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4/9/04 ACTIVISION H.Q. ANNOUNCES CALL OF DUTY: UNITED OFFENSIVE CURRENTLY AT BOOT CAMP.

Activision, Inc. confirmed today that gamers can enlist for a second tour of duty on the intense front lines of WWII with Call of Duty(tm): United Offensive(tm) - the expansion pack to the highly acclaimed, #1 best-selling Call of Duty(tm) from Infinity Ward. Delivering a compelling, all-new single player campaign filled with new weapons, character abilities and other expanded features, Call of Duty: United Offensive also offers a robust multiplayer experience introducing new maps and modes of play. Building on Call of Duty's award-winning cinematic intensity and chaos of battle, players are thrust alongside their squad mates into more authentic action on Europe's most historic battlefields. Currently in development at Gray Matter Interactive Studios, Call of Duty: United Offensive is expected to release later this fall and is rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

4/9/04 Build an Online Dynasty with the Jade Empire Fan Site Kit!

Microsoft Game Studios announced today that the official Jade Empire Fan Site Kit (FSK) is now available for download at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/jadeempire/. The Jade Empire FSK (6 MB) includes exclusive screenshots, borders, logos, concept art and a fact sheet to help webmasters turn their sites into everlasting online dynasties. Jade Empire is in development by BioWare Corp. and is scheduled to ship in fall 2004.

Jade Empire is an action-RPG set in the ancient, mysterious world of mythical China. Players must train under their master’s watchful eye to learn powerful martial arts and mystical powers. When danger threatens, players travel across the world, from the harsh mountains of the Land of Howling Spirits to the lush gardens of the Imperial City. In their adventures, players face powerful human and supernatural foes, learn exotic and magical martial arts and discover the darkest secrets of the world. Only by mastering the greatest fighting styles and defeating the most powerful enemies will players earn their place as a master of martial arts in the world of Jade Empire. For more information about Jade Empire, visit http://www.xbox.com/en-us/jadeempire/ or http://www.jade-empire.com/.

4/9/04 Project Gotham Racing 2 and Xbox Live Challenge the World’s Best Online Racing Gamers.

Microsoft to Crown Online Racing World Champion at NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600.

Auto enthusiasts, racing fans and gamers from around the world have been issued the challenge to “put the pedal to the metal” in an all-out online battle for racing supremacy. Microsoft today announced Project Gotham Racing® 2’s first-ever international Xbox Live™ online video game tournament. Sponsored by Target, the tournament – which runs from April 17 – May 17, 2004 – will pit the best online racing gamers from three regions against one another in an intercontinental competition of the best-selling, critically acclaimed Xbox® video game, Project Gotham Racing 2.

Gamers from Canada and the United States that would like to participate in the “Project Gotham Racing 2 International Tournament” can log on to www.xbox.com/en-us/live/tournaments from now until April 17 to register. Gamers from Europe should check the regional Xbox.com URL in their area for more details on how to sign up.

Over 750,000 Xbox Live members are challenged to race through the game’s “Princes Street East” track in Edinburgh, Scotland and record their best times. The racers with the best seven times – two from the United States, two from Canada and three from Europe – will represent their region as finalists.

These final seven will receive an all-expense paid trip to Charlotte, N.C. for the “Project Gotham Racing 2 International Tournament” finals, which will take place over Memorial Day weekend at NASCAR’s highly-anticipated “Food Lion Speed Street” event. The finalists will also receive a pass to one of the most celebrated races in NASCAR – the Coca Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. In addition, the finals will feature a performance by Island Records recording act, Autopilot Off to celebrate both the tournament and the release of their first full-length album, Make A Sound. But among those seven finalists, there can be only one true champion. One winner will be crowned the world’s best online racer and take home the grand prize package of $5,000, a one-year subscription to Xbox Live and the chance to play against the band members from Autopilot Off.

3/31/04 SNK Neo Geo Usa launches KOF: Maxium Impact website.

SNK NEOGEO USA CONSUMER CORPORATION, the US publishing arm of the SNK NEOGEO CORPORATION, announced today the company has launched the official fan site for the first original THE KING OF FIGHTERS title for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. WWW.KOFMI.COM will be the top source for new information about KOF: Maximum Impact, the first 3D version of one of the most popular fighting game series in the history of video games. The website will be stocked and constantly updated with new information, screenshots and movies for KOF: MAXIMUM IMPACT. Additionally, the website will be the spot where SNK will unveil brand new characters for the series.

