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News: Ys 6 new characters
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July 31, 2003 11:59 PM PST
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Falcom / BS
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Falcom has put up another page of characters for Ys 6, including several elementals (support characters, it can be assumed). This can be found right here. There's also an engrish poem in the story section by Adol Christian himself.
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News: Hot Gimmick keitai
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July 31, 2003 11:57 PM PST
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Square-Enix / BS
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Looks like Hot Gimmick is a hot property these days. Square-Enix have picked up the license to port the game to cellphones in japan. This will go live on the 4th of august, at a 300 yen monthly subscription rate. Looking pretty fantabulous. Thanks to He||sing's MMCafe BBS post for the link.
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News: Galaxy Angels PC
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July 31, 2003 11:51 PM PST
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Broccoli / BS
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There's now an official site up for the new Galaxy Angels PC game, based on the anime by the same name. It's a sort of 3D strategy with 2D simmish elements, as you can likely imagine.
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Play Asia: New releases; Psyvariar, Silent Hill DVD
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July 31, 2003 11:45 PM PST
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Play Asia / BS
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Lots of new stuff at Play Asia - New releases for Dreamcast (including the recently mentioned Missing Parts 3), PS2 and Gamecube at the new releases page, and as always there are new preorders. Looks like Success has split the fantastic shooter Psyvariar Complete edition into two separate Simple 2000 releases; Psyvariar Medium and Psyvariar Revision, both under $20. The Treasure developed Dragon Drive is coming out quite soon (august 7), and Shikigami II and Chou Aniki preorders have gone up.
They've also gotten a limited supply of the Silent Hill appreciation disc; Lost Memories "The Art & Music of Silent Hill". This contains 200 mins of Silent Hill footage, all of the unlockable endings, art and music, trailers, production material and more.
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Off-Topic: Sailor Moon live action cast
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July 31, 2003 11:34 PM PST
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TBS / BS
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TBS has announced the live action cast for Sailor Moon the series, which starts up on October 4th. Interestingly it looks as though they're actually using highschool girls (though the sailor senshi are supposed to be middleschoolers), so it may add some...credibility? Perhaps not.
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News: The Zodiac
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July 30, 2003 11:59 PM PST
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Tapwave / BS
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Tapwave has just announced that their handheld hardware, codenamed Helix, will be coming to the US in october under the official name Zodiac. The october date is likely in order to compete directly with Nokia's N-Gage, and might actually fare quite nicely given the more robust specs, and nearly carbon copy list of developers.
It's retailing for $299, with preorders beginning September. It uses a modified Palm OS 5.2.6, had analog control, plays MP3s, movie files (various types), and according to the press release, you can use it to manage your life, which would be nice. It uses an ATI Imageon graphic processor, bluetooth, stereo speakers and has two ports for SD Cards, multimedia cards, and SDIO peripherals. They're trying to push an 'indy developer' angle, claiming 400 companies expressing interest in developing for the system. Bear in mind that many of these will simply be developers of games for PDAs, which the Zodiac will support out of the box. More info to come, I'm sure.
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News: Metal Slug Advanced shot
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July 30, 2003 8:39 PM PST
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SNK Playmore / BS
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Famitsu has posted an image and some info for Metal Slug Advance, SNK Playmore's upcoming GBA title. There will be two new characters featured in the game; Walter and Taira. You can collect 100 Metal Slug Cards throughout the game which will affect your characters' status in some way. The levels will be branching paths like the NGPC outings, and the price has been settled at 4800 yen. The release date remains August 24, 2003.
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News: Hot Gimmick to PC
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July 30, 2003 8:28 PM PST
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My Harvest / BS
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The publishing group My Harvest has acquired the license to release the popular Psikyo 18+ arcade hit series Hot Gimmick to the PC! Classic Mahjong with hentai stripping scenes and such based on your winnings. The graphics and system are being redone, and the games will make the jump to high res. There will be new CG and animation galleries where you can view your 'winnings'. The games are planned for an October third release, price undetermined. Thanks to Henry Moriarty for the news.
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News: Sakura Cafe
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July 30, 2003 8:15 PM PST
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Sakura Cafe / BS
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The Sakura Taisen themed Sakura Cafe has been open for some weeks now, but only just released their menu online. It's much more reasonable that one would imagine! The Cafe also features a karaoke bar, manga to read, and of course, lots of Sakura Taisen memorabilia, much of which you can purchase. Thanks to Rid Hershel and his new site Majoria News for the info.
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News: Snake, the game
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July 30, 2003 7:56 PM PST
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Namco / BS
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An odd Gamespot report indicates that John Carpenter (director), Kurt Russel (actor) and Deborah Hill (producer) will be joining namco to create a series of games based on the character Snake Plissken, of Escape from New York fame. The only actual information contained within the article is a genre (action/stealth), a tentative date (christmas 2005) and that Kurt Russel will be supplying the voice.
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News: Missing Parts 3
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July 30, 2003 7:47 PM PST
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FOG / BS
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Missing Parts 3 is FOG's last game for the Dreamcast, and it comes out tomorrow. You can check out a movie of the detective-visual novel right here. Looking at the cinema, it's quite obvious that this series gets by entirely on it's story. Regardless, here's what FOG (Full On Games) had to say about the DC (my rough translation); "It's been two years since the production of Dreamcast software was stopped. Thus this will be our last software for the system as well. We hope that this will be a fitting 'farewell' from us. Thanks for your support, DC users."
