Posted by Za0oO on Thursday, August 30, 2001

QUAKE IV is in development by Raven Software and marks a return to id Software's trademark single-player gameplay experience set in the QUAKE IITM universe, one of the best selling franchises in PC gaming history. QUAKE IV will use id Software's advanced new DOOM game engine.

The new unnamed franchise is based on an original design by id Software and is being developed by Nerve Software, a new development company based in Mesquite, TX. The company was co-founded by Brandon James, a level designer at id Software on QUAKE II and QUAKE III Arena.


 SubstanceTV Announcement Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 29, 2001

The newly-formed publishing group SubstanceTV, Inc. today announced a new standard in DVD entertainment – the content-driven DVD videomagazine, SubstanceTV. With DVD hardware in over 25% of all US households, DVDs are becoming the home entertainment and content delivery vehicle of choice. SubstanceTV offers an innovative and interactive way of delivering multimedia content that examines contemporary culture, and its diverse subcultures, to a broad audience.

The company’s mission is to deliver high-quality video content that transcends the sound-bite mentality of today's mass media and uses advanced technology to examine the human condition through digital eyes.

SubstanceTV is subscription-only and will be compatible with any home DVD player, PCs and Macs with DVD drives, and game consoles with DVD playback capability. Subscriptions to SubstanceTV are available for $14.95 (10-issue subscription for 2002 plus introductory issue) at http://substance.tv. The Introductory Issue will be released this November.

Each SubstanceTV issue will consist of over two hours of content that explores the people, ideas, and events that shape the essence of modern life. Through the powerful user interface abilities of the DVD, content will be presented via “Interactive Features” and “Freestanding Media” sections.


 Fantastic Four & Iron Man Announced Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Strengthening its leadership as the top publisher of comic super hero brands, Activision, today announced it will bring Marvel's "First Family," The Fantastic Four, and "The Invincible" Iron Man to the interactive arena. Under the terms of the deal, Activision has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish interactive games for the next-generation console systems and the PC based on these renowned properties. These brands complement the company's current slate of Marvel Super Heroes that include Spider-Man, X-Men and Blade.

Twentieth Century Fox is currently in development with a theatrical film based on The Fantastic Four and New Line Cinema is developing a motion picture based on Iron Man. Both projects are slated to be released in 2003/2004.


 SWAT 3 GOTY Edition Announced  Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Sierra today announced SWAT 3: Tactical Game of the Year Edition, scheduled to hit stores in late September. The special two-CD edition will include new missions, 10-person multiplayer, an Advanced Tactics CD containing instructional SWAT training videos, a Q&A tactics section and more - all provided by actual SWAT officers.


 Anarchy Online Patch Released Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Funcom released a patch for their futuristic MMORPG, Anarchy Online that will upgrade your current client to version 12.5. A list of complete fixes can be found on the product website.


 Return to Castle Wolfenstein Preview - Action Vault Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Action Vault has written a preview of Return to Castle Wolfenstein that includes well written summary of what is currently known about the game from id Software, Gray Matter Studios, and Nerve Software.


 Radeon 8500DV Announced Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 29, 2001

ATI Technologies today announced the new All-in-Wonder Radeon 8500DV, a multimedia graphics board with a manufacturer's suggested list price of under $500. Scheduled to be available in retail stores worldwide later this fall, the 8500DV is the first in ATI's family of video cards to provide an IEEE 1394 standard digital video connection. The 8500DV also features TV-On-Demand Timeshifting, enabling viewers to pause live TV or create instant replays, and an interactive program guide for viewing and searching North American TV listings by category, actor, or date. Other 8500DV features include:

• Radeon 8500 GPU with 64MB DDR


• Stereo TV-tuner with 125 channels


• Analog and digital video capture and editing


• Remote control via radio frequency--requires USB


• Component output to connect to digital TVs


• Teletext support in Europe


• DVD video playback with Dolby AC-3 digital audio


• Support for DirectX 8.1 and Windows XP

 Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 26, 2001

IGNPC: So there is no confusion out there, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is not only a single player experience but also an upgrade for existing multiplayer? Can you please elaborate?