MAXIMUM IMPACT will ship in Fall 2004 and is the first KOF title to be designed specifically for the PlayStation®2, rather than being based on any existing SNK KOF arcade edition. Click here.

3/31/04 Create Your Destiny! Fable Fan Site Kit Now Available.

Microsoft Game Studios announced today that the official Fable Fan Site Kit (FSK) is now available for download at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/fable/default.htm. The Fable FSK (35 MB) includes all the materials webmasters will need to create a compelling Fable-themed Web site, including buttons, background tiles, screenshots, logos and forum avatars. Fable, the highly anticipated role-playing game, will be available late summer 2004, exclusively for Xbox.

Crash Bandicoot® teams up with nemesis dr. cortex to defeat evil twins in the marsupial’s funniest adventure yet. Announced on March 25, 2004, Crash Twinsanity™, the next installment in the best-selling video game franchise, set to ship in Q3 2004 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft.

IGN just unveiled an exclusive new vehicle for Tribes™: Vengeance called Julia’s Sky-Pony. After reading this article, we contacted Chris Mahnken, the producer at the Sierra office up north and asked him a few of our own questions …

Where does the SkyPony spawn?

We thought it would be fun to have the SkyPony spawn from a carousel that will be placed appropriately in single- and multi-player maps. Of course MOD-ers can place the carousel anywhere they want.

Is the SkyPony an air or ground vehicle?

It’s a little bit of both, but we think people will probably use it mostly in the air to avoid ground fire.

Why did you decide to make the SkyPony?

There is a certain type of Tribes player who likes to do everything on their own. They are the Lone Cowboy players, and they needed transportation that would indicate their status as Cowboys. The SkyPony is for them. When you’re riding on your SkyPony, you don’t need anybody else. You are the Lone Cowboy.

What armaments does the SkyPony carry?

The SkyPony is definitely more of a travel vehicle rather than a combat vehicle, but we didn’t leave it completely unarmed. We’re currently experimenting with a dual chaingun loadout but may give people the option of arming it with rockets as well. This is something we’ll want to test in the various public beta programs we’re planning.

So, there you have it! Personally, I think it will be great to see the softer side of T:V. You know, speak softly – carry a big stick. >:)

3/29/04 Microsoft will drop the price of the Xbox to $149.00 bucks on 3/30/04. Get them while there hot! Read more...

3/24/04 True Crime: Streets of LA Soundtrack Announcement

ALICE IN CHAINS AND QUEENSRYCHE AMONG 12 ROCK BANDS TO JOIN SNOOP DOGG AND WESTSIDE CONNECTION FOR TRUE CRIME™: STREETS OF L.A.™ PC IN-GAME SOUNDTRACK. Expanding on its award-winning game soundtrack featuring original music from Snoop Dogg, Westside Connection and other hip-hop stars, Activision Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced True Crime(tm): Streets of L.A.(tm) for the PC will feature 32 additional tracks from artists such as Alice In Chains, Queensryche, and 2004 Grammy Award Nominees Spineshank and Stone Sour. The massive soundtrack will capture the essence of The City of Angels, from the urban vibe of East L.A. to the hard rock streets of Hollywood offering more than 115 music tracks that will immerse players into the mean streets of Los Angeles. True Crime: Streets of L.A. for the PC will be available this spring and is rated "M" ("Mature" - Blood and Gore, Mature Sexual Themes, Strong Language and Violence) by the ESRB.

The game's 32 additional tracks also feature music from Static-X, The Donnas, Genitorturers, The Distillers, Killswitch Engage, The Explosion, Mojo Rib, and Prototype. True Crime: Streets of L.A. PC will contain all the slammin' hip-hop music from the console soundtrack performed by such renowned West Coast hip-hop artists as Snoop Dogg, Westside Connection (Ice Cube, Mac 10 and WC), Warren G, KAM, Jayo Felony, Boo Yaa Tribe, Easy-E Jr., and many others.

3/17/04 Own The World with Pocket Kingdom On The N-Gage™Mobile Game Deck.

World's first global massively multiplayer online mobile game comes to N-Gage. Nokia, together with Sega, today announced Pocket Kingdom: Own The World for the N-Gage game deck. Pocket Kingdom: Own The World is the world's first global massively multiplayer online mobile game, challenging gamers to build a mighty online empire while competing against challengers from around the world. Set in a fantasy landscape, it is a game of combat, action and strategy. Send out armies to explore the Map of Ulgress, searching for treasure and new army recruits. Online, in the N-Gage Arena, gamers can encounter thousands of players from around the world, to compete against each other for spoils and glory-- all competing to Own the World!