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News: GP32 update
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July 30, 2003 7:28 PM PST
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Various / BS
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This is speculation, mind, but it seems as though Don Miguel of FaMe Soft has chosen a name for his upcoming GP32 RPG. If you look at the English page, you'll see that there's a new entry to the right of the near-complete Yoke-Yoke, with a strikethrough. Thus, 2 Ways may be the title for Don Miguel's latest. We should soon know for certain.
In other news, Tailzone has updated GiriGiri Walker with sound effects and improved internet ranking. No release yet though.
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Correction: Fire&Fire
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July 30, 2003 7:32 AM PST
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Team Icon / BS
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Recently we reported that Fire&Fire was a demo of a commercial release. But I was contacted by the project leader and in fact, it is freeware. This information was already known by GP32 Notebook, but for some reason didn't filter through to me. I apologize for the mix-up!
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News: ESP Galuda info, pics
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July 29, 2003 10:45 PM PST
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Cave / BS
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Cave has released info and images for their new arcade shooter ESP Galuda, the story-driven sequel to ESP Ra De. There's a new official page, and two arcadia scans that are making the rounds. I can't legally link to them, so just take a look at three in-game images I got from "somewhere". Thanks to StickClick among others for the news.
  
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News: PSP hardware details
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July 29, 2003 10:45 PM PST
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Sony / BS
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ZDnet Japan has released the engrish specs for the PSP, Sony's monster (but still unreal) handheld. Interesting specs, judge them for yourself. Some particular areas though; region encoding, 3D GC games, wireless LAN, movie, MP3...once again trying to do it all, but only within their defined limits.
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News: Doujin update - shooter side
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July 29, 2003 10:35 PM PST
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Various / GL
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Here are a couple of older titles from Team Dangeroude, hosted at Nepia World. Wire Robo is a really weird "shooting" game where you are a robot drifting in
space with a grappling hook. yeah. The other, Neko Freefall, is a scrolling shooter which isn't hard to figure out. (SPOILER HINT: saving catgirls is good for the score, even though you know deep down that you want to let them fall and suffer and otherwise DIE.)
Newer things, in roughly ascending order of greatness:
Chronicle Station has constructed a Tsukihime-themed shooter called Tsukihime No Shiro with gameplay based on the PC shooter Shikigami no Shiro. It's alright, though it's not going to blow your mind like Perfect Cherry Blossom. Direct download link.
Remember ABA Games, makers of rRootage? Well before they became kings, they made a
simpler game that was just about shot dodging. These Entangled Space people took that game and added in a whole bunch of interesting visual effects and score
keeping things, and have given it the greatest STG name ever uttered in broken English: Bullet Philharmonic Orchestra. Oh yes.
Got to add something about this - you use your own MP3s as the basis for the bullet patterns, in addition to being the background music of course. Really nice.
Download link is here, and a screenshot can be found here.
On the rRootage note, Hizoka-chi the ninth has updated Warning Forever. The Secondary gun now no longer sucks. Joy.
Download link here.
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News: Doujin update - fighter side
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July 29, 2003 9:41 PM PST
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Various / GL
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From Falconics there's a new Kanon/Air/Tsukihime fighting game by the name of Artemis Blade. No demo version available for download yet, but there is a video of the beta. The trial edition will be 200 yen once it's releasable. Still a bit choppy in the video though.
Queen Busters from Triplus - think Smash Bros. with Tsukihime and Ragnarok Online characters. Before the lot of you faint in joy, it's still rough. but showing promise: it
already supports 4 players with humans/CPU. Download mirrors here, and demo movie here.
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News: Shikigami II further details
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July 29, 2003 9:32 PM PST
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Alfa System / BS
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On the 25th Alfa System put up a preliminary site for Shikigami II with a few new details about the Gamecube release. The exact date is October 24th, at a cost of 6800 yen. The full official GC version website will go up in August.
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Review: Pirates of the Caribbean
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July 28, 2003 11:59 PM PST
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insert credit / tim rogers
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Pirates of the Caribbean from Bethesda began as a simple pirate game, before the movie license came along. So they bought the name, but not the imagery or the story. What you wind up with is a sort of pirate sim with a fancy action package. And a lame goatee.
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News: Ikaruga Bionicle
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July 28, 2003 11:15 PM PST
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Yamoyama / BS
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Ah, obsessions. Yamoyama has meticulously constructed a large number of vehicles from Ikaruga using Lego Bionicle. Check towards the bottom of the of the page for those particular models. Not bad at all. Thanks to Holiday's MMCafe BBS post for the news.
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News: Arcadia latest
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July 28, 2003 10:56 PM PST
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Henry Moriarty / BS
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Moriarty recently released a fair bit of info from the latest issue of Arcadia, but didn't have time to post it on his main page. So here it is.
First, the cover of the mag is drawn by Falcoon, with a poster insert by ex-SNK artist Hiroaki, featuring Kyo and Ryu. Could he be making a return?
