Fines totaling 167.8 million euros were imposed last year when the European Commission found Nintendo and its European distributors guilty of colluding to maintain artificially high price differences in Europe. John Menzies was expected to pay 8.64 million euros toward the total figure, which it felt was excessive, since it had simply been following Nintendo policy. 

From Gamespot                                                                                                                      -Reported by Justin Calvert

06/February/2003

Nokia N'Gages the handheld throne

Nokia drew the curtain up on its assault on the handheld market yesterday, with the official unveiling of its N-Gage machine.

N-Gage is effectively a mobile phone that also doubles as a powerful full colour games machine, capable of multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth wireless technology or "over-the-air" via mobile networks. Titles are sold through separate game cards and so far has large and important support from a number of high profile companies, including Activision, Eidos, Sega, Taito and THQ. Eidos and Sega will be creating a 3D Tomb Raider title and Sonic game respectively.

"The Nokia N-Gage brings the start of a whole new gaming experience to the market, with an ergonomic design optimised for playing games," said Anssi Vanjoki, executive vice president, Nokia Mobile Phones. "Nokia is working with world-renowned game publishers, including Activision, Eidos, Sega, Taito and THQ, and developers to provide an appealing and balanced catalogue of high quality games to the marketplace.

"Titles will include both the latest blockbuster games and a variety of titles across game genres," he continued. "The game experience can further be enhanced when network operators and service providers enter the value chain by providing game related mobile services such as downloadable game levels, additional features and game characters or even running online multiplayer games and communities. With these building blocks in place, the Nokia N-Gage platform will help to unleash the creative and innovative spirit of the games industry,"

N-Gage will also feature a digital music player (MP3/AAC), FM stereo radio, a comprehensive range of applications; e-mail and personal information management, and calendar synchronisation with PC, as well as USB for music file and application downloads. Battery life ranges depending on what's being used, but the figures for gaming are 3 - 6 hours (depending on game type).

The Nokia N-Gage is expected for late 2003. No price has been set yet. Games Domain will have more on this intriguing little machine soon.

From GamesDomain                                                                                                        -Reported by Corey Brotherson

05/February/2003

Metroid 2 officially confirmed

The "rumours" of a sequel to massive first-person action adventure title, Metroid Prime, coming to Gamecube are true.

Nintendo US has placed a game slot up on its website confirming the presence of the game after it was mooted a few weeks ago. However, there are no details on the game so far, or when it is expected to come out. There is a possibility more news will be confirmed at this year's E3 in May.

From GamesDomain                                                                                                        -Reported by Corey Brotherson

Enter the Matrix site goes Live

Shiny have officially launched their site devoted to their film-based action adventure 'Enter The Matrix'.

This site is entirely based in flash so if you have a slow connection (56k for example) be patient as it will take time to load.

Their site features a lot of screenshots and character and game details as well as a behind the scenes look.

take a look for your self...

 Enter the Matrix

-Reported by                                                                                                                       Dean Shepherd (in-house reviewer, Editor)

04/February/2003 

Tiger has a cup of 'java'

Digital Bridges and Electronic Arts will be producing a new Java mobile phone game with Tiger Woods.

Developed by iomo Ltd and available via TV, Web portals, mobile phone retailers, as well as mobile phone operators, Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf is initially set on Pebble Beach Golf Links and features detailed overhead and 3D views of the course through the 18 holes. Players can go solo either as their own character or taking on the role of Woods, or they can also choose a multiplayer version where they play against each another or try to beat Woods. It's also possible to post high scores and gain rewards such as the option to upgrade players' clubs.

Further levels of the game will be added shortly, each featuring an additional world-famous golf course, including the Tournaments Players Clubs at Piper Glen, Sawgrass, Las Colinas, and many more.

From GamesDomain                                                                                                        -Reported by Corey Brotherson

Kemco USA has today launched the official site for Batman: Dark Tomorrow, which is currently in development at HotGen. The action game, which is scheduled for release on all current console platforms in March, will see players assuming the role of the dark knight as he takes on a number of his archenemies in an all-new story written especially for the game.