Randy Pitchford: Yes. Condition Zero introduces quite a bit of content and gameplay to Counter-Strike including new weapons, characters, mission types and even new technology to enhance to look and feel of the game. For us, it's very much worth the extra effort to expose the new features to the online version of the game.

 Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 26, 2001

 Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 26, 2001

Click here to download (use at your own risks only!)


 Intel 2Ghz Ships Worldwide! Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 26, 2001

Intel today introduced its Pentium 4 processor at 2Ghz - or two billion cycles per second - crossing a key technology milestone. Computer makers worldwide launched systems today based on the new 2Ghz processor. The Pentium 4 2Ghz is manufactured using Intel's 0.18 micron process and available at $562 in lots of 1000 units. Intel also launched a 1.9Ghz version of the Pentium 4 priced at $375.

Intel stated that systems based on the Pentium 4 2Ghz processor can create and share digital media up to 81 percent faster than a PC with a Pentium III 1Ghz processor. Also that the new processor enables business users to increase productivity more than 50 percent over the Pentium III 1Ghz processor.

Pentium 4 2Ghz systems will be based on the Intel 850 chipset which uses dual RDRAM memory banks to complement the processor's 400Mhz system bus, handling up to 3.2 gigabytes of data per second. Intel also previewed its upcoming 845 chipset which uses low-cost SDRAM.


 Computer Games Do Kill Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 26, 2001

A Thai man has died from heart failure during an all-night computer game. The 22-year-old was found dead at his computer terminal in an internet cafe in Chiang Mai.

Police say his friends told them he was addicted to the game and played it from Wednesday evening until he was found slumped over the computer's keyboard at noon on Thursday. They confirmed that Thanet Sommoi, a worker at a ceramics factory, died from heart failure.

He had been playing Half Life: Counter Strike, which casts players in the role of terrorist or counter-terrorist. Up to 32 people can join in on the internet.


 Mindless Games' Max Payne Review Posted by Za0oO on Friday, August 24, 2001

It's here folks, filled with screenshots and loads of review goods, and our impressions on the full boxed product, the Max Payne Review finally made its way to us.

Click here for the full review.


 Resident Evil: Code Veronica X Is Released On PS2 Posted by Fraust on Thursday, August 23, 2001

That's right, Capcom's Dreamcast classic is now available on the Playstation 2. Its release celebrates the 5 year anniversary of the Resident Evil series (has it been that long already?). Take control of Claire Redfield as she discovers the Umbrella corporations twisted plans! In addition to the game, you are also treated with a demo of the upcoming action game, Devil May Cry. This game is definitely one to look out for in the coming months! Take control of Dante, newcomer to the Capcom family, as you hack your way through a horrific mansion. Resident Evil: Code Veronica X is one title you really shouldn't miss out on!


 Red Faction Multiplayer Test Patch Released Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 22, 2001

Volition released a patch for the multiplayer test demo of Red Faction, bringing their destroy-everything shooter to version 1.10. This release adds a new CTF level entitled "Blasted Canyon," as well as a couple of new features and configuration options, and a number of bug fixes.


 Trade Empire Goes Gold Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 22, 2001

Eidos Interactive has announced that their upcoming real-time strategy trading game, Trade Empires, has gone gold in anticipation of a September 17th release date.


 Sid Mier's Civilization III In Beta Test Already Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 22, 2001

According to AVault, Sid Meier's Civilization III has reportedly hit beta this week. This means that all of the title's features are now in the game and working, that all the placeholder art has been replaced with final art, and that the code is essentially solid.

The Civ III team is now dedicated to locating and fixing any bugs detected by beta testers; the game's artists are making sure that all the art assets are being displayed correctly.