Not much new info on Samurai Spirits Zero, other than the fact that Rurouni Kenshin artist Nobuhiro Watsuki did three of the character designs for the game. SSZ will have full release in October.
Last bit, Sammy has a new Guilty Gear planned, this one on the nifty Atomiswave board. No news on 2D or 3D, but the title will be revealed at the next Jamma expo. A location test is starting next month, so we may find something out sooner. Apparently it uses a network system and card, and thus has the potential of being multi-player over a local area network. Though that's speculation of course.
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News: Fire&Fire
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July 28, 2003 10:35 PM PST
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Icon / BS
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Team Icon has released the demo for their upcoming commercial release Fire&Fire. Direct link here.
Very much like an isometric Space Invaders in a fantasy setting. Interesting place, this Korea.
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Urban Legend: Polybius
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July 28, 2003 10:22 PM PST
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Coinop.org / BS
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An interesting gaming urban legend from Coinop.org - an arcade game by the name of Polybius, which supposedly drove children mad. "Created" by a company called Sinneslöschen (German for 'loss of senses') in 1981, only released to a select few backwoods Oregon arcades. This is not a new article, mind. But you might not have seen it before either. A fun idea, at the least. Thanks to the mighty Juan for the link.
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News: Midnight Pleasure
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July 28, 2003 10:17 PM PST
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Nagehame / BS
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Nagehame has compiled a photo collage of SvC Chaos' Midnight Pleasure transformations for all normally selectable characters. For those who don't play Darkstalkers, Midnight Pleasure is a level 2 super of Demitri's, which allows him to momentarily turn any character into an attractive female, or accentuate their already female nature. If you want to see Earthquake as a girl, this is your chance. Thanks to Rockman Pocket for the news.
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News: Denis Dyack interview
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July 27, 2003 11:49 PM PST
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Silicon Knights / Chris Kohler
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Another week, another Chris Kohler Nintendo interview. This time round he's got Denis Dyack in his sights for a very interesting interview, no matter what your opinion of Silicon Knights. The interview can be found on gamespy once more, who are all good sports after last week's ribbing (which they didn't much care for). Hey, they'll run Kohler's stuff - that's good enough for me.
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News: Another console
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July 27, 2003 11:44 PM PST
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DISCover / BS
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Well, here's another one. Gameshark (!) recently did a typo-ridden interview with Curtis Kaiser of Digital Interactive Systems Corporation, creators of the DISCover. This is a TV-linked PC based console, similar to the Phantom. Their hook is that any PC game will be playable without installation, just drop+play. So it's for PC gamers who can't figure out how to work a PC. It will be modem and broadband compatible, but will likely have trouble in this crowded market. Denis Dyack (above) says that nobody is throwing money around in the game industry these days. Tell that to the hardware manufacturers. Thanks to games.slashdot for the news.
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Off-Topic: Coke machine stealth arts
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July 27, 2003 11:36 PM PST
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??? / BS
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Something interesting from an MMCafe BBS post - a Coke machine stealth suit. Rather ingenious! Originally posted on a Taiwanese forum, so the image may originate from there as well.
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News: Azumanga Daioh GP32
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July 27, 2003 11:24 PM PST
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SNK Playmore / BS
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A new homebrew for the GP32. It's a simple game of dodging cats, but the Azumanga subject matter will make it worth the look for many, methinks. Thanks to GPzigi via GP32 News for the link.
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News: Samurai Showdown Zero shots
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July 27, 2003 11:09 PM PST
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SNK Playmore / BS
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The Magicbox has cropped and assembled a host of Samurai Showdown Zero images from the location tests. If anyone knows where the original uncropped photos can be obtained, drop me a line and I'll share it with the world.
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Download: SvC Mars People
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July 27, 2003 11:00 PM PST
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??? / BS
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Two videos have surfaced of the Mars People character for SvC chaos. They can be found here and here. Download them now, as they're on a free webhost and will likely be removed in due course.
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Download: How to Mod a Sega Saturn
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July 27, 2003 1:49 AM PST
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insert credit / tim rogers
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Tim had big plans. He was going to make a video about modding a Sega Saturn from start to finish, documenting it on his camera. Doug was there, as was Drew Cosner (speaking of which, we've got some new external links on the side there). But at the end of this 14 meg, 10 minute video, disaster strikes.
IS THIS THE END OF PROJECT FFDOG?
Maybe. This one's for the Tim fans.
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Download: Akihabara Gakuen OP
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July 26, 2003 10:53 PM PST
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Frontwing / BS
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The quite odd Frontwing title Akihabara Otaku School has got an opening movie up in the download section! I won't direct link it, as the file is not work safe. But Frontwing always has the highest quality animation when it comes to their OP, so take a look if you're inclined.
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News: CT Special Forces II
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July 26, 2003 10:45 PM PST
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LSP / BS
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Triggerzone reports of new photos for CT Special Forces II, the GBA metal slug clone. The images are hosted on Omake.de. CT II is planned for GBA release on the fifteenth of August 2003, but no details yet on the planned PSone port.
