

PS2 RRP €149 throughout Europe

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that with immediate effect, the recommended retail price of the PlayStation 2 throughout Europe would be reduced to 149 Euros or equivalent.

The move places the console on a par with NZ pricing but still well above the US, which moved to US$149 at E3.

SCEE president and COO told Gameplanet at E3 that pricing at 149 was a "magic figure" for console sales, but that the PS2 was selling too well in PAL regions to drop the price as had been announced for the US.

Since the launch in November 2000, PlayStation 2 has reached a consumer installed base of nearly 24 million units in the PAL territories. Sony says this reduction in price will launch a renewed phase of growth for PlayStation 2, as well as providing a significant boost to the sales of games titles.

"The new magic price point of €149, together with these new titles, will make it both affordable and exciting for everybody to enjoy the fun of PlayStation gaming, and will ensure that PlayStation 2 continues to be the computer entertainment system of choice for an ever widening and diversifying audience."

Madden NFL 2005 Runs Up the Score
Posted by @ 1:48 a.m. NZST

Electronic Arts today announced that, based on internal data, Madden NFL 2005 sold more than 1.35 million copies at retail stores within the first week, making it the biggest week one launch of a Madden NFL Football game in the franchise's fifteen year history.

"Once again, EA SPORTS has delivered the best football experiences in the market," said EA Vice President of Marketing Todd Sitrin. "Both our Madden NFL 2005 and NCAA Football 2005 games have posted extremely high review scores and the strongest launch sales in the history of their franchises."

EA added that within a month of NCAA Football 2005 shipping and with Madden NFL 2005 on store shelves only a few days, EA SPORTS football titles have registered more than 315,000 new user accounts to play online through the PlayStation 2 console and on Xbox Live.

Madden NFL 2005 is set to release locally in mid-September, albeit without the online features. Keep an eye out at Gameplanet for more information on this exciting release.

Valve has launched a beta of Counter-Strike: Source, an update to the popular Counter-Strike multiplayer mod running on the Half-Life 2 engine, today to owners of Counter-Strike: Condition Zero.

Those with access to the beta can download and play it by selecting it from their list of games in Steam.

Gameplanet has a CS: Source beta server up at 202.27.194.35:27016.

Majesco Acquires Rights to Jaws
Posted by @ 12:45 a.m. NZST

Majesco, a leading publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products, today announced that it has secured the interactive entertainment rights to one of the most enduring action-suspense films of all time, Universal Pictures' and Steven Spielberg's Jaws. Developed by Appaloosa, the video game is scheduled to ship in summer 2005 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the film's theatrical release.

"Without a doubt, Jaws is one of the most revered classics of all time. The film's mixture of action, adventure and suspense terrified the masses," said Jesse Sutton, chief executive officer of Majesco. "The game will capture that same action and excitement as the movie, but this time, the shark enjoys some pay-back."

"Jaws was an instant hit, a phenomenon, acclaimed by critics and audiences alike," said Bill Kispert, vice president of Interactive at Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "It was an adrenaline-charged experience. With Jaws, the game, we want to give players that same adrenaline rush as they control the power and the fury of a Great White."

In Majesco's Jaws, players assume the role of a Great White shark driven to a predacious frenzy by the sonic emanations of underwater oil drilling equipment. To defend their underwater territory, players undertake a campaign to drive the raiders away while simultaneously solving a series of action-based puzzles designed to thwart the player.

Taking the game to realistic heights is Appaloosa's advanced game engine that produces stunning underwater visuals and realistic physics that enable the Great White to perform a variety of leaping, twisting assaults, thus rendering havens such as dive platforms and boats vulnerable to attack. Jaws is scheduled for release in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC.

Nintendo Europe has released a very promising line-up for the rest of 2004, including some great exclusive titles for both the GameCube and Game Boy Advance. We've listed some of the highlights below, along with the expected release dates. Full details of these and other games will soon be able to be found at GPStore.

Nintendo GameCube

• Wario Ware, Inc.: Mega Party Game$ - 3rd September 2004
• Digimon Rumble Arena 2 - 17th September 2004
• WWE Day of Reckoning - 30th September 2004
• Pikmin 2 - 8th October 2004
• Donkey Konga - 15th October 2004
• Paper Mario 2: The Thousand Year Door (tentative name) - 12th November 2004
• Tales of Symphonia - 9th November 2004
• Metroid Prime 2: Echoes - 26th November 2004

Game Boy Advance

• Megaman Battle Network 4 Blue Moon - 3rd September 2004
• Megaman Battle Network 4 Red Sun - 3rd September 2004
• Megaman Zero 3 - 3rd September 2004
• Pokémon LeafGreen and Pokémon FireRed - 1st October 2004
• R-Type III - 1st October 2004
• The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap - 12th November 2004
• Super Mario Ball - 26th November 2004
• WWE Survivor Series - November 2004
• Mario Party Advance (tentative name) - 3rd December 2004
• Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls (tentative name) - 10th December 2004

NCAA Football Leads NFL2k5 on PS2, Lags on Xbox
Posted by M @ 11:20 a.m. NZST

This year's gridiron battle, shaping up to be the hottest since Acclaim led EA with its NFL Quarterback titles, has shown early indications of the strength of the rivalry with Sega's NFL2k5 neck and neck in sales with EA's NCAA Football 2005 title in the US.

While NCAA leads on PS2, 2k5 leads makes up for the deficit on Xbox and total sales are roughly equal at this stage.

Gameplanet will have news on the PAL and New Zealand availability and pricing status of Sega's NFL2k5 title soon. Madden NFL 2005 on Xbox and PS2 will not be online-enabled in PAL territories, reducing its appeal despite general critical trends indicating it is slightly preferred among US critics over Sega's update.