Civilization III is currently scheduled for an October 2001 release.


 Throne of Darkness Multiplayer Beta Program Launched Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 22, 2001

Sierra and Click Entertainment today announced that they are looking for a few good samurai for the Throne of Darkness(tm) Beta Program to help put the game's multiplayer feature to the test. Be among the first to do battle against the demon Zanshin and his horde of undead warriors! The beta test will run from September 9th through September 23rd, 2001.

During this time Sierra will be monitoring the game's ability to host a large number of simultaneous players. Beta participants are encouraged to play Throne of Darkness online via Sierra.com for at least ten hours per week, with at least five of those weekly hours taking place between 5 and 10 PM Pacific Time. Sierra will select the first 750 qualified applicants to return by U.S. mail the Throne of Darkness Beta Test License. This application, as well as further information about Throne of Darkness and the beta test program, can be found at http://throneofdarkness.sierra.com/multiplay-beta/. Throne of Darkness is a new high-action RPG with a unique Japanese storyline and groundbreaking multiplayer capability. The single-player campaign includes ten gigantic levels, each with multiple side quests. Players manage their party through a series of tactical "plays," formations and action orders that the party follows, allowing a high level of coordination between the player and the AI-driven samurai. Throne of Darkness is scheduled to ship next month.


 Freedom Force Shots Posted by FACE.UK on Wednesday, August 22, 2001

Freedom Force is the superhero RPG from Irrational Games. set in 1962 New York City, Freedom Force is a tactical RPG that promises all the thrills of action comic's on your PC. The game will feature an intense 3D battle engine with fully destructible environments. Check out the screenshots Here.
[Source] PCZone



 Civ III Posted by FACE.UK on Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Civilization 3 has a new feature called Ask The Civ Team. There are questions about governors, music, armies and much more.


 Blizzards New Tune Posted by FACE.UK on Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Blizzard Entertainment have released a new Mp3 called "Warcraft: A Call To Arms" which features music from the Warcraft III Cinematic Trailer. It's 2.11 MB, requires an MP3 Player and you can get it from Here


 Test Drive Off Road-Wide Open for PS2 Ships To Stores! Posted by Za0oO on Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Infogrames announced today that the newest installment in the Test Drive Off-RoadT series, Test Drive Off-Road -- Wide OpenT, will hit stores this week for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Angel Studios, the game features advanced technology enabling "go anywhere" environments, 15 licensed off-road vehicles and 30 wide-open tracks in three untamed landscape locations.

Test Drive Off-Road -- Wide Open contains a variety of fully customizable licensed off-road vehicles, each offering its own unique handling and abilities. Vehicles include the AM General Humvee®, AM General Hummer® Wagon, AM General Hummer® Open Top, Rod Hall Hummer®, Jeep® Wrangler, Jeep® CJ5, Ford® F-150T, Ford® BroncoT, Dodge® RAM 2500, Dodge® Durango, Dodge® T Rex, Shelby® S.P. 360T, Chevrolet® Blazer and the Chevrolet® Silverado. Gamers can personalize their rides with paint options and other upgrades, including tires, wheels, light bars, brush guards, lift kits and more. Each vehicle upgrade produces a visual change in the appearance and performance of the vehicle.


 E3 2002 Posted by FACE.UK on Monday, August 20, 2001

The Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) today announced that the 2002 E3 will run from Wednesday-Friday. This is a break from the normal Thursday-Saturday schedule. The show will start on Wednesday May 22 and finish on Friday May 24.

Source:Gamasutra


 Diablo Patch Posted by FACE.UK on Monday, August 20, 2001

Blizzard Entertainment have released a patch for Diablo II: Lord of Destruction bringing up to version v 1.09. You can grab it from Here.


 Video Games Are Bad For You? Posted by Fraust on Saturday, August 18, 2001

It doesn't look like this arguement will ever end. A study in Japan has shown poor brain devolopment for kids who were involved in the testing.

