Slashdot Mirror

etoychest writes "To be honest, I venture over to IGN.com about as often as I find myself in the all-natural food section at the local supermarket. That is, next to never. Still, occasionally some information does leak out of the site that makes you wonder if there is a reason to go back. This time, thanks to our friends over on the Penny-Arcade forums, I was made aware of a tidbit tucked away in the current IGN Pocket mailbag, as written by Craig Harris: 'Well, this was something that I've known for months about, but was literally sworn to secrecy by the people involved (just like many OTHER things I know but can't say). But since it's been mentioned in another publication, I can confirm that, yes, Halo is in the works for the GBA. That's all I can say, on risk of having my fingernails ripped off with a bottle opener.'" But are we sure they're not talking about this GBA Halo? Update: 06/12 12:05 GMT by S : There's a rather definitive official denial of this rumor over at Bungie.net.

Thanks to GamerFeed for its news story noting that publisher Mastiff has picked up the quirky Arika-developed Technic Beat rhythm title for American release. It's explained: "Players listen to music represented in the game by radiating concentric rings of sound. Picking up the beat, they dance into the middle of the rings and try to 'catch' the music", and a hands-on preview at IGN PS2 has screenshots and more info on the "wickedly weird" PlayStation 2 title. Mastiff, the tiny U.S. publisher also responsible for bringing cult PS2 SRPG La Pucelle Tactics to the States, are also publishing PS2 action title Gungrave OD in the U.S., according to IGN, who describe the sequel to the somewhat one-note Sega-published shooter as "an assault on the senses."

Thanks to GamerFeed for its news story noting that publisher Mastiff has picked up the quirky Arika-developed Technic Beat rhythm title for American release. It's explained: "Players listen to music represented in the game by radiating concentric rings of sound. Picking up the beat, they dance into the middle of the rings and try to 'catch' the music", and a hands-on preview at IGN PS2 has screenshots and more info on the "wickedly weird" PlayStation 2 title. Mastiff, the tiny U.S. publisher also responsible for bringing cult PS2 SRPG La Pucelle Tactics to the States, are also publishing PS2 action title Gungrave OD in the U.S., according to IGN, who describe the sequel to the somewhat one-note Sega-published shooter as "an assault on the senses."

Thanks to GameSpy for its interview with Nintendo's Eiji Aonuma on the Zelda franchise, as the EAD deputy manager reveals he wasn't a fan of early Zelda efforts ("I could not stand the original Zelda. When I first played it, I did not know what I was doing. I was overwhelmed by enemies and I got killed right away"), questions the infamous CD-I Zelda titles ("I must admit, they were a strange characterization of the Zelda games"), and mentions future franchise plans, including a previously unconfirmed Nintendo DS Zelda title: "We have a Game Boy Advance Zelda [Minish Cap], a DS Zelda, and this [realistic] GameCube one."

Thanks to IGN Vault for its multi-part report on the Star Wars Galaxies Fan Fest, held in Anaheim, California, on the 4th and 5th of June. There's also a summary of a developer's panel, in which the important question "When will Wookiees get Mohawks?" is addressed - apparently: "While the response was not overwhelming, more than a few attendees thought it would be a good idea." Regarding new in-game locations for Lucasart/SOE's MMO title, it's noted that the devs "all want [Coruscant to be added as a location to the game] very much. It's on the list, just as is Hoth and Bespin." There's also a Fan Fest photo gallery up on SWG Warcry, and there's currently a free 14-day trial of the game via FilePlanet.

Thanks to IGN Vault for its multi-part report on the Star Wars Galaxies Fan Fest, held in Anaheim, California, on the 4th and 5th of June. There's also a summary of a developer's panel, in which the important question "When will Wookiees get Mohawks?" is addressed - apparently: "While the response was not overwhelming, more than a few attendees thought it would be a good idea." Regarding new in-game locations for Lucasart/SOE's MMO title, it's noted that the devs "all want [Coruscant to be added as a location to the game] very much. It's on the list, just as is Hoth and Bespin." There's also a Fan Fest photo gallery up on SWG Warcry, and there's currently a free 14-day trial of the game via FilePlanet.