BAFTA for SingStar Producer
Posted by M @ 9:53 a.m. NZST

Last week at the Edinburgh International Games Festival, the producer of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's (SCEE) SingStar, Paulina Bozek, was awarded the first ever BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award. SCEE says that not only is this event notable as the first BAFTA Interactive New Talent Award, which is only awarded to those that have been working in the industry for five years or less, but it also recognises a woman's contribution to the games industry.

"I'm happy they chose a game as original and different as SingStar," said Bozek. "It's nice to recognise individuals who work on any game, but it would never be possible without the collaborative efforts of the whole team."

Sales of PlayStation 2 consoles have increased since the title's release, many to first-time gamers, repeating the recent success of another London Studio developed product, EyeToy: Play, which itself won two Interactive BAFTA awards earlier this year.

SingStar, released by SCEE in May, was developed by a team with a significant proportion of females, including programmer Charu Gupta. Gupta comments, "I think SingStar is such a success because we aimed to make a high quality product that was sociable, fun and inclusive. Having a varied team helped since we had more balanced, diverse approaches and opinions to investigate."

Bozek started her interactive career in Montreal in the PR and Communications offices of Ubisoft before she moved into development and began working at SCEE's London Studio in 2003.

Evolution Studios Signs up Exclusively for Sony
Posted by M @ 9:53 a.m. NZST

Gameplanet-Exclusive WRC 4 Hands-on Report this Week

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Evolution Studios have signed a deal that will see Evolution, creator of the multi-million selling World Rally Championship (WRC) series for PlayStation 2, continue to develop games exclusively for SCEE and Sony platforms.

One of Europe's leading development companies, Evolution has an October release scheduled for the fourth title in the WRC series.

Exclusive to PlayStation 2, WRC 4: The Official Game of the FIA World Rally Championship boasts an all-new handling model as well as a 1-16 player online mode.

This week Gameplanet had received exclusive prevew copy of WRC 4, which we will be reporting on later this week in our previews section.

Evolution Studios also has a visionary satellite studio, BigBig, which is currently working on an original title for PSP.

The exclusivity deal will see the rally franchise continue alongside creation of new and original games titles.

Phil Harrison, SCEE Executive Vice President Development, commented, "We've enjoyed an unparalleled working relationship with Evolution Studios over the past four years and the quality of their work on the WRC franchise can be measured by the millions of loyal fans who love the series. This strategic alliance allows our organisations to work even more closely together as we prepare for the combined challenges of new formats and expanded game design horizons."

Under the terms of the deal, Evolution will not only continue to work on WRC for the PlayStation 2, but will apply its knowledge and expertise to begin development on future Sony platforms.

Martin Kenwright, Managing Director of Evolution said, "We've enjoyed a fantastic working relationship with SCEE throughout the development of the WRC franchise and are extremely pleased to be extending this partnership. We are looking forward to working exclusively with SCEE, applying our talent, vision and technology to new products and platforms. We are confident this will cement Evolution's position as one of the world's finest development studios."

WRC4 is scheduled to launch in New Zealand at the end of October.

Atari, Inc. and Firaxis Games announced today that Sid Meier's Pirates! for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft is currently in development and is scheduled to release worldwide in mid-2005. Sid Meier's Pirates! for Windows will ship to retail stores worldwide on November 26, 2004. The award-winning 1987 smash hit game, Sid Meier's Pirates!, received unprecedented critical acclaim and set the industry standard for innovative game design with its unique blend of open-ended role-playing, real-time adventures and thrilling action sequences.

"There has been great anticipation for the long awaited return of Pirates! and to see what the team at Firaxis has been able to accomplish with the franchise," said Nancy MacIntyre, vice president of marketing, Atari, Inc. "We are pleased to follow-up what is sure to be a great PC launch this holiday with an Xbox title next year."

"We're thrilled to continue our relationship with Atari to bring Pirates! not only to fans of the original game but to a new generation of gamers," said Jeff Briggs, President and CEO of Firaxis Games. "Pirates! is among the most popular and loved titles in gaming history and Sid and the team here are working hard to uphold the high standards of the franchise."

In Sid Meier's Pirates! for Windows and Xbox, players take the leading role of a Pirate Captain in the 17th century Caribbean - amassing fortune and fame in an attempt to seize a rightful place as one of the most revered and feared pirates in history. Players test their skills as a sea captain exploring the high seas and exotic ports in a richly detailed 3-D world. As your reputation and skills grow, so will the size and quality of your crew, your ability to take on larger enemy ships, raid and plunder heavily fortified ports, and locate ancient treasure.

Sid Meier's Pirates! for Xbox will include a Vs mode and will take advantage of many Xbox Live capabilities, high fidelity 5.1 Dolby Digital surround and will support HDTV.

AUT Technology Park Chosen as World Cyber Games Venue
Posted by M @ 12:03 a.m. NZST

Gameplanet has announced this year's NZ preliminary of the World Cyber Games will be held at the Auckland University of Technology Technology Park in Penrose, Auckland, from 17-19 September.

The Technology Park's conference centre provides ample parking and corporate standard facilities a few minutes' drive from the Ellerslie exit of the Southern Motorway.

The convenient location means accommodation and transport can be easily arranged. Gameplanet chose the venue over the Aotea Cente and Auckland Town Hall due to the quality of the AUT facilities and the cost of parking contestants and specators would have had to incur in the CBD.

Check the official Games site for full details including a map. Gameplanet will be providing fully updated details of the event in this month's Situation Report email magazine, due out soon, as well as some more exciting announcements in the lead-up to the Games.

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Original Neverwinter Nights; Neverwinter Nights: Shadows of Undrentide; Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark All-In-One this October

BioWare Corp has announced plans for Neverwinter Nights 2, the sequel to its best-selling and genre-defining role-playing game set in the popular Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms universe created by Wizards of the Coast. Atari will publish the title.

