Computer and Video Games has some info on the physical appearance on the XBox . Sounds like the ol XBox is going to be quite the looker. Chrome. The future's so bright, I'm gonna have to wear shades...

CVG has learnt full details of the final design for Xbox. Although it has proved impossible to get a photo of the box itself, we've been handed a sketch of the machine today. Here's what you can expect:
Xbox is around the same dimensions as a PlayStation 2 and a similar shape to a DVD player. The colour has been described as chrome, and a black "X" crosses the top of the box. Four controller ports adorn the front of the machine. We can confirm that Xbox is front-loading.

Pictures of the machine are known to be circulating in the UK, but holders of the images are basically under pain of death to keep them under wraps. We're still unsure about two aspects of the design: there is said to be a glowing green eye in the middle of the "X" and there seems to be some confusion over whether the disc drive at the front of the machine is a tray, or a foam suction drive similar to that of a car stereo or the latest G4 iMacs.

Microsoft will make an official unveiling of the machine in the New Year, but is yet to confirm the actual date.

PS2.IGN.com has info on a Sony PS2 remote. It's for Japanese systems only, but let's hope they bring a version over here. It's a little hard to get around on the ol' control pad :)

Well, for starters, FGNOnline.om has had a facelift. Kudos to the team on making one of my favorite sites better.

While checking out the site, I stumbled across this little gem...

According to X-Boxed.com, Bill Gates won't be used in Xbox marketing, due to fears that the Microsoft head honcho may hurt sales.

The Xbox marketing division has decided that Gates looks "too nerdy" to front the console in the way that they would like.

Only in America can the richest man in the world, who happens to own most of it, not be considered "cool" enough.

VideoGameSpot has a tasty little morsel up today. Amusement Vision, who used to be a Sega internal developer, has posted a logo on their website which could be a sequel to Spikeout. For those of you who have never heard of the title, it's probably because it had a very, I mean very, limited release in the good ol' USA. It can best be described as a team based Virtua Fighter, with a more street style approach. Fights take place in Malls and on the streets and consist of complex level layouts. Also, the arcade cabinets hooked up to allow teams to play against each other.

Hope this one happens.

Shrapnel Games PR page has some mighty interesting info. Apparently West Point academy has ordered just over 1000 copies of their upcoming tank simulation for training purposes. Doom was at one time used by the Army for squad based training, but it's nice to see that gaming isn't just for kids anymore...

Steel Beasts to be used in United States Military Academy training

West Point's Department of Military Instruction Warfighting Center orders 1040 copies.

Cary, NC, November 22, 2000

Shrapnel Games, internet based Publisher of computer war and strategy games, announced today that the United States Military Academy at West Point has issued a purchase order for 1040 copies of Steel Beasts, their modern day tank simulation to be delivered in mid-December of this year.

Tim Brooks, President of Shrapnel Games, said, "We are very excited about this purchase order. It means that the Department of Military Instruction Warfighting Center has seen the practical uses that such a true-to-life tank simulation can bring to the educational process of the U.S. Military's future leaders. We have had several conversations with West Point representatives and look forward to hearing how the simulation works for them in the classroom."

Steel Beasts is a tank simulation set in modern times that allows you to take it to the former Warsaw Pact forces in either the M1A1 or the Leopard 2A4. Included with this are modeling for artillery, smoke, mine fields, and much more. To round out the package you can play the game versus others with full multiplayer support and design your own maps and missions with the included editors. A demo is available from the Shrapnel Games website at http://www.shrapnelgames.com. Steel Beasts retails for $39.95 and is only available via the internet.
For more information, please contact:

Timothy W. Brooks
PMB #164
952 US Hwy 64 West
Apex, NC 27502-7184
tbrooks@shrapnelgames.com

PS2.IGN.com has a nifty little article on the pending Gran Turismo 3 for the PS2. Apparently you'll be able to i-Link 3 PS2s together with 3 TVs and 3 copies of the game to get a 6 person game going with 2 people per console. Hmmm. Let's see. I spent like 500 dollars on hardware alone for my PS2, contollers, Memory Card, and Multitap, and you want me to buy what?