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News: Chou Aniki screenshots
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July 26, 2003 10:37 PM PST
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Global A / BS
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New Chou Aniki screenshots and info have surfaced over at publisher Global A's site. Clicking the purple links will yield pics and info regarding formations, bombs, damage and powerups. Not to mention the frighteningly poor 3D modeling. Though - I'm not sure anyone plays Chou Aniki and expects to see good graphics. Thanks to Iggy's MMCafe BBS post for the link.
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News: Acclaim’s Abdications, Appointments and Agreements Analyzed
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July 26, 2003 10:25 PM PST
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Acclaim / JH
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June 2nd - Gregory Fischbach’s steps down as CEO, Rodney Cousens steps up as 2nd CEO since
Acclaim’s 1987 inception
June 3rd – Acclaim appoints ex-Electronic Arts GM Randy Dersham as GM and VP of Acclaim
Studios Austin
July 22nd - Acclaim appoints ex-Take Two president and director Paul Eibeler as President and C.O.O
of Acclaim North America.
July 23rd - Acclaim agrees to distribute BAM software’s throughout the PAL nations.
Acclaim is suffering from slow sales and adept accountants, though not their own: The company filed earnings of approximately 12 million and a loss of 60-70 million from August 31st to March 31st 2003 . A conservative estimate would thus be a loss of US$48 million (60-12). This loss and the federal probe that IC has reported this week may very well be related to Acclaim’s abdications, appointments and agreements.
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News: Sega’s Suitors, Successors, Shakeups Summarized
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July 26, 2003 10:20 PM PST
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Sega / Namco / JH
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Feb. 13th – Sega and Sammy sign resolution to combine their businesses
April 24th – Namco’s website states it is in talks with Sega for May 9th merger.
May 6th – Sega says no to Namco.
May 8th – Sega says no to Sammy, states Sega’s deep-rooted independent streak.
May 27th – Hisao Oguchi announces official consideration of EA partnership.
June 30th - Sega Senior Officer Hiaso Oguchi succeeds Hideki Sato as President.
July 23rd - Hisao Oguchi makes official statements at Tokyo Press Conference:
- Sega Studios size-down 11 to 9 (11-4+2 = 9). Hiroshi Kataoka succeeds Yu Suzuki at
AM2, YS to head new studio; New Sega Sports studio.
- Plan to double software share in next 5 years.
Sega’s failed talks with Sammy and Namco brought a loss of stock value and a loss of face to the Sega leadership, resulting in a leadership turnover. However, Hisao-san said the company restructure is independent of the may-be mergers. The EA-Sega partnership would face the obstacle of a head to head rivalry between their sports studios, especially in light of the new Sega Sports Studio. Rather extreme, wouldn’t you say?
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Feature: Crazy Mario
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July 25, 2003 11:45 PM PST
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insert credit / Gabriel Leung
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As part of our slowly continuing famicom 20th anniversary feature, Gabriel Leung has brought to light a most bizarre sort of Mario game. Perhaps a hack, perhaps an ill-conceived attempt at greatness. Crazy Mario is a game that defies convention, and could only have come about on the Famicom Disc System. Meet Mario again, for the first time.
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News: Samurai Zero beta test
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July 25, 2003 11:45 PM PST
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SNK Playmore / BS
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Images and info have surfaced for Samurai Zero since the location test. The best translated version has been done by Gamespot's #1 superstar; Hirohiko Niizumi. If you've noticed a step up in their import coverage recently, he's why. Regardless, the game uses a four button system, weak, slash (pressed together=hard slash), kick and 'special'. The special button allows things like hops and dashes, but also can move power from your anger meter to a meditation/soul meter. This allows you to enter a slow motion mode with a presumably custom combo mode resultant. You can find impressions, full move lists and images in japanese right here (images at the very bottom of the page). Thanks to Fuchikoma for that last bit.
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News: New characters confirmed in SvC Chaos
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July 25, 2003 11:30 PM PST
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SNK Playmore / BS
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Lots of new characters confirmed in SvC Chaos, now that the game is officially released. Zero from the Rockman series, the original Athena from the Famicom/NES version, Firebrand/Red Arremer from Gargoyle's Quest, an alien from Metal Slug series, and Zeus, from...Greece. Screenshots for some, not all of these characters can be found here. Unfortunately, most of these pages seem to get taken down the second they go up. Enjoy the pics while they last.
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News: Double Dragon, River City Ransom GBA
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July 25, 2003 11:21 PM PST
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Atlus / BS
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Atlus has released two photos, one from each of their new Technos GBA properties. Double Dragon Advance and River City Ransom EX are both currently under development at Atlus, featuring several original members of the Technos team.
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News: Sexy Beach 2 screenshot contest
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July 25, 2003 11:15 PM PST
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Illusion / BS
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Illusion has put up a screen-grabbing contest for Sexy Beach 2! Direct the shots to post@illusion.jp, make them 640x480 jpegs of no larger than 50kb. Each mail may only include two screenshots, one mail per person. Include your name/handle in the mail, perhaps a short description. Winner gets a digital camera of some sort! Probably not for westerners, but you western readers living in Japan...you know what to do.