Neverwinter Nights 2 will be developed by Obsidian Entertainment, founded by Feargus Urquhart who, as the President of Black Isle Studios, was responsible for the publishing of the Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance series and the development of the Icewind Dale and Planescape: Torment franchises, both powered by BioWare Engine Technology, as well as overseeing the creation and development of the Fallout series. BioWare will provide tools, technology, and game assets from the original Neverwinter Nights as well as lend creative input and oversight to the development process.

"From our development of Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights to our engine licensure on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, we've been working collaboratively with Feargus and other members of the Obsidian Entertainment team for years," said Dr Greg Zeschuk, BioWare Corp.'s Joint CEO. "Neverwinter Nights remains one of the most important titles BioWare has ever created. We certainly plan to remain involved in the production and development of Neverwinter Nights 2 and we¡¯re delighted to initiate another partnership with Obsidian Entertainment and Atari," added Dr Ray Muzyka, BioWare Corp.'s Joint CEO.

"Neverwinter Nights is one of the most beloved RPGs of all time and we're pleased that Obsidian has taken on the challenge," said John Hight, executive producer, Atari. "Feargus and his team at Obsidian Entertainment are the best people on the planet to take up where BioWare left off and bring this great game to new levels. They are intimately familiar with what makes Neverwinter Nights special, they know what it takes to make a great game and they have the respect of the RPG community."

The Neverwinter Nights franchise has sold more than two million copies worldwide, is translated into ten languages, sold in more than 40 countries and features one of the largest and most active fan communities in all of gaming at www.bioware.com. To date, fans of the franchise, which includes Neverwinter Nights, Neverwinter Nights: Shadows of Undrentide and Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark, have created nearly 4,000 modifications to the original game using the award-winning BioWare Aurora Toolset, the groundbreaking software included with the full game that allows players to create their own universes, quests and storylines.

"BioWare and Atari created an immense community of players attracted by both the immersion of an interactive gaming experience and the ability to create their own pen-and-paper styled modules. Neverwinter Nights changed the very nature of roleplaying games," said Feargus Urquhart, Obsidian Entertainment's CEO. "With Neverwinter Nights 2, we're going to take that incredible experience to the next level by combining a huge new single-player game with deep character development and many new upgrades and enhancements to the already powerful BioWare Aurora Toolset for the modding community."

Neverwinter Nights 2 is scheduled for release in 2006. More information about the game can be found on the Atari website at www.atari.com/nwn2, which includes user forums, project news, development updates and more.

7 comments

Sega Taking Mugshots for Football Manager
Posted by M @ 11:09 p.m. NZST

Sega and Sports Interactive, the creators of the Championship Manager series, are offering you the chance to feature as an actual player in the ultimate in PC football management, Football Manager 2005.

One of the things that sets this title apart from previous football management games is the introduction of thumbnail pictures of all of the players and staff in the game. Naturally, as the game progresses and players retire, the database evolves and replaces the real players with regenerated players. Sega and Sports Interactive are offering you the chance to be one of these players.

To be a face in the game all you need to do is submit a digital photograph of yourself which will be used as the face of one these 'regenerated' players. In addition to getting your face in the game, you can give your name, age, favourite club and as many details as possible so that Sports Interactive can add depth to your new digital persona. To enter, visit www.sigames.com/faceinthegame now to ensure your chance to be a face in the game.

"Right from the very beginning, we've encouraged our fans to get involved with the game and many of them have," says Miles Jacobson, Managing Director of Sports Interactive. "Now, all players of our games, and future players, have got the perfect way to get more involved with the game and be a part of it." Guideline

There are a few restrictions as to the style of photos which will be acceptable: the shots should not contain any team colours, for example. Also, as regenerated players are usually aged between 18 and 22, only photos which represent people within that age range will be used to depict players. All other photos supplied will be used to represent either coaches or physios. Further information, including details of the size and composition of acceptable photos, is available from the Face in the Game website, at www.sigames.com/faceinthegame.

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Capcom Comes Clean on Virus
Posted by @ 10:43 p.m. NZST

CE Europe Admits to Release of Promotional Virus for Resident Evil: Outbreak

CE Europe today held up its latex-gloved hands and admitted responsibility, albeit through a surgical mask, for the release of the T-virus (www.t-virus.co.uk), a revolutionary viral campaign spread via word of mouth, SMS, the Internet and email, to promote the forthcoming release of Resident Evil: Outbreak, the next PS2 release in the horror series.

Starting with 'Carrier X' and Resident Evil fan, Mark Ward, the T-VIRUS is aiming for epidemic status and has already infected celebrity gamers including TV presenters Kate Russell and Aleks Krotoski.

The T-virus is, of course, totally harmless and uses a pyramid reward system to encourage those who are infected to infect as many others as they possibly can and win limited-edition Resident Evil: Outbreak prizes including Resident Evil DVDs, exclusive Raccoon City t-shirts and PS2 consoles.

The T-virus even leaves a groaning zombie ring tone on infected mobile phones.

"The T-virus outbreak is the digital equivalent of a real-world viral epidemic," commented Doctor Fiona McKevitt, Specialist Registrar, Sheffield. "That's a very serious outbreak indeed and at this stage we would be enforcing the quarantine of entire cities to contain the spread of such a virus."

The T-virus campaign is a world-first as a viral mechanic for promoting a video game.

"We had to come clean about the T-VIRUS eventually," commented Ben Le Rougetel, Senior PR Manager and Chief Virologist, CE Europe. "The T-VIRUS was originally designed to promote the release of Resident Evil: Outbreak for PS2, but it's spread much quicker than we originally anticipated. It's now totally out of control and we're not totally sure how to stop it."

Le Rougetel sang like a canary.

Resident Evil: Outbreak is the next evolutionary step in the multi award-winning game series and will see terror, once again, fill the streets of Raccoon City. The city's citizens try to escape the devastating effects of a secret biological weapon that turns all living creatures into flesh-eating zombies. Soon only a few desperate survivors remain uninfected and they must find a way out of the city before the government takes the only option left and quarantines the entire area.