Using the most sophisticated technology available, the level of brain activity was measured in hundreds of teenagers playing a Nintendo game and compared to the brain scans of other students doing a simple, repetitive arithmetical exercise. To the surprise of brain-mapping expert Professor Ryuta Kawashima and his team at Tohoku University in Japan, it was found that the computer game only stimulated activity in the parts of the brain associated with vision and movement.

 Posted by Fraust on Saturday, August 18, 2001

 Posted by Za0oO on Friday, August 17, 2001

 Posted by Za0oO on Friday, August 17, 2001

 Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 15, 2001

• Soldier of Fortune Full Retail Game


• Gold Edition Maps/Mods/Enhancements


• 1.07f Patch Adding GameSpy Support To Multiplayer


• 5 New Multiplayer Maps


• Brady Games Strategy Guide in .pdf Format


• Preview Trailer of Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix.

This edition of the game is meant for those who haven't purchased Soldier of Fortune in any form to date. As with the Gold Edition, the Platinum Edition updates and features will be freely available for download soon to those of you who own Soldier of Fortune or Soldier of Fortune Gold.


 Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare for Dreamcast Goes Gold! Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 15, 2001

Infogrames are proud to announce that Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare for Dreamcast has gone GOLD! So, grab a flashlight, a bag of chips, and your Dreamcast controller because Carnby's coming to Dreamcast!


 Independence War II US Goes Gold Posted by Za0oO on Tuesday, August 14, 2001

According to AVault, the U.S. and Canadian version of Independence War II has gone gold, and confirmed a late-August release date. So, those off-planet vacation plans should be good to go this month.


 Project Entropia Beta News Posted by Za0oO on Tuesday, August 14, 2001

MindArk announced today that it has completed the selection of 500 new testers for the Phase II beta test of its online game, Project Entropia. The company stated that the process of notifying the new testers is under way, and reiterated its projection that Phase II will begin by the end of this month. Project Entropia will be made available to Internet users at no initial cost and with no subscription fees. In the roles of human colonists on a virtual planet, people will be able to meet and socialize, adventure into wilderness areas where they will face indigenous creatures and invading robots, take part in building a virtual society, and perhaps even acquire real-world wealth. Applications for further phases of the Project Entropia beta test are still being accepted here.


 QuakeCon Pictures Posted by Fraust on Monday, August 13, 2001

Raven Software's Kenn Hoekstra has posted pictures of his experiences at QuakeCon. Take a few moments to have a look at what was on the floor at this sacred event!


 John Carmack Interview - GameSpot Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 12, 2001

GameSpot today posted a video interview with John Carmack, id Software's lead programmer taken during this year's QuakeCon, currently underway in Mesquite, Texas. The conversation is available in four segments in several streaming formats, totalling nearly 24 minutes, and John talks about graphical effects, realism in games, the new Doom game and the features it will require in 3D accelerator cards, his current programming challenges, the future of computer graphics, and lots more, so be sure not to miss that out!


 Quake: The Movie Hits Internet! Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 12, 2001

The Tritin Films website has released a film Quake: The Movie: Escape From The Bastille (which was shown at this year's QuakeCon). The movie runs for an amount of 12 minutes in DivX format and is available for download right here from FilePlanet. (The movie weight's a big 182MB)


 Infogrames Releases T2: The Game Details Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 12, 2001

Infogrames announced today the first details of their recently acquired license, The Terminator, in development by Paradigm Entertainment as a third-person action game that will lead on PlayStation 2, and follow on other systems.

The game is based on an original premise that takes place in the Terminator universe as a kind of prequel in the series, in Los Angeles in the year 2029 (this will make sense in a second). Skynet has created a new threat, human-skinned terminators almost impossible to detect with the human eye and have once again aimed their sites on Sarah Conner. Players take on the role of various soldiers (as well as Kyle, John's father) in John Conner's army (in the future), and must once again protect Sarah Connor from being murdered.