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News:Chou Aniki further news
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July 25, 2003 11:13 PM PST
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Gamespot / BS
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Gamespot has confirmed that Chou Aniki is actually being developed through X-nauts via the Psikyo license. Again, no-one is sure if any original Psikyo programmers even work there now. The storyline goes thusly; the burly men we all know and love are out in search of the Legendary Protein in order to achieve the perfect physique. They've got to destroy those evildoers who are also out for the same protein. The men will fly in a formation, shooting beams from their shiny heads. Formation changes dictate the type of shot, et al.
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News: NTT DoCoMo Cell Phone Software Bugs Gamers
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July 25, 2003 10:30 PM PST
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Japan times / JH
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Yesterday, DoCoMo admitted that a glitch in their SH505i camera cell phone causes the erasure of saved game data. The defect lies in the java-based I-APRI (imode applications) software, which allows users to download dynamic content (java-games) from sponsoring websites. The company will replace the software, which runs on the 190,000 SH505i handsets that have been sold, free of charge.
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News: 1up release party
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July 24, 2003 11:23 PM PST
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1up zine / BS
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There's a new issue of 1up zine coming out. If the name is not familiar, 1up is a thoughtful, artsy, thick, and well-produced zine that comes out every once-so-often, having been mentioned in Edge, G4, and other prominent places. They're having a party this weekend in LA (the 26th. Meltdown Comics, 6:00 pm to be precise), so check the website if you're available. The minibosses will be playing, as will DJ Dolphinforce, in full robot drag. There's a small chance of several insert credit members being in attendance, so...if that comes to pass, don't be a stranger. It'll take a lot of us to bring those G4 persons down to size.
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News: SNK blitz
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July 24, 2003 11:12 PM PST
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SNK Playmore / BS
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A rather ridiculous slew of news in from SNK Playmore and SNK Neogeo USA, so I'll keep it short and direct.
Two more silhouettes have been put up at the Samurai Zero page, one of which is likely nakoruru. The other is tough to determine, but seems to be an archer of some sort.
First shots of Metal Slug 5 are available right here from SNK Neogeo USA. The info sections aren't up yet, but it's nice to see a few images, small though they may be.
Character art has been added for some of the SvC Chaos computer controlled bosses. I say some, because the full roster is still, even now, not rightly confirmed.
Last bit, another in the trend of awful SNK Playmore covers. Playmore was doing alright with these before they put that SNK business back on there. The victim this time is KOF 2001 for PS2.
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News: CHOUANIKI
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July 24, 2003 10:57 PM PST
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Chouaniki / BS
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Chou Aniki is back!! The utterly bizarre, and longest running homoerotic game series (ever) is back by X-nauts for a new edition on the PS2! The new game will be a side-scroller of some kind (likely a shooter?), 3D backgrounds, though with the usual 2D sprites. The full title is Chou Aniki Seinaru Protein Densetsu, and will be released in demo form along with Global A's Aku Daikan 2. I guess this is what X-nauts is doing with their time, rather than exploiting their Psikyo properties. Further information can be found in this 2 Channel newspost, and at Gamers.com.
YARANAIKA?
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News: GP32 update
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July 24, 2003 10:51 PM PST
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Various / BS
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The new GP32 movieplayer is out at JoyGP. Here's what it can do:
Divx 4.12 and xvid supported
100Mhz: 320*240 / 10 fps
120Mhz: 320*240 / 12 fps
120Mhz: 320*176 / 15 fps
Thanks to GP32 News for the info.
Also, there's an online GP32 zine about. It's in it's first issue, so go take a look. Lots of interviews and such.
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News: Jaleco Collection
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July 24, 2003 10:45 PM PST
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PCCW / BS
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Pacific Century Cyberworks Japan is planning to release collection of Jaleco games from their early days; the 85~92 era. The seven games on this collection (volume 1! Hope for the future, eh?) include: Argus, Excellion, City Connection, Rod Land, Formation Z, Ninja Jajamaru Kun and Field Combat. It's planned for the PSX in Japan in October, at a price of 4800 yen. Looks like PCCW may have acquired these licenses in broad context, as they've already released several cellphone games based on the properties. For more images, check out Game Watch. Thanks to Porcellino's MMCafe BBS post for the link.
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News: Quake IV Quagmire: ID’s Internal Interlopers!
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July 24, 2003 10:45 PM PST
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ID / Activision / JH
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Someone leaked Quake IV concept art, someone has put it up on the net, someone has linked to it, and someone is going to get it:
"We do not know the source of these leaked assets. Please be warned that id Software has instructed Activision that we are not to work with any magazine which uses any of these assets. If any magazine does so, id Software will not allow any assets for id games to be sent to these magazines in the future." – ID/Activision
This modified our original plans for tonight, which included a neat little picture show. Instead, IC and ID are to remain friends for the foreseeable future, content to watch our backs and not the pirated pictures.
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News: Sentimental Graffiti delayed
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July 24, 2003 10:38 PM PST
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Seagull Club / SM
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The release dates for Sentimental Graffiti for the DC have been delayed. Expect Sentimental Graffiti ~ Promise to be released in December, rather than September, and Sentimental Graffiti ~ Reunion not to be available until January next year.