"Pocket Kingdom: Own The World defies preconceived notions about mobile gaming and creates an entirely new genre: global massively multiplayer online mobile games," said Pasi Pölönen, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. "The N-Gage platform, in part because of its unique mobile connected features, helps game developers unleash their creativity and build games for a truly global market." Pocket Kingdom: Own The World is expected to be available for the N-Gage platform in the third quarter of 2004.

3/1/04 Bomb Away With Bomberman On The N-Gage™ Mobile Game Deck

Nokia, together with Hudson Soft, today announced Bomberman for the N-Gage game deck. Join Bomberman in his journey through eight unique 3D worlds to rescue the Golden Statue and return
it to Bomberman City. Using Bluetooth wireless technology, Bomberman fans can battle against one another in five unique battle stages only available in the two-player mode.The two-player mode over Bluetooth wireless technology means that mobile gamers can enjoy the addictive Bomberman action together! Bomberman is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2004.

2/19/04 ACTIVISION SIGNS DEAL WITH METAL BAND SLIPKNOT FOR THE MTX: MOTOTRAX™ VIDEO GAME.

Hard-Hitting Metal and Punk Soundtrack to Drive the Fast-Paced Motocross Game. Activision, Inc. has signed a deal with Roadrunner Records' multi-platinum-selling artist, Slipknot, for the MTX: Mototrax™ videogame, which will be available in retail stores nationwide on March 3, 2004. The band will unveil their brand new track, "Don't Get Close" from their forthcoming album due out in May 2004, in the game. Also included in the game is an unreleased instrumental version of "The Heretic Anthem" and the hit "Wait And Bleed" from their first self-titled album. A three-minute Slipknot video will be included in MTX: Mototrax as well as a secret character and bike designed by the band. A special cheat code to unlock the secret character will be placed on the band's upcoming album.

The soundtrack will also feature 23 vocal tracks and 13 instrumental tracks from some of the most popular metal and punk bands of today along with underground bands, to fuel the fast-paced racing and freestyle action in the game. Players can choose to have an instrumental soundtrack, one . with vocals or a combination of the two. For a full listing of the songs please visit www.mtxmototrax.com

2/18/04 Another Great Tactical RPG from Creators of the Award-Winning Disgaea in Stores Early May.

Interactive entertainment publisher, Mastiff LLC announced today that they will be publishing another of Nippon Ichi Software Inc’s great tactical RPGs, La Pucelle: Tactics, exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in early May 2004. La Pucelle uses a similar battle system to the 2003 award-winning game, Disgaea, also a Nippon Ichi Software title.

La Pucelle: Tactics is a tale of betrayal and double cross, monsters in human form and humans in monster form, set in an alternate medieval Europe. The unlikely hero is a smart mouthed and undisciplined sixteen year old who just passed her exorcism exams and her comrades in La Pucelle, a demon hunting squad.

“La Pucelle is a game that you won’t be able to stop playing once you start" says Sohei Niikawa, Managing Director of Nippon Ichi Software. “If you are a fan of Disgaea, you don’t want to miss La Pucelle.” Mika Hayashi, Mastiff's Big Woof, Japan, and producer for La Pucelle: Tactics adds: "Instant, continuous level-ups, items you can combine and enemies willing to come to your side, together with a heavily tactical battle system and heartrending story make this a great game."

2/17/04 ATTENTION ASPIRING MAP CREATORS - ACTIVISION WANTS YOU!

Effective Immediately - Call of Duty's Mapmaker Competition Begins. If you thought your tour of duty was over after finishing Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) award-winning Call of Duty(tm)...think again. Starting today through March 26, 2004, map-making gurus everywhere can log on to www.callofduty.com and enter to win the "Call of Duty Mapmaker Competition." Using the map-making toolset located on the official website, gamers have the opportunity to create and submit multiplayer levels for the chance to win an incredible Grand Prize package which includes an all expense paid trip to Los Angeles to meet with Infinity Ward, the developer of Call of Duty, an Asylum GeForce(tm) FX 5950 Ultra-based graphics card www.bfgtech.com/5950u_redux.html, and the potential to have their map(s) included in future Call of Duty games.