Seriously, it sounds like a pretty sweet way to game. Nothing like a GT3 Lan Party :)

Swirlvision, a DC site, has some tasy info up on Shenmue 2. I'm hoping Santa will bring the original to me in about a month.

This info is not confirmed, but Swirlvision says it is from a very good source.

Shenmue 2 will contain 6 GD-ROMs; and fix the low textures on certain characters. Sega of Japan will be releasing it Q3 2001, and are expecting to sell 800,000 plus copies in Japan. Also there will be more free battles and QTEs, to please all you action hounds out there.

I don't care much for the guy, but President Clinton’s Final Days is a must see.

Hurrah for Nintendo! It seems that the Big N has joined in the Sony bashing started by Sega a few weeks ago. Good to see ol' N is getting a little edge to 'em..

`Twas the month before Christmas and all through the nation
Gamers gave up on that brand new PlayStation;
The orders were stacked up at retail with care,
But the merchants all knew Sony wouldn't be there.

The players were nestled in front of their screens,
The pie-eyed young tots and the discouraged teens,
This promised to be one distraught holiday,
Without something new interactive to play.

When down at the mall there arose such a clatter
I leaped from my chair to see what was the matter.
And what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a sleigh full of thrills -- filled with Nintendo gear!

With a little old driver with presents in tow,
I knew in a moment -- my man, Mario!
A bundle of games he had draped on his back,
"If you want to save Christmas, just open this sack!"

With a wink of his eye and a pull at his `stache,
He answered my fears of a holiday crash,
One yellow and chubby, then a mouse, then an elf,
Then a bear and a bird -- and I cheered to myself.

"If your dream is adventure, then we're up to the task --
Our best Zelda ever, called Majora's Mask.
The country's best seller beginning day one,
Competitors just can't compete with this fun!"

"With Disney we're setting a blistering pace
As Mickey's Speedway USA leads the race.
Or how `bout the industry's first breakthrough brand?
Donkey Kong Country in the palm of your hand."

"And Banjo who soared with his partner Kazooie,
Take separate paths in a sequel called Tooie."
He had a kind face, and a look in his eyes
Then promised the ultimate retailer's prize.

"If Pokemon fun is your holiday choice,
Watch Pikachu leap in response to your voice.
And nothing before boasts performance this bold:
The hottest games ever -- Pokemon Silver and Gold!"(2)

"Now Marrill, now Magmar, now Hoothoot and Staryu,
On Snubbull, on Snorlax, on Squirtle and Mewtwo!
To the top of the charts, to the top of the wall,
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"

Then he sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a cheer,
"The real transition will happen next year!"
And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
"We said we'd save Christmas -- and Nintendo was right!"

I kinda think these are related. How about you?



I use MSNBC's News Alert(a program I highly recommend) regularly and was amuzed that these two stories came in one after the other. I guess I'm in the wrong line of work.

PS2.IGN also posted a list of celebrity quotes from a press release by Sony. Be prepared to shoot milk out of your nose...That is if you're drinking milk...

Matthew Perry, Actor, Friends
"I used to have a social life, go on dates, go to dinner parties, have a job. Now all I do is sit in a big chair and play PlayStation 2. I never leave my house. My friends have wondered what happened to me. Howard Hughes must have had one of these."

Sandra Bullock, Actress, Miss Congeniality
"PlayStation 2 is the only place where I can legally explode things and not harm anyone."

Pat Buchanan, Reform Party
"I'm impressed with the technology of the PlayStation 2, as it's obviously a very powerful system. I just wish that it were the same color as the Dreamcast. The color of the PS2 doesn't go well with my hood."

Carmen Electra, Actress/Model, Scary Movie
"I grew up playing video games. PlayStation 2 takes it to the next level."