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News: Hudson and Disney, together again
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July 24, 2003 10:33 PM PST
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Hudson / BS
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The old unholy reunion of Disney and Hudson is upon us!! Hudson used to publish and/or develop a lot of games for Disney back in the 16-bit era, so it's interesting to see them get back in that particular arena. The game is Disney's Magical Park; a 4-player party game of sorts, with lots of mini-action games and the like. It will be released for Gamecube, no price or date yet though.
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News: Doujin Amusement Makers
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July 23, 2003 9:07 PM PST
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Sega / GL
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Demos for two of Amusement Makers nice (updated) shooters are here:
First off, the best Twinkle Star Sprite clone you'll play in quite a while. But mind
you, when was the last time you saw a Twinkle Star Sprite clone?
(Editor's note: also bear in mind that the game I linked a few days ago merely used the sprite rips from TSS, not the gameplay.)
Download it here.
They've also got another fun shooter, more conventional that the above though. The download for that one is right here.
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News: Sega restructuring details
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July 23, 2003 8:59 PM PST
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Sega / SM
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In the good news column for today, Sega is reporting that first quarter shipments exceeded expectations by 230,000 units. This was based on expectations of 1.45 million units sold. Also, there will be reorganization of Sega corporate structure, the specifics of which can be found here.
To clarify, it looks they're reorganizing 9 existing subsidiaries into 5 and adding 2 new ones. The changes include:
- Sonic Team and United game Artists will be combined to develop games for the "Right User."
- Hitmaker and SegaRosso will develop a new sort of game.
- Wow Entertainment and Overworks will develop next generation games for all ages.
- Amusement Vision and Smilebit are working on games with more cinematic themes.
- AM2 will continue making fighting games and targeting the core user.
- There will be a new subsidiary specializing in sports games.
- Mr. Suzuki will be heading a new subsidiary focusing on making new hit games.
On the bad news side, Sega's new president announced that Sega will be known as "The Excitement Company." Other than being the least exciting slogan for the company (just about as exciting as anything "Xtreme") one can imagine, the subsequent party will had more than 800 people at a swank downtown hotel to celebrate Koguchi's promotion. Well there goes that surplus of funds.
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News: Wonderwitch GP final results
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July 23, 2003 8:52 PM PST
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Bandai / BS
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The results are in for Bandai/Qute's amateur coding competition!! And the winner is...Hanafuda? That's got to a damn good card game to beat out an action RPG. The winner received 100,000 yen, a trophy, a year's subscription to C magazine, a SwanCrystal and the new Kinnikuman. That's probably more than any Hanafuda maker has ever gotten in their lives. Cept maybe these guys.
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News: F-Zero GX not Freeloader compatible
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July 23, 2003 8:48 PM PST
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Nintendo / BS
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According to an article at Play Asia, F-Zero GX is not completely compatible with the Datel Freeloader, the most common import device for the gamecube. Videos and images are available - the race timers and most menu options are dropped out, and curiously, there's added english. Likely not an active piracy prevention on Nintendo's part, but an interesting development none the less. We may have to see specific code updates for the freeloader, just as we did with the Gameshark in the past.
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News: Ys convenience!
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July 23, 2003 8:34 PM PST
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Digicube / BS
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As you may know, the epic Falcom RPG Ys I&II is being released for PS2 very soon. Publisher Digicube is planning to sell the game at several convenience stores in Japan, including 7-11, Sankus and Family Mart. But not my personal favorite, Lawson. Regardless, if you but the game there, you will receive one of these handsome bottle topper clear character figurines. Check out the link for more character images. Of course you can still purchase the game right here.
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News: Gramon Battle
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July 23, 2003 8:24 PM PST
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Taito / BS
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Game Watch has some in-game images up for the monster battling/making title Tensai Bit-kun Gramon Battle. The game was announced some weeks back (I neglected to post the official site at that time, my apologies), and is now revealed to be a sequel to Magic Pengel (US title).
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Feature: Famicomugly
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July 22, 2003 8:47 PM PST
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insert credit / tim rogers
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Everyone else is doing it, why can't we? To celebrate the Famicom's 20th anniversary, we're doing our own set of features. You can read some more of those, right? The first is from Tim, regarding the system's delightful design - something he would call Famicomugly.
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News: Monolithsoft EPISODE 2003 – Xenosaga, Baten Kaitos
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July 22, 2003 8:30 PM PST
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Namco / JH
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The Xenosaga series was the feature presentation at Monolithsoft Episode 2003 conference at the Ebisu Hotel, Tokyo. Here is a recap of the conference announcements:
Xenosaga II: PS2
- Key battle system intact, improved tempo and load time.
- The story revolves around the Zohar project, and the people who seek to bring it to life.
- Template for CGI character models is real-life video capture, not cartoon anime.
Xenosaga I: Reloaded: PS2, November 16th, 2003 North America.
- New character costumes, backwards compatible save data, DVD Video of Xenosaga II
Baten Kaitos: Gamecube, December 2003 Japan
- Title is Arabic name of Zeti Ceti star, and means Belly of the Whale
- Exclusive Gamecube 2D/3D turn-based RPG, Middle-Eastern graphic aesthetic.