Thanks to IGN Vault for its multi-part report on the Star Wars Galaxies Fan Fest, held in Anaheim, California, on the 4th and 5th of June. There's also a summary of a developer's panel, in which the important question "When will Wookiees get Mohawks?" is addressed - apparently: "While the response was not overwhelming, more than a few attendees thought it would be a good idea." Regarding new in-game locations for Lucasart/SOE's MMO title, it's noted that the devs "all want [Coruscant to be added as a location to the game] very much. It's on the list, just as is Hoth and Bespin." There's also a Fan Fest photo gallery up on SWG Warcry, and there's currently a free 14-day trial of the game via FilePlanet.

Thanks to IGN Vault for its multi-part report on the Star Wars Galaxies Fan Fest, held in Anaheim, California, on the 4th and 5th of June. There's also a summary of a developer's panel, in which the important question "When will Wookiees get Mohawks?" is addressed - apparently: "While the response was not overwhelming, more than a few attendees thought it would be a good idea." Regarding new in-game locations for Lucasart/SOE's MMO title, it's noted that the devs "all want [Coruscant to be added as a location to the game] very much. It's on the list, just as is Hoth and Bespin." There's also a Fan Fest photo gallery up on SWG Warcry, and there's currently a free 14-day trial of the game via FilePlanet.

Thanks to 1UP for its reviews of the second batch of Famicom Mini (NES Classic) series for Game Boy Advance, since "Japanese gamers... are already enjoying their second batch of remakes", following this week's release of eight of the portable conversions from the NES in the States. Intriguing second-batch picks from the almost-complete review set include Ghosts 'N Goblins ("The return of the game that made masochism fun"), Balloon Fight ("Has a simple, universal appeal"), and Adventure Island ("...may well be the most fun you'll ever have running in a straight line from left to right"), and a stuttering IGN has also started coverage of Series 2.

Thanks to 1UP for its reviews of the second batch of Famicom Mini (NES Classic) series for Game Boy Advance, since "Japanese gamers... are already enjoying their second batch of remakes", following this week's release of eight of the portable conversions from the NES in the States. Intriguing second-batch picks from the almost-complete review set include Ghosts 'N Goblins ("The return of the game that made masochism fun"), Balloon Fight ("Has a simple, universal appeal"), and Adventure Island ("...may well be the most fun you'll ever have running in a straight line from left to right"), and a stuttering IGN has also started coverage of Series 2.

Thanks to EvilAvatar for pointing to a gallery of screenshots from the hidden 'Army Mode' of newly-released Xbox strategy game Full Spectrum Warrior. Originally discovered using a modified Xbox, GameFAQs lists a universally-usable code to "unlock the original [U.S. Army-funded] training version [of FSW], with more enemies, civilians, open areas, levels, and [greater] difficulty", as previously mentioned on Slashdot Games. However, critical response to the title, while generally good, has wavered a little, with the GameSpot review arguing that the game "boasts a great presentation and a unique design. However, the gameplay itself just doesn't stack up quite as well", but an alternate take at IGN suggesting that "there is room for improvement, but the game is still top-notch at every level of development and execution."

Thanks to IGN GameCube for its article noting overall sales totals for Nintendo's most famous franchises, revealed as part of the company's recent financial results. The winner? "Across a total of nineteen titles, the Super Mario Brothers series has managed worldwide sales of 174 million units. This figure works out to 54 million units across nine portable titles and 120 million units across 10 home titles." Additionally, "Pokemon comes in second at 91 million units... [though] the company has chosen to not include sales from the series' console counterparts... Donkey Kong beats out Zelda for third place with 43 million units... Zelda comes in at 42 million units." Elsewhere, Game Science has news of a limited edition Metroid-themed Game Boy Advance SP, with the "two-tone GBA SP body shell, in the colors of Samus' bodysuit" available in Japan via Club Nintendo.

Thanks to IGN PS2 for its hands-on analysis of Japanese PlayStation 2 title Vib Ripple, the latest in the series from cult developer NanaOn-Sha, creators of Parappa The Rapper and Vib Ribbon. According to the article, "Stages take place in square arenas, with a center 'mat' that's textured with a picture. Your goal is to find all the Peta Characters hidden in the picture... [you must] search for a clump of color in the picture corresponding to the size and color indicated in the [Peta] character's icon [on the side of the screen]." It's also explained: "By connecting a digital camera to your PlayStation 2, you can use personal pictures as the basis for new stages. The game automatically places Peta Characters appropriately about the picture." 1UP has an earlier preview of this title, which is out now in Japan (with Western release as yet unconfirmed), and was previously mentioned on Slashdot Games.

madhatter256 writes "According to Shacknews, around 20-25 more employees, allegedly including noted designer Warren Spector, have left the Eidos-owned Ion Storm studio in Austin." There's an official Eidos response at GameSpot, where a spokesperson "denied Spector had exited the organization", but IGN has further official Eidos reports confirming "Both Ion games have been completed and those who were hires specifically for those titles are now finished", and noting that Spector himself, though he could theoretically be exiting by other means, "certainly has not been laid off." This news comes in the context of earlier personnel turmoil, Thief III's fairly well-received release (there's now a playable PC demo available), and a mixed reception for Deus Ex: Invisible War.

arcade_memories writes "GamesIndustry.biz reports that British tech company Imagination is building a new cutting edge arcade system for Sega, which will launch early next year. It's going to be based on the next generation of the PowerVR hardware, apparently - earlier versions (as well as being marginally popular PC graphics boards) powered the Dreamcast and the Naomi arcade board. This is interesting because Naomi was the last time Sega actually built its own arcade hardware, so this is a sure sign that they're bumping up the importance of the arcade market - just like new chairman Hajime Satomi (president of arcade and gambling machine company Sammy) wants, right?" Elsewhere, there are also new reports on Sega/AM2's new Chihiro-based CCG arcade game Quest Of D, featuring an interesting "touch-screen interface" concept, albeit on existing Xbox-based hardware.

An anonymous reader writes "Most of the major game sites have put up 'Best of E3' sections, including those from Gamespot, from IGN, from GameSpy, and from 1UP . Everyone gave a different Best of Show this year, and agreed that the competition was fierce. I was happy to see mention of Yoot Saito's Odama and Namco's Katamari Damashii. Notable absences, in my opinion, included Tim Schafer's chronically late Psychonauts for Xbox. What games caught your eye? Who was the big winner this year?" T adds: Danno writes "The gang over here at GameGal.com have just put up our 2004 edition of the E3 Hall of Shame. Each year we chronicle the best of the worst in booth babes and half-naked female video game characters. We're not really offended by most of this, but it is amusing to see the lengths companies will go to catch the attention of jaded E3 attendees."

Thanks to GameSpot for its short piece noting Namco is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a company, after it "started out small, building two wooden-horse rides on the rooftop of a department store in Yokohama", before it "released the arcade title Pac-Man [in 1980], which established a dominant position for the company in the gaming industry." IGN PS2 also has Namco's 2003 financial results, which were "higher than those of previous years", with a 8,500,000,000 yen (USD$75 million) profit, after "Soul Calibur 2 performed well worldwide, with the Taiko no Tatsujin drumming game crossing the two million mark across its four PS2 titles." The company's official E3 site has been showcasing its recently announced titles, including the newly unveiled Tekken 5, as well as the quietly shown U.S.-localized Taiko Drum Master, which 1UP notes "may be a hard sell to American gamers whose definition of 'rhythm action' begins and ends with the frenetic aerobics of Dance Dance Revolution", even notwithstanding increased American interest [free reg. req.] in taiko drumming.

Thanks to Forbes/Reuters for its article mentioning Sony expects to lose money on its PlayStation Portable hardware, with Sony's Kaz Hirai saying: "So if you're saying 'Day one, are you going to be profitable on the hardware?' then probably not... Hopefully, this will have a 10-year lifecycle, at which point I'll look back and say 'Yes, definitely profitable'." Elsewhere, on the final day of the E3 show, 1UP has a preview of Nintendo's unique-looking Odama, described as "the fast action of pinball mixed with the ancient art of Japanese warfare", GameSpot has more information on Pandemic/THQ's Destroy All Humans!, where you'll "get to probe farmers, slaughter cows, and do all the awesome little things that aliens do", and other sites go hands-on with Star Fox 2, confirm a Disgaea pseudo-sequel for PSP, give some more information on Devil May Cry 3, and show impressions of Treasure's take on the Gradius series.

Thanks to continuing coverage of the E3 Expo show from GameSpot, from 1UP, from GameDaily, and many other sources - highlights for the second day included Eurogamer's detailed write-up of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, apparently "an overwhelming spectacle" in both positive and other ways, GameSpot's first images of Unreal Engine 3.0, a "complete game development framework for next-generation consoles and DirectX9-equipped PCs", IGN Cube's hands-on impressions of DK Jungle Beat, allegedly "the sleeper hit of the show", 1UP's musings on The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age, an "attempt to make a Japanese-style turn-based console RPG in America", and even GameSpot's brief impressions of a mobile phone-embedded Turrican, as the Factor 5 classic returns "pre-loaded on Siemens 65 Series phones."

Thanks to IGN Cube for its interview with Nintendo VP of corporate affairs Perrin Kaplan, as she comments on the Nintendo DS' backwards compatibility ("I think the initial appeal the DS gives you is that you can start with a library of 500 games"), on the new realistic-looking Zelda title ("We knew that people were going to say, 'Oh, is the new Zelda because you made a mistake with Wind Waker?' You don't make a mistake when you sell something in the millions and millions"), on the battery life of Nintendo's forthcoming handheld ("Very similar to the [Game Boy Advance] SP and I think very different from the PSP. I'm not quite sure why Sony said "Two to 10 hours" [for PSP's battery life]. That must mean that it's two hours"), and on rivalry with Sony's PSP ("I think Sony has developed a very nice looking screen. I think that having a system with claims to all the multi-functionality is a big question in our minds. Pricing is a huge question.")

Thanks to Eurogamer for its in-depth E3 coverage, as well as GameDaily's detailed write-ups and Ferrago's similarly wide-ranging coverage, as they add to previously-mentioned gaming websites covering the E3 Expo in Los Angeles. Highlights of the first day include hands-on impressions of Conker: Live and Reloaded for Xbox, a seriously in-depth Half-Life 2 interview, some first impressions of Myst IV, confirmation that Sega's signing of The Matrix Online was their 'big announcement', though Phantasy Star Universe was also announced, the list of songs for Donkey Konga, and a hands-on look at Final Fantasy XII. What other software are you most impressed by?

Thanks to GameSpy for the brief details and screenshots on BioWare's new RPG, Dragon Age, noting of the 2005-due PC title: "What makes the combat system unique is that the game can be played in the over-the-shoulder mode of Knights of the Old Republic or in the tactical overhead mode of Baldur's Gate... The game also utilizes the 'combat pause,' which allows players to plan strategy while the action is frozen." BioWare's Greg Zeschuk is quoted as suggesting the game "melds the fun of party interaction from Baldur's Gate, the community and multiplayer aspect of Neverwinter Nights and the tactical combat of Knights of the Old Republic." Elsewhere, there are new screenshots of Jade Empire, BioWare's Microsoft-published Xbox RPG, and IGN Xbox's preview of Star Wars: KOTOR 2, Obsidian-developed but BioWare engine-using.

Thanks to GameSpot for its massive E3 update list, GameSpy for a similar E3 index, IGN for its latest E3 news, and 1UP for its E3 dispatches, as the major gaming sites update on "hundreds of new games" revealed leading up to the E3 Expo in Los Angeles. New highlights include an "epic three-hour press conference" revealing Konami's new games, including screenshots of Metal Gear Acid for PSP, and elsewhere, screenshots and a preview of Metroid Prime Hunters for Nintendo DS, the announcement and screenshots of "unique armband"-toting EyeToy: AntiGrav for PS2, preview and screenshots of Mario 64x4 for Nintendo DS, and much, much more. What's been your favorite hardware or software revelation so far?

metrazol writes "Over at GameSpy, they have a first hands-on preview of much anticipated, speculated, flamed, leaked sequel Half-Life 2. Hint: They love it." There's also a preview at GameSpot, and another over at IGN PC - elsewhere, The Inquirer notes that "ATI will bundle [Valve-developed] Counter Strike 2 with its X800PRO/XT cards", and CNN Money interviews the new President of Half-Life 2 publishers VU Games, who says Half-Life 2 is "still realistic" for a 2004 release (Valve are now saying that "the game should be out by this summer"), and argues: "The PC is far more profitable for us than the console... you're not playing platform fees to manufacturers, for one thing."

Thanks to Yahoo! for reprinting a Microsoft press release revealing its major videogame-related announcements ahead of this year's E3 Expo in Los Angeles. Major among them is Electronic Arts' official support of the online Xbox Live service, long-awaited and previously rumored, so that "by the end of the year, 15 of EA's online-enabled console titles will be playable on Xbox Live." In addition, Bungie's much-anticipated Halo 2 is confirmed for Xbox release on November 9th, just as new hands-on multiplayer previews are appearing online, plus alleged Xbox Gran Turismo-beater, Forza Motorsport is announced, and a multi-person videophone service for Xbox Live is showcased, as well as an Xbox Live Arcade service featuring "casual games people love to play with their families... [including] 'Bejeweled'... and arcade favorites such as Namco's 'Dig Dug' and 'Galaxian'." Update: 05/11 06:26 GMT by S : There are also new Halo 2 screenshots via Bungie.net.

Thanks to IGN Pocket for its first details on Game Boy Advance game Pirate Battle, an original "turn-based strategy game" from Canadian developer Orbital Media, who is also working on "isometric shooter" Scourge: The Hive and "adventure game" Jukka and the Monophonic Menace, as well as several other intriguing titles mentioned on the firm's official site, which describes the company as "a publisher and developer of video-games for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance... based on original content", a relatively rare Western occurrence in an increasingly license-oriented GBA market (though "integrated licensed brands" are also part of Orbital's equation.)

Thanks to IGN Pocket for its first details on Game Boy Advance game Pirate Battle, an original "turn-based strategy game" from Canadian developer Orbital Media, who is also working on "isometric shooter" Scourge: The Hive and "adventure game" Jukka and the Monophonic Menace, as well as several other intriguing titles mentioned on the firm's official site, which describes the company as "a publisher and developer of video-games for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance... based on original content", a relatively rare Western occurrence in an increasingly license-oriented GBA market (though "integrated licensed brands" are also part of Orbital's equation.)

Thanks to IGN Pocket for its first details on Game Boy Advance game Pirate Battle, an original "turn-based strategy game" from Canadian developer Orbital Media, who is also working on "isometric shooter" Scourge: The Hive and "adventure game" Jukka and the Monophonic Menace, as well as several other intriguing titles mentioned on the firm's official site, which describes the company as "a publisher and developer of video-games for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance... based on original content", a relatively rare Western occurrence in an increasingly license-oriented GBA market (though "integrated licensed brands" are also part of Orbital's equation.)

Thanks to IGN PS2 for its review of PlayStation 2 SRPG La Pucelle Tactics, commenting on the "spiritual prequel to Disgaea", as they suggest the Mastiff-published title, previously mentioned for censorship issues, is "very much a powerful gaming experience and serves as a terrific companion piece to Hour of Darkness." Elsewhere, Double Jump Books has released a PDF version of their official Disgaea strategy guide for free (registration/checkout required), and GamerFeed discusses the announcement of Phantom Brave from Disgaea/La Pucelle developer Nippon Ichi and publisher Atlus, which "continues the intriguing game play of Disgaea while adding an immense number of new graphical and game play features."

mindless4210 writes "Majesco Games has announced a new application for the Game Boy Advance, the Wireless Messenger. Using the Wireless Messenger players will be able to send instant text messages through their Game Boy. The product is set to be released later this year and will make its first public appearance at the E3 Convention next week." Majesco has also announced a Wireless Link, which will "use the standard Game Boy Advance link cable and enable users to play any multiplayer GBA title without the restrictions of the cables", and has just launched the Game Boy Advance Video range, with the "initial roll-out... [including] the first two volumes of SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly OddParents, as well as Dora the Explorer Vol 1."

Thanks to Planet GameCube for reprinting data revealing the amount and diversity of games to be shown at next week's E3 Expo in Los Angeles. It's noted: "Approximately 1,000 of the nearly 5,000 computer and video game products to be displayed at the 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo... have never been seen before... survey results indicate that about 40% of products displayed will be for video game consoles, while about one-third will be for personal computers." Many companies are revealing titles before E3, though, with some highlights including most of Sega's line-up (including "SPIKEOUT: Battle Street... and Virtua Quest"), a list of 23 new EA titles, including new Timesplitters 3 details and a first look at Catwoman, THQ's new info on Destroy All Humans!, Rockstar's announcement of Midnight Club 3:DUB Edition, Activision's showing of X-Men Legends, and UbiSoft's announcement of Prince Of Persia 2.

Thanks to Planet GameCube for reprinting data revealing the amount and diversity of games to be shown at next week's E3 Expo in Los Angeles. It's noted: "Approximately 1,000 of the nearly 5,000 computer and video game products to be displayed at the 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo... have never been seen before... survey results indicate that about 40% of products displayed will be for video game consoles, while about one-third will be for personal computers." Many companies are revealing titles before E3, though, with some highlights including most of Sega's line-up (including "SPIKEOUT: Battle Street... and Virtua Quest"), a list of 23 new EA titles, including new Timesplitters 3 details and a first look at Catwoman, THQ's new info on Destroy All Humans!, Rockstar's announcement of Midnight Club 3:DUB Edition, Activision's showing of X-Men Legends, and UbiSoft's announcement of Prince Of Persia 2.

Thanks to IGN Xbox for its hands on preview of the E3 demo for the Xbox version of Doom 3, Vicarious Visions' conversion of id's long-awaited FPS title. They comment: "The atmosphere is dark, the pacing of the demo somewhat slow, and every aspect more fitting of a survival horror game than a run and gun shooter", but praise the results: "That's not a bad thing at all, in fact, it makes for a more intriguing title... The hard part for fans is going to be looking past expectations of what a DOOM game should be and embracing what DOOM 3 is." Elsewhere, GameSpot has a preview confirming that the PC version will not be shown at E3, since id "is locked in 'completion phase' at the company's Mesquite, Texas, offices", and both previews also reference the previously revealed, not yet playable Xbox-exclusive co-operative mode.

dmehus writes "Science fiction fans may be dismayed to learn that "Mutant X" and "Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda" have been cancelled, despite the fact "Andromeda" had been cleared for a final season beginning in the fall. That prospect seems highly unlikely as the show's producer, Fireworks Entertainment, is shutting its doors for good and owner CanWest Global Communications (which also owns canada.com, the National Post, Global Television, and a bunch of other media assets) announced it will take a $159 million writedown on Fireworks. The news means "Mutant X" has a series total of three seasons and 66 episodes, while "Andromeda" will have a series total of 88 episodes in four seasons. Slashdot has previously covered 'Andromeda'."

filtur writes "The Olsen twins (that got your attention) are suing video game maker Acclaim for royalties regarding their Olsen twins branded video games. Acclaim has apparently run the brand into the ground." Once dubbed "the most powerful young women in Hollywood," the money involved seems almost trivial by comparison to even their individual net worths, but it'll be interesting to see how this turns out.

Thanks to EvilAvatar for its article discussing the recent launching of Sony's E3 site, showcasing "a few select [PlayStation 2] titles" that'll be displayed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles next month, including Champions 2: Return To Arms, the Snowblind-developed Champions Of Norrath sequel. However, if you "start fiddling with the numbers at the end of the URL" on the official site, you can see very basic, unlinked-to info on other games that'll be publicly shown by Sony at E3, including the unannounced action title Rise Of The Kisai from Bottle Rocket/Sony, Dark Cloud 3 from Sony, Final Fantasy XII from Square Enix, Destroy All Humans! from Pandemic/THQ, and, interestingly, Cold Fear from Namco, a survival horror (?) title (related to the thought-lost U.S.S. Antarctica?) rumored in development at Alone In The Dark IV developers Darkworks. Update: 04/26 18:30 GMT by S : The entire site, even the previously public titles, are now password-protected and private.

Thanks to IGN Xbox for its article discussing allegedly concrete plans for Electronic Arts to support Xbox Live later this year. According to the as yet unconfirmed article, EA "will announce its strategy at the annual Electronic Entertainment Exposition this May, but it may reveal plans earlier to investors this April 29, during its upcoming fiscal announcement." We previously reported on speculation that EA Sports titles would finally become Xbox online-playable, and IGN say that "Madden NFL 2005, NCAA College Football, NASCAR Thunder 2005, and NBA Live comprise the sports package for Xbox Live this fall." The non-sports titles seem a little more unclear, but it's claimed: "Battlefield: Modern Combat, EA's new GoldenEye game, and perhaps Burnout 3 are first in line for Xbox online compatibility."

Thanks to 1UP for its article discussing the recent announcement of Star Wars Galaxies' space combat expansion, Jump To Lightspeed, which takes the PC MMO into the heavens, and "focuses primarily on [space-based] vehicles for both combat and transportation, promising at least 15 new modes of travel." There are screenshots and an official FAQ over at the Star Wars Galaxies site, explaining "you can expect to pilot X-wings, Y-wings, TIE fighters, TIE interceptors, and many other recognizable starfighters", and, dodging some sarcastic online reaction, an interview with producer Haden Blackman over at IGN PC argues: "In many ways, we're looking at Jump to Lightspeed as 'X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter' online - much of our focus is on that dogfighting experience."

Thanks to IGN Gear for its article confirming the forthcoming Atari 2600 Paddle TV game from Jakks - the news story explains: "Like the Atari TV Games joystick released two years ago... gamers simply plug it directly into the television to experience the old-school games", and indicates the game line-up for the 1 or 2-player versions will include "Breakout, Canyon Bomber, Casino, Circus Atari, Demons to Diamonds, Night Driver, Steeplechase, Street Racer, Super Breakout, Warlords, Warlords Arcade, Video Olympics, Arcade Pong and Pong." We've previously covered announcements of many other licensed TV games from Jakks (Midway, Namco, Activision), but haven't mentioned a forthcoming Capcom TV game "including 1942, Ghosts 'N Goblins, Mega Man, Gun Smoke and Side Arms" - the official Jakks TV Games site also has 'EA Sports' listed as an (unelaborated on) game choice.

techstar25 writes "IGN is reporting that last night was singles night at a San Francisco Giants baseball game, and a 'The Bachelorette' type contest was held. The winning bachelor was given a choice to either take the beautiful, young, brunette bachelorette out on an all expenses paid date, or receive a Playstation 2. Naturally, the bachelor took the PS2, and 'The men in the audience cheered.'" The article notes: "Looks like when it comes down to a choice between video games and female attention, these days, videogames are winning out."

Thanks to IGN PC for the latest part of its feature discussing some notable PC games that were announced but, so far, never released. In particular, Valve's Team Fortress 2, as originally previewed by IGN in January 1999, is focused on, with Valve's Doug Lombardi clarifying: "Some time after we announced Team Fortress 2, which was then being created on the HL1 tech, the decision was made to move the project to the Source Engine, the same engine used for HL2. The project is still in development here at Valve and we will be announcing more info after HL2 ships." Other forgotten games include Digital Anvil's Loose Cannon ("...this hardly looks like a living project"), and Sid Meier's Dinosaurs ("...never found its niche. Extinct.")

Thanks to IGN PC for the latest part of its feature discussing some notable PC games that were announced but, so far, never released. In particular, Valve's Team Fortress 2, as originally previewed by IGN in January 1999, is focused on, with Valve's Doug Lombardi clarifying: "Some time after we announced Team Fortress 2, which was then being created on the HL1 tech, the decision was made to move the project to the Source Engine, the same engine used for HL2. The project is still in development here at Valve and we will be announcing more info after HL2 ships." Other forgotten games include Digital Anvil's Loose Cannon ("...this hardly looks like a living project"), and Sid Meier's Dinosaurs ("...never found its niche. Extinct.")