The official site launched today features sections covering the contents of Batman's utility belt, his archenemies, and messages from the writers responsible for the game's plot. In addition to downloading screenshots and wallpapers, visitors can also download part one of a two-part comic book, designed by DC Comics, which serves as a prequel to the storyline of the game.

Official Site

From Gamespot                                                                                                                      -Reported by Justin Calvert

Cool Spot Rumour

Does anyone remember this cheeky little fellow , if you can that is showing your age slightly.

His name is Coolspot and he was created by 'Virgin Interactive' many many years ago, and he starred in a small platform game of the same name.

Well the news about him is that there may be a new game starring Coolspot in the works, again being developed by 'Virgin Interactive' but this time it will be in glorious 3D.

Well as the title header shows this is only a rumour at the moment but it would be nice to see this game actually brought out, we will bring you more on this new game if it develops.

-Reported by                                                                                                                       Dean Shepherd (in-house reviewer, Editor)

01/February/2003 

Gamecube Offer

Nintendo of Europe has decided to bring the free Gamecube game deal which debuted in the US, over to Europe.

Starting February 3 to March 20, buying a Gamecube for £130/199 Euros means you also get a choice of one from seven games as a free title to take home with you. Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, Wave Race: Blue Storm, Disney's Magical Mirror, Doshin the Giant, Luigi's Mansion, NBA Courtside 2002 and Pikmin will all be available for those who part with their cash. Sweet!

From GamesDomain                                                                                                        -Reported by Corey Brotherson

31/January/2003 

The X-files to be reopened once again

This summer is going to be great for all console players who are also fans of the hit sci-fi series X-files.

Vivendi Universal and Fox have announced the release of X-files: Delirium/Resist or Serve, which is in development for PS2 and Xbox, but my hunch is that it will also be on PC and Gamecube by the end of the year, but don’t quote me on that.

This game is set to feature the likeness and voices of the show’s stars, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.

As well as that Blacks Ops Entertainment (designers of the game) have said the game will contain roughly three episodes worth of content and if that isn’t enough to make you’re mouth water then wait there’s more.

This game will take place in a town called Red Falls, and will involve the investigation of your typical ‘x-files’ murders, ghost sightings and other not so normal things. This game will eventually take you to a buried alien spacecraft (it wouldn’t be X-files without a alien spacecraft would it?) and a typical battle to save planet earth from being invested with little green men, although they may not be little or green for that matter.

-Reported by                                                                                                                       Dean Shepherd (in-house reviewer, Editor)

29/January/2003 

'Phantom' News

We have now some more news from new console developers 'Infinium labs'.

"We are not announcing the details until our March unveiling", so there you have it we won't know any more on this console until march, unless some information leaks out (but that isn't likely to happen is it? .ed).

They go on to say that they look forward to "delivering the most revolutionary service offering to hit the gaming industry in years". Now I don't know about you but this seems to be a bit of a bold statement, In my opinion, a relatively unknown company (compared to Microsoft or Sony) shouldn't really be saying things like this.

Let us know your feeling on this matter, as this is going to be one of the biggest things to hit the gaming industry this year.

-Reported by                                                                                                                       Dean Shepherd (in-house reviewer, Editor)

27/January/2003

New console to be released

Now when there is a new console announced, there are generally certain things that accompany the release info, such as the specs of the machine, who developing for it and so on. But that hasn’t happened here, this new company who is delving into the "War of the Consoles" is called ‘Infinium Labs’ and has yet to mention what the specs are. And in a strange turn of events has made it clear to everyone, that no one is developing games for it at the moment. Although they have made clear that it is only online capable, and as the site boasts "there are currently 32,679 retail game titles available and 418 shareware game titles".

Now normally we here at Psychosis are not a sceptical bunch, but due to the fact that this console is to be released at the end of 2003. We have our doubts as to whether, this is a hoax or a genuine news release for a new competitor in the console race.

And the name of this machine you cry…wait for it…"Phantom".

We will let you decide if this is a hoax or if indeed it is a genuine announcement, all we know here at the Psychosis office, is that we have contacted Infinium Labs by email but as yet, they have yet to reply with an intelligible answer.

www.infiniumlabs.com 

-Reported by                                                                                                                       Dean Shepherd (in-house reviewer, Editor)

14/January/2003

Batman to hit the consoles

You're walking down the street. Pitch black, moon overhead. Suddenly this guy comes jumping off the side of a building. Cape flowing, black mask, pointy ears. Most of us would shriek in terror, some would wonder who unlocked the gate at the loony bin, and a few would just stare in disbelief. In the real world, a superhero like Batman would do the daytime circuit with Dr. Phil and unravel all his deep, dark insecurities. But, in comics, he practically reigns supreme, the black knight of the dark sky. Movies, television - the guy has done it all.

So, hey, isn't it time he stars in a really great video game? Previous outings have been okay, but nothing that makes you stay up at night counting out your laundry money for the next Scott Peterson written comic. If Kemco has its way in a few short months, Batman: Dark Tomorrow will get our attention in a big way, exploding onto all three consoles with a vengeance.

Of course, the big change this time is that Peterson himself wrote the backstory so we can expect something dark and gritty. We spoke to the man himself for some comments.

"The always dangerous Gotham City is suddenly far more tumultuous and chaotic than its normally bizarre state," said Peterson. "Gang warfare has broken out, and Commissioner Gordon is missing. What's worse, all the signs point to someone from Arkham Asylum being behind the disappearance, and they find they're unable to establish contact with anyone in charge of the asylum."

Inevitably, this leads to a civic nightmare where psychotic criminals start escaping from the asylum and causing death and destruction on city streets. No green goblins here, flying around on airborne scooters. Screenshots show the underbelly of a city that is a marked departure from the happier, cheerful Gotham of the television series. The grittier feel is probably exactly what fans have been craving, and fits perfectly with the Devil May Cry, Metal Gear, and Splinter Cell tones of console gaming.

"Batman will incorporate stealth and detective elements that will be exciting to both gamers and core Batman fans," said Peterson. "He's been dark and grim and gritty since his first issue back in Detective Comics #27, September 1939. And while he got quite a bit lighter and campy later, culminating in the Adam West television show, the comics have had a darker tone again since 1970. Really, the game simply reflects the way the Batman has been in the comics for decades."

Of course, a superhero wouldn't have anything to do if not for all the escaped psychotic criminals wreaking havoc on peace-loving citizens. "There's Scarface and the Ventriloquist, a psychotic puppet who may be simply a way for his meek and mild-mannered handler to act out his innate aggression or who may in fact be alive in a supernatural sense," said Peterson. "There's the Ratcatcher, a psychotic former exterminator who's established a bond with the hordes of rats which infest Gotham. There's Killer Croc, a psychotic (sense a pattern here?) and enormous half-human/half-reptile creature who'd like nothing more than to feast on our hero."

More well known villains from the movies, also make appearances. " Poison Ivy, with her deadly touch and her unnatural control over all forms of plant life," Peterson continued. "There's Mister Freeze, who blames Batman for the death of his wife; he has phenomenal strength courtesy of the exo-skeleton which keeps him alive, as well as his freeze gun."

Peterson explained that even casual Batman fans will recognise many of these villains, although he has cooked up a few surprises for the hardcore fans. Gadgetry is also a hallmark of the comic series, and this time around, Batman will carry the usual Batarang, Batcable, Smoke Capsules, Batgrapple and other assorted utility items.

Game environments look... well, dark, but also a bit more grimy. Batman will be able to scale walls more easily (akin to his more insect-like friend, Spiderman) and run across rooftops. The action will take place in the usual warehouses, Gotham common area, the requisite sewer, and the asylum. Graphically, these locations will look much better than previous Batman games thanks to a new game engine that's been enhanced to crank out higher polygons and use cool lighting techniques (watch out Splinter Cell).