David Arquette, Actor, Scream 3
"PlayStation 2 is to the gaming world what the computer was to the typewriter. It's not just an entertainment luxury, but a necessity."

Britney Spears, Singer
"The only thing better than playing games on PlayStation 2 is making out with Dave Z!"

Luke Wilson, Actor, Charlie's Angels
"Freedom from everyday life can only mean one thing -- the arrival of PlayStation 2."

Snoop Dog, Rapper
"The rush to get the new PlayStation 2 is more out of control than the Cabbage Patch Kids. I want my music on there -- I want it to be Snoop Dog and PlayStation 2."

Al Gore, Vice President
"The PlayStation 2 is even more amazing than the Internet. I'm proud that I've had a part in inventing it."

Marlon Wayans, Actor, Writer, Scary Movie
"It's the truth. I played John Madden ... one sack hit me so big, it broke my rib. You really feel like you're playing the game. It's the true experience ... PlayStation 2. Forget Dreamcast."

George W. Bush, Governor
"The PlayStation 2 is an amazing piece of technology and is the future of this country. I just can't get enough of Jet Grind Radio and Shenmue."

Jimmy Fallon, Actor, Saturday Night Live, Almost Famous
"The PlayStation 2 is sweet. The new Madden game sounds insane... I want to play it now. I'm also excited about playing over the Internet. If they make an Olympic game it will be awesome to actually play someone in China. Too much fun."

Jason Lee, Actor, Almost Famous
"It's the most amazing game I've ever played. Amazing graphics, too. The console looks like it's straight out of Blade Runner!"

Robert Horry, Athlete, Los Angeles Lakers
On attending the PlayStation 2 party on October 18:
"I heard that PlayStation 2 is going to blow everything out of the water. I'm just waiting to see what it's going to look like. Everyone so far has asked me, 'You're not going to Kobe's party tonight?', and I just reply no, I'm going to PlayStation 2. I'll see Kobe in the morning."

Jack Kevorkian, Doctor
"Maybe if more people played PlayStation 2, I wouldn't have so many patients wanting my help. Sony is in the business of saving lives."

Brendan Fehr, Actor, Roswell
"In terms of graphics, it's far superior to PlayStation. In between scenes, you see the players come out of dressing rooms, and there are little clips like you're watching TV. It's a lot of fun ... PlayStation 2 is great because it plays both DVDs and games. And the graphics are so cool."

Wayne Brady, Comedian/actor, Whose Line is it Anyway?
"The day I receive my PlayStation 2 is the day that all will be right in the world and I will weep like a 4 year old girl. No I don't want to sound immature...6 year old girl."

Ben Affleck, Actor
"I have to agree with Britney. The only thing better than playing games on PlayStation 2 is making out with Dave Z."

Tonya Harding, Ice Skater
"When I found out that PlayStation 2 was sold out at my local Wal-Mart, I was infuriated. Luckily, my former bodyguard, Shawn Eckardt, was able to convince Nancy to give me hers."

Simon Rex, Actor, Jack and Jill
"Incredible fast graphics that would make Mario run for the hills. If my friends thought I spent a lot of time on PlayStation, just wait until this comes out!"

Laetitia Casta, Model
"Sam Bishop loves the PlayStation 2, so I love the PlayStation 2. I want to marry that man some day."

Jason Biggs, Actor, American Pie
"I've heard so much about the system and I haven't seen it yet, so I'm very excited. I can't wait to get one."

"It's better than warm apple pie."

Catherine Bell, Actress, Jag
"The PlayStation 2 is amazing and it looks really cool. Plus, the graphics are incredible. I love the fighting games, especially Tekken Tag, because I find all these crazy combinations, and when I play against my husband I always win."

Antonio Sabato, Jr. , Actor, The Big Hit
"I've been waiting for PlayStation 2 for a while now ... my son and I have been playing [PlayStation] forever. I love it, I play it everyday ... I can't wait to see the graphics on the PlayStation 2. It will be unbelievable. I've seen it in pictures -- it's outstanding. It just keeps getting better and better."