The deadline for registration is March 20, 2004, and the final deadline for map submission is March 26, 2004. All maps will be judged by a panel consisting of Call of Duty team members. Three lucky Grand Prize winners will be announced on the official Call of Duty website on April 9, 2004. Additionally, all non-finalist entrants will be able to have their maps judged online in a "Vote for the Best of the Rest" contest hosted by GameSpy on www.fileplanet.com and on www.planetcallofduty.com. The top three winners from the online vote will each receive a prize package courtesy of GameSpy's File-Planet. For full details, rules and regulations, please visit the official Call of Duty website.

2/16/04 Nokia and Vivendi Universal Games break new ground on the N-GageTM Mobile Game Deck with first ever wireless head-to-head play via Bluetooth for Crash Bandicoot. Nokia and Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced Crash Nitro Kart(TM) for the N-Gage game deck. The new game will transport users to the Crash Bandicoot® world where multiple players can go head to head with the freedom of Bluetooth wireless technology on the N-Gage platform. Crash Nitro Kart on the N-Gage game deck ushers in one of the most advanced 3D Kart racing worlds ever developed for a portable gaming device, delivering connected, over the air features through N-Gage Arena.

Crash Nitro Kart delivers a fast paced kart racing game with new 3D technology available only on the N-Gage game deck. Mobile gamers will also be able to select from new playable characters, new 3D levels and choose battle-mode or race-mode and unlock new levels and racers, with support for up to four simultaneous players via Bluetooth wireless technology. Crash Nitro Kart is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2004

1/30/04 NEW CALL OF DUTY MULTIPLAYER MODE NOW AVAILABLE.

If you've been itching to play more of Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) highly acclaimed, intense and cinematic Call of Duty(tm) , then you're in luck because the development team at Infinity Ward has just completed a new multiplayer mode titled Headquarters (HQ). In Headquarters (HQ) , one team must hold a specific location as the opposing squad bravely attempts to overtake it. In order to succeed, players on both sides must coordinate and employ unique tactics as they defend and attack the heavily fortified HQ emplacement. The update is currently available for download at www.callofduty.com/patch . Gamers will also be notified of the new update and prompted with download instructions through Call of Duty 's multiplayer update feature. The downloadable update also includes other enhancements such as the ability to turn on/off multiplayer features and improved team play-balancing.

1/29/04 SEGA EXPANDS MOBILE CONTENT BUSINESS IN NORTH AMERICA with Game Content to launch on Verizon Wireless Read on...

1/22/04 Sammy Studios is proud to present the newest trailer from the upcoming PlayStation 2 game, "Seven Samurai 20XX;" the greatest samurai tale of all time...digitally re-mastered.

Featuring furiously fast melee-style combat, eye-dazzling graphics, and 40+ unique characters, "Seven Samurai 20XX" spins the timeless tale of brave warriors facing insurmountable odds to protect the innocent. Contributions from incredible talent like the legendary visualist Moebius ("Alien," "The Fifth Element") and Academy Award winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto ("The Last Emperor"), as well as direct involvement by Kurosawa Production, bring epic scale to a game inspired by Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece. View the movie.

1/22/04 Sammy Studios, Inc., a developer, publisher and global distributor of interactive entertainment content, today launched the dedicated web site for "Darkwatch: Curse of the West," its recently announced Vampire-Western 1st person shooter (FPS), at www.Darkwatch.com. "Darkwatch: Curse of the West" blends two popular fiction genres to create a truly original premise for a cinematic game and, with many unique gameplay elements, brings tremendous variety and innovations to the FPS genre. Unique features include superhuman abilities in the game's vampire-bitten gunslinger hero, Jericho Cross, and horse-mounted gunplay on his high-powered demon steed. In addition, an ancient monster-hunting society called the Darkwatch provide Jericho with advanced weapon and vehicle technology, giving gamers myriad ways in which to dispatch the undead. The newly launched web site is the official online destination for the game, offering an inside look by unveiling screenshots and the game's first video trailer; a full CG introduction of Jericho and his deadly skills. "Darkwatch: Curse of the West" is slated for release on Sony PlayStation(r)2 and Microsoft Xbox(tm) in Q4 2004 at an MSRP of $49.99. The game is not yet rated.

1/22/04 THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) today announced that it achieved the #2 independent videogame publisher ranking with 6.6% market share for the 2003 calendar year, according to The NPD Group, Inc./ NPD Funworld / TRSTS Video Games Service.