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News: Feds Probe US Game Industry, Acclaim CEO steps down
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July 22, 2003 8:30 PM PST
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CNBC / Reuters / JH
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The FTC and SEC is auditing the entire US videogame software industry, most notably Acclaim, Activision, Midway and THQ, to discover if millions of dollars of revenue were unaccounted for between the period of 1996-2002. EA and Take-Two have been investigated under similar but separate charges. This stems from a long-standing suspicion that the software industry manipulates “reserve accounts”, that normally are subtracted from revenue to account for defective or returned software.
A Los Angeles based financial analyst published his findings that Midway and other companies’ revenue grew faster than their stock prices. This added to speculation that software companies dumped gross earnings into reserve accounts during a bull market, and withdrew from this fund during a bear market. In order to stabilize their stock price, the companies would report lesser earnings during a bull market, and greater earnings during a bear market.
Amidst these allegations, Gregory Fischbach, co-founder and CEO of Acclaim stepped down but will remain as Co-Chairman and Member of Board of Directors. It is quite possible that the companies in immediate investigation are also suffering in sales, which may be a motivation to commit said manipulation of reserve funds.
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News: Shenmue III Development, No AM2 Confirmation
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July 21, 2003 9:30 PM PST
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Shenmue BBS / Begn / JH
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Many websites claim that Shemue III is officially confirmed by AM2, but offer no quotation or citation from a Sega source. Shenmue BBS recently warned its English readers that it is not confirmed yet. Here is a chronology of the see-saw confirmation process:
Nov. 2001 - AM2 confirms production of Shenmue III is underway.
Mar. 2002 - Shin Izakawa, new Shenmue series producer, says Shenmue II XBOX sales will determine release of Shenmue III.
Jan. 2003 - Yu Suzuki reveals Shenmue III game designs, expresses desire to make it movie rather than game. Scares and angers many fans.
July 2003 – Websites report that AM2 confirms Shenmue III will be released, but not where, when or on what. Minor controversy and buzz ensues. IC fans the flames.
However, an AM2 interview conducted by a freelance correspondent for Begn.be revealed that Shenmue III is in development, and that IV is planned. It is all but an official confirmation, and a must read. Check it...
Shenmue III will take place in Guizhou, China and will reveal the story’s connection to the actual Hmong legend of Chiyou upon which it is based.
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News: Casa del Juego
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July 22, 2003 7:58 PM PST
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Casa del Juego / BS
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The unkempt hooligans at Casa del Juego have finally managed to keep their site up for more than five minutes, so I feel safe in linking them now. They've a breezy site design, solid writing and a good staff. Just don't tell them I said so. I think they'll be around for a little while. Check them out without reservation.
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News: Hoihoi san
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July 22, 2003 7:45 PM PST
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Konami / BS
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Konami has opened up a website for their ubercute new character-driven game; Ichigeki Sachuu!! Hoihoisan (rough: kill insects in one blow). It's a Mediaworks developed PS2 action/sim, wherein (as Hoihoi) you must destroy bugs with your gun and melee weapons. Hoihoi is very customizable; left and right handed weapons, clothes and parts. It will have action, comic and anime movie sequences. Check out in-game images right here. Thanks to terrible Zepy for the link.
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News: Doujin fighters update
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July 22, 2003 7:38 PM PST
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various / GL
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Studio Siesta has an updated demo (fixes a hang problem) of their 4-player game "Pocket Air & Pocket Kanon" available, as well as info on the OST release. Pretty cool for a fan made game to have its own OST production. Download link here.
On the more disturbing side - The most frighteningly real fighting game you'll ever play, Brief Karate Foolish. The otaku at the bottom of the page says everything.
The really disturbing part though is that it doesn't play like crap. Download link here. Don't forget to check out the character page!
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News: Samurai Spirits Zero location test
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July 22, 2003 7:38 PM PST
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SNK Playmore / BS
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Some news I've neglected for two days now...Samurai Spirits Zero is going to have a location test at Neo Geo Land from the 25th through the 27th. We're hoping Chris Kohler can make it again, but no guarantees!
There's also a character page up now. Only two characters are depicted, but both are shrouded in shadow. The leftmost is assumed to be Haohmaru by many. As for the rightmost...some people already have ideas.
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News: Red Dead Revolver revived!
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July 22, 2003 7:31 PM PST
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Namae no Nai Heya / BS
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According to Namae, Capcom's Ennio Morricone-scored western shoot-out Red Dead Revolver is back on the release schedule!! According to the article, the American staff are responsible for pushing the title back into development stage. There's an official page currently being made. Great stuff.
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News: SvC Chaos pushed up
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July 22, 2003 7:29 PM PST
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SNK Playmore / BS
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SvC Chaos is due for arcade release on the 24th instead of the 25th now...one day early! Supposed to be out in the US already, I hear? If you've seen it, let me know.
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News: Aonuma interview
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July 21, 2003 9:53 PM PST
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Chris Kohler / BS
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Our pal and fellow staffer Chris Kohler has got a nice interview up - it's with Nintendo's Eiji Aonuma, Producer of Wind Waker, among other distinctions. You can find it over at Gamespy, but that's not his fault.