Peterson also spoke highly of the effort his team spent in developing Batman's cape. "The programming team has developed a great real-time cape program called B.C.S.R technology (Batman Cape Simulation in Real-time), which uses very complex physics to simulate Batman's cape." Kemco has said the cape will be a critical part of the game this time, used for blocking and tied to the force feedback on the controller.

Peterson also noted that the game will be exactly the same across platforms, and feature just one single-player story mode (no multi-player). Will the masked superhero really grab Gotham headlines for his console appearance? We'll have our final review in March when the game releases.

From GamesDomain                                                                                                        -Previewed by John Brandon

13/January/2003

Zelda bonus disc confirmed for Europe

Nintendo of Europe has finally confirmed that Europe will be getting the hotly contested bonus disc when ‘Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker’ arrives this May.

Although no details have been announced as to whether the disc, which will contain high resolution versions of ‘Ocarina of Time’ and ‘Ura Zelda’ (known as ‘Master Quest’ in the US), will also have movies of forthcoming Gamecube and Game Boy Advance games, the news will be welcome to those fearing Europe would once again get a raw deal from the Big N.

More information will be available on the run up to the game's May 3 release.

From GamesDomain                                                                                                        -Reported by Corey Brotherson

CES 2003: Splinter Cell PS2 impressions

We had our first chance to play Splinter Cell for the PlayStation 2 today at Dolby's CES 2003 booth, where the game is being demonstrated for its use of digital audio. The playable demo being shown is a short section of the game that allows you to use many of Sam Fisher's moves and gadgets.

The splash screen for the demo states that the game is still in development and will be released in 2003. Even in its current state, the game looks surprisingly good, although it's noticeably inferior to the Xbox version. The level of detail in the environments, characters, and objects is fairly decent, and the night-vision and thermal-imaging effects look about the same. The fantastic lighting effects seen in the Xbox version of the game look like they'll be at least similar in the PS2 version, albeit quite a bit less impressive.

The level available for play in the demo allows you to take Sam Fisher through a restaurant, where he has to deal with a couple of enemies and eventually make it up onto the roof. The level allows you to make use of many of Sam Fisher's moves, like using a pipe to climb up the side of a building, using a cable to slide from one building to another, and using weapons to dispatch enemies. The controls of the demo we played definitely worked well on the PS2 controller. The gameplay in its current state is responsive and seems to be very similar to the Xbox version's gameplay.

It'll be interesting to see how the final version of Splinter Cell for the PlayStation 2 turns out, especially after seeing this fairly promising demo. We'll have more on the game as we approach its release date.

From Gamespot
-Reported by Ryan MacDonald

09/January/2003

Gameboy Advance 2

Nintendo has finally unveiled the new Game Boy Advance that has been under the shroud of rumor for so long.

At a pan-European conference, Game Boy Advance SP was unleashed for the gaming press, a pocket sized flip top version of GBA, boasting a integrated screenlight, new even-smaller dimensions (84.6mm from front to back, 82mm wide, and an 24.3mm thin), and a rechargeable lithium battery similar to those found in mobile phones, offering gamers over ten hours of continuous illuminated game-play. When the front light is turned off, the continual play increases to approximately 18 hours.

GBA SP will be available in three metallic finishes, silver, black and blue, and is totally compatible with GBA and Game Boy Colour titles. "With the launch of Game Boy Advance SP, Nintendo will be able to place their gaming expertise into the hands of new users who value outstanding design as highly as technology," said David Gosen, managing director, Nintendo of Europe. "There's an incredible range of games already available, and an ever-increasing number designed for players who may not have held a console since the days of Tetris. Following the incredible success of Game Boy Advance, this is a very exciting time for Nintendo and an exceptional start to 2003."

GBA SP will be released in Europe on March 28, for around 129-139 Euros (approx £100) while the US will get it slightly earlier in March for around $99. Japan gets its own version in February.

From GamesDomain                                                                                                                - Reported by Corey Brotherson                   

05/January/2003

Halo For PC