According to NPD, the Company's top-selling titles for the year were Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo, SpongeBob Square Pants(TM): Battle for Bikini Bottom, WWE(TM) SmackDown!(TM) Here Comes the Pain! and the new original property, Tak and the Power Juju(TM). During 2003, THQ was one of only two publishers to consistently rank among the top four independent publishers each month.

1/22/04 Waxploitation Releases Limited Edition Xi aolin Showdown / Tweaker 7"! Read on...

1/12/04 Thanks to Omega Bob for the following info regarding the story about the ApexExtreme. The DeltaChrome chip was designed by S3 Graphics and not by VIA. Read on...

CoceoBiz is accepting special orders for Rockman Zero Soundtrack - Remastered Track Rockman Zero. These are tracks that have been remastered on higher-quality musical instruments. This is not an arranged album.

Please note that these are special orders. CocoeBiz cannot guarantee any orders past the actual release date. All orders must be received by January 22, 2004. Click here

Nokia, together with Electronic Arts (EA), today announced that The SimsTM Bustin' Out is in development for the
N-Gage game deck. The Sims fans will be able to create their own characters and take them anywhere, while on the move and interacting with the mobile community. The Sims Bustin' Out on the N-Gage platform will have exclusive objects, as well as unique "mini games" where players can earn extra Simoleons. The Sims Bustin' Out is planned to be available on the N-Gage game deck in the first half of 2004.

On Friday, January 16^th at Noon (PST), Waxploitation Records will release a limited edition vinyl split 7”featuring Chris Vrenna's theme song to Warner Bros. Animation’s new television series “Xiaolin Showdown" as well as an instrumental version of "Ruby" from the upcoming TWEAKER album.

Activision, Inc. announced today the release of the Medieval: Total War Battle Collection, an all-new compilation of the Creative Assembly's critically acclaimed Medieval: Total War and the expansion pack Medieval: Total War Viking Invasion.  The title is currently available at retail outlets nationwide for a suggested retail price of $29.95 and is rated "T" (Teen - with Blood and Violence descriptors) by the ESRB.

1/6/04 Apex Plans To Launch Own Console!

Apex Digital, which now outsells Sony in DVD players, says they will announce a new console at the Consumer Electronics Show this week in Las Vegas (starting January 8th). They have said that it will be a console most like that of the Xbox. Via Technologies will supply the 1.4 Ghz processor and chipset. It will basically be a PC stripped down to a console form that is meant for the living room. Many entertainment companies want to be the one to have control of the living room because it potentially has the largest potential for sales. At CES the company will give details on how it plans to compete with GCN, PS2, Xbox and normal PC systems.

The console is called the ApeXtreme. You can probably hear people making fun of the name right now. The medium will be DVD's and CD's. Apex will sell two versions of the console for $299 and $399. The more expensive version contains DeltaChrome graphics designed by Via Graphics, while the less pricey version has a Via CN400 chipset. For people that wish to write it off as a PC you have a lot of ammo, it will run on the Windows XP operating system, have a built-in hard disk, play DVD's, and display pictures. Six USB ports will also be included. At this time a representative says it will be able to play regular PC games and will use digital-rights software to prevent it from being modified. No launch date has been announced.

Source: http://www.n-philes.com/php/epzfupzeyeayffkvkpk.php

1/6/04 ATARI SIGNS RIDLEY SCOTT ASSOCIATES TO DELIVER DRIV3R ORIGINAL LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILM

-- FIRST-EVER ORIGINAL PRODUCTION CREATED TO PROMOTE A VIDEO GAME --
-- EPISODE 1 OF THREE-PART SHORT TO DEBUT ONLINE ON JANUARY 23 --

LONDON, January 5, 2004 – Further extending its already deep ties within the entertainment community, Atari, Inc. today unveiled another “convergence first” between Hollywood and the interactive entertainment company. Atari announced that it has retained Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) – the commercial production company owned and run by legendary filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott – to produce an original three-minute live-action film inspired by Atari’s highly anticipated upcoming game, DRIV3R. The film short, which is the first of its kind in the video game industry, is titled “The Gauntlet” and will be the core component of both the DRIV3R web site, www.DRIV3R.com, and an extensive marketing and advertising campaign for DRIV3R being launched globally by Atari, beginning in late January.

12/23/03 Free Hobbit Game Soundtrack

"The Hobbitô" - Original Video Game Soundtrack has been released for free download. This 23 track album, available in mp3 format, includes all the major themes from the video game and printable liner notes.
Check it out