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News: Twinkle Star Sprites doujin
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July 21, 2003 9:35 PM PST
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RF-Emporium / BS
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There's an interesting new homebrew shooter over at the RF-Emporium (hosted by STG replay master Alamone) - it's based on the twins from Twinkle Star Sprites. Many other shooters to try on that page, including Xeno Fighters EX; a Raiden Fighters homage. Thanks to Holiday's MMCafe BBS post for the link.
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News: Yoke Yoke coming soon to GP32
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July 21, 2003 9:24 PM PST
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FaMe Soft / BS
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FaMe Soft is planning to release the commercial version of Yoke Yoke at the end of this month. The game will be finished at least; it's up to Gamepark to publish it thereafter. The shots from the page are of the original - since then the graphics have become 16 bit, and the gameplay has changed a bit (can be played 2-4 player simultaneous, for one thing). Within a few weeks we will see concept art from his large-scale future project for the GP32 - all I can tell you is that it's an RPG of some kind, with serious themes. If the games succeed, they will be ported to the N-Gage as well.
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News: Game companies investigated
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July 21, 2003 9:13 PM PST
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CNN Money / BS
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A Slashdot Games report points out two articles regarding some recent investigations into various US game companies' book keeping records. The first mentions that the SEC is searching for potential illegal activity...specifically from Activision, THQ and Acclaim. Take Two is under a separate, but similar investigation. The second further explains some of the actions being taken, and some 'potential implications'. One is a stifling of creativity...but let's be honest, we're talking about Acclaim, Activision and THQ here. Innovation is not a major concern for them these days.
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News: Border Down OST
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July 21, 2003 9:00 PM PST
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G.Rev / BS
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G.Rev has posted the rather classy cover for the Border Down LTD edition pack-in original soundtrack. Check out the full image here. Thanks to Triggerzone for the link.
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Feature: Letters Section
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July 20, 2003 11:59 PM PST
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insert credit / various
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Well, after all this time, I decided to put the letters section up. To be honest, it's not fantastic. But perhaps it will inspire some of you to make it fantastic in the future. You can send us letters here. Oh and don't forget to check out the ten fancy new topbars. Two are from our old standby Aaron Meyers, while seven others come from posters at GPzigi. One I made myself. See if you can guess which!
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News: Shikigami II gamecube exclusive
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July 20, 2003 11:45 PM PST
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Gameonline / BS
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According to an article on Gameonline, it seems as though Alfa System plans to release Shikigami II as a gamecube exclusive! They took out a poll as to which system people would like to see it on, and Gamecube won out. Curious choice, but hey - as long as I get to play it! The game is slated for an October 24th release at 6,800 yen. The limited first run will also include a character figurine. Thanks to Highlandcattle's forum post for the news.
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News: Neo-Geo Land
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July 20, 2003 11:35 PM PST
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SNK Neo Geo / BS
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Curiously, SNK Neo Geo has just put up a description and some photos for their Neo-Geo Land arcade building in Osaka. Basically a general idea of what non-neo games they have, and the layout of the place. Of course - we've got videos too.
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News: MMOPG
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July 20, 2003 11:20 PM PST
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Puzzle Pirates / BS
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Holy crap. Just when you didn't think there could be any Massively Multiplayer Online Anythings, here comes Puzzle Pirates; a multiplayer puzzle game. With freaking pirates! Check out some screens here, and try the free beta! Thanks to slashdot/games for the news.
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News: Famicompo ends
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July 20, 2003 11:11 PM PST
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Famicompo / BS
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The famicompo has come to an end! The votes have been tabulated, and the winner is the Miko Miko Nurse cover!! How incredibly odd. I wonder if that flash animation had something to do with it? Since my favorites didn't win, may as well mention the website of one of the better entries' creator. Thanks to Simon for the news.
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News: MxS patch
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July 20, 2003 11:00 PM PST
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Abogado Powers / BS
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There's a new patch up for MxS, fixing various problems. Exciting! But there's also a nifty new image of the oyaji as snails. I like it.
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Feature: Minibosses: 7:18
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July 19, 2003 11:59 PM PST
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insert credit / brandon sheffield
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I saw the minibosses yesterday. The NES covers flowed like beer down our throats, throwing us through the hazy room into the land of sprites and cartridges. A good time. Videos and images to prove it. And I tried a little something different on the writing front. You can comment on this with the new 'reply' feature now that the forums are back up. Have some fun.
(Video links fixed)
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News: Treewave
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July 19, 2003 11:45 PM PST
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Treewave / BS
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Speaking of videogame music, Paul Slocum's "band" now has a website; Treewave. Though it's less game inspired, than game instrumentation. Still very nice stuff.
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News: Mario Superplay
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July 19, 2003 11:29 PM PST
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Japan / BS
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A video of the ridiculous no-death/wacky crap Mario playthrough has been 'discovered' by Rockman Pocket. Check it out from Blobbynet right here.
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News: Baiken Kaitos site opens
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July 19, 2003 11:22 PM PST
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Namco / BS
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Another new site opening; Baiken Kaitos, Gamecube RPG. Everything's starting to look like everything else to me.
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News: Xenosaga site updates
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July 19, 2003 11:14 PM PST
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Namco / BS
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Namco has put up sites for Xen | |