Unlike previous titles in the series, players of Resident Evil: Outbreak do not play the role of a highly trained S.T.A.R.S. operative, but one of eight ordinary citizens who must rely on their innate survival instincts and unique skills to stay alive.

Soon, thanks to the T-virus, Resident Evil: Outbreak will be infecting ordinary citizens all over the real world.

To infect yourself with the T-virus and win fantastic, limited edition Resident Evil: Outbreak prizes, SMS the word 'infect' to 60022 or go to www.t-virus.co.uk and enter your details.

Remember: the more people you infect in your outbreak, the more Resident Evil: Outbreak prizes you'll win.

Resident Evil: Outbreak will be published by CE Europe for PS2 on 1st October 2004.

Since its unveiling at E3 this year Starship Troopers has rapidly become Empire Interactive's most eagerly awaited title to date. The film license is a perfect match for an FPS game and something people have long been calling for. But it's the new bespoke in-game engine that really has everyone worked up. Thanks to the new engine by Strangelite, Starship Troopers will be able to handle hundreds of enemy bugs on screen at one time, with larger than life Fire Bugs, the size of houses, joining the fray too.

The movie trailer shows the level in the game based on the unforgettable 'Whiskey Alpha' scene from the film where the Troopers are ambushed by a horde of bugs. With the game due Q2 next year on the PC and all current-generation consoles you can already see the engine working amazingly well. The trailer is available at the Starship Troopers website.

Sonic Overload Coming to Xbox and PS2
Posted by @ 9:40 a.m. NZST

Gameplanet loves retro collections. They're a great way to both relive past gaming glory or discover some long-forgotten games on the current consoles. While they generally can't compare graphically to new releases the gameplay is often just as good. Which is why we were pleased to hear that a new Sonic collection is coming to both the PS2 and Xbox.

Sonic Mega Collection Plus will feature seven Sonic The Hedgehog games from the SEGA Genesis, three lock-on games, four additional unlockable Genesis games, six Sonic the Hedgehog SEGA Game Gear games, and a Sonic museum filled with art, comics and more.

Sonic Mega Collection Plus Content:
Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Sonic The Hedgehog 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 3D Blast, Sonic The Hedgehog Spinball, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, three Sonic lock-on games, The Ooze, Comix Zone, Flicky, Ristar, and six hidden SEGA Game Gear games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Chaos, Sonic Drift, Sonic Labyrinth, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, Sonic Blast.

So far the collection has been announced for the US only, but we're hopeful that New Zealand will see a release in the near future of what has to be the ultimate Sonic package.

Electronic Arts has released details of the in-game soundtrack for the 2005 edition of FIFA Soccer, a game that looks like it will finally stand up to Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer franchise.

Featuring a variety of music talent, FIFA Soccer 2005 brings together new sounds and long-time favorites from artists around the globe, and showcases 38 tracks representing Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Scotland, Sweden, the United States and more.

Additionally, DJ Paul Oakenfold wrote and recorded the EA Sports Football theme that will debut exclusively in the game. EA says the upbeat song list "reflects the high energy and white-knuckle intensity of the sport and is designed to accompany the innovative new gameplay of FIFA."

"With FIFA Football 2005 we are raising the bar for in-game music soundtracks - again," said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Audio at EA. "This year, we are delivering an unprecedented line-up of bands, with 38 songs from 20 different countries. The international mix of artists will strike a chord with football fans worldwide. FIFA Football 2005 demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering relevant, cutting-edge music to our diverse global audience."

The soundtrack is a part of the EA Trax music initiative that debuted in 2002. The programme is dedicated to elevating the in-game entertainment experience by delivering breakthrough music in all EA Sports, EA Games and EA Sports Big releases.

EA's worldwide head of music and former Capitol Records artist and repertoire VP, Steve Shnur, will be giving the keynote speech today at the kickoff to the Edinburgh International Games Festival. Entitled "Videogames are the New Rock 'n' Roll," Shnur's speech will focus on the importance of music to gaming and how video games, which he calls a "natural cultural destination" for popular music, are facing similar battles to rock music in the public eye.

The full soundtrack for FIFA Soccer 2005 is:

• Air / Surfing on a Rocket / France
• Brothers / Dieci Cento Mille / Italy
• Debi Nova / One Rhythm (Da Yard Riddim Mix) / Costa Rica
• Emma Warren / She Wants You Back / England
• Faithless / No Roots / England
• Ferry Corsten / Rock Your Body, Rock / Netherlands
• Flogging Molly / To Youth (My Sweet Roisin Dubh) / Ireland
• Franz Ferdinand / Tell Her Tonight / Scotland
• Future Funk Squad / Sorcerary / England
• Gusanito / Vive La Vida / Spain
• Head Automatica / Brooklyn is Burning / United States
• Inverga + Num Kebra / Eu Perdi Voce / Brazil
• Ivete Sangalo / Sorte Grande / Brazil
• INXS / What You Need (Coldcut Force Mix 13 Edit) - EA Sports Throwback Trax Powered By Rhino / Australia
• Jose / A Necessidade / France
• Los Amigos Invisibles / Esto Es Lo Que Hay (Reggaeton Remix) / Venezuela
• Mala Rodriguez / Jugadoras, Jugadores / Spain
• Manana / Miss Evening / Switzerland
• Marcelo D2 / Profissao MC / Brazil
• Miss J / Follow Me / Denmark
• Morrissey / Irish Blood, English Heart / England
• Nachlader / An die Wand / Germany
• New Order / Blue Monday - EA Sports Throwback Trax Powered By Rhino / England
• Clorofila of Nortec Collective / Almada / Mexico
• Oomph! / Augen Auf! / Germany
• Paul Oakenfold / EA Sports Football Theme / England
• Sandro Bit / Ciao Sono Io / Italy
• Sarah McLachlan / World on Fire/Junkie XL Remix / Canada
• Scissor Sisters / Take Your Mama / United States
• Seeed / Release / Germany
• Sneak Attack Tigers / The End of All Good / Scotland
• Sober / Cientos de Preguntas / Spain
• Soul'dOut / 1,000,000 Monsters Attack / Japan
• The Sounds / Seven Days a Week / Sweden
• The Soundtrack of Our Lives / Karmageddon / Sweden
• The Streets / Fit But You Know It / England
• Wayne Marshall / Hot In The Club / Jamaica
• Zion y Lennox / Ahora / Puerto Rico

FIFA Soccer 2005, developed by EA Canada, will be available on all formats including Game Boy Advance and PlayStation, and is scheduled for release worldwide in October 2004. GPstore also has the GameCube version listed for release in New Zealand.