An anonymous reader writes "The GameCube has had a drought of games since the start of spring. Many gamers are eagerly awaiting 'the next big game,' The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords Adventures. The game, which is set to be released this June, has already been released in Japan and a full review from the SiliconEra website. According to the piece, the game is 'easy to learn, innovative and can appeal to people of all ages', but the reviewer also states that the US release of the Four Swords will be minus some Japanese features, as it will be missing the Navi Trackers mini game."

Thanks to IGN Cube for its article discussing Star Wars: Rebel Strike developer Factor 5's official confirmation that they won't develop any more GameCube titles - apparently, "The studio is currently creating software for other platforms", and, although formerly having very close ties to Nintendo, "at the Game Developers Conference 2004 [Factor 5 president Julian] Eggebrecht was spotlighted as one of the studio heads very keen on Sony PSP development."

Divine Shadow writes "IGN Cube is reporting that Silicon Knights (developer of Eternal Darkness and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes) is no longer an exclusive second-party developer for Nintendo. This is really surprising given that interviews with Nintendo and Denis Dyack (SK's leader) always seemed to suggest a bond and shared philosophy between the companies. Have to admit too, that this makes me less excited about Ninty's E3 lineup." Elsewhere in the article, Denis Dyack claims: "It's possible that we may do another game with Nintendo, actually. It just means that we've decided to break our exclusivity with Nintendo."

Thanks to IGN PC for its news story discussing rumors that Halo PC and Half-Life add-on developer Gearbox Software is creating a World War II team-based shooter for publishers UbiSoft. The piece points to the WarStory.net webpage, which is trailing a Gearbox product with screenshots and quotes, and IGN PC claims that: "According to several sources in the know, it's temporarily called Baker's Dozen", although "the name isn't finalized just yet" - an official announcement is expected in the next few weeks.

Thanks to IGN Sports for its interview with Visual Concepts boss Greg Thomas regarding Sega and EA's entries in the Xbox sports game market. Thomas, whose Sega-owned company produces the ESPN Sports series, reveals of the Xbox versions: "Last year we had to be in [Microsoft's] closed network. This year, they're introducing something called LSP (Live Server Protocol) that enables us to run our own servers." Following Microsoft's cancellation of its 2004 XSN Sports line-up for Xbox, he muses on Electronic Arts' possible, long-delayed adoption of Xbox Live for sports titles, noting that LSP "...allows you to use your own servers. So if that was EA's problem, then they can definitely be on Xbox Live this year. But if they had a different problem, a billing issue or a revenue concern, then that hasn't changed." He ends by predicting of EA: "we're clearly expecting them to be on Xbox Live by the end of the year."

Thanks to IGN Xbox for its article revealing that long-awaited Xbox platform title Psychonauts has been dropped by publisher Microsoft. According to an official statement: "Microsoft Game Studios has made the decision to end its publishing agreement with DoubleFine... [It] believes in the vision of the title and would like to see the game on Xbox... [and] is supporting Tim Schafer and DoubleFine in their search for a new publisher." There are some fine-looking comics on DoubleFine's news page, but no comment as yet from the developers regarding plans for one of the most long-awaited, intriguing-to-many Xbox platform/action games.

madopal writes "Well, it's no secret that Microsoft has been slashing internal development (Mythica, anyone?). Now, they've announced that they're cancelling their entire 2004 line-up of XSN Sports games for Xbox. Wow, with Ed Fries gone, it sure is a different place over there." The article quotes Kevin Browne of Microsoft as saying: "We need to be making great games, and the marketplace told us that we're just not at that level."

Thanks to Shacknews for pointing to the Game Developer's Conference index at 1UP, further coverage at GameSpot, more coverage via GameSpy, and yet more coverage at IGN, as GDC finally wraps up. Highlights of newly posted articles include confirmation of Metal Slug Online from Mega Enterprises and SNK, a preview of BioWare's Xbox RPG Jade Empire, a post-mortem of Elixir's disappointing strategy title, Republic, and new information on much-awaited Xbox RPG Fable.