Cheech Marin, Actor
"When you're fried there's nothing more enjoyable than playing FantaVision on PlayStation 2. It's easily the best game since Cybermorph."

Billy Campbell, Actor, Once and Again
"It's going to be a long time before anybody beats it ... from what I've seen."

Disclaimer: Some of these quotes have been fabricated for the purpose of making you laugh.

The folks at PS2.IGN.com have given us a little tasty piece of information on The Bouncer from Square

ps2.ign.com: New Modes for The Bouncer

The first new mode, "Bouncer Mode," will allow for up to four players simultaneously fighting! You can make use of characters from the story mode, along with enemies. Excellent! The other mode of play isn't as exciting: a "Survival Mode" - been there, done that, but what would a fighting game be without this?

I'm not an RPG'er, but I am looking forward to this little beauty. Do yourself a favor and look into this one..

Well ol' Sega went crazy for Gamer's day and announced games out the ol' wazoo. Here are a few quick snippet's from VideoGameSpot

European developer Amuse's first Dreamcast project puts players in the shoes of a futuristic lawman that patrols the city on his hopped up motorcycle and dishes out his thuggish brand of justice. Though GameSpot News caught a brief glimpse of the game at this year's ECTS, the game was only officially unveiled today at Sega's Gamer's Day event in San Francisco.
Headhunter is set in California, in the year 2019. A fascist government has imposed strong censorship laws on violence in the media, and placed law enforcement into the hands of a few private contractors known as headhunters. As a headhunter it's your job to enforce the law while uncovering the mysterious plot of the game. Headhunter will feature an episode-based gameplay and a storytelling technique that draws heavy influences from film noir. Not only will players have to explore indoor environments on foot, but also they'll be required to cruise around the game's city on Headhunter's motorcycle. Players will have to hunt down villainous characters to collect the bounty.

The game will be network compatible, and will allow players to challenge each other to motorcycle races. Players will be able to race up to seven other players online, and may be able to gain money and other in-game rewards from winning races. The game will also use the VMU as a personal pager, updating the VMU screen with in-game hints, contacts, and other specialized information.

Headhunter hasn't received an official ship date.

Screenies and etc. from VGS

Also announced was Crazy Taxi 2, the sequel to one of the of the wackiest and most addicting game ever made. The first was based in a pseudo San Fran, while this one will be based in New Yawk. The game is set for a Summer 200 release. Sega was quick to point out that the slowdown in the first would be eliminated and hinted at possible online capabilites. It was also noted that the sequel would be a little "rougher". Take a game based on causing mass gridlock and speeding thru over-populated areas and make it edgier? You thought people we're up in arms over a little graffiti.

DC.IGN has some nifty little info on a new bundle for the DC coming in 2001. Sega has announced their Smash Pack Bundle for the DC. It includes following games: Sega Swirl, Virtua Cop 2, Sonic the Hedgehog, Vectorman, Altered Beast, Golden Axe, Revenge of Shinbo, Streets of Rage 2, Columns, Phantasy Star 2, Shining Force, and Wrestle War. My question is this: How many hard core Sega gamers haven't purchased a DC? And if I haven't, why will a buncha ol' stuff bring me in? Oh well. Sega has announced plans to release the games as "Smash Packs" and is planning on giving other classics the same treatment. Maybe I can try out some of those Saturn games I missed out on...

Blogger.com and Geocities seem to be butting heads. Apaprently when Blogger.com uploads files via FTP, Geocities won't allow them to rename the uploaded file. Until it is fixed, I'll be doing a little "magic" to keep things running. This frame may run a little slow or funny, but hopefully, it will be fixed soon.

HeadHunter seems to be coming along quite nicely. It falls in the style of Resident Evil:Code Veronica and the rest of RE series, but doesn't have all the zombies and stuff. Here's the official word:

The story takes place in the near future, in a time when organized crime is involved in the trading of human body parts. The player assumes the role of a bounty hunter who must put an end to these crime elements. He can explore a large city area either on foot or on a motorcycle, as the game combines elements of exploration and racing. Additionally, Head Hunter will have several online features including online races and battles, and downloadable characters and weapons.

Head Hunter will be released in summer 2001 and is being developed by Amuze.

Screenies courtesy of VideoGameSpot.com.

I see something like this happening as soon as Big Bill gets evicted in the spring.

Forget miscounts and fixed votes, put on the gloves for the real political battle. Midway's Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 will feature Bill and Hillary Clinton as two extra characters. Big Bill can taunt his wife with quotes such as, " I'm gonna roll you tighter than a cigar," "You should be running for cover, not office" and "I feel your pain!"

The sharp tongued first lady has plenty of comebacks; "You'd think a liberal would have a better left," "I'll show you the White House isn't the only house I dominate" and "It'll take a village to save you from this beating," all feature in her verbal arsenal.

Very interesting. Guess this in one way to avoid that nasty Sony/Bleemcast mess...

Was checking out Peta Hallen on eYada.com and he reminded me of this tasty little bit. It is about a console called the IES (Indrema Entertainment System) and is basically a set-top box. It handles DVD, games, broadband access, and performs TiVo or ReplayTV like functions. (For those who don't know, those products "record" TV shows to a hard disk. It can record anytime a show comes on, no matter what the channel and allows you to record live TV. Neat toy.)

Here's a little more Indrema info:

Q: What is the Indrema Entertainment System (IES)?
A : The Indrema Entertainment System (IES) is the ultimategaming and home entertainment platform. IES consoles offer consumersa blend of next-generation 3D games, digital audio and DVD applications,and high-speed Internet access through their television. In additionto fast, high-performance games, consumers can take advantage of powerfulIES applications like the Indrema Personal TV system, Personal Music system,and the industry standard Mozilla Web Browser. The operating softwareof the IES is based upon an Open Source system kernel and graphics engine,allowing developers to take full advantage of the architecture. The IEShardware architecture is an enhanced version of the x86 core memory designwith a modular AGP 4x graphics interface, which allows the user to replacethe GPU via a removable Slide Bay mechanism.

Q: How are software titles distributed for IES?
A: Software titles can be purchased in one of twoformats: DVD disk or download pack. Indrema software titles can be purchasein a DVD disk format at your local video game retailer. Also, Indrema softwarecan be purchased as a download pack via the online software channel whereusers can browse and select from the hottest Indrema titles and downloadthem right into their IES. Download packs are registered to each IES console,but can be easily transferred to another console. This system offers avery powerful distribution channel, while allowing for flexible usage between console units.

Q: What can you do with the high speed InternetPort on the IES?
A: Just about anything. Indrema will offer onlinegaming support, high-speed Web browsing, and the Internet Video Channels(IVC) in the standard package. The IVC system allows Personal TV to searchmore than just TV listings for content, as it can scan online content partnersites for additional near-DVD quality programming stored in massive videolibraries. This content can be scanned for content matching the user preferencesand downloaded for viewing later through the Personal TV menu. Many moreapplications for the high speed Internet Port are possible; it's reallyup to the Indrema developer's imagination.

Q: What features will the first IES product include?
A: The L600 is the first in a series of IES products,offering next-generation 3D game performance and high-speed Internet accessfor online gaming, MP3 downloading and full-featured Web browsing. Additional high-end products on the IES platform will be available in thefuture.

Q: When will the L600 be available to purchase?
A: We expect to launch the L600 in spring 2001.

Q: How much will the L600 cost?
A: We anticipate a retail price of $299.

SHWEEEET!

OUCH! That's gonna leave a mark...

Not mentioning any names, but someone has really dropped the ball this year. There is a difference between a shortage and a noneage. How can you launch a system and not have a system. I usually back the big S 100%, but this is very bad. I could see this affecting the non-gamers buying habits. If a brand screws me over, I tend to remember. There are a lot of very unhappy people out their right now.

Well, someone is developing quite nicely :)