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Gametrak Debut Next Week
Posted by M @ 8:52 a.m. NZST

After four years in development, the launch of In2Games' Gametrak motion system will be held from next week.

The controller will be unveiled to the UK for the first time at Gamestars Live, with a simultaneous trade presence at EGN on September 1st and a German debut at Leipzig's Games Convention from 19 August.

Gametrak: Real World Golf - a golf game where your swing with a real club is tracked and translated into the game - will be introduced onto PC and PS2 in Q1 2005 and showcased for the first time to consumers at the Gamestars Live event.

Gametrak will launch in Europe bundled with the Gametrak-exclusive PS2 fighting game, Dark Wind. Already listed in this season's Argos catalogue and listed by all major retailers in UK and Germany, Gametrak: Dark Wind will retail for £69.99 (€99.99) including the Gametrak 3D controller, Foot Mat, Fighting Gloves and PS2 Dark Wind.

"The response we've had to date from press and retail has shown us that Gametrak has to be seen to be believed," says In2Games MD Elliott Myers. "We are hugely excited that we are finally able to show Gametrak to the public. With Golf and further sport-linked genres currently in development, Gametrak offers the industry the expandability and play value of no other gaming system to date."

For more information see in2games.uk.com.

Oliver Stone's Alexander Movie to Get Ubisoft RTS
Posted by M @ 8:42 a.m. NZST

Ubisoft has announced Alexander, a real-time strategy game based on the upcoming motion picture Alexander, a biopic based on the life and conquests of Alexander the Great from Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone. The game will be available for the PC day-and-date with the US theatrical release November 2004, with the foreign release to follow. Warner Bros. will distribute the picture in North America and select international territories. The official movie trailer may be viewed by visiting alexanderthemovie.com. More information on the game will be available on the official site soon.

"We are extremely excited to bring the grandeur and epic experience of the film Alexander to the video game arena," said Laurent Detoc, executive director of Ubisoft's North American division. "Our development team is thrilled to be working with dkrector Oliver Stone to ensure that the video game captures the essence of this extraordinary motion picture. The game will include selected music from world-famous composer Vangelis - whose music comprises the film's soundtrack - movie extracts, and other features to make sure that the game is as daring, bold and ambitious as its subject, Alexander the Great."

"Alexander is probably the greatest single military strategist of all time. Historical and 'what if' strategies are being scrupulously rendered by Ubisoft. One variation even has (Persian King) Darius emerging the victor over Alexander. Players will have serious possibilities for winning and losing empires. I'm looking forward to playing," says Stone.

The movie stars Val Kilmer, Angelina Jolie and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Konami has announced the latest Japanese version of Pro Evolution Soccer, entitled World Soccer Winning Eleven 8, sold a million copies on its first day at retail last week.

As is traditional for the series, when Pro Evolution Soccer 4 is released in New Zealand this October it is expected to have a number of improvements over its Japanese original.

The game will be released on PlayStation 2, PC and for the first time on Xbox. The game is not expected to be online-enabled on any format, though the PlayStation 2 version should retain its 8-player single-screen multiplayer mode.

Codename: Panzers Multiplayer Demo Now Available
Posted by M @ 12:16 a.m. NZST

The multiplayer demo of Codename: Panzers is now available online at Panzers.com.

"We are very excited to offer this sneak peek of the Codename: Panzers multi-player experience to English-speaking customers," says Associate Producer Mario Kroll. "It truly highlights our fast-paced, nearly perfect blend of exhilarating game play elements within a rich, immersive environment based on key historical battles."

The multiplayer demo supports up to four players on two teams. Featuring popular game modes like Team Match and Domination, the demo gives the first taste of head-to-head combat. Whether fighting for dominance of a small Russian village, or slugging it out building-to-building among the shattered ruins of Stalingrad, gamers can now experience the drama of World War II while competing against friends and online opponents.

Electronic Arts has advised Gameplanet it will include a playable demo of Need for Speed: Underground 2 with every copy sold of Burnout 3: Takedown on PlayStation 2.

Burnout 3: Takedown is due for release on PlayStation 2 and Xbox on 9th September and will feature online and LAN play on both formats. With almost identical graphics on all formats for Burnout 2: Point of Impact, the Underground demo should persuade some of the undecideds to go for the PS2 version, which will also take advantage of USB force feedback steering wheels such as the Logitech Driving Force Pro.

Warhammer: Dawn of War on Show at World Cyber Games
Posted by M @ 10:53 p.m. NZST

Further to our recent announcement that we will be showing Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl at the World Cyber Games national preliminary in Auckland, THQ stablemate Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War will also be on show.

With the beta test thread still going strong in the GP forums, we have no doubt the opportunity to see the game running will appeal to many that have not yet had the chance to play the game or view it running.

Gameplanet will have more details on the Games this week including a full run-down of the machines you'll be playing on and a big update in the August Situation Report magazine (not to mention double passes to the Bourne Supremacy to give away) so make sure you're signed up if you're not already on the email database.

1 comment

Myst IV Revelation Site Opens
Posted by M @ 8:55 p.m. NZST

Ubisoft today Ubisoft today announced the launch of the Myst IV Revelation website, MystRevelation.com, which will allow browsers to catch a glimpse of the experience that awaits them in the next chapter of the Myst saga.

Ubisoft says "Visitors can travel in different Ages, admiring the stunning beauty of the various environments. Each Age contains puzzles and several exclusive bonuses to discover and collect. Never has a website been so immersive and rich. The website is designed to please both die-hard fans and newcomers to the Myst universe. Visitors may choose to be helped during their navigation and be provided clues to resolve puzzles, or they may choose to have no assistance at all."

The site was developed by the French Web agency Soleil Noir, which specialises in "creating entertaining and innovative websites." Apparently Soleil Noir has already won several prizes for previous creations, such has four FWA awards, three Internet Tiny awards and one Site of the Week award.

A new batch of platform-unspecific screenshots from THQ's coming ultra-violent action title, The Punisher.

Driven by a hatred of crime bordering on insanity, Frank Castle became The Punisher, a one-man army whose mission goes far beyond revenge. Taking on the city's high-powered crime lords, he wreaks havoc on the corrupt with methods reserved for those on the wrong side of the law. The Punisher video game represents the best of over 30 years of Punisher comic books and depicts some of the grittiest storylines in the Marvel Universe.

This game appears to be based on the original Marvel comics, rather than the recent film from Lions Gate, which starred Tom Jane and John Travolta.

The Punisher is currently scheduled for an early 2005 release, for Xbox and PS2.

See more screenshots... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Full Spectrum Warrior PC Boasts Exclusive Content
Posted by @ 8:46 a.m. NZST

It has been revealed that the highly-awaited PC version of Pandemic's US Army squad commander simulator, Full Spectrum Warrior, will feature two extra missions that aren't available for the already released Xbox version.

Players act as the Squad Leader, providing direction to Alpha and Bravo fire teams. The successful Squad Leader effectively uses cover in the environment and moves his fire teams in a coordinated fashion so they can protect themselves from possible attacks that could come from any direction. Full Spectrum Warrior puts you in the dirt with your men, where danger lurks around every corner. The 2-player online co-op mode featured in the Xbox version, for Xbox Live, will be present in the PC version.

The PC version of Full Spectrum Warrior will be available locally in mid-September for CD-ROM, as far as EvaUnit02 knows it doesn't appear that the DVD-ROM edition will be released in NZ.

Neverwinter Nights 2 Announced
Posted by @ 7:46 a.m. NZST

Atari Interactive have announced the development of Neverwinter Nights 2, the sequel to BioWare's 2002 masterpiece, set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms. The game is being developed by Obsidian Entertainment, and will published Atari, Inc. Originally developed by BioWare, Neverwinter Nights has set a new standard in the role-playing genre with a deep and engrossing storyline; immersive character development; stunning graphics; and, an expansive multiplayer experience like none other.

Neverwinter Nights 2 will be developed by Obsidian Entertainment, founded by Feargus Urquhart who, as the President of Black Isle Studios, was responsible for the publishing of the Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance series and the development of the Icewind Dale and Planescape: Torment franchises, both powered by BioWare Engine Technology, as well as overseeing the creation and development of the Fallout series. BioWare will provide their tools, Aurora engine technology, and game assets from the original Neverwinter Nights as well as lend creative input and oversight to the development process.

Obsidian is also working on Star Wars Nights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords (Xbox/PC) for LucasArts, another sequel to a game originally made by BioWare, due out Q4 2004. If thus far released media and info on that title is anything to go by, NWN2 is in very capable hands.

"Neverwinter Nights is one of the most beloved RPG's of all time and we're pleased that Obsidian has taken on the challenge," said John Hight, executive producer, Atari. "Feargus and his team at Obsidian Entertainment are the best people on the planet to take up where BioWare left off and bring this great game to new levels. They are intimately familiar with what makes Neverwinter Nights special, they know what it takes to make a great game and they have the respect of the RPG community."

The Neverwinter Nights franchise has sold more than two million copies worldwide, is translated into ten languages, sold in more than 40 countries and features one of the largest and most active fan communities in all of gaming at www.bioware.com. To date, fans of the franchise, which includes Neverwinter Nights, Neverwinter Nights: Shadows of Undrentide and Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark, have created nearly 4,000 modifications to the original game using the award-winning BioWare Aurora Toolset, the groundbreaking software included with the full game that allows players to create their own universes, quests and storylines.

"BioWare and Atari created an immense community of players attracted by both the immersion of an interactive gaming experience and the ability to create their own pen-and-paper styled modules. Neverwinter Nights changed the very nature of roleplaying games," said Feargus Urquhart, Obsidian Entertainment's CEO. "With Neverwinter Nights 2, we're going to take that incredible experience to the next level by combining a huge new single-player game with deep character development and many new upgrades and enhancements to the already powerful BioWare Aurora Toolset for the modding community."

"From our development of Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights to our engine licensure on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, we've been working collaboratively with Feargus and other members of the Obsidian Entertainment team for years," said Dr. Greg Zeschuk, BioWare Corp.'s Joint CEO. "Neverwinter Nights remains one of the most important titles BioWare has ever created. We certainly plan to remain involved in the production and development of Neverwinter Nights 2 and we're delighted to initiate another partnership with Obsidian Entertainment and Atari," added Dr. Ray Muzyka, BioWare Corp.'s Joint CEO.

Neverwinter Nights 2 is scheduled for release in 2006. More information about Neverwinter Nights 2 can be found on the Atari website at www.atari.com/nwn2, which includes user forums, project news, development updates and more.

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EA has announced NBA Street V3, currently under development by EA Canada, it will released under the EA Sports Big brand.

The highly-anticipated third chapter in the multi-platinum-selling NBA Street series rises above the rim and expands on the customization and variety of game modes and gameplay that helps distinguish the franchise within EA's rich basketball portfolio. Gamers can build their reputation as they create the future of street basketball with all-new jaw-dropping, ankle-breaking, rim-shaking moves in visually stimulating environments, from favorite courts like "The Cage" and "Rucker Park" to the next generation of streetball sanctuaries, like "Venice Beach." It all adds up to give V3 a revolutionary style all its own.