Infogrames and Paradigm are creating new characters and terminators for the game, including hunter killers and various kinds of terminators. The game is due on PlayStation 2 in spring 2002. Paradigm has been working on the game for about 6-7 months.


 Another Dreamcast Price Drop! Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 12, 2001

Sega of America today announced it would lower the retail recommended price of the 128-bit Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(TM) video game console to $79.95, down from $99.95. The lower price point is in line with the company's strategy to become a platform agnostic third-party publisher and to develop its world-renowned content and franchises for all next-generation video game consoles, as well as handheld, mobile and other devices. While Sega's focus is to develop games for multiple platforms, the company continues to support Dreamcast with more than 20 titles this year, including the first online-playable baseball simulation, "Sega Sports(TM) World Series Baseball 2K2"; the first online console games to use in-game voice chat, "Alien Front Online(TM)" and "Propeller Arena(TM)"; as well as exciting sequels to top-selling Sega games like "Sega Sports(TM) NFL 2K2," "Sega Sports(TM) NBA 2K2" and "Shenmue(TM) II."


 Remember Quest? Posted by Fraust on Saturday, August 11, 2001

With all the hype about Quake 4 this week, it seems there's another game id Software is working on that hasn't gotten much attention. Linux Games reported that Nerve Software, the guys responsible for the multiplayer in Return To Castle Wolfenstein is also collaborating with id on Quest. You may remember the name from a while back. Graeme Devine came up with the concept before Doom was in the picture. It is a fantasy multiplayer game, like an FPS Diablo. While Quest will probably not be the name of the game when it ships, the concept will probably stay the same. We'll keep you posted on this game as more information becomes available.


 Red Faction Demo Available Posted by Za0oO on Saturday, August 11, 2001

Yeah, you red it right buddy, the international demo of Red Faction has been released! Red Faction is a next-generation 1st person shooter that introduces Geo-Mod technology - real-time, arbitrary geometry modification that drastically enhances realism and diversity of gameplay. Framed by impressive features including an astonishing physics engine, controllable vehicles, intense graphics, kick-ass weapons, unique natural environments and a hugely involving storyline.

Click here to grab the good.


 XBox Hits Retail Posted by Za0oO on Saturday, August 11, 2001

Hitting retail outlets across the country this week is the first wave of Xbox promotional materials from Microsoft. This includes sleeves for stores to put into DVD keep cases to make display boxes for the games, posters, and even actual system boxes.


 New JDoom Released! Posted by Za0oO on Saturday, August 11, 2001

Version 1.0 of JDoom has been released. This new version features true/client server, hardware acceleration (D3D and OpenGL), enhanced menus, dynamic lights and much more.

Click here to get it.


 More Quake 4 Info! Posted by Doom_Dude on Friday, August 10, 2001

Just discovered some more kewl but basic info about Quake 4. Check it all out over at gamespot.com and there's even a very kewl concept sketch of a Strogg gladiator from Quake IV. Go see it! Tis kewl!


 Quake 4 Announced Posted by Doom_Dude on Friday, August 10, 2001

Just found this tidbit of information over at Telefragged.com reporting that Raven Software will be developing Quake 4, which was recently announced at QuakeCon. This next Quake game will take place during the same time as Quake 2 along with those alien dudes we all know as the Strogg. Tried to find more in depth information on this news but not much is out there yet. Keep your eyes peeled for more info as time passes by.


 Castle of Wolfenstein Multiplayer Details Posted by Za0oO on Tuesday, August 7, 2001

Return to Castle Wolfenstein, the next installment of id Software's watershed first-person action franchise, will feature complex, mission-based multiplayer warfare. The multiplayer element of Wolfenstein, currently in development at Nerve Software and executive produced by id Software and Gray Matter Interactive, pits players in a tooth-and-nail contest for front-line domination.