Featuring NBA legends, today's top stars, and original characters from past editions, NBA Street V3 reaches new heights by making over-the-top, larger-than-life moves even bigger in this action-packed, arcade-style game. Customize your baller, build courts from the ground up, throw one down in an all-new dunk contest and go online to put your reputation to the test.

NBA Street V3 is tentatively scheduled for early 2005 on Xbox, PS2, and GameCube.

See more screenshots... 1 2 3 4 5

Nintendo Releases DS Games List, Promises Price Details
Posted by M @ 12:04 p.m. NZST

Western Details to Emerge Shortly

Major Japanese developers have announced significant backing for Nintendo DS, with some 32 companies, including Sega, Capcom, Konami, Square Enix and Namco, having announced a total of 64 games in development for the new Nintendo handheld machine.

Software companies worldwide have more than 120 Nintendo DS games in development and Nintendo says it will announce a lineup of games from Western developers shortly. In the coming months, Nintendo also will announce the launch date, price and complete launch lineup of games.

The following Japanese developers have announced games in development for Nintendo DS. Note that many games have working titles, and that the information is subject to change.

Aki Corporation: Mikke!

Aruze Corp.: Brain Twisting Game Vol. 1, Cool104joker & Amp; Setline (tentative)

Atlus Co., Ltd.: The Game Of Life DS, Shin Megami Tensei DS, Snowboard Kids, Caduceus Choro-Q DS

Bandai Co., Ltd.: Mobile Suit Gudam Seed (working title), One Piece (working title), Meteos (working title)

Banpresto Co., Ltd.: Dragonball Z

Capcom Co., Ltd.: Megaman Battle Network Series, Viewtiful Joe series, Gyakuten Saiban (Objection Court) Series

Chun Soft Co., Ltd.: Fushigi No Dungeon

D3publisher Inc.: Action game

Epoch Co., Ltd.: Action game

Game Arts Co., Ltd.: New RPG

Genki Co., Ltd.: Detective Kibukawa (Working Title), Living High Killing Low (Working Title), Winding Road Racer (Working Title)

Hudson Soft Co., Ltd.: Bomberman Tengaimakyo serie

Idea Factory Co., Ltd.: Spectral Force (working title)

Jamsworks Co., Ltd.: New board game

Koei Co., Ltd.: Dynasty Warriors (working title), Historical Simulation Game (working title), Mah-Jong (working title)

Konami Computer Entertainment Japan, Inc.: Boktai (working title)

Konami Computer Entertainment Studios, Inc. Jikkyo Powerful Proyakyu Series (working title)

Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc.: Castlevania (working title), World Soccer Winning Eleven Series (working title)

Konami Corporation: Yu-Gi-Oh!, Nightmare Troubadour, Ganbare Goemon (working title), Survival Kids (working title), Vandal Hearts (working title)

Marvelous Interactive Inc.: Uruseiyatsura, Harvest Moon For DS, Legend Of The River King Series, original RPG

Mto.Co., Ltd.: Minna no Mahjong (working title), Race Game (working title)

Namco Limited: New Mr. Driller, New RPG, Pac-Pix Pac'n Roll

Rocket Co., Ltd: Dobutsujima no Chobigurumi 3 (working title)

Sammy Corporation: Jissen Pachislot Hisshoho! Hokuto no Ken (Pachislot simulation game)

Sega Corporation: Sonic DS (working title), Project Rub (working title)

Spike Co., Ltd.: Intern Tendo Dokuta

Square Enix Co., Ltd.: Egg Monster Heroes, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Series, Dragon Quest Monsters Series, A New Story of Secret Of Mana, A New Story of Slime Morimori Dragon Quest

Sunrise Interactive Inc.: Simulation game

Taito Corporation: Rakugaki Ohkoku Series, Puzzle Bobble Series

Tecmo, Ltd.: Monster Rancher (working title - developed By Team Ninja)

Tomy Co., Ltd.: Naruto (working title), Zoids (working title)

Yuke's Co., Ltd.: Sports

11 comments

PS3 Read-Only
Posted by M @ 9:57 a.m. NZST

Sony has reiterated its decision to use Blu-ray discs as the main removable format in the PlayStation 3 but will use a read-only format that holds slightly less than the current standard.

At 23GB per layer the discs can still hold around five times as much as a DVD, while the more accurate blue lasers can also read and write DVDs and CDs. Current Blu-ray discs, which are writeable, hold 27GB per layer.

In May this year Sony successfully developed a single-head Blu-ray mechanism that can read and record CDs, DVDs and the new format, reducing manufacturing costs. Sony has said it wants to commercialise the device within two years.

Sony is also opening test production lines in the US this year to promote the format to the movie industry. Blu-ray discs offer higher resolution video than current DVDs.

The decision opens the PS3 for more speculation as to what other media it will use. Sony has previously said it is looking toward downloadable software and the release of two versions of its next console, one similar to the struggling PSX with added home-entertainment features such as recordable disk drives in line with Sony's longtime goal of successfully bringing multimedia to video gaming platforms.

Sony has also registered the "PStwo" trademark and has indicated we will see a restyled version of the PS2 later in its life cycle. While the smart money is on such a release around the same time as the PS3, backward compatibility is likely to also be incorporated into at least one version of its successor.

The PlayStation 3 has been promised amongst next year's E3 lineup, though rumours have also suggested this year's Tokyo Game Show would see the public debut of the machine.

Kristanna Loken, best known for her role opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the [horrible and unnecessary sequel to a complete series] Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (and for pashing pop singer Pink at some music awards ceremony.), has signed on as the title character in the film adaptation of the popular Majesco action-horror video game BloodRayne. The film is directed by Uwe Boll, a man who has proven himself to be one worst filmmakers at work today.

Loken will begin work on BloodRayne in August 2004 shooting in locations throughout Romania. As the film's lead, Loken will play the title character who is half human and half vampire, driven by vengeance to overthrow her father, Kagan, king of all vampires.

Will this movie suck? No doubt at all. Boll's next project is a film adaptation of the sleeper-hit FPS, Far Cry.

Sega is developing the next installment of its hugely popular Shenmue series for PC, entitled Shenmue Online.

The title is set to be launched in China next year as part of the company's plans to expand into the world's largest consumer market and an international release is expected to also be announced.

Shenmue Online is being developed by Sega and JC Entertainment.

Telecom to Axe Gaming Realm, More Jetstream Plans
Posted by M @ 11:04 p.m. NZST

Following on from last week's announcement that Jetstream Starter is to be abandoned by the end of the year, Telecom's head of marketing, Chris Thompson, has called for the end of the Jetstream Games Realm, which allowed gamers to play online without incurring traffic charges.

"The user numbers have been declining for some time now and there are plenty of other online servers for the gamers. It's only a matter of time, really," said Thompson. The Games Realm requires users to change their login details in order to avoid traffic charges.

No date has been set for the end to the service but Telecom also plans to drop its first 256kbps package, Jetstream Home, introduced last September.

Millions Worth of Fake Games Seized in Britain
Posted by M @ 10:24 p.m. NZST

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers' Association (ELSPA) anti-piracy unit yesterday announced it had seized millions worth of counterfeit game software in the UK over the last six months alone.

ELSPA's crackdown resulted in nearly 200 raids across the UK, the seizure of an estimated 2,500,000 pounds worth of counterfeit merchandise and the conviction of 36 pirates since January.

Roger Bennett, director general of the ELPSA said: "These excellent results are the fruits of continued hard work from ELSPA's anti-piracy investigators, outstanding cooperation and communication with local authorities and fellow anti-piracy groups and increasingly severe penalties for those caught."

The ELSPA was founded in 1989 to establish a specific and collective identity for the computer and video games industry.

In 2003, UK sales of video games, other leisure software products and games consoles topped ? billion for the second year running. Over 20,000 people are employed in the UK leisure software sector and British-developed games generated more than ?.1 billion in retail sales outside the UK in year 2000. 33% of all PS2 games bought in Europe originate in the UK (the same proportion as US originated products and ahead of Japan and any other country).

Doomsday is Upon Us
Posted by Matt @ 1:16 p.m. NZST

Crowds of keen gamers lined the pavement of Auckland's Dominion Road this morning as Gameplanet Store opened at 8a.m. to celebrate the launch of id Software's revolutionary new first-person shooter Doom 3.

Thanks to New Zealand's geographical position and the game's official release date of August 3rd, the Gameplanet Store launch was the first official opportunity for gamers across the globe to get their hands on the title. Attendees were woken up with an offering of free coffee and a playable Doom 3 demonstration until the game could be sold at 8:30a.m.

Gameplanet Store shipped its online pre-orders out yesterday to a record number of customers, placing Doom 3 in the outright #1 position for all PC games sold since the business's online debut in 1996.

Square Enix today announced it will screen a special preview edition of the upcoming CG movie Final Fantasy VII Advent Children at the 61st Venice International Film Festival in Venice next month. Final Fantasy VII Advent Children is a direct-to-DVD animated sequel to Final Fantasy VII, one of the best-selling PlayStation video games of all time.

The movie will be shown as part of "Venezia Digitale," the new digital image category of the festival. This category is intended to provide an overview of the new expressive possibilities granted by the new digital technologies and only feature-length movies made using digital technology and never publicly screened outside their country of origin and in Italy will be presented. Since the product is still in development, a special preview will be screened at the festival.

"We are honoured to be a part of Venezia Digitale, this exciting new category that highlights the values of innovation and artistry of digital imagery," said director Tetsuya Nomura. "As we continually strive to create digital entertainment that pushes the boundaries of technology and art, we welcome the opportunity to become a part of the world cinema community through the Venice International Film Festival."

Rumours of Another Skip to 2005
Posted by M @ 9:50 p.m. NZST

French publisher Ubisoft has reportedly told journalists in Paris its highly promising Brothers in Arms, based on WWII action on French soil, has been delayed to early 2005.

If true, the move will follow in the footsteps of other high-profile titles moving away from end-of-year releases - a period where more titles are usually released than any other - and tough competition although no reason has yet been given for the apparent delay.

However, developer Gearbox Software is said to be struggling with the PS2 version. Brothers in Arms was one of Gameplanet's E3 highlights this year and from what we have seen of the game in action, it will be well worth waiting for if improvements follow any delay.

Singapore to Host 2005 World Cyber Games
Posted by M @ 9:17 p.m. NZST

The committee for the World Cyber Games has announced Singapore as the host city for the WCG in 2005. This year's finals event in San Fransisco will mark the first time the Games have been held outside of the organising body's homeland of Korea, despite originally intending for the event to be hosted internationally from the outset.

The WCG expects the selection of Singapore, an international business city and a hub of culture and education, will help attract around 800 players to the world's largest game festival. The games have been steady growing in popularity each year and more than 60 countries are taking part in the 2004 competition.

The New Zealand national preliminary event is the country's most prestigious gaming competition and has been hosted by Gameplanet for the past three years.

The Singapore Economic Development Board's Chairman, Teo Ming Kian said, "We are excited and honoured to be the host country for the world's largest e-sports event next year. The World Cyber Games 2005 Grand Final is a boost to our efforts to position Singapore as the Asia-Pacific hub in the rapidly growing games market. This will help us build a vibrant world-class games development sector and we are already working with numerous international studios to train our best creative talent to develop games for the global market."

GTA: San Andreas - New Screens
Posted by @ 6:29 p.m. NZST

Here's the latest screenshots from Rockstar North's highly anticipated uber-title, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

See more screenshots... 1 2 3 4 5 6