In addition to an action-packed, story-driven, single-player experience in which players must infiltrate deep into the heart of the Third Reich, Return to Castle Wolfenstein's multiplayer mode enlists gamers in a series of combat scenarios. Gamers will join the fight as an Axis or Ally soldier and be challenged to intense, realistic campaigns, including storming beachheads, infiltrating military installations, holding strategic positions, and more. The game features multiple objectives spanning a variety of maps, including an Axis airbase, a war torn German village, and a secret Nazi laboratory.

Packed with realistic team-based multiplayer gameplay, Return to Castle Wolfenstein features four different character classes -- soldier, engineer, medic, and lieutenant. Each class has unique attributes and the ability to access different ammunition and equipment that compliments their style of warfare.


 DOOM Game Boy Advance Announced Posted by Za0oO on Tuesday, August 7, 2001

id Software's legendary action shooter game, DOOM, is set for an explosive debut on the Game Boy Advance. DOOM for the Game Boy Advance is a joint development effort by id Software and David A. Palmer Productions. id and Palmer recently teamed up to bring Commander Keen, another renowned id franchise, to the Game Boy Color.

Published by Activision, DOOM for Game Boy Advance will allow gamers to experience the visceral thrill and frenetic action of the their hand. The title recreates the groundbreaking PC game from the palm of immersive 3D experience and onslaught of horrific demons that epitomizes the franchise. DOOM for the Game Boy Advance is currently rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB.

DOOM for the Game Boy Advance pits players against cyber-organic creatures and nightmarish demons as they blast their way through 24 action-packed 3D levels. Armed with eight weapons, players must navigate treacherous architecture to avoid traps and use power-ups in a timeless battle of skill and firepower.

Continuing DOOM's legacy of immersive multiplayer gameplay, the handheld version features multiplayer support through the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable. Two to four players can test their mettle in classic DOOM Deathmatch through all of the single-player levels and an additional eight dedicated multiplayer levels. In addition, two players can team up to blast their way through single-player levels in Cooperative mode.


 Malice for Playstation 2 Posted by Fraust on Monday, August 6, 2001

You read it correctly! IGN has reported that Argonaut Games will bring the formerly XBox exclusive game Malice to the Playstation 2. It is scheduled for release next year under the Sierra publishing label. This should come as good news for all the PS2 owners out there as Malice has been one of the best looking games for the XBox so far!


 Z: Steel Soldiers Patch v1.40 Beta Released Posted by Za0oO on Sunday, August 5, 2001

The Bitmap Brothers have released a brand of new patches (US, UK, German, French, Italian and Spanish) for Z: Steel Soldiers, upgrading their 3D action RTS to version 1.40 beta. This new patch adds only some multiplayer improvements.

Click here to download.


 Attack of the Clones Announced! Posted by wmull on Sunday, August 5, 2001

I just saw on the Fox News television channel, that starwars.com has announced the full title for the next Star Wars film is (drumroll and fanfare, please)....
Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones!
This bodes well for us salivating over the thought of massive Clone War battlefield scenes, with an orgy of hundreds of lightsaber-weilding sith/jedi clones going at it in a melee frenzy.... gasp!
The film is scheduled for release in 2002. Head to starwars.com for more info.


 Top 50 Games Of All Time Posted by Fraust on Saturday, August 4, 2001

Gamespy has released their list of the 50 greatest games of all time. They cover a lot of ground with this one, and I was surprised by some of the games listed. Read it all at Gamespy.com.


 Star Wars: Galaxies Update Posted by Za0oO on Wednesday, August 1, 2001

The Star Wars Galaxies website has been updated with word that Haden "Shug Ninx" Blackman, LucasArts Producer, has a report from his visit to Austin to check out the status of the massively multiplayer RPG. It mentions the latest versions of Naboo, camera solutions, timeline progression, feature cuts, and more. Here's a blurb: