1 rea all all cat=all nor nos
Category  1 Welcome to Gamebits! (Closed)
 ************
Topic 1   CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:40 PST
Sub: Welcome to Gamebits!

Welcome to Gamebits!

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 1
Message 1          Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:41 PDT

      >>> WELCOME TO THE GAMEBITS COMMUNITY ON SYNDICOMM.COM! <<<
      """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     Thanks for stopping in!  My name is Ken Gagne and I'm the
Chief Sysop here at the Gamebits Community on Syndicomm.com.
The video game industry generates billions of dollars a year,
yet often attracts an audience unique from computer gamers.
If you love the systems and games of Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Atari,
and all others, then this is the place you want to be (and where
we want you to be :).  Thanks for stopping in; we hope you'll
stay for awhile!

Ken
kgagne@syndicomm.com

 ------------
 ************
Topic 5   CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:58 PST
Sub: ...reserved...

Reserved for future expansion.

 1 message
 ************
 ************
Topic 6   CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:59 PST
Sub: Why our bulletin board is like a pub

About the bulletin board

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 6
Message 1          Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:59 PDT

             >>> WHY OUR BULLETIN BOARD IS LIKE A PUB <<<
             """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

WHAT YOU COME HERE FOR is interesting conversations with interesting
"""""""""""""""""""""" people.  Or perhaps you come to take copies of
the files in our library.  Either way, we're glad you're here.
We're so glad, we'd like you to let us know what to call you by
using the NAMe command to give yourself a nickname.  Just type in:

NAM NickName

in the bulletin board and we'll know what to call you.

     To get you to come back, we realize that we have to make you feel
your online fees were well spent.  Syndicomm.com's success depends on
how many times you come back, not on how long you stay each time you
come.  Our goal is to provide you with exactly what you want!

 ------------
 ************
Topic 7   CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:00 PST
Sub: What are Categories and Topics

About categories and topics

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 7
Message 1          Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 11:52 PDT

BULLETIN BOARD MESSAGES ARE ORGANIZED   Don't waste your time by
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   reading lots of bulletin board
messages you aren't interested in.  Syndicomm.com's system makes
avoiding the uninteresting stuff easy by dividing all messages into
specific topics, or "conversations".  The conversations take place in
special categories.

     Here, for example, is a partial listing of the categories in the
Gamebits bulletin board:

        Category number
       /
      /      Title                     Types of conversations
     /
    1 Welcome to Gamebits!          (How-to, general information)
    2 Community Square              (Announcements, help, chatter)
    3 Free Trade Zone               (Games and systems for sale)
    4 Books & Magazines             (Video game-related publications)
    5 Games on TV & in the Movies   (Game-related media spin-offs)
    7 Game Industry Shows           (News from E3, TGS, etc.)
    8 Industry News                 (Economic news of the industry)


     You'll notice some category numbers are absent, such as Category 6
in the above listing.  We intentionally leave spaces when create
categories so that future expansions can occur in a logical order,
and without shuffling around existing categories.

     When you enter one of our bulletin boards you will find the
following commands very helpful:

   * CAT     shows you a list of our categories
   * SET n   puts you in category "n"
   * TOP     displays the "conversations" or topic in the category you
             are in
   * INDex   shows a complete index of all categories and topics in
             the bulletin board
   * PROmpt  sets your bulletin board prompt.

     When you first enter one of our bulletin boards, you always start
in category 1 with a "full" prompt.  By full, I mean it looks like
this:

 (command)* = command not implemented yet
 1 CATegories        10 INDex of topics
 2 (NEW messages)*   11 (SEArch topics)*
 3 SET category      12 DELete messages
 4 DEScribe category 13 IGNore topic
 5 TOPic list        14 PROmpt setting
 6 BROwse new msgs   15 (SCRoll setting)*
 7 REAd messages     16 NAMe used in BB
 8 REPly to a topic  17 EXIt exits the BB
 9 STArt a topic     18 HELp with commands
Enter #, <Command> or <HEL>p

     You can set a shorter prompt, known as the "brief" prompt, that
looks like this:

Command: CATegories, TOPics, REAd, REPly
         BROwse, SETcat, EXIt, or HELp
1 ?

by using the PROmpt command.  Try issuing the "PRO BRIEF" command.  If
you'd prefer no prompt at all, you can issue the "PRO NONE" command
and just get a prompt of the category number, a space, and a question
mark.

1 ?

     If you decide you'd like the "full" prompt back, just type in
"PRO FULL" and you'll have it.  The PROmpt command is permanent--it'll
be in effect until the next time you change it.  The next time you
come in to Syndicomm.com, you'll have the same prompt.

     If you decide you'd prefer a "custom" prompt with text you
specify yourself, you can use the PROmpt SET command.  Simply enter:

PROmpt SET "New prompt:"

Which will give you a prompt of

New prompt:

     If you would like to include control characters within the
prompt, use the carat (^) to do so.  For instance, to insert a
Control-A at the end of "Prompt:", use the command:

PROmpt SET "Prompt:^A"

     If you'd like a description of another category, you an use the
DEScribe command, as in:

DES X

where X is the number of the category you'd like a description of.

     Once you're in a category, you'll see that it's further divided
into topics.  For instance, let's take a partial look at Category 3,
the Free Trade Zone.

Category 3: Free Trade Zone

Topic Name
    1 Guidelines For Posting
    2 General Discussion on Buying & Selling
    3 Vendor Database
    4 ...reserved...
    5 ...reserved...
    6 === Hardware For Sale ===
    7 Nintendo
    8 Sega

     So, if I wanted to sell a Sega Dreamcast or peripheral (such as
a controller or memory card), I'd probably want to list it in
Category 3: Free Trade Zone, Topic 8: Sega.  If I was interested in
buying a Sega Dreamcast or peripheral, I could read this topic to
see if anyone else was selling one.  Or, I could scroll further down
in the same category and post a message in Topic 26: Hardware Items
Wanted.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 8   CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:02 PST
Sub: How to READ messages and REPly

Reading and Replying to messages

 2 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 8
Message 1          Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:08 PDT

HOW TO READ THE BULLETIN BOARD   There are two basic strategies that
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   people use in our bulletin boards.
"Conversationalists" read all the existing messages in the topics they
are interested in, leave a message or two of their own, and come back
every few days to read and respond to the new messages in those
topics.  If you are a conversationalist, the bulletin board help files
explain in complete detail how to automatically read just the NEW
messages in the topics you select.

     Other people come to us with a specific question. They usually
don't want to waste a lot of time reading what they don't need to
know. If this sounds like you, you want to post a new message--to do
so, you use the REPly command.  You aren't replying to a specific
message, but rather, a category and topic.  The terms may confuse
those who are used to threaded systems, but it will eventually become
second nature.

     1.) Go into the bulletin board and enter a CAT command to see
         the list of categories.  Write down the category number
         that's most appropriate for your question.
     2.) Enter SET n, where "n" is the number of that category.
     3.) Enter TOP to see a list of the ongoing topics or
         conversations.  Choose the one most appropriate for your
         question.
     4.) Enter READ n, where "n" is the topic number. All the
         existing messages in that topic will be displayed so you can
         see if your question has already been asked and answered.
     5.) When you've read the last message in the topic, you'll be
         asked if you'd like to add a "REPly?". If you haven't found
         everything you need to know, answer "Y"es and type in your
         question.
     6.) Come back after a day or two and enter:

     SET n
          (use the number of the category you left your question in)
     READ o NEW
          (use the number of the topic you left your question in)

     After all the responses have been displayed, you will, once
again, get a chance to add your own message to the topic.  This way
you can "create a conversation" to clarify your questions or the
answers you get.

     Every so often, as text is scrolling down your screen, you will
be presented with a prompt like this:

Scroll?

     This is to limit the amount of text that appears on your screen
at any one time.  If you have a large scrollback or capture buffer and
would like the messages to scroll continuously, add the command
NOSCROLL to your READ command, as in READ 1 NEW NOSCROLL.  If,
however, you would like to stop reading messages immediately when at
the Scroll? prompt, simply hit q and return (think "quit").

     If you'd like to simply have every new message in the bulletin
board be transmitted to you with no breaks, use BRO NOR NOS.

     There are a couple of other things you can do with the bulletin
board.  If you'd just like to read the last message in a topic, you
can use the LAST command in combination with read, as in:

READ 5 LAST

which will read the last message in topic 5.  If you'd like to read
the last 10 messages in topic 5, you can use:

READ 5 LAST 10

     One other thing you can do with the bulletin board is count the
number of messages in a topic, range of topics, categories, or the
entire board.  You do this with the COUNT command.  It uses the same
options as the READ command.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 9   CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:20 PST
Sub: How to STArt a topic

Starting a new topic

 2 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 9
Message 2          Fri Jun 25, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:20 PDT

STARTing A NEW TOPIC   If, for some reason, you have a question, subject,
""""""""""""""""""""   or game you'd like to discuss that doesn't have
an appropriate existing topic, you may want to start a new topic.
If you're sure you want to do this, the command is, simply START, or
STA for short.

     To STArt a new topic, you must be in the category you wish the
topic to go in.  Once you're in that category, simply STA.  The system
will respond:

Enter a name for this topic:

     Pick a name and hit return.  You will be dropped into the editor
(which we will cover shortly) and asked to enter a description of a
few lines.  Go ahead and do that.  After you've completed that, you
can post the first message in your new topic--in fact, the system will
prompt you to ask if you'd like to post the first message.  If you do
(and I assume you do) go ahead and do so.

     Starting new categories is reserved for sysops.  Please contact
gamebits@syndicomm.com if you feel a new category is called for.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 10  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:24 PST
Sub: Our message editor

About pico, our message editor

 2 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 10
Message 2          Fri Jun 25, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:18 PDT

PEEK OH!?  PIKE OH?!   The default editor that Syndicomm.com uses for
""""""""""""""""""""   the posting of messages is a modified version
of the Unix editor pico.  Those of you who use the pine email program
on a Unix shell account will likely be very familiar with this
program.  Once you're finished with your message, use Control-X to
post it.

     If you'd like to cancel your message posting, just press Control-Z.
You'll be asked for confirmation before what you've written so far
is erased.  You can also delete messages after you post them - more
on that in the next topic.

     Pico has online help (use Control-G) so we won't go into any detail
here, other than if you're confused, use the help!  If you want to learn
more (although not all of it will apply to the version on Syndicomm.com
for use in posting) there's a pico reference at http://tinyurl.com/2mrx4

 ------------
 ************
Topic 11  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:25 PST
Sub: DELeting messages

How to delete a message

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 11
Message 1          Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:25 PDT

DELETING (AND RESTORING!) MESSAGES   If you've decided that you want
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   to delete a message you've
already posted, there is a DELete command.  To delete a message, you
must set the category it is in.  Once that is done, you need to know
the topic the message is in and the message number.  The command is
simple:

DEL X Y

     where X is the topic number and Y is the message number.

     If you find that you've deleted a message inadvertently, you can
restore it, using the REStore command, with the same context:

RES X Y

 ------------
 ************
Topic 12  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:25 PST
Sub: New Topic Announcements

Follow this topic for announcements of new topics in other areas of the
bulletin board.

 96 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 1          Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:25 PDT

New topics created anywhere throughout the bulletin board, by users or staff,
will be announced here. Be sure to follow this topic to keep up to date.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 2          Sun May 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:58 PDT

The following new topics have been opened in Category 14: Nintendo GameCube.

Topic 5: Luigi's Mansion
Luigi's a Ghostbuster in this latest game in the Mario series.

Topic 6: Super Smash Bros. Melee
Nintendo's popular icons in an all-out fighting game.

Topic 7: Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet
Fox McCloud explores a planet of dinosaurs in this 3D adventure game.

Topic 8: Pikmin
Shigeru Miyamoto's Lemmings-like game; not to be confused with Pokemon.

Topic 9: Eternal Darkness
A Resident Evil-like game developed by Silicon Knights.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 3          Wed May 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:13 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV & in the Movies

Topic 6: Saturday Morning Cartoons
Remember getting up at the crack of down for a bowl of Chocolate-Frosted Sugar
Bombs and Saturday morning cartoons?  Many of them were based on video games.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 4          Thu May 31, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:07 PDT

Category 42: Street Fighter/Darkstalkers/Marvel vs.

Topic 5: Street Fighter: The Movie
Used motion-capture from the movie starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.  Coin-op
and PlayStation release.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 5          Sat Jun 02, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:40 PDT

Category 39: Other Handhelds & Portables

Topic 29: Sega Game Gear
Sega's 8-bit, color handheld.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 6          Thu Jun 07, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:16 PDT

Category 7: Game Industry Shows

Topic 6: Game Developers Conference
Held every spring in San Francisco for game developers.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 7          Wed Jun 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:40 PDT

Category 13 Nintendo 64

Topic 25: LEGO Racer
The LEGO Racer racing game.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 8          Fri Jun 22, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:25 PDT

Category 37: Game Boy

Topic 23: Polaris Snocross
The official Polaris snowmobile racing game, developed by Vicarious Visions
and published by Vatical Entertainment.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 9          Thu Jul 12, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:16 PDT

Category 40: Final Fantasy

Topic 15: Final Fantasy Anthology
PlayStation game consisting of Final Fantasy V (first American release) and
Final Fantasy VI (formerly Final Fantasy III for Super NES).

Topic 16: Final Fantasy Chronicles
PlayStation game consisting of Final Fantasy IV (formerly Final Fantasy II for
Super NES) and Chrono Trigger (also for Super NES).

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 10         Fri Jul 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 23:09 PDT

Category 37 Game Boy

Topic 24: Dragon Warrior
Enix's Game Boy Color remixes of the classic Nintendo RPGs, as well as the
Dragon Warrior Monsters games.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 11         Mon Aug 06, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:18 PDT

Category 38: Game Boy Advance

Topic 6: Castlevania
See Category 44: Castlevania for discussion of Konami's whip-wielding,
vampire-hunting action games.

Topic 7: Mario Kart Super Circuit
The Mario Kart racing series comes to Game Boy Advance.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 12         Tue Aug 14, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:37 PDT

Category 22: Sega Dreamcast

Topic 20: Virtua Tennis

has been moved to

Topic 16: Sega Sports: Virtua Tennis

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 13         Fri Aug 17, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:01 PDT

Category 11: Nintendo

Topic 34: Kid Icarus
The angel Pit must ascend to Heaven and defeat the evil Medusa!

Topic 35: Metroid
The original visit to Planet Zebes, with its Metroids and Mother Brain.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12  [MOVED]
Message 14         Tue Jul 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:01 PDT

Category 2: Community Square

Topic 9: A Day at the Store
Interesting people and events at the local game store.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 15         Tue Aug 28, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:18 PDT

Category 22: Sega Dreamcast

Topic 15: Sega Sports: NCAA 2K
Sega's college football game.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 16         Thu Aug 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:57 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 17: Arcade Fever
Arcade Fever: The Fan's Guide to The Golden Age of Video Games.  By John
Sellers, 1983's Donkey Kong champion.  Paperback - 160 pages (August 2001) by
Running Press.  ISBN 0762409371.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 17         Wed Sep 12, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:26 PDT

Category 27: Sony PlayStation 2

Topic 5: Silent Hill 2
Visit the eerie resort town of Silent Hill in this survival-horror game -
emphasis on the horror.

Topic 6: Soul Reaver 2
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2, featuring the fallen vampire Raziel.  Published
by Eidos.  The original Soul Reaver was a sequel to Blood Omen: Legacy of
Kain.

Topic 7: Metal Gear Solid 2
Hideo Kojima's masterwork, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, published by
Konami.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 18         Sun Sep 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:45 PDT

Category 27: Sony PlayStation

Topic 24: Dragon Warrior
Enix's Dragon Warrior IV & VII RPGs, as well as Torneko: The Last Hope.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 19         Sat Oct 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:15 PDT

Category 44: Castlevania

Topic 14: Castlevania Chronicles
A PSOne update and release of an older Castlevania game, previously never seen
in the U.S.A.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 20         Tue Oct 23, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:35 PDT

Category 26: Sony PlayStation

Topic 25: Spider-Man
Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro, both for PSOne and published by
Activision.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 21         Thu Nov 01, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:01 PDT

Category 14: Nintendo GameCube

Topic 10: Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II
Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader is Factor 5's first GameCube game, published
by LucasArts.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 24         Sat Dec 08, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:58 PDT

Category 42: Street Fighter

Topic 7: Street Fighter EX
Street Fighter EX, EX + alpha, EX 2, EX 2 + alpha.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 25         Thu Dec 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:57 PDT

Category 8: Industry News

Topic 19: Codemasters
Established in 1986, UK-based Codemasters is one of Europe's best-selling and
profitable game-makers, developing and publishing titles for the console
platforms and PC.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 26         Thu Dec 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:12 PDT

Category 2: Community Square

Topic 8: Console Comparisons

has been renamed to

Topic 8: Cross-Console Conversations

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 27         Tue Dec 25, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:21 PDT

Category 38: Game Boy Advance

Topic 8: Advance Wars
Tactical combat on the Game Boy Advance.  By Nintendo.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 28         Mon Jan 07, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:29 PDT

Category 8: Industry News

Topic 20: Encore, Inc.
The company formerly known as Digital Leisure, and best known for its
re-releases of Don Bluth's laser disc games.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 29         Sat Jan 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:49 PDT

Category 27: Sony PlayStation 2

Topic 8: Rez
Sega's pulsing railroad shooter.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 30         Tue Jan 22, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:49 PDT

Category 8: Gaming Industry News

Topic 21: LucasArts
The gaming company responsible for the Star Wars, Indiana Jones and other
George Lucas franchises.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 31         Fri Feb 08, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:46 PDT

Category 43: Megaman

Topic 16: Megaman X6
For Sony PlayStation.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 32         Sun Feb 10, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:52 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 18: Twin Galaxies
Twin Galaxies' Official Video Game & Pinball.  Walter Day, editor.
Published January 1998; ISBN 1887472258.

Topic 19: Arcade One
Arcade One: Illustrated Historical Guide to Arcade Machines, by Richard M.
Bueschel.  Published February 1993; ISBN 0866670513.

Topic 20: Supercade
Supercade, by Van Burnham, Ralph H. Baer.  Published September 2001;
ISBN 0262024926.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 33         Tue Feb 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:32 PDT

Category 38: Game Boy Advance

Topic 9: Golden Sun
Discussion of Golden Sun, a Game Boy Advance role-playing game (RPG) developed
by Camelot Software and published by Nintendo.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 35         Wed Feb 20, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:13 PDT

Category 44: Castlevania

Topic 21: Castlevania: White Night Concerto
Castlevania: White Night Concerto, the second Castlevania game for Game Boy
Advance.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 36         Wed Feb 27, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:36 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV & in the Movies

Topic 23: House of the Dead
Based on Sega's shooters.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 37         Thu Feb 28, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:15 PDT

Category 2: Community Square

Topic 10: Meet the Press
Anecdotes from the electronic entertainment media.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 38         Fri Apr 12, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:34 PDT

Category 42: Street Fighter/Darkstalkers/Marvel vs.

Topics 20-24 have been moved to Topics 23-27.  Please update your indices.
These additional topics have been created.

Topic 20: Capcom vs. SNK
Capcom's fighters against the King of Fighters.

Topic 21: Capcom vs. SNK 2
A second round of Capcom versus the best the Neo*Geo has to offer.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 39         Fri Apr 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:06 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 21: Opening the Xbox
Opening the Xbox: Inside Microsoft's Plan to Unleash an Entertainment
Revolution.  By Dean Takahashi.  ISBN 0761537082.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 40         Mon Apr 22, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:35 PDT

Category 14: Nintendo GameCube

Topic 11: Metroid Prime
A first-person adventure game in one of Nintendo's most popular franchises:
the journeys of bounty hunter Samus Aran, and her conflicts with the
energy-draining Metroid organism.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 41         Tue Apr 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:13 PDT

Category 41 Resident Evil/Dino Crisis

Topic 3: Resident Evil (GCN)
Resident Evil for the Nintendo GameCube.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 42         Thu Jun 06, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:55 PDT

Category 41: Resident Evil/Dino Crisis

Topic 6: Resident Evil Zero
The prequel to the original Resident Evil - exclusively for Nintendo GameCube.

Topic 8: Resident Evil Gaiden
Resident Evil hits the Game Boy Color.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 43         Tue Jun 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:12 PDT

Category 14: Nintendo GameCube

Topic 12: The Legend of Zelda
The adventures of Link continue in this cell-shaded game with a release date
of February 2003.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 44         Fri Jul 05, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:46 PDT

Category 30: Microsoft Xbox

Topic 5: Halo
Microsoft published this Bungie-developed shooter as the Xbox flagship title.

Topic 6: Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Bethesda Softworks' massive RPG comes home from the PC to the Xbox.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 45         Thu Jul 11, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:19 PDT

Category 30: Microsoft Xbox

Topic 7: Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance
A remix on Konami's PlayStation 2 hit, Metal Gear Solid 2.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 46         Sat Jul 13, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:16 PDT

Category 14: Nintendo GameCube

Topic 13: Mario Sunshine
Mario's first GameCube adventure.  Discuss Mario's journey to the tropics here.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 47         Fri Aug 02, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:01 PDT

Category 35: Arcade Games

Topic 5: Owning Coin-Ops
What stand-up arcade machines do you have, or would you like to have?

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 48         Tue Aug 06, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:24 PDT

Category  5 Games on TV & in the Movies

Topic 24: Crazy Taxi
Based on Sega's taxi simulation video game.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 49         Tue Aug 20, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:22 PDT

Category 41: Resident Evil/Dino Crisis

Topic 15: Dino Crisis 3
Dino Crisis 3, released in 2003 for the Microsoft Xbox.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 50         Thu Nov 07, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:03 PDT

Category 8: Industry News

Topic 23: Kemco
Kemco, publishers of Bugs Bunny and Batman games.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 51         Sat Jan 18, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:30 PDT

Category 44: Castlevania

Topic 22: Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
A 21st-century Castlevania adventure, for Game Boy Advance.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 53         Mon Jan 27, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:46 PDT

Category 40: Final Fantasy

Topic 17: Final Fantasy Origins
PlayStation game consisting of Final Fantasy I (originally for 8-bit NES) and
Final Fantasy II (first American release; originally for 8-bit Famicom).

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 54         Fri Jan 31, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:42 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 22: 1000 Game Heroes
1000 Game Heroes, by David Choquet.  ISBN 3822816337.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 55         Wed Feb 05, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:43 PDT

Category 40: Final Fantasy

Topic 12: Final Fantasy X-2
A PlayStation 2 game, and the first true sequel to a Final Fantasy game,
starring the characters from Final Fantasy X.

Topic 14: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
For Nintendo GameCube.

Topic 19: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
A new Tactics adventure, for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 56         Fri May 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:00 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV & in the Movies

Topic 25: Spy Hunter
Based on the Midway action-driving game.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 57         Mon May 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:48 PDT

Category 44: Castlevania

Topic 15: Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
Castlevania 3D for PlayStation 2.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 58         Mon Jun 02, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:23 PDT

Category 7: Game Industry Shows

Topic 7: Ultimate Gamers Expo
The UGE, first held in 2003 in Los Angeles, is open to the public.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 59         Sun Jun 08, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:10 PDT

Category 14: Nintendo GameCube

Topic 14: Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes
A recreation of the PSOne game, Metal Gear Solid, using the graphics and engine
of the PS2 game, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.  By Konami and Silicon
Knights, Hideo Kojima and Shigeyu Miyamoto and exclusively for GameCube.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 60         Thu Jun 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:21 PDT

Category 43: Megaman

Topic 24: Mega Man Battle Network
A pair of strategy games for the Game Boy Advance.

Topic 27: Mega Man Network Transmission
A GameCube game based on the Battle Network games for Game Boy Advance.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 61         Thu Jul 03, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:30 PDT

Category 8: Industry News

Topic 24: Namco
Creators of Pac-Man, Tekken, Soul Blade, and others.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 62         Wed Jul 30, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:00 PDT

Category 39: Other Handhelds & Portables

Topic 34: PSP
Sony's Portable PlayStation.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 63         Mon Aug 11, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:14 PDT

Category 41: Resident Evil/Dino Crisis

Topic 11: Resident Evil Outbreak
An online game for the PlayStation 2.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 65         Tue Aug 26, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:54 PDT

Category 14: Nintendo GameCube

Topic 15: F-Zero GX
Nintendo's futuristic racing game, this time developed by Sega.

Topic 16: Mario Kart Double Dash!!
Go go-karting with your favorite Nintendo icons.  Multiplayer mayhem!

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 66         Sat Sep 06, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:51 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV & in the Movies

Topic 26: Alone in the Dark
Starring Christian Slater and Tara Reid.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 67         Wed Sep 17, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:02 PDT

Category 39: Other Handhelds & Portables

Topic 39: Tapwave Zodiac
The Zodiac, a Palm OS-based handheld gaming machine, from the company
Tapwave.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 68         Wed Sep 17, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:59 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV & in the Movies

Topic 27: Silent Hill
Konami's psychological thriller comes to the silver screen.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 69         Tue Sep 30, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:16 PDT

Category 39: Other Handhelds & Portables

Topic 44: Nokia N-Gage
Nokia's combination cell phone and portable gaming deck.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 71         Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:48 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 23: Lucky Wander Boy
Lucky Wander Boy.  By D.B. Weiss.  Paperback - 288 pages, February 25, 2003,
published by Plume; ISBN 0452283949.

Topic 24: Blue Wizard Is About to Die
Blue Wizard Is About to Die: Prose, Poems, and Emoto-Versatronic Expressionist
Pieces About Video Games 1980-2003.  By Seth Fingers Flynn Barkan.  Paperback
- 150 pages, January 2004, by Rusty Immelman Press; ISBN 0974100005.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 73         Tue Oct 14, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:25 PDT

Category 43: Megaman

Topic 17: Megaman X7
For PlayStation 2.

Topic 28: Megaman Zero
For Game Boy Advance.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 74         Sat Nov 15, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:43 PDT

Category 33: Other Consoles

Topic 58: Phantom
Infinium Labs' Phantom, a next-generation, always-on broadband game system
that supports games on demand, game rentals, game demos, seamless upgrades and
patch management.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 75         Mon Nov 17, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:31 PDT

Category 40: Final Fantasy

Topic 14: Final Fantasy XII
Final Fantasy XII, released in 2004 for Sony PlayStation 2.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 76         Mon Mar 01, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:02 PDT

Category 39: Other Handhelds & Portables

Topic 49: Nintendo DSS
Nintendo's Dual Screen System.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 77         Wed Mar 03, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:44 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 25: High Score!
High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games (2nd Edition).  By
Rusel Demaria and Johnny L. Wilson.  Paperback - 392 pages, December 2003, by
McGraw-Hill Osborne Media.  ISBN 0072231726.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 78         Wed Apr 21, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:59 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 26: Dungeons & Dreamers
Dungeons and Dreamers: The Rise of Computer Game Culture from Geek to Chic.  By
Brad King and John Borland.  Hardcover - 273 pages, August 2003, by McGraw-Hill
Osborne Media.  ISBN 0072228881.  See also: http://www.dungeonsanddreamers.com

Topic 27: Masters of Doom
Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture.
By David Kushner.  Hardcover - 352 pages, May 2003, by Random House.  ISBN
0375505245 (hardcover), 0812972155 (paperback).

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 79         Thu May 27, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:07 PDT

Category 38: Game Boy Advance

Topic 11: The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, as well as the original Legend of Zelda.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 80         Wed Aug 04, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:44 PDT

Category 30: Microsoft Xbox

Topic 8: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
BioWare's handling of Lucas' galaxy gives players a range of options,
characters, choices, and destinations.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 81         Wed Jan 12, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:23 PDT

Category 41: Resident Evil/Dino Crisis
Topic 6: Resident Evil 4

Leon Kennedy returns in this Nintendo GameCube exclusive title.

Category 44: Castlevania

Topic 23: Castlevania DS
The dual-screened sequel to Aria of Sorrow.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 82         Thu Jan 27, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:34 PDT

Category 44: Castlevania

Topic 16: Castlevania: Curse of Darkness
Hector Belmont stars in this PS2 title, released in Fall of 2005.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 83         Tue Feb 22, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:49 PDT

Category 27: Sony PlayStation 2

Topic 9: Gran Turismo
Sony's popular racing simulator.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 84         Tue Apr 12, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:36 PDT

Category 31: Xbox 2

Topic 1: General Hardware Discussion
General discussion of the Xbox 2 system.

Topic 2: General Software Discussion
General discussion of Microsoft Xbox 2 games.

Topic 3: News Posts
News items on the Microsoft Xbox 2.  Staff posts only.

Topic 4: Responses to News Posts
Member responses to Topic 3: News Posts.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 85         Sun Apr 17, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:09 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV and in the Movies

Topic 28: Doom
id's first-person shooter comes to the big screen (finally?) with Dwayne "The
Rock" Johnson.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 86         Sat May 14, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:06 PDT

Category 15: Nintendo Revolution

Topic 1: General Hardware Discussion
General discussion of the Nintendo Revolution hardware.

Topic 2: General Software Discussion
General discussion of Nintendo Revolution games.

Topic 3: News Posts
News items on the Nintendo Revolution.  Staff posts only.

Topic 4: Responses to News Posts
Member responses to Topic 3: News Posts.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 87         Tue May 17, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:23 PDT

Category 28: Sony PlayStation 3

Topic 1: General Hardware Discussion
General discussion of the Sony PlayStation 3 hardware.

Topic 2: General Software Discussion
General discussion of Sony PlayStation 3 games.

Topic 3: News Posts
News items on the Sony PlayStation 3.  Staff posts only.

Topic 4: Responses to News Posts
Member responses to Topic 3: News Posts.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 88         Fri Jul 01, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:34 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 28: Videogames: In the Beginning
Videogames: In the Beginning.  By Ralph Baer.  Paperback - 280 pages, April
2005, by Rolenta Press.  ISBN 0964384817.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 89         Sat Jul 23, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:37 PDT

Category 4: Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides

Topic 29; The Encyclopedia of Game Machines
The Encyclopedia of Game Machines.  By Winifred Forster.  Paperback - 224
pages, March 2005, by Magdalena Gniatczynska.  ISBN 3000153594.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 90         Tue Oct 04, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:12 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV and in the Movies

Topic 29: Halo
Based on Microsoft's Xbox blockbuster and being released by Universal
Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, and Peter Jackson in 2007.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 91         Sat Feb 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:05 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV and in the Movies

Topic 30: Spy Hunter
Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run, starring "The Rock" as Alec Hunter.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 93         Sat Feb 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:19 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV and in the Movies

Topic 31: Dead or Alive
Starring John-Rhys Davies and Robin Shou, based on the Tecmo fighting game.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 94         Wed Feb 22, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:20 PDT

Category 5: Games on TV and in the Movies

Topic 32: Wheelman
The Wheelman hits the big screen.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 95         Fri Apr 21, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:55 PDT

Category 44: Castlevania

Topic 24: Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
"Legendary Action Series Celebrates Two Decades of Vampire Hunting with Two
Playable Characters and Expanded Battle System" - for the Nintendo DS in Fall
2006.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 12
Message 96         Thu May 11, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:41 PDT

Category  5: Games on TV and in the Movies

Topic 33: Metal Gear Solid
Hideo Kojima's hero Solid Snake comes to the big screen.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 18  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:28 PST
Sub: Speak Up in Our Real Time Conferences

About our Real Time Conferences

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 18
Message 1          Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:28 PDT

         >>> SPEAK UP IN GAMEBITS'S REAL-TIME CONFERENCES! <<<
         """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

     If you want to chat online with video gamers from around the
world, join in on Gamebits's Real-Time Conferences (RTC's).  Simply
select option 2 from the Gamebits main menu.  You'll then be
transported to the conference center, where you can give yourself a
nickname.  This can be your real name (which is preferred) or a handle
you go by (which is fine by us too).  You can use your Syndicomm.com
username or you can use pretty much whatever you want, within limits -
both the limits of good taste and the length limit of 27 characters.

     Once you've chosen your name, you can choose which conference you
wish to join.  There may be several going on at the same time!  Most
of the action will be going on in Room 1, most likely, so check things
out there.  Folks talk about just about anything gaming-related, or all
kinds of other things.  Hang out, make friends, ask questions, and
answer some too.  The conference is a great way to spend time and have
fun.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 19  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:30 PST
Sub: Gamebits' RTC Schedule

Our RTC schedule

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 19
Message 1          Sat May 19, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 19:55 PDT

Tomorrow night, Sunday, May 20th, at 6:00 PM PDT (9:00 PM EDT), will be a
video game conference.  It is intended as an opportunity to discuss the
various news announced at this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo and ask
any specific questions about what was shown, but any video game discussion is
encouraged.

If there's interest, Sunday game chats may become a regular feature of
Gamebits.

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 20  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:30 PST
Sub: A quick primer to RTC commands

Getting started in the RTC

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 20
Message 1          Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:31 PDT

A QUICK PRIMER TO RTC COMMANDS   Here are some helpful commands for
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""   you to remember when you're in
conference.  The commands are not case sensitive.  To use a command,
precede it by a slash (/).  If you wish to start a line with a slash
without having it interpreted as a command, put an additional slash
(/) at the beginning of the line (//).

     ACTION              Display a message in the third person
     AFK / BAK           Toggle between away-from-keyboard and
                         at-keyboard modes
     BEEP / NOBEEP       Turns on or off beeping when users enter the
                         chat room or send private messages to you.
     BYE                 Leave the chat room and log off of the system
     ECHO / NOECHO       Turn on or off echoing of what you type
     EXIT                Leave the chat room and return to the main
                         menu
     HELP                Show these commands
     IGNORE / UNIGNORE   Ignore or stop ignoring someone
     NAME                Change your nickname
     SEND                Send a private message to another member
     SHOWRN / HIDERN     Turns on or off display of Syndicomm.com
                         usernames
     SHOWTIME / HIDETIME Turns on or off display of timestamps when
                         messages are received
     TIME                Shows the current time and your elapsed time
                         online.
     WHO                 List members in the current room

     Many other commands exist, but these are some of the basics;
use the /HELP command while in conference to see a full list.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 26  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:32 PST
Sub: About the Gamebits File Libraries

About our file libraries

 4 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 26
Message 2          Sun May 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:22 PDT

A temporary file area is currently accessible to members via FTP.  You need to
use your username and password to login.  From an FTP client, access this
address:

ftp://ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits

From a web browser, try this URL, where "username" is your username:

ftp://username@ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits

Some web browsers may additionally require your password, in this format:

ftp://username:password@ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits

The Gamebits file library is currently divided into folders by game platform
(PlayStation, Game Boy Color, etc.), and then further by game title.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 26
Message 3          Sat Nov 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:00 PDT

The Gamebits file library is now available when telnetting to syndicomm.com.
Just select menu option #3: File Library from the main Gamebits menu (page
850).  You'll be prompted for your Syndicomm account password, after which the
libraries will be displayed using the Lynx text-based web browser.  Files can
be downloaded via Zmodem or saved to your personal FTP directory.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 26
Message 4          Wed Jul 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:48 PDT

The Gamebits file library is sorted by publisher.  For example, Mario games
can be found in the Nintendo folder; Metal Gear in Konami; Street Fighter in
Capcom; and so on.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 27  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:33 PST
Sub: New Uploads

Announcements of new uploads to the Gamebits file libraries will be made here.

 16 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 1          Sun May 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:25 PDT

Images of the following games, demoed at E3 2001, are now available in the
Gamebits file library.  (See Topic 26 for access instructions.)  All images
are in JPEG format and are provided by the publisher of each game.

NINTENDO GAMECUBE
Animal Forest
Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet
Eternal Darkness
Kameo
Luigi's Mansion
Metroid Prime
Disney's Mickey
Pikmin
Raven Blade
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Wave Race Blue Storm

GAME BOY ADVANCE
Bomberman Tournament
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
Commander Keen
F-Zero
Golden Sun
Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX
Mario Kart Advance
Pinobee
X-Men: Reign of Apocalypse
Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder
Spider-Man
Super Mario Advance
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2

GAME BOY COLOR
Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX
Stuart Little
X-Men: Wolverine's Rage

NINTENDO 64
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2

PLAYSTATION 2
Bloody Roar 3
Devil May Cry
Final Fantasy X
Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX 2
Kingdom Hearts
Metal Gear Solid 2
Shaun Palmer's Pro Snowboarder
Silent Hill 2
Supercar Street Challenge
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

PSONE
Final Fantasy Chronicles
Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX
X-Men: Mutant Academy 2
Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro
World's Scariest Police Chases

XBOX
4x4-Evo
Airforce Delta Storm
Amped
Arctic Thunder
Azurik
Blood Wake
Dark Summit
Dead or Alive 3
Fuzion Fenzy
Halo
Jonny Drama
Mad Dash
Much's Oddysee
NASCAR Heat
NFL Fever 2002
NHL Hitz
Nightcaster
Project Gotham Racing
Shrek
Test Drive
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2X

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 2          Wed May 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:03 PDT

Screen shots and art for the following 3DO games are now available in the
Gamebits file library:

GAME BOY ADVANCE
Army Men
High Heat Major League Baseball

PLAYSTATION 2
Dragon Wars of Might & Magic
High Heat Major League Baseball
Jonny Moseley
Portal Runner
WarJetz

PSONE
WarJetz

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 3          Thu May 31, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:18 PDT

Screen shots and art for the following SCEA (Sony's first-party publishing
wing) games are now available:

PSONE
Twisted Metal Small Brawl
Atlantis
Who Wants to Be a Millionare? 3
Syphon Filter 3

PLAYSTATION 2
Cool Boarders 2001
Dark Cloud
Drakan
Extermination
Frequency
Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec
Ico
Jak and Dax
Kinetica
SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals
Twisted Metal Black

In addition to the above software,, shots of PlayStation 2 hardware and
peripherals are also available.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 4          Wed Jun 27, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:44 PDT

Screen shots of Midway's PlayStation 2 games are now available in Gamebits'
PS2 file library:

CART FURY Championship Racing
Gauntlet Dark Legacy
Legion
NHL Hitz
Spy Hunter

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 5          Sun Nov 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:50 PDT

QuickTime trailers of the following Nintendo GameCube games are now available
in the Gamebits file library:

Extreme G
Luigi's Mansion
Madden 2002
NBA Courtside 2002
Pikmin
Super Smash Bros
SSX Tricky
Starfox Adventures
Star Wars: Rogue Leader
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
Wave Race Blue Storm

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 6          Sun Nov 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:48 PDT

Six different GameCube wallpapers in JPEG format, formatted to both 800x600
and 1024x768 resolutions, are now available in the Gamebits file library.

ftp://ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits/GameCube/wallpaper/

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 7          Fri Feb 15, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:40 PDT

Images of the following Konami games are now available in the Gamebits file
library:

Dance Dance Revolution Konamix (PlayStation 2)
ftp://ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits/PS2/Dance_Dance_Konamix

Motocross Maniacs Advance (Game Boy Advance)
ftp://ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits/GBA/Motocross_Maniacs

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 8          Sat Jun 08, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:50 PDT

Screen shots of the following first-party games are now available in the
Gamebits file libraries:

GAMECUBE
1080 Snowboarding White Storm
Animal Forest
Eternal Darkness
Mario Sunshine
Metroid Prime
Mario Party 4
Star Fox Adventures
Wario

GAME BOY ADVANCE
Mickey's Magical Quest
Game & Watch Gallery 4
Golden Sun II
Hamtaro
Kirby
Metroid Fusion
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island

PSONE
C12
Lilo 'n Stitch
Stuart Little 2

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 9          Wed Jul 03, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:34 PDT

A QuickTime movie of the new Castlevania game for Game Boy Advance is now
available in the GBA directory of the Gamebits file library.

A trailer for Turok Evolution is available in the main Gamebits file library;
it is not sorted into any specific console directory as the game will be
available for multiple consoles.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 10         Sat Mar 22, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:07 PDT

34 pictures of Tube Slider, the NEC-developed GameCube game announced in
Category 14, Topic 3, Message 62, have been uploaded to the Gamebits:GameCube
file directory.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 11         Wed Jul 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:49 PDT

Images from Nintendo's and LucasArts' E3 2003 lineups are now available in the
respective publishers' folders in the reorganized Gamebits file library.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 12         Wed Aug 27, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:41 PDT

Pictures of the following Konami games are now available in the Konami folder
of this forum's file library:

BOKTAI: The Sun Is In Your Hands (GBA)
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (GBA)
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (PS2)
Dance Dance Revolution Max 2 (PS2)
Dance Dance Revolution Ultra Mix (Xbox)
Gradius V (PS2)
Karaoke Revolution (PS2)
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2)
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (GCN)
Silent Hill 3 (PS2)
Silent Scope Complete (Xbox)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (GBA, GCN, Xbox, PS2)

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 13         Fri Sep 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:32 PDT

The first screen shots of "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow" are
now available in the UbiSoft folder of the Gamebits file library.

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 14         Mon Jan 26, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:57 PDT

Pictures from X-Men Legends, the first role-playing game to feature the
world's best-known comic book mutant superhero team, are now available in
Gamebits' Activision publisher file library.

ftp://ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits/Activision/X-Men_Legends/

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 15         Sat Sep 25, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:51 PDT

The file XmenLegends_Launch_Trailer.mov is a trailer for the recently-released
"X-Men Legends" RPG, and is now available in this folder:

ftp://ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits/Activision/X-Men_Legends/

The file D3Demo.exe is a playable demo of the Windows game DOOM III, ans is
now available in this folder:

ftp://ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits/Activision/Doom/

 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 27
Message 16         Sun May 15, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:08 PDT

An amusing trailer for Activision's "The Movies", due this fall for all three
consoles and the PC, is now available from our file libraries:

ftp://ftp.syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits/Activision/The-Movies-FNL.mov

 ------------
 ************
Topic 33  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:34 PST
Sub: ...reserved...

Reserved for future expansion.

 4 messages
 ************
 ************
Topic 37  CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:34 PST
Sub: All about Syndicomm.com email

About our email system

 3 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 1,  Topic 37
Message 3          Fri Jun 25, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:17 PDT

                >>> ALL ABOUT SYNDICOMM.COM EMAIL <<<
                """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

POP MAIL   If you have a POP3 compliant electronic mail client (such
""""""""   as Eudora, Outlook Express, or Spectrum Automatic Mailer),
you have everything you need to receive email on Syndicomm.com.  All
you have to do is set your client up as follows:

     username: Your Syndicomm.com username
     password: Your Syndicomm.com password
     POP server: mail.syndicomm.com

     To send mail via SMTP, use your ISP's SMTP server.

WEB MAIL   Any web browser can be used to access your Syndicomm mail.
""""""""   Surf to http://www.syndicomm.com/webmail to read and send
from your Syndicomm account.

TEXT MAIL   If you'd prefer to send a message via the text interface,
"""""""""   you can.  Type MAIL or go to page 200 to access Syndicomm
Electronic Mail.

     When sending mail, You will be prompted for a To: address,
followed by a cc: (for carbon copies).  You can separate multiple
addresses in either line using a comma (,).  You will then be prompted
for a Subject: to your email message and dropped into the familiar
pico editor.  When you are done editing your message, use Control-X
to send it.  BE CAREFUL WHEN SENDING--there's no cancelling it once
it's gone.

PINE MAIL   You can also use the email program Pine to send and
"""""""""   receive mail from your Syndicomm address.  Type MAIL or
go to page 200 to access Syndicomm Electronic Mail, including Pine,
which features online help.

 ------------
Category  2 Community Square
 ************
Topic 1   CLOSED Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:24 PST
Sub: Announcements from Gamebits

Announcements from the Gamebits staff.

 13 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 1          Sun May 13, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:29 PDT

Welcome to Gamebits!  We're open as of Monday, May 14th, just in time for the
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2001.  I'll be at the show posting whatever
live coverage I can.  Messages on other topics will appear after the show, but
feel free to talk about any subject on our bulletin board - or start your own!

An E3 conference will be held Sunday night at 9:00 EDT.  Stop by to ask
questions about the future of video gaming.

-Ken
Chief Sysop

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 2          Sun May 13, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:29 PDT

The Gamebits Community on Syndicomm.com is looking for staff!  If you're
willing and have some free time, drop a line to kgagne@syndicomm.com.  Account
considerations in return for hard work.

-Ken
Chief Sysop

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 3          Tue May 29, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:22 PDT

Gamebits is looking for reviewers!  If you love video games and want to share
your opinions on specific games in writing, please drop an email to
gamebits@syndicomm.com with some information on your writing background and a
list of modern systems you own.  Compensation would be in the form of free
video games that you keep after reviewing.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 4          Mon Nov 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:16 PDT

The forum management would like to remind our members who are U.S. citizens
that Tuesday, November 6th, is Election Day.  As we learned at this time last
year, every vote DOES count.  Please take the opportunity to make your voice
heard in our democratic nation.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 5          Mon Nov 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:08 PDT

The holidays are nearly upon us, and Gamebits is in the spirit of giving.
While supplies last, all new Syndicomm subscribers who use signup code "GAME"
and remain members for 90 days will receive a free video or computer game for
the system of their choice!

There are no contests, no gimmicks, and no tricks.  Just sign up for service
and get a free game - guaranteed.

Subscribe with a credit card and also get a free month.  That's three months
of Syndicomm service, plus a free video game (average retail price $40+), for
as little as $16.67!

Tell your friends to combine this promotion with the Syndicomm Buddy Program,
and you as the referrer also get a $10 account credit.  Just ask them to enter
your username during the signup process when asked for "Your sponsoring
buddy's username."

To subscribe to Syndicomm, visit
               http://www.syndicomm.com/join.html

Full details of this offer can be found at
               http://www.gamebits.net/syndicomm/promo.shtml

Gamebits is accessible at page 850, or with your web browser at
               http://www.syndicomm.com/communities/gamebits/messages

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 6          Wed Nov 21, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:31 PDT



                                        ,+*^^*+___+++_
                                  ,*^^^^              )
                               _+*                     ^**+_
                             +^       _ _++*+_+++_,         )
                 _+^^*+_    (     ,+*^ ^          \+_        )
                {       )  (    ,(    ,_+--+--,      ^)      ^\
               { (@)    } f   ,(  ,+-^ __*_*_  ^^\_   ^\       )
              {:;-/    (_+*-+^^^^^+*+*<_ _++_)_    )    )      /
             ( /  (    (        ,___    ^*+_+* )   <    <      \
              U _/     )    *--<  ) ^\-----++__)   )    )       )
               (      )  _(^)^^))  )  )\^^^^^))^*+/    /       /
             (      /  (_))_^)) )  )  ))^^^^^))^^^)__/     +^^
            (     ,/    (^))^))  )  ) ))^^^^^^^))^^)       _)
             *+__+*       (_))^)  ) ) ))^^^^^^))^^^^^)____*^
             \             \_)^)_)) ))^^^^^^^^^^))^^^^)
              (_             ^\__^^^^^^^^^^^^))^^^^^^^)
                ^\___            ^\__^^^^^^))^^^^^^^^)\\
                     ^^^^^\uuu/^^\uuu/^^^^\^\^\^\^\^\^\^\
                        ___) >____) >___   ^\_\_\_\_\_\_\)
                       ^^^//\\_^^//\\_^       ^(\_\_\_\)
                         ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^

     _    ,                 ______
    ' )  /                    /   /            /                        |
     /--/ __  _   _          /   /_  __.  __  /, _   _,  .    . __  _,  |
    /  (_(_/_/_)_/_)_(_/_   /   / /_(_/|_/ /_/<_/_)_(_)_/_\/_/_/ /_(_)_ |
           _/  _/    _/                              /|             /|

                     From everyone here at Gamebits!

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 7          Mon Dec 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:13 PDT

 * * * * | * * * *                                      o
 | | | | | | | | |                               o
 | | | | | | | | |                           o      o  o
  \ \ \ \|/ / / /           @            -----o----o-----
    \ \ \|/ / /            *|*            \ o    o  o  /
      \ \|/ /             @\|/*             \~~~~~~~~/
        \|/             *\**|*@/*             \    /       o  o  o  o  o  o  o
     ____|____        *\*@*\|/***/@             \/         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
   Happy Hanukkah      **\**|**/**              ||         |  |  |  |  |  |  |
                      *\**@\|/**@/*             ||         +--+--+-(O)-+--+--+
                    @\***\**|**/***/*        ___||___               |
                      *\@**\|/***/*       Happy New Year            |
                    ***@*\**|**/*@***                          _____|_____
                  @********\|/*@******@                       Happy Kwanzaa
                           _|_
                     Merry Christmas

                 Happy Holidays from all of us here at Gamebits!

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 8          Tue Jan 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:02 PDT

                               (
    *                           )   *
                  )     *      (
        )        (                   (
       (          )     (             )
        )    *           )        )  (
       (                (        (      *
        )          H     )        )
                  [ ]            (
           (  *   |-|       *     )    (
     *      )     |_|        .          )
           (      | |    .
     )           /   \     .    ' .        *
    (           |_____|  '  .    .
     )          | ___ |  \~~~/  ' .   (
            *   | \ / |   \_/  \~~~/   )
                | _Y_ |    |    \_/   (
    *           |-----|  __|__   |      *
                `-----`        __|__

  __,  ,__)            __,  ,__)       __, ,__)
 (--|__| _ ,_ ,_      (--|\ | _       (--\ | _  _ ,_
   _|  |(_||_)|_)(_|    _| \|(/_(_|_)     \|(/_(_||
  (        |  |  ,_|   (                (__|

   Happy New Year from all of us here at Gamebits!

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 9          Wed Dec 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:04 PDT

    /    /
  /'|  /'|
  | |  | |    __
  | |__| |_  /_ \   , ___    , ___     /   /
 <   __   / |) | | / '__ `. / '__ `. /'| /'|
  | |  | |   /-| | | (__} | | (__} | | `-' |
  | |  | |  | {] | | \___/  | \___/   \___ |
  | /  | /   `---\ | |      | |     __   | |
  /'   /'          | |      | |   / __ \/  |
                   | /      | /  | /  \___/
                   /'       /'    \|
         /    /
       /'|  /'|            /    _          /
       | |  | |          /'|   (_)       /'|
       | |__| |_    _    | |   ___,      | |   __             __
      <   __   /  /' `\  | |  '| |    __ | |  /_ \    /   / /'__`'|
       | |  | |  | /-\ | | |   | |  /'__`\ | |) | | /'| /'|| {__`-'
       | |  | |  | \_/ | | |   | | | {__)  |  /-| | | `-' | \__ \
       | /  | /   \___/ /___, /___, \____,_\ | {] |  \___ | ___} |
       /'   /'                                `---\ _   | |'.___/
                                                 / __ \/  |'
                                                | /  \___/
                                                 \|

                 Happy Holidays from all of us here at Gamebits!

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 10         Wed Jun 25, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:12 PDT

The Gamebits file libraries are currently being reorganized.  Please excuse
our dust!

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 11         Wed Jul 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:47 PDT

The Gamebits file libraries are now sorted by the publisher of the game, not
the hardware console for which it was published.  The exception is the
"Nintendo" folder, which is further broken down by console.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1  [MOVED]
Message 12         Mon Sep 25, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:51 PDT

SYNDICOMM TO REFOCUS ON PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND SALES

September 9, 2006--Syndicomm(tm) announced today, following A2Central.com's
announcement that it would be opening free Apple II related forums, that it
will be closing the Syndicomm Online online service in order to focus its
efforts on product development and sales for Apple II and Macintosh computers.
The closure will take effect at midnight Eastern Standard Time on December 1,
2006.

Customers that have business web site accounts with Syndicomm will be able to
continue to have their sites hosted with Syndicomm.

Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd, the owner of Syndicomm, said, "With A2Central.com in
Sean's capable hands, I feel confident that he can pick up the banner of
providing the ultimate online home for Apple II users.  Since Syndicomm Online
is almost all Apple II users anyway, I felt it was time to close the online
service so my time could be better used elsewhere."

Shepherd added, "The online service has been being supported by the sale of
software products since its inception, while at the same time keeping me too
busy to develop new products.  I feel that my best purpose in the Apple II
world is to develop software, and closing the Syndicomm Online service will
allow me to spend more time doing just that."

"Sheppy and I realized that the best way to serve the Apple II world was for
A2Central.com to provide chat, message boards, and similar services, and to let
Sheppy -- that is, Syndicomm -- write code," Fahey said.  "I look forward to
continuing the legacy of support, comeraderie, and exchange of ideas and
software that's always been the legacy of the Apple II forums operated by
Syndicomm."

PRESS CONTACTS

Eric Shepherd - sheppy@syndicomm.com
Sean Fahey - sfahey@a2central.com

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 1
Message 13         Mon Nov 27, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:47 PDT

When Syndicomm Online closes, this bulletin board will go with it.  No viable
alternative has been found or offered for its continued existence, though not
for lack of desire on my part.  A text capture of its contents will be made
available; keep your eyes on Syndicomm.com or Gamebits.net.

It has been a pleasure serving you all these years!  I hope you found that
this forum brought something valuable to your online experience.  Thank you
for your participation.

-Ken Gagne
Sysop, Gamebits

 ------------
 ************
Topic 2         Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:26 PST
Sub: Elsewhere on Syndicomm.com

Use this topic to post and discuss happenings in other Syndicomm.com
communities.

 11 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 1          Tue Sep 04, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:08 PDT

Syndicomm is considering opening a writing community - a place for people to
talk about writing papers, essays, columns, stories, poems, and more.  It'd be
a place to share different writing and editing techniques and styles, suggest
references, and to get help with your writing.

But such a community needs a name!  Show off your writing skills by thinking
of a proper title for the "Writing Forum", and send your suggestions to
gamebits@syndicomm.com.  The best suggestion received by September 15th will
receive a $10 usage credit for the Syndicomm online service.

-Ken Gagne

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 2          Thu Sep 06, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:34 PDT

We've instituted a new Buddy Program!

Recommend Syndicomm Online to a friend, and make sure they give us your
username when they sign up at http://www.syndicomm.com/join.html, and if
they're still a member after 90 days, you get a $10 credit to your account!
That's like a whole month free (more if you're on a quarterly billing plan).

For more information, visit <http://www.syndicomm.com/buddyprogram.html>.


--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 3          Fri Sep 07, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:48 PDT

The Singles Forum is having a contest to determine what contest to hold!  Send
in your idea for a Singles contest (could be a "best post", "best blind date
story", or whatever) to a2.ryan@syndicomm.com.  The best suggestion received
by September 30, 2001, midnight HI time, will get a $10 Syndicomm.com usage
credit!

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 4          Wed Sep 12, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:32 PDT

We have opened a forum for talking about the World Trade Center and Pentagon
attacks, including emotions, fears, and possible responses.  It's at page
1600, keyword WTC.


--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 5          Thu Oct 18, 2001
TCOMPTER                     at 11:50 PDT

Like to play D&D but can't find a campaign near you?  Join us in LiveGames,
CAT 8, Top 1 where a hardy band of adventurers is gearing up for a foray into
the Caves of Shadow!

We've got three players signed up so far, and need 1 more.  If you like RPGs,
D&D in particular, come on over!

This first adventure will be an experiment, to test using a RTC for this type
of game.

Thanks

_________
  | homas

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 6          Sat Nov 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:02 PDT

If you know how to read and write, then you have something to discuss in the
Prolific Quill Forum at page 990, keyword WRITING.  The Prolific Quill is a
forum for writers, both professional and casual, to exchange ideas and
techniques, as well as to share samples of their work.  We also provide a
place for avid readers to discuss their current and favorite books.  Whether
you're reading or writing fiction or non-fiction, in print or online, Prolific
Quill has a place for you!

Prolific Quill is also available from your web browser at this URL:

<http://www.syndicomm.com/communities/writing/messages>

-Ken Gagne
PQ Chief Sysop

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 7          Mon Nov 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:32 PDT

Ever want to write a story, but didn't know where to begin?

Then just write the middle!

Prolific Quill, Syndicomm's writing community, invites you to participate in
"Operation Douglas".  Who is Douglas?  Where does he come from?  What's going
to happen to him?  This stranger is a blank sheet that you will fill as part
of the contest.  After being given a pre-written prologue, each participant
will take a turn writing a continuing portion of Douglas' story, building on
the previous writers' sections.  After everyone has contributed, the
completed story will be presented.  The author whose section is judged the
best gets a $20 gift certificate to the bookstore of his or her choice!

To sign up for the contest, email
               writing@syndicomm.com

Full details of this contest can be found at
               http://www.gamebits.net/syndicomm/promo.shtml#writing

The Prolific Quill is accessible at page 990, or by your web browser at
               http://www.syndicomm.com/communities/writing/messages

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 8          Mon May 13, 2002
TCOMPTER                     at 12:27 PDT

Calling all D&D gamers!

We're continuing our adventures in the Kingdom of Mercia on Friday night, the
17th of May, and are on the lookout for some brave, adventurous souls to join
us.

If you're interested, drop by the Role Playing Games Forum on Friday at 7PM
EDT.   We'll be in room 13, The Dungeon!

____   ___          _ _
 ||he  ||_)ungeon  //\/\aster

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 9          Wed Sep 17, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:06 PDT

Announcing the opening of Showbits!  Syndicomm's newest community caters to
the showbiz crowd, covering the many aspects of Hollywood's exciting industry.
All members of Syndicomm Online are invited to discuss their favorite films,
both current and past, as well as television shows, actors and actresses,
movie memorabilia, news, rumors, and more.

Showbits can be accessed at Page 840, by typing the keyword SHOWBITS at any
Syndicomm prompt, or surfing to the Showbits web site:

http://www.syndicomm.com/communities/showbits/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 10         Wed Apr 28, 2004
SCHNORENBERG [Roger]         at 18:22 PDT

The MUD is back!

The Empire of Cargotha has reopened its doors.

Come immerse yourself in a world of fantasy adventure.   Assume the persona of
a warrior, wizard, cleric, or thief and explore the world that awaits you.
Battle the monsters of the land either single-handedly or as the member of a
group.  Players may interact with each other in real time, through the internal
mail system, or leave messages on the bulletin boards.

The Empire of Cargotha requires no special software and no extre fees.  Just
telnet to the RPG Forum (Page 833) and choose Menu option 4.
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 2
Message 11         Wed Oct 20, 2004
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:06 PDT

The Policy and Politics forum salutes democracy in all its glory on Election
Day (November 2) by holding a real-time conference starting when the polls
close on the east coast -- 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time -- and ending whenever
the networks all agree who will be president for the next four years.  It's
looking likely to be quite the slugfest, so drop by and spend the evening
watching the tally, or pop in and out to share your thoughts.  We're at page
1600, keyword POLITICS.

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.


 ------------
 ************
Topic 3         Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:32 PST
Sub: Speak to the Staff

Post here to discuss forum issues with the staff.  If you have a request,
question, or complaint that's appropriate for public discussion, place it
here.

 7 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 3
Message 1          Mon Oct 08, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 06:48 PDT

I just wanted to mention how great it is to see all this game news in one
place without having to actually work to find it. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 3
Message 2          Mon Oct 08, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:12 PDT

Sheppy,

Gamebits has a "Speak to the Staff" section? :)

Thanks for your message, I'm glad to hear it.  As far as official news pieces,
all I'm posting so far is press releases and other material sent to me by
publishers and public relations firms.  In the past, video game news
sites/affiliates/conglomerates/etc. such as IGN.com allowed reposting of news,
but as more material becomes available via the web (including this forum
soon), they have become more competitive, and stricter with their
redistribution rights.  They may allow lead paragraphs to be posted, with a
URL link to the original story, but I've not explored that possibility yet.

I'm hoping in the future to have more staff members who will help those
duties.

I do try to keep everyone apprised of all the truly important stuff. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 3
Message 3          Wed Oct 10, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 20:41 PDT

Ken,
  If you like I could post some stuff I read on various sites;)


Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 3
Message 4          Wed Oct 10, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 23:14 PDT

Hi Dain,

> If you like I could post some stuff I read on various sites;)

Thanks for the offer!  It's more than just copy-and-paste though; Gamebits
would need to get permission to redistribute other sites' material.  I'll talk
to you more about this next time I see you in chat.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 3
Message 5          Wed Aug 07, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:21 PDT


Just curious if it would be possible to get categories for PC and Mac games.  I
know that Gamebits doesn't review PC games, but it might be good for traffic to
have at least a general category for discussion.  I personally play Video games
more, but I have been known to play PC games as well.  I don't think they need
dedicated news topics or anything, just a place to discuss.

If anything it might attract a few more posters to our midst.

Dain Neater
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 3
Message 6          Thu Aug 08, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:47 PDT

Dain,

Expanding to include PC games would be a vast undertaking, if it were to be
done correctly.  When I opened this forum, I expected that some day an entire
Syndicomm forum dedicated to just PC gaming would open, separate from this
one.  I don't know that I can devote that level of knowledge to PC gaming
within this forum.

A single category for PC gaming might be doable, though in the long run I
think it deserves better than that.  A Mac gaming cat, though, might overlap
with Category 14: Macintosh Gaming in the Mac RT (Page 605).

Basically what I'm saying is that it's something I'd like to do, but not sure
if I can or should.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 3
Message 7          Fri Aug 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:09 PDT

One thing I dislike about adding a new platform to Gamebits.net's coverage is
the initial lack of reviews.

Then I realized that a ton of video games were simultaneously or eventually
released for the PC as well: Spider-Man, Metal Gear Solid, Star Wars
Starfighter... cross-linking all the existing video game reviews on the web
site as computer game reviews would be a great initial start.

I've also been meaning to do this for existing games video game reviews which
now apply to other platforms.  For example, my Dreamcast review of Space Race
is now applicable for PlayStation 2 as well, since that game has been ported
to that system.

I'll keep the former in mind as I pursue the latter.

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 4         Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:33 PST
Sub: Introduce Yourself!

Introduce yourself to the Gamebits community here!

 15 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 1          Sun May 13, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 20:35 PDT

Hi, I'm Ken Gagne, the chief sysop of the Gamebits Community here on
Syndicomm.com.  I've been the sysop of Video Gaming Central on CompuServe
<http://go.compuserve.com/VidGameCentral> for the past seven years, and have
been writing a weekly newspaper column, Gamebits, for the last four years,
though it first appeared without that name six years ago.

I've been gaming for as long as I can remember, first with an Atari 2600 and
now with a PlayStation 2, though I'm not much of a fan of Sony hardware or
software.  I'd prefer to see Nintendo and Sega duking it out, like in the old
days. :)

I'm an avid Apple II user and you can find me in the Apple II Forum at page
645, keyword A2, fairly often - when I'm not here, of course!

See you around,

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 2          Mon May 14, 2001
A2.DAIN                      at 23:52 PDT

Hello,

I also am a gamer, although not nearly as much as I used to be in the olden
days.  I started gaming on a system called the Bally Astrocade.  I asked for a
2600 for Christmas years ago....my dad didn't know the difference and he
picked up this strange machine that no one had ever heard of.  It was still
fun btw.

I was mostly an arcade gamer in the early days.  Pac Man, Donkey Kong,
Defender and Asteroids ruled back then.  Also played quite a few games on the
venerable Apple II(still do in fact).

Eventually, I bought a NES, a SNES...and today I have a Nintendo 64.  I used
to own a Sony, but I sold it.

Hopefully we'll see some good gaming discussion on here.

There are lots of new things coming out in the next few days.

Dain Neater
A2 Bulletin Board Manager.


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 3          Tue May 15, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 05:50 PDT

Welcome Dain!  Good to see you here. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 4          Tue May 15, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 06:41 PDT

>>>Eventually, I bought a NES, a SNES...and today I have a Nintendo 64.  I
used to own a Sony, but I sold it.

We have an N64, a 2600 in a box in the living room, and I gave my wife a PSone
for Christtmas this year.  There's also a Game Boy and a Sega Game Gear
drifting around here somewhere.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 5          Tue Nov 27, 2001
NIGHTPATHS                   at 17:59 PDT


Hiyah! I should let you just guess who this is, but seeing as I am taking the
easy way out and not using Telnet for this, that wouldn't be fair. Introduce
myself, hmm? Okay... I am 24, a size 3, have turned down tons and I mean simply
tons of exclusive modelling contracts and have more money than Bill Gates.
Believe me?

Dang, oh well... I tried :-)

Ooo, old fashioned spel chekr! I like!

Anyway, hi Ken, all :-)  I'm here, though if you want to know what degree of
blonde I am today, you need to go check out the Ralph Bulletin Board in the
Women's forum <g>. I think I am platinum.

Ciao!

Michele
 --
-Life is the retreat of the weary in spirit-


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 6          Tue Nov 27, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:29 PDT

Greetings, Michele!  Glad you could make your way over here from that other
service. :)  I know it's a silly question to ask a blonde, but you're not a
video gamer, are you?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 7          Wed Nov 28, 2001
NIGHTPATHS                   at 04:52 PDT

All time best and most fave video game is and shall remain Space Harrier <s>. I
remember playing Pong when it first came out. I remember drooling over an Atari
computer! These days, I don't get as much play time on the consoles as I used
to, due the amazing ability of my kids to rotate through the systems in a turn
based approach to sibling unity. Heck, I even have one kid who writes out a
schedule for weekends!

#1 Son keeps giving me some line about having to be under five feet in order to
use consoles properly. I have started pointing out to him that he is now just a
hair over five feet tall. He's gonna have to come up with a different excuse to
be a game hog <g>.

I still enjoy the role playing games though <s>... the older ones with the
great music. Haven't bought an either or the two new consoles and don't plan
too (brutally expensive up here in Canada!) but I just might pick up a new
PSOne and hide it in my room and refuse to share!

-m-
 --
-Life is the retreat of the weary in spirit-


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 8          Wed Sep 25, 2002
EVANWADE                     at 08:49 PDT

Hi. I'm Evan. I'm the editor of the Trailblazer, a small university's
newspaper. I hope to get into gaming journalism after transfering to IU for a
few years, and Ken has been nice enough to let me review for his site. I'm
basically a Nintendo mark- I've had all their systems at least once (and that
includes a Virtual Boy,) but now I'm down to my N64 and trusty ol' Gamecube. I
also have a Playstation but it's been collecting dust since I beat Final
Fantasy 9.

Otherwise, nothing special about me. Uhh.. have a nice day. :)
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 9          Wed Sep 25, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 12:53 PDT

Hi Evan.  A Virtual Boy, huh?  I tried one on once, couldn't see a thing. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 10         Wed Sep 25, 2002
EVANWADE                     at 14:55 PDT

Man, I loved my Virtual Boy. Played that freaking tennins game for hours and
hours and hours on end. It eventually broke. It was the saddest day of my life
(until Superman 64 was released).
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 11         Wed Sep 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:01 PDT

Evan,

Excellent to see you here.  Are you using telnet or HTTP to access the forum?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 12         Thu Sep 26, 2002
EVANWADE                     at 10:11 PDT

Http, on the NEW T3 CONNECTION! Bwahahah!

I love my school- get on the president's good side and the paper staff gets a 3
connection for the building to do research with.
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 13         Thu Sep 26, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:18 PDT


Hi Evan,
  Nice to see you here.  I rented the Virtual Boy once with Virtual Tennis.  I
remember liking Virtual Tennis.  It's good to see you here.  My name is Dain
Neater and I my gaming habits include, a highly modified Gameboy Advance, an
NES that is now working 100% again since the replacement on the connector, a
SNES that likes to go black and white once and a while, an N64, and now a
Gamecube.  I have in my day also owned a Sega Genesis, a Sony Playstation, a
Sony Playstation 2 for a few hours, an Atari Jaguar ( I usually don't admit
that) and a Panasonic 3DO, a Sears Atari, and a Bally Astrocade:)

I also play the occasional PC or Mac game.

Dain Neater

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 14         Tue Aug 01, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:34 PDT

Hey, Jeff -- are you a gamer?  I see from your "marker posts" that you read
this forum.  What brings you here?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 4
Message 15         Sat Aug 05, 2006
LUMITECH [Jeff]              at 10:15 PDT

No, not really. Occasionally I play, but not enough to consider myself a "true"
gamer.

I scan all of Syndicomm Cats/Tops, so when I get a Topic saying there's an
unread message, and there isn't, I add a marker post. :-)

Jeff

 ------------
 ************
Topic 5         Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:34 PST
Sub: The Gamers' Cafe

This is a lounge for general chatter, gaming-related or otherwise.

 243 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5  [MOVED]
Message 3          Mon May 14, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 23:37 PDT

What kind of game do you recommend for the non-gamer?
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem Palm OS, Page 590

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5  [MOVED]
Message 4          Mon May 14, 2001
A2.DAIN                      at 23:57 PDT

As far as games for Non-gamers go....

My wife Melissa isn't a gamer.  However, she is one of the most prolific
Gameboy Tetris players I have ever seen.  That is the only game she ever
plays:)

That being said..Tetris is great for non gamers.  I also think that racing
games are great for non gamers.  You usually can just pick them up and play.
Not usually too bad a learning curve(unless the designers suck).

Just my 2 cents.

Dain Neater


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5  [MOVED]
Message 5          Tue May 15, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 05:52 PDT

Ryan,

What Dain said.  Also, Nintendo's first-party games tend to be very popular.
Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, and Mario Party are all good games for the
non-gamer.

Dancing games have also been said to turn any woman into a gamer. :)
Bust-a-Groove and Dance Dance Revolution, both for the PlayStation, can have
this effect.  Perhaps Samba de Amigo on Dreamcast, too.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5  [MOVED]
Message 6          Tue May 15, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 06:42 PDT

>>>Mario Kart 64

This is the ultimate non-gamer game, IMHO. Everyone I've met loves playing
this.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5  [MOVED]
Message 7          Tue May 15, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 09:58 PDT

> Dancing games have also been said to turn any woman into a gamer. :)

What in heck are dancing games? :)
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 8          Tue May 15, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 19:14 PDT

Ryan,

In dancing games, you control a character who's trying to move to a beat.  You
punch in button sequences and combinations in order for him to pull off
increasingly-complex moves.  If you push the wrong buttons or don't do it in
rhythm with the music, the move fails.

The best part of such games is the soundtrack, which ranges through a variety
of genres.  Some of the tunes are REALLY GOOD - no foolin' - one tune in
particular I can imagine hearing on the radio.

For the PlayStation, Bust-a-Groove 1 & 2 are such games.  There's also Dance
Dance Revolution, which you can purchase with an optional "dance pad" (ala the
old Nintendo PowerPad), on which you stand and push buttons with your feet -
in effect, dance - to execute moves.  This is how the game is played in the
arcade.

You can see my former college roommate and my E3 roommate playing DDR at this
URL: http://www.geocities.com/levvylevvy/

Two Sega Dreamcast games are also in a similar vein.  Samba de Amigo can be
played with controllers, but for the full effect, you should buy the separate,
$80 maraca controllers, which you shake in rhythm with the music. :)

Space Channel 5 follows the adventure of Ulala, a futuristic reporter, as she
out-dances aliens to get the scoop on a hostile takeover.

Reviews of the Bust-a-Groove games and of Space Channel 5 can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 9          Tue May 15, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 22:37 PDT

Though not literally a "dancing game," one of the earliest rhythm-based video
games was Parappa the Rapper, for Sony PlayStation.  Review:

http://www.gamebits.net/psx/parappa.html

I can post the review to Category 26, Topic 15: Parappa the Rapper, if you
like.

Its sequel, Um Jammer Lammy, was released two years ago, also for PSOne.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 10         Wed May 16, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 00:31 PDT

Thanks for the explanation of dancing games.

I think I'll stick to the real thing :)
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 11         Wed May 16, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 06:38 PDT

>>>I think I'll stick to the real thing :)

Uhoh, Ken, look what you did now!! ;)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 12         Tue May 29, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:38 PDT

One of my favorite gaming web sites:

Penny Arcade
http://www.pennyarcade.com

Penny Arcade is an online comic strip that updates every Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday. The stars are Gabe and Tycho, who find sarcastic and often painful
ways to lampoon the latest developments in the gaming world. A front-page
commentary, also written in a tongue-in-cheek style, is often required reading
to understanding each strip.

A printed compilation of Penny Arcade: Year One is due out soon.

Penny Arcade was an eight-page appendix in my college senior thesis, on which
I got a 'B'.  The thesis was mentioned in PA's next update.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 13         Thu May 31, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:05 PDT

What's your favorite lounging position from which to play home video games?
Do you sit in a chair, lay out on a couch, sit on the floor, what?

I can't play games without back support; I've tried having a TV opposite the
foot of my bed and it didn't work at all.  My main TV has a nice couch, but it
leaves me somewhat vertically higher than the TV, so I usually sit on the
floor with my back against the couch.

Bean bags can be quite comfy. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 14         Fri Jun 01, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 00:09 PDT

>>>What's your favorite lounging position from which to play home video games?
Do you sit in a chair, lay out on a couch, sit on the floor, what?

I prefer some kind of chair for action games or racing games.  Long,
slower-paced games I like to lay down if I can, but usually can't.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 15         Thu Jul 12, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:42 PDT

I had previously stated that one of my favorite web sites is

Penny Arcade
http://www.pennyarcade.com

That URL is incorrect and will lead to you an entirely different kind of site.
Try this one instead:

http://www.penny-arcade.com

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 16         Thu Jul 12, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:43 PDT

For some cool video game tunes, including acappella renditions of old
favorites, scope out this URL:

http://virt.zophar.net/music.html

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 18         Fri Aug 31, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:33 PDT

Does anyone read my column regularly?  I need to pick out some of the best
ones.  I think my reviews of Spider-Man and Covert Ops, both for PSX, are
good, though those are a year old.  I have to find four others that can
constitute a sample of my work; if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear
them. :)

If I hear nothing, I'll assume that means you think all my columns are
excellent. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 19         Fri Aug 31, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:08 PDT

>>>If I hear nothing, I'll assume that means you think all my columns are
excellent. <g>

Well, they are. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 20         Sun Sep 02, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:24 PDT

Here are some games I'm looking at reviewing this month:

PSOne:
        Tales of Destiny 2 (Namco)
        Spider-Man 2 (Activision)
        Syphon Filter 3 (989 Studios)
        X-Men Mutant Academy 2 (Activision)

PS2:
        Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2
        Silent Hill 2
        ICO
        Spy Hunter

Game Boy Advance:
        Advance Wars
        Snood

The problem with the GBA games is I'm not likely to get review copies; and
with the PS2 games, they all come out on 25 Sep, which leaves me the rest of
September.  Looks like it's going to be a PSOne month. :)

The first Spider-Man game was great so I'll almost definitely be reviewing
that title.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 21         Sun Sep 02, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:37 PDT

Of that list, I'd like to see the X-Men game reviewed most.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 22         Mon Sep 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:32 PDT

Ryan,

Both Snood and X-Men Mutant Academy have the same problem of coming out on 25
Sep, the same day as Soul Reaver 2 and Silent Hill 2, two highly-anticipated
games which I'd like to review.  It's some stiff competition for other titles.

Also on 25 Sep: Syphon Filter 3 (PSOne), ICO (PS2), and Spy Hunter (PS2).

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 23         Thu Sep 06, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:53 PDT

Ryan,

FWIW, I did review the first Mutant Academy game.  It came out last summer,
just after the movie.

http://www.gamebits.net/psx/xmenmuta.shtml

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 24         Thu Sep 06, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:53 PDT

> FWIW, I did review the first Mutant Academy game.

Thanks, Ken, I'll have a look, next time I'm free.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 25         Fri Sep 07, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:33 PDT

So you want to learn Japanese?

Think again.

http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~thoureau/japanese.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 26         Fri Sep 07, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:02 PDT

>>>So you want to learn Japanese?

I took a quarter of Japanese while trying to get a degree in computer science.
It was a terrible mistake. :)

While the spoken language is actually quite easy to learn, the written
language takes so much studying and effort that there's no way to do it unless
you entirely devote your life to it. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 27         Fri Sep 07, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:33 PDT

> I took a quarter of Japanese while trying to get a degree in computer
> science. It was a terrible mistake. :)

I dunno - I loved Iie Aoi and Tsukue. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 28         Fri Sep 07, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:23 PDT

>>>Iie Aoi

Don't remind me.  Damn Softdisk. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 29         Fri Sep 07, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:08 PDT

Sheppy,

>> Iie Aoi
>
> Don't remind me.  Damn Softdisk. :)

Heh.  I remember when Iie Aoi came out, I didn't notice who the programmer
was, but found it remarkably similar to Tsukue, and commented to that effect
in an open GEnie topic.  I believe my exact words were: "What a cheap
rip-off!"

Softdisk used my message as an anonymous letter to the editor in their next
issue. :\

In my defense, you later said that if Iie Aoi had been someone else's program,
you would've been pretty upset at Softdisk, too. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 30         Fri Sep 07, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 19:00 PDT

I was still pretty upset at Softdisk. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 31         Fri Sep 07, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:58 PDT

Sheppy,

Okay, there's something else going on here I don't know about.  What did
Softdisk do to you? :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 32         Sat Sep 08, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:45 PDT

They made me change "Tsukue"s name to "Iie Aoi."  Ugh. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 33         Sun Sep 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:17 PDT

Here are all the changes I've been able to determine have been effected as a
result of the September 11th tragedy:

- Syphon Filter 3 (PSOne) delayed four months.
- Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 (PC) recalled; new box to ship late October.
- Metal Gear Solid 2 (PS2) release unknown.
- Project Gotham Racing (XBox) under consideration.
- Twisted Metal Black & Dropship (PS2) European releases delayed.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (PC) recalled.
- Online conspiracy game Majestic (PC) suspended by Electronic Arts.
- Tom Clancy products under consideration.
- World War III Black Gold (PC) delayed indefinitely.
- Duke Nukem under consideration.
- Japanese commercials for Namco's Ace Combat 4 (PS2) pulled.

More as it develops.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 34         Tue Sep 25, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:21 PDT

Few of the reviews I expected to write this month came to pass.  Syphon
Filter 3, Spider-Man 2, and Soul Reaver 2 were all delayed, and I didn't
consider it appropriate to review Advance Wars in the current national
milieu.  I hope to get Silent Hill 2 early enough this week to review, and
I've also requested Spy Hunter.

Here are my choices for October.  The three PSOne games are more likely to be
reviewed than anything else, due to availability, recognition, and personal
interest.

                    Sony PlayStation

   Spiderman 2 Enter Electo                 October
   Castlevania Chronicles                   10/09/01
   Dragon Warrior VII                       10/23/01

                  Sony PlayStation 2

   Ninja Gaiden                             October
   Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 2            10/12/01
   Batman Vengeance                         10/16/01
   Devil May Cry                            10/17/01
   Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland          10/30/01

                    Sega Dreamcast

   Bomberman Online                         10/16/01
   World Tennis 2K2                         10/23/01

                   Game Boy Advance

   D00M                                     10/23/01
   Mega Man Battle Network                  10/24/01
   Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo Revival     10/24/01
   ET: The Extraterrestrial                 10/29/01

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 35         Mon Oct 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:15 PDT

Some neat Buddy Icons for Instant Messenger at this URL:

http://www.hypericons.com/videogames.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 36         Mon Oct 29, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:30 PDT

What the heck? :)

An electronic entertainment company is now offering a "unique series of
trading cards [that] focus on the interest, appeal and greatness of Real
People, instead of  baseball players, sci-fi stars or one-dimensional
celebrities."

http://www.peoplecards.net/giftguide

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 37         Sun Nov 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:54 PDT

Happy 11-11-1, everyone :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 38         Mon Nov 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:48 PDT

Become a card-carrying member of the Game Corps today!

http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2001-11-14&res=l
http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2001-11-14&res=h

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 39         Mon Nov 26, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:19 PDT

The left front speaker on my 5.1 surround sound stopped working Friday
morning.  The speaker is fine, it's the output on the receiver that's not
transmitting any signal.  I finished Metal Gear Solid 2 feeling like I was
half-deaf. :(

The system is beyond the 45-day trial offered by Cambridge Soundworks, but
it's still under warranty.  The salesperson I spoke to said he can probably
just swap me a new receiver for this one, as soon as he gets one in tomorrow's
shipment.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 40         Tue Dec 04, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:52 PDT

Recently a PR firm said they'd send me some high-profile titles, then didn't.
I sent them an email to the effect of "This stinks.  I realize I'm not as
important as a trade publication journalist..."

Their reply was, basically, "You're right - you're not."

Ouch.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 41         Tue Dec 04, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:27 PDT

>>>Their reply was, basically, "You're right - you're not."

Ouch.  Double ouch.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 42         Wed Dec 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:59 PDT

To put more accurately what the PR firm rep said: "To keep this publisher as a
client, we have to procure them the best possible coverage, and that doesn't
entail sending you software."

What makes this so frustrating is that this same publisher, through a
different PR firm, provided me software fairly regularly up until two years
ago.  Before then, they'd sent me games that I'd given very positive reviews,
and had even included in their respective "Best of the Year" Christmas
features.  Now the sequels to those games have come out and I'm not good
enough to receive them?

Sigh.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 43         Sat Dec 08, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:13 PDT

I remember one night early in my freshman year of college, when I lived in a
one-room dorm.  I was sitting on my bed doing some calculus while my roommate
and a friend of his played Street Fighter EX + alpha on my PlayStation.  They
didn't know what they were doing, didn't know the moves, but they were having
fun, which is the whole point.  Or should be, except someone from down the
hall had wandered in and wanted to show his stuff.

"Push punch, then kick!  No, do a quarter-circle away!  You should've Dragon
Punched there!"

I got frustrated, so when the next round ended, I closed my calc book and took
the controller from my roommate.  "Shut up," I said to the stranger, shoving
the pad into his hands.  We proceeded to fight.

We each chose one of the strongest characters in the game.  He put up a heck
of a good fight - I almost didn't make it.  But in the last round, I had the
advantage, and I executed one of my character's special moves, the closest
Street Fighter comes to a fatality: the screen goes white, the sound of a
thousand punches landing in rapid succession can be heard, and when the lights
come back on, the opponent's dead.  A very difficult move to pull off.

"What... How did you... What was..." my opponent stammered.

I put my controller down, calmly turned to him, and pointed at the door.

"Get out."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 44         Sat Dec 08, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 14:13 PDT

You the man, Ken. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 45         Sat Dec 08, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:58 PDT

> You the man, Ken. :)

I don't like to toot my own horn - but it is one of my finer moments. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 47         Sun Dec 09, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:05 PDT

I get frustrated when other people are arrogant about video games.  It's such
a silly and meaningless thing.  I was once talking to a store clerk about
classic video games, and he went off on how he owns 600 Nintendo games.  He
took a lot of pride in that, but all it meant was that he had a lot of money
and the desire to spend it in pursuit of certain items.  The street-fighting
gamer in my previous post knew many special moves, which means he just had the
time and memory to spend learning them.  Like I told Dain, gaming is 90%
persistence.  Knowing 20 fatality moves is no more difficult, and probably
less useful, than knowing 20 digits of pi.

The keyword in "video games" is GAMES.  They're supposed to be FUN.  Some
people actually get upset when I give a good game a bad review, or vice versa.
I try to explain to them that the review is simply my opinion, and not a
statement of fact.  I wish my tastes were such that I could enjoy every game
that comes my way, but I don't.

It's wonderful to be passionate about something; life is meaningless without
passion.  But it's important to remember that video games are just games.

Then again, I think life is a game, and have trouble taking that seriously,
either.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 48         Mon Dec 10, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 07:01 PDT

>>>It's wonderful to be passionate about something; life is meaningless
without passion.  But it's important to remember that video games are just
games.

That's for sure. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 49         Tue Dec 18, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:09 PDT

I don't know if I should be depressed or not that, every year, I receive
holiday cards from so many video game publishers and public relations firms,
they outnumber my friends' cards. ;)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 50         Tue Dec 18, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 23:47 PDT

> I don't know if I should be depressed or not that, every year, I receive
> holiday cards from so many video game publishers and public relations
> firms, they outnumber my friends' cards. ;)

Depends.  If you're getting one card from the video game publishers and one
from public relations firms, then yes.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop and Head Geek, A2
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 57         Mon Dec 31, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:42 PDT

Today's GameFAQs poll asked if this was a good year for gaming.  I didn't
think so, but I wanted to make sure - so I took a look at all the reviews
Gamebits has published in print in the last five years:

Year   Games reviewed that year       Average game score for year
1997            20                               7.98
1998            46                               8.2
1999            45                               8.04
2000            42                               8.07
2001            44                               7.69

.29 points below the previous worst year - and that year lacked the quantity
of other years.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 58         Tue Jan 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:39 PDT

Last year I created a Christmas wish list for the first time in ages, and gave
it to my family.

If I ever do that again, I'll have to order items by preference, not
alphabeticalness.  All my gifts this year were A-F.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 59         Tue Jan 01, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:53 PDT

>>>If I ever do that again, I'll have to order items by preference, not
alphabeticalness.  All my gifts this year were A-F.

Hehe... I create my list in random order, with items ranging in price from a
few dollars to several thousand.  I keep my list maintained year round in a
sticky note on my Mac screen, and that way I can just email it to people that
want to buy me something, and I can use it to plan my own future purchases.

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 60         Wed Jan 02, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:00 PDT

Sheppy,

This year I created a web page of gift ideas, with links to the stores of
where to buy them.  Unfortunately, my father printed out the list and gave
copies to my relatives, who then had no idea where to find the items.  I tried
explaining to my father that you can't click on a link on a piece of paper,
but I don't think he "got" it.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 61         Wed Jan 02, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:29 PDT

>>>I tried explaining to my father that you can't click on a link on a piece of
paper

Hehehe, the technology gap in action. :)

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 63         Wed Jan 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:17 PDT

February's shaping up to be a good month.  "Maximo: Ghosts to Glory" for
PlayStation 2 is coming out - a modern 3D edition of Capcom's classic "Ghosts
'n Goblins" series of games.  There seems to be some hype around Rockstar
Studios' "State of Emergency" game too, though I'm not sure why.

"Dark Summit", an Xbox snowboard action-adventure game, will be released for
GameCube by THQ.

Working Designs' long-delayed "Arc the Lad Collection" is again slated for
release, this time in February.  Six discs of PSOne RPG goodness.

Game Boy Advance games include Nintendo's "Super Mario World", and Sega's
"Columns" and "Sonic Advance".

I'll be reviewing "Drakan: The Ancients' Gate" for PS2 this week, but hope
that the rest of my February review schedule will consist of several of the
above titles.  I've already put in for Maximo & Dark Summit, and will be
picking up Sonic for a friend.

The main reason I try to predict my review schedule is because it's funny to
see how off I was a month later.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 64         Mon Feb 04, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:19 PDT

My friend and Gamebits contributor Rick Rae sends me the following:

For all who like "Sakura Taisen" (or "Sakura Wars"), you may be interested in
tuning in to Anime Stuff R internet radio this month!

From February 1 through February 21, I'm hosting over five hours of music
from the games, anime, live musicals, and movie interspersed with my
commentary and overview of Sakura Taisen's characters, and what this game and
media phenomenon is all about.

Whether you're a fan of Sakura Wars or are just curious, don't miss this
show!

Drop by www.animestuff-r.com to see the home page for the show and also learn
how to listen via Live365. There's also a link to a special Sakura Taisen
graphics gallery featuring the covers of the artbooks for the games and of
the Final Guide cover for Sakura Taisen 3.

You can also get to the show directly through this URL and your Media Player:

http://www.live365.com/play/238847

The show will run continuously through February 21.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 65         Mon Feb 11, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:13 PDT

This idea literally came to me in a dream.

How about a game that plays like Metal Gear Solid, but features G.I. Joe?
Don't tell me that wouldn't rock. :)  G.I. Joe is currently enjoying a new and
very successful comic book mini-series, so they're not completely dead.  There
were two NES games based on G.I. Joe, but nothing since.  An MGS engine would
be perfectly suited to this kind of game, especially with all the different
characters and weaponry one could use.

Ah!  I need to find a publisher! :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 66         Mon Feb 18, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:32 PDT

Yet another personality quiz:

"What Pre-1985 Video Game Character Am I?"

http://blog.ravenblack.net/quiz/videogame.pl

I [Ken] am Mr Do.

I am sedentary by nature, enjoying passive entertainment, eating when the mood
takes me, and playing with my food. I try to avoid conflict, but when I'm
angered, I can be a devil - if you force me to fight, I will crush you. With
apples.

Sigh.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 67         Tue Feb 19, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 06:42 PDT

I'm a Light Cycle. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 68         Tue Feb 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:09 PDT

Sheppy,

It doesn't surprise me that you're a TrailBlazer. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 69         Tue Feb 19, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:24 PDT


I took the personality test and it turns out that I am a Gauntlet Adventurer.
:)


"Dain Needs Food"


Dain "Gauntlet Adventurer" Neater.
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 72         Thu Feb 21, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:51 PDT

More personality quizzes...

Which Labyrinth [the movie] Character Are You?

        http://www.hollowmind.net/labyrinth/

Which 80's TV Cartoon Are You?

        http://pink-eyeliner.org/quiz/

Which Sesame Street Character Are You?

        http://www.trill.net/trill/test.html

Which Care Bear Are You?

        http://www.drudabear.com/quiz.htm

What D&D Character Are You?

        http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~ellingwd/dndwho/index.html

What Would Your Stats Be in AD&D?

        http://blanchard.virtualave.net/war/dndstats.html

I'm a Cheer Bear and a Chaotic Good Half-Elf Bard Cleric.  I refuse to
comment on the rest.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 73         Fri Feb 22, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:19 PDT

I'm Ernie. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 74         Sat Feb 23, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 08:33 PDT

I ended up a transformer:)

Most likely because I answered a question that said that I was made of metal
and had rear view mirrors;)


Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 75         Sat Feb 23, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:27 PDT

>>>Most likely because I answered a question that said that I was made of
metal and had rear view mirrors;)

Dude... you're weird. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 76         Tue Feb 26, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:49 PDT

Another Personality Quiz:

What Muppet Are You?

http://www.geraldfield.com/cgi-bin/unofficial/quizzes/sfesurvey.cgi?whatmuppeta
reyou

I'm Kermit!  Though I'm technically the star, I'm pretty mellow and don't mind
letting others share the spotlight.  I am also something of a dreamer. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 77         Tue Feb 26, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:02 PDT


"You are Fozzie!
Wokka Wokka! You love to make lame jokes. Your sense of humor might be a bit
off, but you're a great friend and can always be counted on."


Not sure I would agree there;)...better than Gonzo I guess:)

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 78         Tue Feb 26, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:03 PDT

>> Your sense of humor might be a bit off
>
> Not sure I would agree there

Sounds about right to me. <G>

Some of the quizzes I posted earlier have already been shut down, the URLs
invalid.  Seems they were so popular, the hosts overspent their bandwidth
allotment and the pages were removed.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 79         Tue Mar 05, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:32 PDT

Someone sent me an email in response to one of my reviews.  The message was

zit vast kan geen kant op help

I tried pasting it into Babelfish with the "German to English" option, but
nothing came out.  Anyone know what language it is?  The sender's domain was
wanadoo.nl.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 80         Tue Mar 05, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 17:00 PDT


The .nl tells me it is the Netherlands.  Did you try Dutch?  It's similar to
German I think.

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 81         Tue Mar 05, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:54 PDT

Dain,

Thanks for the tip.  If it's Dutch, I don't know how to respond.
babelfish.altavista.com will translate Chinese, French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Korean, Portugese, Russian, and Spanish to English... but not Dutch.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 82         Tue Mar 05, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:56 PDT

I recently played through the 1998 video game "Pitfall 3D: Beyond the Jungle",
for PlayStation.  In the credits are "Special thanks to all our friends,
family, wives, girlfriends, and children."  No husbands or boyfriends, though.

Ah, gotta love the chauvinism of video games.  I'm gonna go blow something up.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 83         Wed Mar 06, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 07:20 PDT

Well... there's a fairly substantial dearth of women coders in the game
industry.  I think I met a grand total of one the entire time I worked in the
field.

And I never encountered a female tester.  Or artist, for that matter.

It's kind of strange, and kind of disturbing.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 84         Sat Mar 23, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:59 PDT

Another quiz:

Superhero Latency Test

This quiz is designed to help you identify any super powers or potentials you
may have dormantly within you.

http://www.geocities.com/vonhase/superhero.html

Unfortunately, it doesn't give much detail for each possible power.  All I
know is that I tested positive for "Gadgeteer".

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 85         Tue Mar 26, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 20:40 PDT

Yeah, I'm a Gadgeteer as well.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 86         Sun Mar 31, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:56 PDT

News Exclusive:
Hardware Manufacturers Cease Hardware Manufacture

by Ken Gagne

After the unexpected failure of the Dreamcast, Sega last year abandoned their
hardware division. The company responsible for the Sega Genesis, Game Gear,
and many other memorable consoles became a third-party publisher, competing
with the likes of Capcom and Electronic Arts for consumers' dollars across all
platforms.

Heartened by the success Sega's fiscal records recently revealed this new
business strategy to bring, other hardware manufacturers are now following
suit.

"The Nintendo 64, while an artistic success, was financially troubled by the
then-newcomer Sony PlayStation," said Peter MacDougall, executive vice
president of sales and marketing at Nintendo of America. "We've learned from
our mistakes. By discontinuing support for the GameCube, we expect 'the
Nintendo difference' to reach an even wider audience."

In a surprising move, Sony is yet another Johnny-come-lately to this marketing
model. "We see no reason to be threatened by Microsoft," said Kaz Hirai of
Sony, referring to the Windows publisher's Xbox video game console. "Our
software publishing arm is ready and able to tackle this newcomer head-on - or
from the inside-out."

Following the announcement that the much-rumored PlayStation 3, 4, and
5 consoles were headed for the scrap heap, Microsoft was quick to counter with
their own plans to cease manufacture of the Xbox hardware.

"Since our launch in November 2001, we've attracted a strong corps of software
publishers," said Bill Gates himself, representing Microsoft. "We're confident
these companies will follow us and enjoy similar success on other hardware
platforms."

What "other hardware platforms" Gates refers to remains to be seen. The
aftermath of this new economy is prepared to flood the market with quality
software from all development houses - yet a lack of coordination among
hardware manufacturers has left no viable consoles to receive new games.

"What do you mean, 'no more Xbox'?" Hirai claimed to his board of directors
early Wednesday morning, shortly after Microsoft's official announcement.

Gates was similarly shocked.

"You mean to tell me that cute little purple cube with the handle won't be
running Windows?" Gates asked. "That's unacceptable."

Shigeru Miyamoto simply wept.

All ends of the industry are feeling the results of a lucrative business
decision gone horribly wrong. Retailers, who previously struggled to represent
each competing system with limited shelf space, suddenly find themselves with
gaps to fill. Many have been left to relabel their software inventory as
coasters, or "microwave special effect generators."

A long-term solution is currently being sought by the Interactive Digital
Software Association.

"Won't anyone answer the call to produce an underpowered, unsupported,
expensive, and highly-criticized game console?" lamented Doug Lowenstein,
president of the IDSA.

In related news, the organizers of the annual Vintage Computer Fest have
announced an intended merger with the Electronic Entertainment Expo, Los
Angeles' annual mecca of video game publishers and exhibitors.

"We used to gather to celebrate the breathing of life into old systems, making
them new again," commented show coordinator Ted Deppner. "Now we welcome
several new systems into the folds of antiquity."
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Tech News, 1-Apr-02

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 88         Mon Apr 08, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:35 PDT

Penny Arcade is willing to do something about the violence in video games:

http://www.penny-arcade.com/mohpacifism.php3

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 89         Thu Apr 11, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:01 PDT

Here are some more personality quizzes, including a completely pointless one:

http://www.stvlive.com/oddities/quizme/index.php

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 90         Fri May 03, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:34 PDT

What's your battle cry?

http://mewing.net/cryquiz.html

Mine is "MEEP!"  I'm easily shocked, and easily amused.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 91         Thu May 09, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 08:48 PDT

>>>Mine is "MEEP!"  I'm easily shocked, and easily amused.

Mine too.  Hm.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 92         Sat May 11, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:56 PDT

I like today's FoxTrot:

http://images.ucomics.com/comics/ft/2002/ft020511.gif

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 93         Mon May 27, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 09:40 PDT


What do you guys (and gals) think of the U.S.Army developing games for
recruitment and training purposes.  I have only seen a very small blurb on
this, but it just seemed quite strange.

I remember during the Gulf War there were some interviews with some pilots that
when asked how it felt to be in combat they responded that "It seemed so
real....".  I guess that is what would be a normal response for people trained
in simulators.

It's come a long long way since Pong...hasn't it?
Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 94         Mon May 27, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:56 PDT

Dain,

The U.S. Army's involvement in video game publishing could be a public
relations nightmare.  Pundits of the industry have been quick to suggest that
"video games teach kids to kill," and that the military uses video games to
train soldiers to that end.  How will a video game BY the military FOR kids be
received??

Eek.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 95         Mon May 27, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 18:06 PDT

If you're going to have the Army putting out a game, a time of a highly
patriotic fervor and generally approved-of war effort is a good time to do it.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 96         Thu May 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:19 PDT

I once overheard a conversation my opponent from msg #43 had.

Someone asked him what the then-new iMac was.  He told them, "You know
WebTV?... It's that."

It was my pleasure to kick his butt a week later.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 97         Sun Jun 02, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:17 PDT

>>>It was my pleasure to kick his butt a week later.

Woohoo! :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 98         Mon Jun 03, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:42 PDT

Today on GameFAQs.com, a list of upcoming remakes was posted, asking gamers
which one they were most looking forward to:

Contra: Shattered Soldier (PS2)
Defender of the Crown (GBA)
Dragon's Lair 3D (Multi)
Frogger Classic (Multi)
Last Ninja, The (Xbox)
Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)
Phantasy Star Collection (GBA)
Rygar (PS2)
Shinobi (PS2)

With such an impressive lineup, I wonder why publishers even bother with
*new* games these days. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 99         Wed Jun 05, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 23:32 PDT

Today's Penny Arcade discusses the U.S. Army's "America's Army" video game:

http://www.penny-arcade.com/news2002-06-05.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 100        Thu Jun 06, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:55 PDT

What's Your Mental Age?

http://www.music-review.org/test.asp

I act like I'm 19. (I'm 23)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 101        Fri Jun 07, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 08:33 PDT

My mental age is apparently 17.  I'm 30. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 102        Thu Jun 13, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 20:47 PDT


I registered 26 years old..I am 29.


Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 103        Fri Aug 02, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:52 PDT

For the past month or so, GameFAQs.com has been hold "The Great GameFAQs
Character Battle".  Every day, two well-known video game characters are pitted
against each other, and visitors to the site decide who will win by casting
their votes.  Today begins the second bracket, with fully half of the
competitors having been eliminated in the first round.

It's difficult to say what the results mean.  I'm sure it is a popularity
contest for many voters - especially since voters are encouraged to "choose
your favorite" - but I try to see things from who would win in an actual
battle.  The toughest decision so far was Strider Hiryuu (from Capcom's
Strider games) versus Raziel (from the Soul Reaver games).

Anyway, surf by to cast your vote every now and then!

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 104        Fri Aug 16, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:18 PDT

Dain,

Thought you might enjoy this:

http://www.syndicomm.com/~kgagne/crouch.wav

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 105        Sun Aug 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:57 PDT

As we approach the finals in the Great GameFAQs Character Battle, things are
definitely starting to heat up!  In the West Division Semis, the final count
was

Sonic the Hedgehog - 41939
Samus Aran - 41973

Today's battle is also very close, as of noon:

Mega Man        49.48%          20038
Sephiroth       50.52%          20462

View the full bracket at http://cgi.gamefaqs.com/poll/bracket.asp

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 106        Wed Aug 28, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:30 PDT

I can't believe the fans allowed Crono (from Chrono Trigger) to beat Metal
Gear's Solid Snake in a fair fight!  They expect a cartoon kid to beat this
guy?

http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2001-03-28&res=l

Not bloody likely...

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 107        Tue Sep 03, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 13:09 PDT

Apparently the Greek government has outlawed all electronic games, from
handheld game machines to consoles to games in cell phones to computer games.

They wanted to outlaw gambling machines, couldn't figure out how to write a
law that would delineate between them and other game machines, and just
decided to ban them all.

http://news.com.com/2100-1040-956357.html?tag=fd_top

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 108        Tue Sep 03, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 17:48 PDT


Don't you just love when the Government steps in and tells the people how they
can live their lives.

Sheesh.

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 109        Tue Sep 03, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:24 PDT

>>>Don't you just love when the Government steps in and tells the people how
they can live their lives.

Seriously.  This is pretty whacked.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 110        Tue Sep 10, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:16 PDT

Here's another version of the story:

http://www.msnbc.com/news/802893.asp?0dm=C14LT

I kept hoping the story was being blown out of proportion and that it meant
only public gaming was eliminated.  But no: playing a game even on a cell
phone in the privacy of your own home is illegal.

But what is a "game"?  Surely trying to make music by pressing key tones on
your phone could be entertaining.  Will fun be outlawed next?

Very strange.  I doubt anyone is going to be throwing out their video games
anytime soon, though, and the law doesn't prevent the sale of such items
either.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 111        Wed Sep 11, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:11 PDT

Plenty of personality tests at this URL:

http://www.atomictemple.com/electrons/tests.htm

... most of them base.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 112        Thu Sep 12, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:37 PDT

>>>Very strange.  I doubt anyone is going to be throwing out their video games
anytime soon, though, and the law doesn't prevent the sale of such items
either.

The court just threw out this law. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 113        Wed Sep 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:56 PDT

Visit <http://www.gamebits.net/other/dsl.shtml> for a review of my DSL service
of a few years ago.

You may be willing to ignore my complaints after surfing to
<http://www.speakeasy.net/massive>; apparently; order DSL from Speakeasy
before September 30th, and get a free Xbox or PS2.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 114        Mon Sep 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:12 PDT

I was recently informed of the announcement of the Fall 2002 Parents' Choice
awards.  This link will send you to the Video Games category:

http://www.parents-choice.org/awards.cfm?cat_code=c_vga&award=AW&awdyr=2002&awd
se=c&product_code=p_vga&from=Fall%202002%20Parents%27%20Choice%20Award%20Winner
s%20

Unfortunately, only four games are listed, and most of them aren't for
consoles.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 115        Tue Dec 17, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:37 PDT

Ghost of Christmas Future Taunts Children WIth Visions of Playstation 5:

http://www.theonion.com/onion3847/ghost_of_christmas_future.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 116        Wed Dec 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:27 PDT

Any new games or systems for Gamebits members this Christmas?

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 117        Thu Dec 26, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 22:29 PDT


No games or systems here.  I did get Back to the Future Trilogy on Widescreen
DVD though:)

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 118        Fri Dec 27, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 18:42 PDT

No games yet, but the people that tend to get me games are in Tennessee and
we're doing gift exchange in a couple weeks. :)

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 119        Fri Dec 27, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:52 PDT

Dain,

I got the BttF DVD set, too - and the Spider-Man movie.  I can't wait to watch
the outtakes and deleted scenes. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 122        Wed Jan 01, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:32 PDT

Today's GameFAQs.com poll asks us how good a year 2002 was for gaming - above,
below, or just average.

Year     Games Reviewed     Average Score
-----------------------------------------
1997         21                  7.6
1998         46                  8.0
1999         43                  7.75
2000         35                  7.64
2001         39                  7.57
2002         44                  7.68

On other words, every year averages out, pretty much. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 123        Sun Jan 05, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:47 PDT


Strange Stuff.  Time Warner Cable is now carrying "G4" a new television network
that has 100% gaming shows.  I've not watched it a whole lot, but I have seen a
show that has no announcer, but it just plays gameplay footage and some
trailers.  It must be easy to produce that one:)  There was a show on the other
day that was a broadcast of a contest of a NASCAR game.  The winner won ~$2000
or so.   Nothing ground breaking.  I looked through the guide and noticed that
they also play reruns of "Starcade" a gameshow based on video games from back
in the 80's.  I remember watching that seemingly eons ago.

Like I said some strange stuff.

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5  [MOVED]
Message 124        Thu Feb 27, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:06 PDT


I think I first heard the term Boss and Mini-boss come from the original
Metroid.  Ridley and Kraid were Mini-Bosses and the Mother Brain was "the"
Boss.  Of course it could have been Zelda.

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5  [MOVED]
Message 125        Thu Feb 27, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:52 PDT

>>>Does she realize she's calling me a failure?

Yes. ;)

Seriously, though... the entire concept of a "boss" is silly to me.  Talk
about unrealistic.  I hate playing a game like Wolfenstein where it's more or
less realistic (yeah, yeah, the undead are a little weird, but still), but all
of a sudden you come up against one incredibly hard to beat guy designed to
scare a percentage of players from bothering to play any further.

Why ruin a game with bosses?  It's much more fun to just continue to move
through increasingly challenging normal levels.  There are too many games I've
bought and not finished because of bosses.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 126        Fri Feb 28, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:16 PDT

Sheppy,

I find that in many games, the cannon fodder enemies you encounter throughout
the level are not very challenging.  They're good practice leading up to the
boss encounter, which tests the skills you've learned.

They also provide different kinds of challenges.  Cannon fodder's strength is
in numbers, so that getting to the boss is a matter of endurance, not strength
or thought.  Many bosses require some gimmick to defeat them which their
underlings did not.

Just my $.02 :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 127        Sat Mar 01, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 10:11 PDT

>>>I find that in many games, the cannon fodder enemies you encounter
throughout the level are not very challenging.  They're good practice leading
up to the boss encounter, which tests the skills you've learned.

That's a fair excuse in older games, but most modern shooters I've played, the
enemies are hardly cannon fodder.  Many of them have very good AIs.  They duck
for cover, they run when hurt, they call for help.  They plan and execute
ambushes.  And I have no problem with introducing new and more dangerous
enemies as you proceed through a game, but to have the occasional nearly
impossible to beat "boss" just ruins the flow of the game, especially for guys
like me who aren't all that great at these games in the first place.

I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I finish a mission in a game, even
if it's just against cannon fodder.  For me, it's about the action and the
fun, not about defeating guys that are designed to be killed only by kids with
great reflexes.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 128        Sat Mar 01, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 11:46 PDT


I guess I don't see how a bunch of smaller easier to kill things with great AI
would be any less challenging to the reflexes than one larger harder to kill
thing.  Both to me require great reflexes either mind or hands fingers..etc.

The term boss gets thrown about quite a bit.  Usually it just means the
toughest guy on the level.  In some games it the last thing you fight on
particular level.  In Metroid there are no levels...just one continuous world
(with elevators between areas).  You run across what I would call a "boss", but
only it was the creature in that geographic area that was the biggest and the
baddest.  Once you dispacted this "boss" you are not done you still need to
fight your way to a zone of safety...(read somewhere you can save).

I like pretty much all styles of games.

Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 129        Mon Mar 03, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:21 PDT

Sheppy, are there any recent games which exemplify this irritating trait?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 130        Tue Mar 04, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:22 PDT

>>>Sheppy, are there any recent games which exemplify this irritating trait?

Well, mind you, I don't have a current console, so my example will be Return
to Castle Wolfenstein.  The Uber Soldat boss is remarkably hard to kill, and
because a door closes behind you, locking you in the room with him, there's no
way to get out and get more ammo, so if you didn't know he was coming and
stock up on the previous level, you're screwed.

I quit playing RtCW because of that boss.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 131        Wed Mar 05, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:19 PDT

> Well, mind you, I don't have a current console, so my example will be Return
> to Castle Wolfenstein.

Fair enough example.  RtCW ships for Xbox and PS2 on May 6th. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 132        Thu Mar 06, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:52 PDT


I have a current example of that:)  The Omega Pirate in Metroid Prime has
become the latest stopping point for me.  It isn't pirate himself that seems to
be the problem though, it's when he's down and out after several they send in
the various different soldiers to attack you that can only be hit by the
appropriate weapon making it kind of a pain, especially since I sometimes mix
up the control to switch visors with the control to switch weapons...which you
have to both do in this fight quite a bit:)  If those Power Troopers, Wave
Troopers, Plasma Troopes (you get the idea) didn't show up, I think I could
take this guy.   I can see how gamers can get really frustrated with stuff like
this.  The sad part is that all data I've read on the terminals indicate that
there is something out there that's even worse than this pirate:)


Of course, I'm not nearly as good as you at these game Ken:)
I can certainly see how some people get frustrated though.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 133        Fri Mar 07, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:57 PDT

I was actually going to use Metroid Prime as an example too, Dain.  The Omega
Pirate, as well as the final boss, totally wiped the floor with me the first
time I encountered each.  They defeated me the second and maybe third times,
too, but each attempt had me living a bit longer, and the enemy dying a bit
more.  I observed steady progress, so I knew I wasn't just banging my head
against a wall.  When I finally claimed victory over each, it was extremely
satisfying.

And I don't have the reflexes I used to have, mind you. <g>

-Ken
(not a teen)

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 134        Fri Mar 07, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 13:04 PDT

The last mission of the Undead campaign in WarCraft III, while not technically
a boss level, is proving unusually challenging.  It's disproportionally harder
than any other level to date in the game, and after playing it a good eight or
ten times, I'm still not able to pull it off.  This is the only mission I've
had to play more than twice to finish.

That's not a good way to design a game, IMHO.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 135        Fri Mar 07, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:05 PDT

Sheppy wrote:

> This is the only mission I've had to play more than twice to finish. That's
> not a good way to design a game, IMHO.

I dunno - sounds like good replay value.  Having to play a level eight or ten
times is admittedly excessive, but breezing through everything else on the
first or second try?  Where's the challenge?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 136        Sat Mar 08, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:24 PDT

The point?  I get fed up if I get my butt kicked all the time. :)

I did finally win the mission tonight.  Whew. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 137        Sun Mar 09, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:10 PDT


Congrats on passing the level Sheppy.  I have still not beat the Omega Pirate:)
 Of course I haven't tried since I posted that message so that isnt' saying
much.  I am not sure if having to play a battle 8-10 times is considered good
replay value.  On a console game that may only involve a few minutes to defeat
a bad guy, but on some of these strategy type games you could burn a good hour
or so doing that kind of thing only to lose.  8 to 10 times there would just
tick me off;)


Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 138        Sun Mar 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:41 PDT

Dain,

I agree that investment and frustration are related.  On tactical RPGs like
the PSOne games in the Vandal Hearts, a single battle can take an hour.  It
was loss in such a battle in VH1 that caused me to put it away.

VH2 was such a good game, though, that no such setback would deter me from
seeing it through to the end.  I don't remember having to fight through any
sequence more than thrice, though.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 139        Mon Mar 10, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:51 PDT

Dain has a good point -- a strategy game involves a large time investment; the
mission I had to repeat about a dozen times was 30 minutes each time.  That's
a lot of time spent trying to keep this one guy from getting killed. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 140        Mon Mar 10, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 16:43 PDT


I must say though that I like to try different tactics in those situations, so
sometimes it's okay.  However if it was just one guy that you just had to be
extremely lucky to beat and had to do the same half hour worth of stuff just to
get to that guy, then that is a poorly designed level.  If there wasn't a save
point really close to the Omega Pirate I would be much more ticked off than I
am about it:)

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 141        Mon Mar 10, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:01 PDT

That's one thing I like about Skies of Arcadia Legends, a GameCube RPG I've
been playing lately: a save point is almost a sure indication that a boss
battle is in the very next room.  There's no backtracking involved if death
occurs.

Heck, losing a battle gives you the immediate option of restarting the battle
from the beginning.  I don't even need go back as far as the save point,
unless I want to turn off the console and try again later.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 144        Sat May 10, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 08:41 PDT


I was stumbled across an article a while back about levels in games that were
so impressive that you just sat back and said "Wow!".  Anyone out there have
any that they especially remember.

I remember being wowed by the vector graphics in the sit down Star Wars arcade
game, and years later looking at levels in Rogue Squadron II, like the level
where you have to assault the Star Destroyer that has crashed into the surface
of that watery planet.  (I think it was called Kothlis).  We've come a long
way, but I think I was equally impressed at the time.

Boss battles have been pretty memorable as well.  I remember the first Boss of
Actraiser.  It was a Minotaur creature that you fought against a scaling
background of stars and the like pretty dang cool.


Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 145        Tue Jun 03, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:52 PDT

I've been downloading a ton of files from remix.overclocked.org, a site that
specializes in MP3 remixes of classic video game tunes.  Unfortunately, the
majority of them aren't very good, and the titles don't lend very well to
description, so you may be downloading, say, a remix of level 4 from a Super
Mario Bros. game, when it's the original level 1 music that you'd recognize.

Elsewhere, I also found some MP3s by "The Dead Alewives".  Much of their work
is very crass, but I was impressed by the number of video game and Eighties
references they worked into this clever rap, while sticking to the "your
mother" style of insult. ;)

http://www.deadalewives.com/sound/%5BThe_Dead_Alewives%5D-%5BMama_Rap%5D.mp3

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 146        Tue Jun 10, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:30 PDT

GameFAQs is holding its second annual summer "Great GameFAQs Character
Battle", in which 64 video game icons, such as Mario and Sonic, will receive
votes from site users to determine a winner.  The contest starts July 1st,
and will accept predictions until then.  There's even prizes!

http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/c03sum.html

See msgs 103, 105-106 in this topic for last year's contest.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 147        Fri Jun 20, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:24 PDT

How Evil Are You?

http://www.necrobones.com/eviltest.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 148        Fri Jun 20, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:23 PDT

I'm only "fairly evil," but I had to lie to score that well. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 149        Fri Jun 20, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:30 PDT

I scored 71 out of 200, which makes me 35.5% evil.  And that's without lying.

I especially liked questions #27, #28, and #42. :)

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 150        Wed Jul 02, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:19 PDT

The Apple IIgs programming group Ninjaforce has released an MP3 based on tunes
from the classic arcade game, Marble Madness:

http://www.ninjaforce.com/downloads/dreamer/(Dreamer)-Black_Marble.mp3

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 151        Sun Jul 06, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:14 PDT

There's an interesting article on CNN.com about how a Sim Mafia has sprung up
in the virtual community of The Sims Online:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/fun.games/07/05/misbehaving.online.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 152        Thu Jul 10, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:17 PDT

Dolby sent an email to inform me of this resource:

http://www.dolby.com/games/

It "allows interested parties to run through hundreds of game titles listed
either by specific Dolby audio technology (e.g. Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro
Logic II, Dolby Surround, etc.) or by gaming platform. Soon you'll be able to
search by publisher."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 153        Fri Jul 11, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:44 PDT

Washington State's bill HB 1009, was signed into law in May, to go into effect
on July 27.  It would impose a $500 fine on retailers who sell games depicting
violence against "law enforcement officers" to minors.

A federal judge has postponed the enactment of this law, ruling it
unconstitutional:

http://www.gamespot.com/all/news/news_6071445.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 154        Wed Jul 23, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:04 PDT

Generate yourself a Smurf name:

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mule/smurfgen.html

How frighteningly accurate: I'm Very Tall Smurf.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 155        Sun Aug 10, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:22 PDT

CNN.com talks about the new TRON computer game, based on the movie:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/fun.games/08/08/tron.game/index.html

Links to other video game stories are also provided; most have previously been
mentioned on this board.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 156        Mon Aug 11, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 14:55 PDT

>>>CNN.com talks about the new TRON computer game, based on the movie:

Strangely, they claim this is the first TRON game ever released, which is
certainly not the case.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 157        Mon Aug 11, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:38 PDT

Replying to 'Sheppy' in Category 2 Topic 5:

> Strangely, they claim this is the first TRON game ever released, which
is
> certainly not the case.

I remember at least two tron games.  The Tron Arcade game with the
various modes...Light cycle, the spiders, the cone of color, tanks.
Then there was also Tron Deadly discs for for like the Intellivision.  I
think there was even an Apple II tron game I remember playing.

Oh well, the press usually has a pretty short memory, especially if they
can't find it in google.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 158        Mon Aug 11, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:03 PDT

Sheppy, you're right, the movie TRON was made to tie in with the coin-ops that
were released simultaneously.  But I can't find the reference in the article
that claims TRON 2.0 is the first game based on the film.  Perhaps I'm reading
it too quickly.  Could you make it obvious for me?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 159        Tue Aug 12, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:08 PDT

>>>Sheppy, you're right, the movie TRON was made to tie in with the coin-ops
that were released simultaneously.  But I can't find the reference in the
article that claims TRON 2.0 is the first game based on the film.  Perhaps I'm
reading it too quickly.  Could you make it obvious for me?

It appears that they've corrected the article sine I first read it. :)

Sheppy

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 160        Sun Aug 17, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:31 PDT


Just curious what folks here have been playing lately.  It gets so hot
here in August that one rarely likes to spend time outdoors (of course
that just might be me :)

I've been playing some Megaman on the Gamecube and some Unreal
Tournament 2003 on the Macintosh.  There are two games coming out soon
in F-Zero (racing game) and Soul Calibur II (fighting) that have both
looked like they would got loads of fun.

Take care.
Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 161        Mon Aug 18, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:26 PDT

Dain,

I played ten hours of "Knights of the Old Republic" after getting back from
KFest, but nothing since then.  I'm looking forward to starting "Silent Hill
3" this week, though.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 162        Mon Aug 18, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:26 PDT

FoxTrot demonstrates the dangers of NOT playing video games:

http://www.ucomics.com/foxtrot/2003/08/18/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 163        Tue Aug 19, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 12:52 PDT

>>>Just curious what folks here have been playing lately.  It gets so hot
here in August that one rarely likes to spend time outdoors (of course
that just might be me :)

I've been playing WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne on my Mac, and as you know,
some UT2k3 as well. :)

If anyone else has Unreal Tournament 2k3 and is interested in some netplay
action, Dain and I play from time to time. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 164        Tue Aug 19, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:31 PDT

Replying to 'Sheppy' in Category 2 Topic 5:

> If anyone else has Unreal Tournament 2k3 and is interested in some
> netplay action, Dain and I play from time to time. :)

Even if someone doesn't have it, you should be able to download the Demo
from http://www.macgamefiles.com and we could play a few games:)

The big issue here is system requirements I think.  The 867 Powerbook
seems to run it okay, but an ideal gaming experience would be something
faster.  You, Sheppy have an ideal experience:)

Dain
Blazing the internet on an 8 Mhz Apple IIgs


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 165        Wed Aug 20, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:43 PDT

Gamerankings.com, a site which, like rottentomatoes.com, compiles reviews from
other sites, averages many review scores to present the best and worst 20
games of all time:

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/bestworst.asp

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 166        Sat Sep 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:17 PDT

Here is a collection of many old television commercials from the Eighties:

http://x-entertainment.com/downloads/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 167        Mon Sep 22, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:29 PDT

A friend of mine recently used the phrase, "It's on like Donkey Kong," to mean
something was cool.  Unfortunately, he refused to explain the etymology of the
phrase to me, and I can't understand how it came to mean that.  How is Donkey
Kong "on"?  Can anyone help me here?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 168        Mon Sep 22, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:24 PDT

>>>How is Donkey Kong "on"?  Can anyone help me here?

How is he *not*? :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 169        Tue Sep 30, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:35 PDT

Gamer.TV is looking for one man and one woman in "The Search For The Sexiest
Gamer" contest:

http://www.sexiestgamer.com

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 170        Fri Oct 03, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:44 PDT

Enter the Starsky & Hutch Torino Sweepstakes to win a free "red tomato" car:

http://www.gothamgames.com/contests/starsky/enter.shtml

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 171        Thu Nov 20, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:47 PDT

HAVE YOU VOTED FOR YOUR SEXIEST GAMER?
Gamer.tv Nears Finalist Round of the
Search For the Sexiest Gamer Online Contest

London, UK. - (November 19, 2003) - Still haven't found your perfect
companion? Don't let the best opportunity of the fall pass you by - America's
hottest male and female gamers need your vote! Prove once and for all that
computer and video gaming has moved into the hot zone as Gamer.tv
(www.gamer.tv), a games site devoted to the world and lifestyle of video
games and online games, enters the online finalist voting stage, where the
successful entrants will be selected to go to the Grand Final of The Search
For The Sexiest Gamer contest at www.sexiestgamer.com.

The Search For The Sexiest Gamer contest has spanned the past two months
online, with the grand finale scheduled for December 12 in Los Angeles. From
the finalists, one male and one female winner will win an all expenses paid
trip to London. A simultaneous Search For the Sexiest Gamer contest in the UK
will offer winners an all expenses paid trip to Hollywood, California. Site
visitors can still submit their photos to win a funky Gamer.tv T-shirt or
vote for their favorites in the competition, where viewers rate the sex
appeal and game prowess of each entrant on a 1-10 judging scale. Need a quick
update on what you've been missing? Take a look at the following article and
get your sexiness up to speed: http://www.gamer.tv/page/feature/23107233.htm.

For more details on The Search For The Sexiest Gamer, please go to
www.sexiestgamer.com or www.gamer.tv.

About Gamer.tv www.gamer.tv
Gamer.tv is a website dedicated to the world of games, offering visitors
everything from cutting-edge browser games and a vibrant community to the
latest news and reviews from the global games industry. Drawing from its
unique range of TV shows covering every aspect of interactive entertainment,
www.gamer.tv offers exclusive online video content, going behind-the-scenes
of the worldwide games industry to keep visitors in touch with its impact on
popular culture. Gamer.tv delivers unrivalled coverage and fresh insight into
the world's most dynamic entertainment industry. Whatever the bandwidth or
location, Gamer.tv provides definitive online games content for a global
audience. Gamer.tv :: Games. Video. News. Reviews.

###

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 172        Sun Dec 14, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:47 PDT

On Wednesday, December 10th, DOOM turned 10:

http://www.doomworld.com/php/topstory.php?id=2140
http://www.doomworld.com/10years/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 173        Sun Jan 25, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:47 PDT

I'm a big fan of video game music, soundtracks, and remixes.  I have dozens of
MP3s from overclocked.remix.org, and the Buckner & Garcia CD "Pac-Man Fever"
(see review on gamebits.net).

I have a couple of MP3s by Tony Fox NYC, and just discovered that he has an
entire CD:

http://www.cafeshops.com/digitalpress.8584229

I want! :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 174        Thu Jan 29, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:41 PDT

Aw, heck - I want enough to have.  My CafePress order has shipped and I hope
to have a review of the CD within a month (which I'll sell for the majority of
the album's purchase price - justification :).

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 175        Sun Feb 01, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:00 PDT

Does this sparse article count as reporting??

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/fun.games/01/23/handheld.games/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 176        Sun Feb 01, 2004
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:25 PDT


More like an "Oh by the way...".

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 177        Sun Feb 08, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:31 PDT

CNN.com reports on the Mars rover Spirit:

"A tool equipped with small, diamond-shaped heads cut 2.7 millimeters deep
into a small area of a sharply angled rock dubbed Adirondack.

"The football-sized rock is believed to be made of basalt, a volcanic
material.  An image of the rock shows depressions that resemble the eye and
open mouth of the 'Pac-Man' video game figure."

Toru Iwatani's legacy continues!

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 178        Sun Feb 08, 2004
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:55 PDT

I liked the quote from the scientist who said "this is the first time humans
have ever created a planned hole on Mars."

Planned... unlike the hole created by Mars Polar Lander. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 179        Fri Mar 05, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:35 PDT

GameFAQs.com is having a contest similar to its annual "character battle", but
to determine which of 64 games will be crowned the best ever.  View the
bracket and enter your preferences here:

http://cgi.gamefaqs.com/contest/spr04_enter.asp

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 180        Fri Mar 05, 2004
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:02 PDT

Ken,
  Any particular choice for best game ever?  That's a very tough call.  I have
to think back to when I had the most fun.
Man tough choice...I've no idea:)

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 181        Sat Mar 06, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:56 PDT

Dain,

Since it's a competition bracket, the choices are sometimes easy, sometimes
not.  For example, they'll give you two pairs, and you choose a winner from
each; then you have to choose one from the two winners.  So it starts off easy
and gets more difficult.  In the end, three of my four top choices were Zelda
games.  I think I chose the original Zelda.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 182        Mon May 03, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:49 PDT

Silas Warner, author of the original "Castle Wolfenstein" Apple II computer
game, has passed away.  He was also active in developing PlayStation 2 tools,
the Sega Network, and many other console games while working for companies
such as Microprose, Novalogic, and Virgin Interactive.

His resume is at

http://pwp.value.net/~penomee/silas.html

He was 54.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 183        Thu Jun 03, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:27 PDT

Wow.  I thought all the Zeldas would make it into the final two rounds of the
GameFAQs "Best Game Ever" poll.  But Final Fantasy VII beat out Zelda:
Ocarina of Time; Mario 3 beat the original Zelda; and Chrono Trigger was
voted over Zelda: Link to the Past.

We're into the final brackets now...

http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/spr04_bracket.html

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 184        Fri Jun 04, 2004
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:23 PDT


I still didn't enjoy Final Fantasy VII all that much.  Of course I didn't get
all that far into it.

The Ocarina of Time is a great game though.  These online polls tend to skew
from reality quite a bit.

Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 185        Sun Jun 06, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:49 PDT

Jason Fox has ambitious plans for this summer:

http://www.ucomics.com/foxtrot/2004/06/06/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 186        Mon Jun 07, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:56 PDT

Amazing.  Not a single Zelda game made it into the final four in the GameFAQs
spring contest.  The same publisher was responsible for the last two
contenders, Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII; the winner was FFVII, for
PSOne.

Ridiculous!  I once wrote an editorial about how FFVII symbolized much of what
disenchanted me with modern RPGs:

http://www.gamebits.net/other/oldrpgs.shtml

Here's the GameFAQs final bracket:

http://gamefaqs.com/poll/spr04_bracket.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 187        Mon Jun 28, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:55 PDT

GameFAQs.com is gearing up for another tournament - this one, the third annual
Character Battle.  Nominations are currently being accepted at

http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/c04sumnom.php

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 188        Fri Jul 09, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:52 PDT

A handful of poorly-translated games are demonstrated here:

http://www.engrish.com/category_index.php?category=Video%20Games

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 189        Tue Jul 13, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:05 PDT

A shirt Ryan found - hard to read online, though:

http://www.hottopic.com/store/product.asp?LS=0&ITEM=222368&RN=292

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 190        Tue Jul 27, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:42 PDT

There's a pretty good Shockwave animation of a stick figure martial arts scene
at this URL:

http://people.cornell.edu/pages/cce3/stickfigures/fight3.swf

It's 1.3 MB and may take awhile to load.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 191        Sun Aug 01, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:11 PDT

GameFAQ's third annual character battle has begun:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/sum04_bracket.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 192        Sat Aug 07, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:11 PDT

Just when I was thinking that Kirsten Dunst might be my new dream girl, I read
this excerpt from an interview between her and magazine Game Informer:

GI: I heard that Julia Roberts was a big fan of Halo.

Dunst: Halo?

GI: It's an Xbox game.

Dunst: Oh, I don't know.

Sigh.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 193        Fri Aug 13, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:06 PDT

A fan describes the perfect adventure game, which he hopes will be the next
Monkey Island game:

http://www.scummbar.com/resources/articles/index.php?newssniffer=readarticle&ar
ticle=1046

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 194        Thu Aug 19, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:10 PDT

Flying Omelette's Video Game Glossary:

http://www.flyingomelette.com/kitchensink/glossary.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 195        Wed Aug 25, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:57 PDT

The October issue of Playboy will feature the "Women of Gaming".  The virtual
gallery includes these characters:

http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/popups/video_women/frameset.1.exclude.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 196        Sun Aug 29, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:28 PDT

Penny Arcade in the news:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002014618_pennyarcade
25.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 197        Sun Aug 29, 2004
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:40 PDT


Interesting.  Penny Arcade is having their own Expo.  I don't live anywhere
near Washington State though.  Oh well.

I like their comic though:)

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 198        Sun Sep 05, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:23 PDT

PBS is airing a show on the history of video games this week:

http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 199        Mon Sep 06, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:31 PDT

Mario meets Sonic in this fan comic strip:

http://www.hoodyhoo.com/retro001.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 200        Tue Nov 23, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:39 PDT

CNN.com lists games recommended for and against young audiences:

http://money.cnn.com/2004/11/23/technology/personaltech/videogames/index.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 201        Sun Dec 26, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:11 PDT

Anyone get or give any games this holiday season?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 202        Wed Dec 29, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:01 PDT

The art of the online comic strip 8-bit Theater combines with an audio track
from the Dead Ale Wives in this D&D spoof:

http://www.cliveblackledge.com/8bit/8bitDandD.swf

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 203        Fri Dec 31, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:06 PDT

Some cool video game shirts at

http://www.changesonline.com/newdesigns1.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 204        Wed Jan 19, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:50 PDT

Here's something I first noticed about myself two years ago this month:

If it's a cold New England morning, and I have to use my car's cold steering
wheel without wearing gloves, I'll sit with my hands balled up into fists,
resting on my thighs, with only my thumbs touching and moving the wheel.

It's essentially the same grip and muscles I use for video games. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 205        Tue May 10, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:20 PDT

Happy 25th birthday, Pac-Man!

http://money.cnn.com/2005/05/10/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm
http://money.cnn.com/popups/2005/consumer/pacman/frameset.exclude.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 206        Thu May 12, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:26 PDT

Hmm.  I must be out of it - I didn't know the ESRB had created a new rating
for video games: "E10+".

http://www.esrb.org/esrbratings_guide.asp#symbols

Seems like a rather fine distinction.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 207        Mon May 23, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:22 PDT

HOPE is a foundation focused on giving sick kids access to online gaming:

http://hopeconnectskids.org/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 208        Fri May 27, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:58 PDT

Wow - from the speecvh balloons to the actions, this is almost exactly an
experience I had eight years ago:

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/?t=archives&date=2005-05-27

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 209        Tue May 31, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:08 PDT

Just as many other states have tried, and failed, to do, Illinois is now
attempting to ban the sale of violent video games to minors:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/fun.games/05/31/video.games.ban.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 210        Wed Jun 15, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:38 PDT

Here's more on Pac-Man's 25th birthday:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/fun.games/06/15/pac.man.25.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 211        Mon Jul 04, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:13 PDT

GameFAQs is having their annual character battle:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/sum05.html

I don't like this aspect: "This is not a contest to see which character would
be more powerful in a fight, or necessarily which character is best. It's all
a big popularity contest."  So you're basically not voting on the characters,
but on who the masses will vote for.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 212        Wed Jul 06, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:20 PDT

Why haven't we seen more religious video games?  Take a look at some opinions
on the topic:

http://money.cnn.com/2005/07/06/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 213        Sun Sep 18, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:18 PDT

Here's a neat web comic that ran for only 70 strips, but interviewed a
different video game character in each episode:

http://www.creativeuncut.com/comic.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 214        Mon Oct 03, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:39 PDT

My brother called me yesterday with an early Christmas gift: tickets to the
http://www.videogameslive.com/ show, playing in Boston on November 17th.
Steve has REALLY sucked at giving birthday/Christmas gifts since he got
married; could this be the turning of a new leaf?

I haven't explored the web site thoroughly so I don't know if the music
featured will be based on new or old games, original arrangements or remixes.
Should be fun, regardless.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 215        Tue Nov 08, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:47 PDT

Every Christmas, Penny Arcade organizes the Child's Play charity, providing
hospitalized kids around the world with video games:

http://www.childsplaycharity.org/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 216        Thu Nov 10, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:53 PDT

DETROIT, Michigan (AP) -- A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction
stopping a Michigan law that bars retailers from selling or renting violent
video games to minors from going into effect until a lawsuit filed by the
gaming industry is resolved.

Story continues at
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/fun.games/11/10/video.game.lawsuit.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 217        Sun Nov 13, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:24 PDT

Here is an excerpt on a feminist article entitled "The Samus Mystique":

But it's not easy being both a gamer and a feminist. Often I'm dismayed,
frustrated, and even belligerent. You know why.

It's because female characters in video games generally suck. This is no
secret. Women like Jade from Beyond Good and Evil and Cate Archer from No One
Lives Forever are a rare breed, and instead, you get the usual support staff:
healers, witches, mages, and clerics. There are the gawping floozies, who are
obsessed with winning the affections of the male protagonist. There are the
firebrands, all sex and heat, whose only personality characteristic is their
generic feistiness. In between are the whiny little sisters, nagging mothers,
and cranky grandmothers. Indeed, in video games, my entire gender appears to
be neatly organized into maidens, mothers, and crones--or worse, virgins and
whores.

Look, developers--stop this. All of those "characters" are unnecessary.
You've already made a perfect female character. Now, please, just make more
of her.

Who? Samus Aran, of course.

Story con tinued at <http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/20071>

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 218        Tue Nov 15, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:38 PDT

Videogame Community Charity Grows to Serve Children at
Hospitals Worldwide

Third Annual Child's Play Charity Auction Dinner Announced

Seattle, WA - November 15, 2005 - Creators of the videogame comic strip Penny
Arcade today announced the expansion of the Child's Play charity
(www.childsplaycharity.org) to more than a dozen Children's Hospitals across
the U.S. and Canada, with more hospitals from around the globe expected to
benefit from a December 13, 2005 Charity Auction dinner. The organization,
which started as a fundraiser for the Seattle Children's Hospital, has raised
nearly a million dollars in toys, games and cash for sick kids through its
online toy drive and annual charity auction.

"Kids around the world speak the language of fun and games," said Robert Khoo
at Child's Play. "With the gamer community's continued generosity Child's
Play is helping to raise the spirits of children during hospital stays."

Now in its third year, Child's Play has expanded its network of beneficiary
Children's Hospitals to California (Oakland and San Diego), New Mexico,
Tennessee, Seattle, Nebraska, the Midwest, Hawaii, Texas, Florida, New York,
New Jersey, Washington D.C., Toronto and Nova Scotia among others. Hospitals
in the U.K. and Australia are expected to join soon. Child's Play works in
conjunction with Amazon.com to create wish lists for participating hospitals.
Individual donors can choose to give new items ranging from toddler toys to
music CDs, videogames, game consoles and accessories. Gifts are delivered
directly to hospitals in need and are tax deductible as denoted by law.

The annual Child's Play Fundraiser Dinner Auction will be held Tuesday,
December 13, 2005 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington. The
semi-formal evening, which is Child's Play's primary fundraising event,
features a silent auction, dinner and live auction. Early auction highlights
include Penny Arcade signed and numbered game consoles, Limited Edition Laser
Cels, tours of local developers including Bungie and Wizards of the Coast,
game collections and even an appearance in a Penny Arcade comic strip. The
ticket price is $100. All fundraising proceeds go directly to participating
Children's Hospitals.

Child's Play is seeking corporate donations for giveaway at Children's
Hospitals as well as auction items for the fundraising dinner. For
information on how to become a corporate or individual donor or how hospitals
can become involved go to www.childsplaycharity.org.

About Child's Play
Child's Play is a non-profit organization begun in 2003 by Gabe and Tycho,
the creators of the Penny Arcade comic strip, as a way to help sick children
and show the world the softer side of people who play videogames. Through the
generosity of gamers and the videogame industry, Child's Play has raised
nearly a million dollars in toys, games and cash for sick children through an
ongoing online toy drive and annual charity auction. Now in its third year,
Child's Play is developing a worldwide network of beneficiary Children's
Hospitals in order to brighten hospital stays for children internationally.
For more information go to www.childsplaycharity.org.

# # #

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 219        Tue Dec 13, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:26 PDT

Henry Jenkins, professor of comparative media studies at MIT, debunks eight
common myths about video games:

http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/impact/myths.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 220        Sun Dec 18, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:03 PDT

Child's Play Charity Fundraising Dinner Brings Gamer-Supported Campaign for
Children's Hospitals to $420,000

UK Hospital Wish List Goes Live

Seattle, WA - December 16, 2005 - The third annual campaign of the
gamer-supported Child's Play Charity has reached over $420,000 following its
fundraising dinner auction, which generated $82,100 earlier this week. In
addition, the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, England has
officially joined the growing list of more than 20 participating hospitals.
Contributions of new games, toys and other entertainment resources for
children to enjoy can still be made at www.childsplaycharity.org.

"A huge thank you goes out to all the individual gamers and corporate
sponsors who have already made this year's campaign such a success," said
Child's Play's Robert Khoo. "You are making a difference in a lot of
children's lives."

The $100 per plate fundraising dinner and auction was held in Seattle and
emceed by Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade fame. The 250 attendees bid on
game-related auction items, secure in the knowledge that their cash would go
to help children in hospitals across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. take their
minds of their illnesses.

Auction highlights included:
* $20,000 paid for an appearance in a Penny Arcade comic strip
* Mystery boxes that went for $2,000 and $4,000 each.
* $3,000 for a trip to Iceland to tour the offices of CCP Games
* $2,200 for a giant vinyl banner of a Penny Arcade comic
* $1,800 for an Xbox 360 Bundle signed by the entire Epic Games Team
* $1,600 for a framed Cardboard Tube Samurai print
* $1,500 each for a giant Master Chief statue and a chance to be on X-Play
* $1,000 for a tour of Bungie Studios

About Child's Play
Child's Play is a non-profit organization begun in 2003 by Gabe and Tycho,
the creators of the Penny Arcade online comic strip, as a way to help sick
children and show the world the softer side of people who play videogames.
Through the generosity of gamers and the videogame industry, Child's Play has
raised over a million dollars in toys, games and cash for sick children
through an ongoing online toy drive and annual charity auction. Now in its
third year, Child's Play is developing a worldwide network of beneficiary
Children's Hospitals in order to brighten hospital stays for children
internationally. For more information go to www.childsplaycharity.org.

# # #

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 221        Sun Dec 18, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:32 PDT

Read about this history of console litigation:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3146206&did=1

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 222        Fri Feb 17, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:22 PDT

A beginner's guide to beating bosses:

http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,1710246,00.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 223        Thu May 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:04 PDT

Click here for some art inspired by 8-bit video games:

http://www.nineteeneightyeight.com/8page1.html

It's some pretty messed up $#!^. :-)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 224        Wed May 31, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:10 PDT

Miyamoto is concerned about the image of gamers as antisocial and inactive:

http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=12813&rp=49

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 225        Fri Jun 09, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:13 PDT

Here's a clinic offering a detox program for recovering video game addicts:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/fun.games/06/09/video.game.detox.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 226        Fri Jun 16, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:20 PDT

What are some of the gameplay mechanics and concepts that revolutioned games?

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3151392

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 227        Sat Jun 24, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:58 PDT

Who are the ten most influential gamers of all time?

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1534641/20060620/index.jhtml

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 228        Sat Jul 01, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:36 PDT

Observe the 50 worst software titles in gaming history:

http://www.gamerevolution.com/feature/worst_names

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 229        Mon Jul 10, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:55 PDT

HEURISTICS AND USABILITY GUIDELINES FOR THE CREATION AND EVALUATION
OF FUN IN VIDEO GAMES

a Master of Science thesis by Melissa A. Federoff

http://melissafederoff.com/heuristics_usability_games.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 230        Thu Jul 13, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:00 PDT

The inventor of the gaming joystick has passed away. :(

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/obit-kotok.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 231        Fri Jul 14, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:41 PDT

What's the difference between a video game character and a mascot... and why
don't we have any of the latter anymore?

http://next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3406&Itemid=2

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 232        Sun Jul 30, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:51 PDT

Can games make you cry?... Or is that even a valid question?

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3518&Itemid=2

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 233        Thu Aug 03, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:03 PDT

Observe the worst video game ads ever:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3152506&did=1

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 234        Thu Aug 03, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:22 PDT

Those were from the nineties; here are the worst ads from the eighties:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3149992

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 235        Fri Aug 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:26 PDT

Are nostalgia and retrocomputing enthusiasts killing the game industry?

http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/26184

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 236        Mon Sep 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:35 PDT

Who are some of the most influential gamers ever?  The nominees are denizens
from Penny Arcade to Columbine:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3153059

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 237        Wed Oct 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:01 PDT

Can you judge a book by its cover?  Here are some of the best, worst, and most
interesting boxes in which video games have shipped over the years:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3153317

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 238        Tue Oct 10, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:31 PDT

Here's a discussion on the five best role-playing games of all-time, with some
notable mentions (including the Ultima series).  A few console games are
mentioned (Dragon Warrior; Final Fantasy IVj), but mostly it's PC games.

http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20061006/quantum_01.shtml

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 239        Fri Oct 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:08 PDT

Here's a neat article on the appeal of survival-horror games:

http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/27868

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 240        Thu Nov 02, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:08 PDT

Read about some game concepts that were or are not welcome - like guilt trips
and fighter dismemberments:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3154540

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 241        Sun Nov 26, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:42 PDT

My friend Mario got married this past weekend.  Take a look at the wedding
cake figurines his bride, Lauren, made:

http://www.syndicomm.com/~kgagne/ljl/ljl-Pages/Image3.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 5
Message 243        Tue Nov 28, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:25 PDT

CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) -- Teens who play violent video games show
increased activity in areas of the brain linked to emotional arousal and
decreased responses in regions that govern self-control, a study released on
Tuesday found.

The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to record tiny metabolic
changes in brain activity in 44 adolescents who were asked to perform a
series of tasks after playing either a violent or nonviolent video game for
30 minutes.

The children, with no history of behavior problems, ranged in age from 13 to
17. Half played a T-rated first-person shooter game called "Medal of Honor:
Frontline," involving military combat, while the other group played a
nonviolent game called "Need for Speed: Underground."

Those who played the violent video game showed more activation in the
amygdala, which is involved in emotional arousal, and less activation in the
prefrontal portions of the brain associated with control, focus and
concentration than the teens who played the nonviolent game.

Story continues at
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/fun.games/11/28/video.games.brain.reut/index.html

 ------------
 ************
Topic 6         Wed May 09, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:37 PST
Sub: The Padded Room

Jokes, gags, and stunts.  Have a blast, just keep it clean!

 55 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6  [MOVED]
Message 1          Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 18:48 PDT

Several years ago, Andy was sentenced to prison. During his stay, he got along
well with the guards and all his fellow inmates. The warden saw that deep
down, Andy was a good person and made arrangements for Andy to learn a trade
while doing his time. After 3 years, Andy was recognized as one of the best
carpenters in the local area. Often he would be given a weekend pass to do odd
jobs for the citizens of the community.... and he always reported back to
prison before Sunday night was over.

The warden was thinking of remodeling his kitchen and in fact had done much of
the work himself. But he lacked the skills to build a set of kitchen cupboards
and a large counter top which he had promised his wife. So he called Andy into
his office and asked him to complete the job for him.

But, alas, Andy refused. He told the warden, "Gosh, I'd really like to help
you but counter fitting is what got me into prison in the first place."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6  [MOVED]
Message 2          Fri May 11, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 17:13 PDT

>>>But, alas, Andy refused. He told the warden, "Gosh, I'd really like to help
you but counter fitting is what got me into prison in the first place."

Ouch... that hurts. :)

Eric 'Sheppy' Shepherd
Owner
Syndicomm
Building communities bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 3          Fri May 11, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 22:32 PDT

> Ouch... that hurts. :)

Hey!  Who let you in here? :)

The toll is one bad joke...

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 4          Sun May 13, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 22:46 PDT

>>>The toll is one bad joke...

A priest, a baboon, and a bumblebee were in a park in downtown Chicago.  The
bumblebee buzzed around the baboon until the baboon swatted it.  The priest
then said "There goes the neighborhood!"

Bad enough? ;)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 5          Mon May 14, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 07:41 PDT

> Bad enough? ;)

Yes.  Consider the toll paid in full.  You may go now. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 6          Mon May 14, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 09:30 PDT

>>>Yes.  Consider the toll paid in full.  You may go now. :)

Wow, it was so bad, I have to leave? :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 7          Mon Jun 11, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:26 PDT

Not sure what was going through someone's head...but here is an
"interesting" video game related flash annimation...in fact I will post
the URL for two:)

http://w1.871.telia.com/~u8711983/mario.swf


and in case you missed it...

http://216.149.89.225/ayb/allyoursmurf.swf   < click on Check Please....


These flash videos keep getting more odd:)


Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 8          Mon Jun 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:32 PDT

That's pretty messed up, Dain. :)

I couldn't get the first URL to work though...

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 9          Tue Jun 12, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 23:11 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 6:

> I couldn't get the first URL to work though...

It's probably for the best.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 10         Wed Jun 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:04 PDT

0) A psychiatrist is doing rounds in his asylum with a couple of students.
They look in on one patient and the psychiatrist says to his students,
"Sometimes this fellow thinks he's a temptress in a Bizet opera, but today, as
you can see from his goose-stepping, he thinks he's the World War II head of
the Nazi Luftwaffe. What condition do you think he's suffering from?"

The first student replies, "Is he a paranoid schizophrenic with a multiple
personality disorder?"

The second student says, "No, I think he just doesn't know whether he's Carmen
or Goering."


1) Evidence has been found that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers.
However, all the league records were unfortunately destroyed in a fire. Thus
we'll never know for whom the Tells bowled.


2) A man rushed into the doctor's office and shouted, "Doctor! I think I'm
shrinking!" The doctor calmly responded, "Now, settle down.  You'll just have
to be a little patient."


3) A marine biologist developed a race of genetically engineered dolphins that
could live forever if they were fed a steady diet of seagulls. One day his
supply of the birds ran out, so he had to go out and trap some more. On the
way back, he spied two lions asleep on the road. Afraid to wake them, he
gingerly stepped over them. Immediately, he was arrested and charged with
transporting gulls across sedate lions for immortal porpoises.


4) A skeptical anthropologist was cataloging South American folk remedies with
the assistance of a tribal brujo who indicated that the leaves of a particular
fern were a sure cure for any case of constipation. When the anthropologist
expressed his doubts, the brujo looked him in the eye and said, "Let me tell
you, with fronds like these, who needs enemas?"


5) Back in the 1800's the Tates Watch Company of Massachusetts wanted to
produce other products and, since they already made the cases for pocket
watches, decided to market compasses for the pioneers traveling west. It
turned out that although their watches were of finest quality, their compasses
were so bad that people often ended up in Canada or Mexico rather than
California. This, of course, is the origin of the expression, "He who has a
Tates is lost!"


6) A thief broke into the local police station and stole all the lavatory
equipment. A spokesperson was quoted as saying, "We have absolutely nothing to
go on."


7) A Native chief was feeling very sick, so he summoned the medicine man.
After a brief examination, the medicine man took out a long, thin strip of elk
hide and gave it to the chief, instructing him to bite off, chew and swallow
one inch of the leather every day. After a month, the medicine man returned to
see how the chief was feeling.  The chief shrugged and said,"The thong is
ended, but the malady lingers on."


8) A famous Viking explorer returned home from a voyage and found his name
missing from the town register. His wife insisted on complaining to the local
civic official who apologized profusely saying, "I must have taken Leif off my
census."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 11         Wed Jun 13, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:30 PDT

Ow!  Ow!  My eyes hurt! :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 12         Fri Jun 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:36 PDT

From the Washington Post Invitational contest, which calls them Merge-Matic
Books: (Readers were asked to combine the works of two authors, and to provide
a suitable blurb):

Second Runner-Up: Machiavelli's The Little Prince.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery's classic children's tale as presented by
Machiavelli. The whimsy of human nature is embodied in many delightful and
intriguing characters, all of whom are executed.

First Runner-Up: Green Eggs and Hamlet
Would you kill him in his bed?
Thrust a dagger through his head?
I would not, could not, kill the King.
I could not do that evil thing.
I would not wed this girl, you see.
Now get her to a nunnery.

And the Winner: Fahrenheit 451 of the Vanities.
An '80s yuppie is denied books. He does not object, or even notice.

Honorable Mentions:

Where's Walden?
Alas, the challenge of locating Henry David Thoreau in each richly-detailed
drawing loses its appeal when it quickly becomes clear that he is always in
the woods.

Catch-22 in the Rye
Holden learns that if you're insane, you'll probably flunk out of prep
school, but if you're flunking out of prep school, you're probably not insane.

2001: A Space Iliad
The Hal 9000 computer wages an insane 10-year war against the Greeks after
falling victim to the Y2K bug.

Rikki-Kon-Tiki-Tavi
Thor Heyerdahl recounts his attempt to prove Rudyard Kipling's theory that
the mongoose first came to India on a raft from Polynesia.

The Maltese Faulkner
Is the black bird a tortured symbol of Sam's struggles with race and
family? Does it signify his decay of soul along with the soul of the Old
South? Is it merely a crow, mocking his attempts to understand? Or is it
worth a cool mil?

Jane Eyre Jordan
Plucky English orphan girl survives hardships to lead the Chicago Bulls to
the NBA championship.

Looking for Mr. Godot.
A young woman waits for Mr. Right to enter her life. She has a loooong wait.

The Scarlet Pimpernel Letter
An 18th-century English nobleman leads a double life, freeing comely young
adulteresses from the prisons of post-Revolution France.

Lorna Dune
An English farmer, Paul Atreides, falls for the daughter of a notorious
rival clan, the Harkonnens, and pursues a career as a giant worm jockey in
order to impress her.

The Remains of the Day of the Jackal
A formal English butler puts his loyalty to his employer above all else,
until he is persuaded to join a plot to assassinate Charles de Gaulle.

The Invisible Man of La Mancha
Don Quixote discovers a mysterious elixir which renders him invisible. He
proceeds to go on a mad rampage of corruption and terror, attacking
innocent people in the streets and all the while singing "To fight the
Invisible Man!" until he is finally stopped by a windmill.

Singing in the Black Rain
A gang of vicious Japanese drug lords beat the stuffings out of Gene Kelly.

Of Three Blind Mice and Men
Burgess Meredith has his limbs hacked off by a psychopathic farmer's wife.
Did you ever see such a sight in your life?

Planet of the Grapes of Wrath
Astronaut lands on mysterious planet, only to discover that it is his very
own home planet of Earth, which has been taken over by the Joads, a race of
dirt-poor corn farmers who miraculously developed rudimentary technology
and evolved the ability to speak after exposure to nuclear radiation.

Paradise Lost in Space
Satan, Moloch, and Belial are sentenced to spend eternity in a flying
saucer with a goofy robot, an evil scientist and two annoying children.

The Exorstentialist
Camus psychological thriller about a priest who casts out a demon by
convincing it that there's really no purpose to what it's doing.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 13         Sat Jun 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:33 PDT

When my sister teased her five-year-old daughter by suggesting she liked a
certain boy in her kindergarten class, the little girl was quite indignant.

"No mommy, I do not!" she replied quite forcefully.

"Why not?" asked her mom.

"Because he's only interested in one thing." complained the child.

Shocked by this comment, my sister cautiously asked what that "one thing"
might be.

"Pokemon cards, of course!!!" stated the girl.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 14         Sat Jun 16, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 10:46 PDT

>>>"Pokemon cards, of course!!!" stated the girl.

What else is there at that age? :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 15         Sun Jun 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:35 PDT

Top Nine Signs You Have Been Playing Too Much Diablo II

9. When you win at a slot machine and all the coins are flying out, you look
for a wooden leg.

8. You refer to your gym locker as your "private stash."

7. When outside, you nervously scan the bushes mumbling things about "poison
darts."

6. If you see a better pair of pants on the ground than the ones you're
wearing, you take yours off and put the others on - no matter who's around.

5. Whenever you see a group of small children, you look for their shaman.

4. You ask local priests to identify items.

3. You call body odor, "Holy Aura."

2. You aren't afraid of scorpions at all.  In fact, you try to squish them.

1. You fear Cows.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 16         Sun Jun 24, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:17 PDT

>>>Top Nine Signs You Have Been Playing Too Much Diablo II

While I've not done any of those things, I can sympathize with them. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 18         Sun Jul 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:24 PDT

The Lone Ranger and Tonto are camping in the desert, set up their tent, and
are asleep. Some hours later, Tonto wakes his faithful friend. "Ranger, look
up at the sky. Tell me what you see."

The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars."

"What does that tell you?" asks Tonto.

The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute.

"Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and
potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in
Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three.
Theologically, it's evident the Great Spirit is all powerful and we are small
and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day
tomorrow. What it tell you, Tonto?"

Tonto is silent for a moment, then speaks,

"Kemosabe, you Dumb Ass, someone stole our tent."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 19         Mon Jul 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:44 PDT

The following breeds are now recognized by the AKC:

Collie + Lhasa Apso =
Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport

======================================

Spitz + Chow Chow =
Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot

=======================================

Pointer + Setter =
Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet

========================================

Great Pyrenees + Dachshund =
Pyradachs, a puzzling breed

=======================================

Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso =
Peekasso, an abstract dog

=========================================

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel =
Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle

=========================================

Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever =
Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists

=========================================

Newfoundland + Basset Hound =
Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors

============================================

Terrier + Bulldog =
Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes

=============================================

Bloodhound + Labrador =
Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly

============================================

Malamute + Pointer =
Moot Point, owned by ... oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway

===========================================

Collie + Malamute =
Commute, a dog that travels to work

===========================================

Deerhound + Terrier =
Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

===========================================

Bull Terrier + Shitzu =
Oh, never mind....

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 20         Sat Aug 04, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:56 PDT

One fine day, a bus driver went to the bus garage, started his bus, and drove
off along the route. No problems for the first few stops. A few people got
on, a few got off, and things went generally well. At the next stop, however,
a big hulk of a guy got on. Six feet eight, built like a wrestler, arms
hanging down to the ground. He glared at the driver and said, "Big John
doesn't pay!" and sat down at the back. Did I mention that the driver was
five three, thin, and basically meek? Naturally, he didn't argue with Big
John, but he wasn't happy about it.

The next day the same thing happened. Big John got on again, made a big show
of refusing to pay, and sat down. And the next day, and the one after that,
and so forth. This grated on the bus driver, who started losing sleep over
the way Big John was taking advantage of him.

Finally, he could stand it no longer. He signed up for body building courses,
karate judo, and all that good stuff. By the end of the summer, he had become
quite strong; what's more, he felt really good about himself. So on the next
Monday, when Big John once again got on the bus and said, "Big John doesn't
pay!," the driver stood up, glared back at the passenger, and screamed "AND
WHY NOT?!?!" With a surprised look on his face, Big John replied, "Big John
has a bus pass."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 21         Fri Aug 31, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:04 PDT

A couple of redneck hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the
ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head.
The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls 911. He gasps to the
operator, "My friend is dead! What can I do?"

The operator, in a calm soothing voice says, "Just take it easy. I can help.
First, let's make sure he's dead."

There is a silence, then the operator hears a shot.

The redneck's voice comes back on the line, "OK, now what?"

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 22         Mon Sep 03, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:24 PDT

>>>The redneck's voice comes back on the line, "OK, now what?"

Argh. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 23         Sun Sep 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:28 PDT

In anticipation of upcoming consumer protection regulations the following
warnings shall soon become mandatory:

On a cardboard windshield sun shade:
   WARNING: DO NOT DRIVE WITH SUN SHIELD IN PLACE

On an infant's bathtub:
   DO NOT THROW BABY OUT WITH BATH WATER

On a package of Fisherman's Friend throat lozenges:
   NOT MEANT AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR HUMAN COMPANIONS

On a Magic 8 Ball:
   NOT ADVISED FOR USE AS A HOME PREGNANCY TEST

On a roll of Life Savers:
   NOT FOR USE AS A FLOATATION DEVICE

On a cup of McDonald's coffee:
   ALLOW TO COOL BEFORE APPLYING TO THE GROIN AREA

On a handgun:
   NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE AS A NUTCRACKER

On a can of Fix-a-Flat:
   NOT TO BE USED FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION

On a calendar:
   USE OF THE TERM "SUNDAY" FOR REFERENCE ONLY.
   NO METEOROLOGICAL WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED

On a blender:
   NOT FOR USE AS AN AQUARIUM

On a revolving door:
   PASSENGER COMPARTMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL USE ONLY

On a microscope:
   OBJECTS ARE SMALLER AND LESS ALARMING THAN THEY APPEAR

On children's alphabet blocks:
   LETTERS MAY BE USED TO CONSTRUCT WORDS, PHRASES,
   AND SENTENCES THAT MAY BE DEEMED OFFENSIVE

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 24         Sat Oct 06, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:49 PDT

My daughter was doing a project on 70's rock groups, and she asked me to name
two of them.

"Yes!" I said.

"Who?" she asked.

"There you go," I answered.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 25         Mon Oct 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:16 PDT

The Post Office has a web page to help people pack things appropriately when
moving:

http://www.usps.gov/moversnet/howtopacka2.html

The top of the page gives an index of items you may need help packing.  Anyone
notice a strange entry there? :-)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 26         Mon Oct 15, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:19 PDT

>>>The top of the page gives an index of items you may need help packing.
Anyone notice a strange entry there? :-)

Thank you, thank you, thank you. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 27         Wed Nov 07, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:40 PDT

A man goes into a drug store and asks the pharmacist if he can give him
something for the hiccups. The pharmacist promptly reaches out and slaps the
man's face. (Whack)

"What did you do that for?" the man asks.

"Well, you don't have the hiccups anymore, do you?"

The man says, "No, but my wife out in the car still does!"

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 28         Wed Nov 28, 2001
NIGHTPATHS                   at 04:57 PDT

So there was this blonde, driving down a lovely country road, enjoying the
scenery, this fall. All of a sudden she screeches to the side of the road and
almost hits the ditch! She leaps out of the car and stands there by the side of
the road staring into the half harvested field beside the road.

There, in the middle of the field, is another blonde in, of all things, a
rowboat, merrily rowing away but not getting anywhere very fast.

The first blonde hollars out to the second: "Hey! What do you think you're
doing out there?!"

#2 Blonde replies: "I'm trying to get to town in my rowboat to pick up some
groceries, silly girl! Can't you see that?!"

#1 Blonde yells back, madder than all get out:" You dumbe blonde you! You can't
row your way to town in a WHEAT field! It's blondes like you that give all of
us a bad name and if I could swim, I'd tell you that right in your face!"

-da blonde-

 --
-Life is the retreat of the weary in spirit-


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 29         Wed Nov 28, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:54 PDT

A professor stood before his class of twenty senior organic biology students,
about to hand out the final exam.

"I want to say that it's been a pleasure teaching you this semester. I know
you've all worked extremely hard and many of you are off to medical school
after summer. So that no one gets their GPA messed up because they might have
been celebrating a bit too much this week, anyone who would like to opt out of
the final exam today will receive a 'B' for the course."

There was much rejoicing in the class as students got up, walked to the front
of the class, and took the professor up on his offer. As the last taker left
the room, the professor looked out over the handful of remaining students and
asked, "Anyone else? This is your last chance." One final student rose up and
opted out of the final.

The professor closed the door and took attendance of those students remaining.
"I'm glad to see you believe in yourself," he said. "You all get 'A's."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 30         Wed Nov 28, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 13:30 PDT

>>>"I'm glad to see you believe in yourself," he said. "You all get 'A's."

I like that one.

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 31         Fri Nov 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:56 PDT

There was a university in New England where the students operated a "bank" of
term papers and other homework assignments. There were papers to suit all
needs. Since it would look odd if an undistinguished student suddenly handed
in a brilliant essay, there were papers for an A grade, B grade, and C grade.

One student, who had spent the weekend on more "extra-curricular pursuits,"
went to the bank, and as his course was a standard one he took out a paper for
a inconspicuous C. He then retyped it and handed the work in.

In due course he received it back with the professor's comments.

"I wrote this paper myself twenty years ago. I always thought it was worth an
A, and now I'm pleased to give it one!"

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 32         Sat Dec 22, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:13 PDT

Anyone hungry?

http://www.manbeef.com
http://www.brains4zombies.com

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 33         Tue Jan 15, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:44 PDT

Pirate walks into a bar. He has the wooden leg, the hook, the eye patch, the
works.

Pirate orders a beer.

Bartender (curious): Mind telling me how you got the wooden leg?

Pirate: Argh, Matey! A storm tossed me into the water and the sharks got me
leg. Argh!

B: And the hook?

P. Argh, Matey! I was in a raiding party and lost me hand in a swordfight.
Argh!

B: And the eyepatch?

P: Argh, Matey! A seagull flew over and I got seagull poo in it. Argh.

B: Seagull poo's that strong, eh?

P. No, Matey. It was me first day with me hook. Argh!

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 34         Sat Jan 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:21 PDT

A polar bear goes into a bar and says, "Can I have a gin and . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . tonic, please?"

The bartender put it on the bar and said, "Sure, by what's with the large
pause?"

Polar bear answered, "Dunno. I've always had 'em, though."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 35         Sun Jan 20, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 00:37 PDT

>>>Polar bear answered, "Dunno. I've always had 'em, though."

That joke was awful. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 36         Fri Feb 08, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:43 PDT

Walking through San Francisco's Chinatown, a tourist from the Midwest was
fascinated with all the Chinese restaurants, shops, signs and banners. He
turned a corner and saw a building with the sign "Moishe Plotnik's Chinese
Laundry."

"Moishe Plotnik?" he wondered. "How does that fit in Chinatown?" So he walked
into the shop and saw a fairly standard looking Chinese laundry. He could see
that the proprietors were clearly aware of the uniqueness of the name as
there were baseball hats, T-Shirts and coffee mugs emblazoned with the logo
"Moishe Plotnik's Chinese Laundry."

There was also a fair selection of Chinatown souvenirs, indicating that the
name alone had brought many tourists into the shop. The tourist selected a
coffee cup as a conversation piece to take back to his office. Behind the
counter was a smiling old Chinese gentleman who thanked him for his purchase
in English, thickly accented with Chinese.

The tourist asked, "Can you tell me how this place got a name like
"Moishe Plotnik's Chinese Laundry?"

The old man answered, "Ahh... Everybody ask that. Is name of owner."

Looking around, the tourist asked, "Is he here now?"

"He is right here," replied the old man. "He is me."

"Really? How did you ever get a name like Moishe Plotnik?"

"Is simple," said the old man. "Many, many year ago when come to this
country, was stand in line at Documentation Center. Man in front is Jewish
gentleman from Poland.

"Lady look at him and say, 'What your name?' " He say, 'Moishe Plotnik.'

"Then she look at me and say, 'What your name?'

"I say, 'Sam Ting.'"

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 37         Wed Mar 13, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:18 PDT

A city in Alaska passed a law outlawing all dogs. It became known as Dogless
Fairbanks.

____

A man goes to a dermatologist with a rare skin disease. The doctor says, "Try
a milk bath". So the guy goes to the grocery store and tells the dairy
manager he needs enough milk to take a bath. The dairy guys ask "You want
that pasteurized?" "Nah", the man replied "Up to my chin should do it."

____

What's the difference between an angry circus owner and a Roman barber? One
is a raving showman, and the other is a shaving Roman.

____

In ancient Rome, deli workers were told that they could eat anything they
wanted during the lunch hour. Anything, that is except the smoked salmon.
Thus were created the world's first anti-lox breaks. ____

Did you hear about the red ship and the blue ship that collided? Both crews
were marooned. ____

A scientist cloned himself but the experiment created a duplicate who used
very foul language. As the clone cursed and swore, the scientist finally
pushed it out the window, and it fell to its death. Later the scientist was
arrested for making an obscene clone fall. _____

What do you get when you toss a hand grenade into a kitchen in France?
Linoleum blownapart.


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 38         Fri Mar 15, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 12:42 PDT

Some of those really hurt, Ken.  Thanks. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 39         Sat Mar 16, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 14:58 PDT


I've always wondered, just where Ken comes up with these.  I mean you would
think there were a finite number of really bad jokes....


Thanks Ken;)

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 40         Sat Mar 16, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:19 PDT

>>>I've always wondered, just where Ken comes up with these.  I mean you would
think there were a finite number of really bad jokes....

Or at least, one would hope so. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 41         Sun Mar 17, 2002
SCHNORENBERG [Roger]         at 20:08 PDT

> I mean you would think there were a finite number of really bad
jokes....

There are, it's just that with the internet Ken has access to all of
them.  <EG>

Thanks Ken;)


 Roger A. Schnorenberg - Roger
 "Roger A. Schnorenberg" <AB0MX@ARRL.net>
 Delivered by Spectrum v2.5.2 & SOAR v1.0b8 with NiftySpell 1.0
 Via Marinetti 2.1 TCP/IP stack on a ROM 0 IIGS upgraded to the max!

 Of the things I've lost..I miss my mind the most


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 42         Tue Apr 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:53 PDT

As paramedics, my partner and I were dispatched to check on a 92-year-old man
who had become disoriented. We decided to take him to the hospital for
evaluation.

En route, with siren going, I questioned the man to determine his level of
awareness.

Leaning close, I asked, "Sir, do you know what we're doing right now?"

He slowly looked up at me, then gazed out the ambulance window. "Oh," he
replied, "I'd say about 50, maybe 55."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 43         Thu May 09, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 08:48 PDT

>>>He slowly looked up at me, then gazed out the ambulance window. "Oh," he
replied, "I'd say about 50, maybe 55."

Seems pretty aware to me. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 44         Thu Jun 13, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:39 PDT

A young man calls the directory assistance operator and says, "I'd like the
number for Jennifer Smith in New York City."

"There are multiple listings for Jennifer Smith in New York City," the
operator says. "Do you have a street name?"

The young man hesitates a moment, then says, "Well, uh, most people call me
Bubba."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 45         Sun Jun 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:14 PDT

Shortly after the Pope had apologized to the Nation of Israel for the
treatment of Jews by the Catholic Church over the years, Ehud Barak, the
leader of Israel, sent back a message to the College of Cardinals.

The proposal was for a friendly game of golf to be played between the two
leaders or their representatives to show the friendship and ecumenical spirit
shared by the Catholic and Jewish faiths.

The Pope met with his College of Cardinals to discuss the proposal. "Your
Holiness," said one of the Cardinals, "Mr. Barak wants to challenge you to a
game of golf to show that you are old and unable to compete I am afraid that
this would tarnish our image to the world."

The Pope thought about this and as he had never held a golf club in his life
asked, "Don't we have a Cardinal to represent me?"

"None that plays golf very well," a Cardinal replied. "But," he added, "there
is a man named Jack Nicklaus, an American golfer who is a devout Catholic. We
can offer to make him a Cardinal, and then ask him to play Mr. Barak as your
personal representative. In addition to showing our spirit of co-operation,
we'll also win the match."

Everyone agreed it was a great idea. The call was made. Of course, Nicklaus
was honored and agreed to play as a representative of the Pope.

The day after the match, Nicklaus reported to the Vatican to inform the Pope
of the result.

"I have some good news and some bad news, Your Holiness, " said the golfer.

"Tell me the good news, Cardinal Nicklaus," said the Pope.

"Well, Your Holiness, I don't like to brag, but even though I've played some
pretty terrific rounds of golf in my life, this was the best I have ever
played, by far. I must have been inspired from above. My drives were long and
true, my irons were accurate and purposeful, and my putting was perfect. With
all due respect, my play was truly miraculous."

"How can there be bad news?" the Pope asked.

Nicklaus sighed, "I lost to Rabbi Tiger Woods by three strokes."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 46         Mon Jul 01, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 18:01 PDT

>>>Nicklaus sighed, "I lost to Rabbi Tiger Woods by three strokes."

I saw that (or something like it :) coming. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 47         Thu Sep 26, 2002
EVANWADE                     at 13:22 PDT

As we all know, Ghandi was a small, fragile man. He walked across fire, giving
him huge callouses on his feet. His diet was strange, giving him very bad
breath.

What does that make him?

A super-calloused fragile spirtualist hexed with hailitosis.

*Rimshot*
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 48         Sun Jul 06, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:34 PDT

The pilot was sitting in his seat and pulled out a .38 revolver.

He placed it on top of the instrument panel, and then asked the navigator, "Do
you know what I use this for?"

The navigator replied timidly, "No, what's it for?"

The pilot responded, "I use this on navigators who get me lost!"

The navigator proceeded to pull out a .45 and place it on his chart table.

The pilot asked, "What's that for?"

"To be honest sir," the navigator replied, "I'll know we're lost before you
will."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 49         Mon Jul 07, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 12:07 PDT

>>"To be honest sir," the navigator replied, "I'll know we're lost before you
will."

Hehehe

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 50         Thu Dec 11, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:49 PDT

The effects of violent video games:

http://www.ucomics.com/closetohome/2003/12/11/

... and we wonder where they learn it...

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 51         Tue Sep 21, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:33 PDT

Haiku!

http://www.haikucircus.com/pacman.gif

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 52         Wed Oct 06, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:01 PDT

Jason Fox laments the difference between virtual and actual reality:

http://www.ucomics.com/foxtrot/2004/10/06/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 53         Sun Dec 11, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:41 PDT

Grand Theft Auto: Lego City!

http://www.break.com/articles/gtalego.html?t=4425

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 54         Thu Jan 12, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:57 PDT

A review of gaming in the year 2010:

http://www.wired.com/news/columns/0,69974-0.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 6
Message 55         Fri Jul 28, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:03 PDT

Dating advice, from the pros at Grand Theft Auto:

http://www.mcsweeneys.net/links/lists/11DavidAbrams.html

 ------------
 ************
Topic 7         Fri May 11, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 22:30 PST
Sub: Cries for Help - Hard to Place Questions

Have a question but not sure where to ask it?  Ask here!

 9 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 1          Tue Sep 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:47 PDT

In light of today's catastrophe, I urge everyone to do what you can.  The Red
Cross is always in dire need of blood; I expect the demand will increase as
the nation deals with this tragedy.  80,000 donations are ready to ship to
deal with today's events, and that supply will need to be replenished.

Please consider visiting your local center and donating.  Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE
to make an appointment.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 2          Wed Sep 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:52 PDT

I have a bit of an odd question.  Does anyone have any ideas for a Gamebits
column I could write that ties in with the WTC attacks?  I don't exactly have
the heart for gaming right now, and I don't want to go about my usual reviews
as if nothing has happened - because something *has* happened.  But anything I
write about still needs to be relevant to a gaming column.

I could summarize changes made to games as a result of the attack, but that's
simply facts; my columns are usually opinion/editorial.  I don't know what
opinion I have about these changes though, or if it's worth writing a whole
article about.

Any ideas on this topic or others?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 3          Mon Nov 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:19 PDT

Tuesday, November 6th, 2001, marks eight weeks since terrorists attacked the
World Trade Center twin towers in New York, and the Pentagon in Washington,
D.C.  At that time, many Americans gave (or tried to give) blood to the Red
Cross.

The organization's need for blood is chronic, with supply often just barely
meeting demand.  The average person is able to give blood every eight weeks.
If you helped your nation in its time of need two months ago, please do so
again.  Donate blood to the Red Cross.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 4          Sat Oct 05, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:08 PDT

Anyone here have any experience using Virtual Game Station on a Macintosh to
try to play Playstation games?  When I try to play games with this, only half
the screen shows up, and the controls don't work.  I'd like to be able to use
it (yeah, I have a real PSone but being able to play on my PowerBook would be
handy for travel :).

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 5          Sat Oct 05, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 14:31 PDT


I've never used it before.  I wouldn't mind trying it, but I doubt the wimpy
video of this Powerbook is up to the task.  I did some quick checks and didn't
see many mentions of any problems that you speak of.


Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 6          Sun Oct 06, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 00:39 PDT

>>>I've never used it before.  I wouldn't mind trying it, but I doubt the
wimpy video of this Powerbook is up to the task.  I did some quick checks and
didn't see many mentions of any problems that you speak of.

Yeah, I haven't had any luck tracking down a cause either.  It's very
frustrating to buy a program and never be able to use it. :(

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 7          Tue Aug 30, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:04 PDT

CNN.com has compiled a list of organizations and charities that will take your
donations of time and money in the relief effort for those affected by
Hurricane Katrina:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/08/30/help.agencies/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 8          Tue Nov 22, 2005
BBAKER                       at 07:24 PDT

My daughter has gotten into a community play game called Settlers of Catan.

Has anyone heard of it or played it?

Bruce

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 7
Message 9          Sun Nov 12, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:40 PDT

Gamers in the Habit of Giving

'Child's Play Charity' Kicks Off 4th Annual Toy and Game Drive Designed to
Bring Cheer to Kids in Hospitals

Seattle, WA - Nov 10, 2006 The videogame community-supported Child's Play
Charity organization has officially kicked off its fourth annual toy and game
drive at www.childsplaycharity.org. In addition to the online drive and a
charity auction dinner, organizers are raising money through the sale of
Child's Play t-shirts and holiday cards. One hundred percent of all proceeds
go towards gifts for the use of children in the 28 participating hospitals
around the globe. Generously supported by publishers, developers and
individual gamers themselves, Child's Play has raised nearly 1.2 million
dollars in toys, books, movies, games, game hardware and game systems
intended to brighten hospital stays for sick children.

"There are so many gamers out there with big hearts," said Penny Arcade's
Robert Khoo. "The grassroots Child Play initiative that started out in
Seattle has grown now to include hospitals across the U.S. as well as
international locations from Canada to Egypt. It gives me yet another reason
to be proud to say 'I'm a gamer.'"

The way the online toy and game drive works is that participating hospitals
post wish lists on Amazon or Dstore. Through www.childsplaycharity.org those
wishing to participate can select a specific hospital and browse their wish
list to see what fun toys and games are desired for patients. Items include
everything from Play-Doh and Scrabble to the Cars Xbox 360 game and full
Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony gaming systems. Gift purchasers select delivery
direct to the hospital in need. Alternatively, cash donations can be made
through PayPal.

In addition to fulfilling hospital wish lists, the gamers' charity offers
t-shirts (U.S. $17.99) and will add holiday cards for sale beginning November
15th through www.thinkgeek.com/pennyarcade. Child's Play also hosts a charity
auction dinner in Bellevue, Washington in which the game community donates a
host of game-related auction items for attendees to bid on. That event is
scheduled to take place this year on Wednesday, December 13th. Tickets are
now on sale at www.childsplaycharity.org.

About Child's Play

Child's Play is a non-profit organization begun in 2003 by Gabe and Tycho,
the creators of the Penny Arcade comic strip, as a way to help sick children
and show the world the softer side of people who play videogames. Through the
generosity of gamers and the videogame industry, Child's Play has raised over
a million dollars in toys, games and cash for sick children through an
ongoing online toy drive and annual charity auction. Now in its fourth year,
Child's Play is developing a worldwide network of beneficiary Children's
Hospitals in order to brighten hospital stays for children internationally.
For more information go to www.childsplaycharity.org.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 8         Mon May 21, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:45 PST
Sub: Cross-Console Conversations

Discussions that involve all consoles, rather than being placed in a single,
platform-specific topic, should go here.

 96 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 1          Fri May 18, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 22:06 PDT

> Of course, I never buy a game machine unless I can get it for $99 or less.

How much are these things going for now anyway? :)
-
Ryam
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS, Page 590

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 2          Sat May 19, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 05:10 PDT

Ryan,

GameBoy        : $ 79
GameBoy Advance: $149 (I think)
Sega Dreamcast : $ 99
Nintendo 64    : $ 99
Sony PSOne     : $ 99
PlayStation 2  : $299
Microsoft Xbox : $299
GameCube       : $199 (likely)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 3          Sat May 19, 2001
JUSTDAVE                     at 07:15 PDT

you sure the GameBoy (standard) is that much?  I could swear we were selling
those for $49 before I left Meijer.  $79 sounds like the GameBoy COLOR.

--
Dave Miller    justdave@syndicomm.com + justdave@justdave.net
Lead Software Engineer/System Administrator, Syndicomm Online
http://www.syndicomm.com/            http://www.justdave.net/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 4          Sat May 19, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 08:45 PDT

>>>GameCube       : $199 (likely)

If the GameCube sells for $199, that will help Nintendo sell a lot of them,
compared to the PS2 and Xbox prices.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 5          Sat May 19, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 09:26 PDT

I didn't know the PSOne was still being sold at this point.

My understanding is that Sony loses money on each PlayStation sold.  Is this
still true with the PS2?
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS, Page 590

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 6          Sat May 19, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 19:46 PDT

Dave,

Sorry, I meant Game Boy Color.  Is the Game Boy Pocket still being sold?

Ryan,

The PSOne is the name of the remodeled original PlayStation.  It came out in
September 2000, just a month before the PlayStation 2.  I don't know how much
money is lost on each one, if any.

Sheppy,

Sony will probably cut the PS2's price by $50 to compete with the Xbox this
Christmas, but no way will Sony or Microsoft be able to compete pricewise with
the GameCube, whatever price is announced for it next week.

All,

I think I'll start a "Console Comparisons" topic and move this thread there.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 7          Sun May 20, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 20:17 PDT

Replying to 'KGAGNE' in Category 14 Topic 1:

> Ryan,
>
> GameBoy        : $ 79
> GameBoy Advance: $149 (I think)
> Sega Dreamcast : $ 99
> Nintendo 64    : $ 99
> Sony PSOne     : $ 99
> PlayStation 2  : $299
> Microsoft Xbox : $299
> GameCube       : $199 (likely)

Ken,
  Just to clear things up.  Those maybe MSRP on those things, but a
Gameboy color(I just saw one at target seems to sell for $69.99
normally, and everything I have read has said that the Gameboy advance
is $99.00.  The dreamcast I see at Best Buy for $119.99 for the package
that comes with the Smash pack(basically a disc full of Sega oldies, Ken
knows more).
http://www.gamebits.net/dc/segapack.html for Ken's review of the smash
pack.  There is also a packin less version of the dreamcast for the
$99.00 mentioned above.



 Dain Neater - Bulletin Board Manager A2 Community
 Syndicomm
 Delivered by Spectrum v2.5.1 & SOAR v1.0b3


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 8          Sun May 20, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 20:17 PDT

Replying to 'KGAGNE' in Category 14 Topic 1:

> Sony will probably cut the PS2's price by $50 to compete with the Xbox
> this
> Christmas, but no way will Sony or Microsoft be able to compete
> pricewise with
> the GameCube, whatever price is announced for it next week.

What makes the Gamecube cheaper?  I know that they don't have to pay the
MPAA to be able to play DVDs(Not sure what the charge is per system), so
that is savings.  I know that Nintendo refuses to sell something at a
loss.  They have always played things smart.  I wonder if we will see
something closer to $249.  I don't doubt Sony will cut the cost of PS2s.


I for one still can't see the elure of an X-box.  To me it is a low-end
PC with a high end graphics chip.  I am willing to keep an open
mind...it might be good.  Regardless, there is a 99.9percent chance I
won't buy one.:)



 Dain Neater - Bulletin Board Manager A2 Community
 Syndicomm
 Delivered by Spectrum v2.5.1 & SOAR v1.0b3


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 9          Mon May 21, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:53 PDT

Dain,

Thanks for the price clarifications.  I remember now a retailer telling me
Nintendo would need to keep the GBA under $100 in order to be seriously
considered as a handheld.  I think that's what the GB cost 12 years ago, too.

The GameCube doesn't play CDs or DVDs and has no built-in modem or hard drive.
Considering that the PSX and Xbox cost $299 for some of these features, and
the Dreamcast cost $199 with a modem, I'd be very surprised to see Nintendo
justify more than $199 for so little hardware.

As I mentioned in the conference last night, if Nintendo hit a price mark of
less than $199 (anywhere from $149 to $179), Sony and Microsoft would mess
themselves.  Though we can expect a $50 price cut on the PS2 by Christmas in
order for it to compete with the Xbox, there's no way either system can match
such a potentially low price of the GameCube.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 10         Wed May 23, 2001
JUSTDAVE                     at 00:49 PDT

My understanding from when I worked in the video game area at Meijer (which
was a few years ago) was that Sony, Nintendo, and Sega all set the prices on
the consoles, and retailers were not allowed to deviate from those prices by
more than about $.05 or so.  I know our cost on PlayStations was $198.85 when
they were being sold for $199.99.  (Yes, we made just over $1 for every PS
console we sold).  The basic idea was to make up the difference in selling
game titles for it (which the average cost was in the $15 - $25 range, with
MSRP of $59.99 :)  I was also of the understanding that Sony took a loss
selling the machines to us for $198.85 for the same reason - since they got
royalties on all the games sold for it, and those royalties would make up for
their costs.  I don't know, however, how much of a loss they took on it.

--
Dave Miller    justdave@syndicomm.com + justdave@justdave.net
Lead Software Engineer/System Administrator, Syndicomm Online
http://www.syndicomm.com/            http://www.justdave.net/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 11         Thu May 24, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:49 PDT

 > I was also of the understanding that Sony took a loss selling the
 > machines to us for $198.85 for the same reason - since they got
 > royalties on all the games sold for it, and those royalties would make
 > up for their costs.  I don't know, however, how much of a loss they took
 > on it.

I understood the same.  I was always puzzled by Sony's objection to Virtual
Game Station, since I figured that they'd still sell games, which would bring
in money, and they wouldn't lose on the sale of the console, but sometimes I
think things that make sense won't work ;-)
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS, Page 590

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 12         Fri May 25, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 10:04 PDT

Success in the console industry is measured based on how many machines you
sell, rather than how many games there are on the market.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 13         Fri May 25, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:23 PDT

Replying to 'SYNDICOMM' in Category 2 Topic 8:

>
> Success in the console industry is measured based on how many machines
> you
> sell, rather than how many games there are on the market.

Anymore things aren't so clear.  Look at Japan.  They have a large
installed user base of PS2, but.....a significant number of those folks
use the PS2 for a DVD player and haven't bought a single PS2 piece of
software, and some of those that do play are only playing PS1 games.
Considering that console manufacturers make their money of liscensing
and not console sales...the sucess for the console manufacturer is based
on software sales almost solely.  Although...one could argue that you
have to sell machines to sell software:)  It's a game of perception
anymore.

To me, the success of a console is if it has enough great games to keep
me busy.  I always find it odd that the Dreamcast is considered a
failure..they sold 10 million of them.



 Dain Neater - Bulletin Board Manager A2 Community
 Syndicomm
 Delivered by Spectrum v2.5.1 & SOAR v1.0b3


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 14         Wed Jul 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:47 PDT

A friend of mine emailed me to ask for my opinion of the various systems
available this coming Christmas.  This was my response:

Xbox comes with a DVD player, modem, and hard drive built-in for $300, but I
haven't seen a lineup of unique killer apps.  I don't think Microsoft
themselves makes great products (Windows? :) and a lot of Xbox games are
upgraded versions of PS2 games (Silent Hill, Tony Hawk, Metal Gear).  PS2 can
play all the PSOne games and, since the PSOne was such a hit, has a lot of
developer support.  It'll have a lot of great games by Christmas (Silent
Hill, Metal Gear, Soul Reaver) and may come down in price by $50, though
nothing's guaranteed.  At $200 the Nintendo GameCube will be the cheapest
system, and will have the fewest features (no CD/DVD playback, no modem, no
hard drive), but will have Nintendo's games, which I think are the best:
Mario, Zelda, Metroid, etc.

Personally, I'm behind the GameCube.  I love Nintendo!  I have a PlayStation
2, but I think it's currently too expensive and does not yet have any good
games.  I hope Microsoft dies a quick and horrible death.  That might have
something to do with me being a Mac user, too, but I'd deny it. :)

The games for all should be relatively similar ($45 - $55).

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 15         Sat Sep 22, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 23:06 PDT

What's the standing of the release dates for both the GameCube and the Xbox,
and comparative looks at the game release schedules?  Some kind of comparison
would be helpful.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 16         Sun Sep 23, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:44 PDT

Sheppy,

The following Xbox games should be available on launch date of November 15th.

Madden NFL 2002
NHL Hitz 2002
The Simpsons Road Rage
TransWorld Surf
Cel Damage
Project Gotham Racing
Air Force Delta Storm
Halo
NASCAR Thunder 2002
NFL Fever 2002
Dead or Alive 3
Fuzion Frenzy
Star Wars Starfighter: Special Edition
Amped: Freestyle Snowboarding
Dark Summit
Oddworld: Munch's Odyssey
Mad Dash

There are a few others not listed here.  For GameCube, expect the following
titles on Nov 18th:

Universal Studios
Extreme G 3
Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II
SSX Tricky
Crazy Taxi
Batman: Dark Tomorrow
NFL Quarterback Club 2002
All-Star Baseball 2002
The Simpsons Road Rage
Wave Race: Blue Storm
NHL Hitz 2002
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Luigi's Mansion
Super Monkey Ball
Madden NFL 2002

Many other titles will be available for both systems by Christmas.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 17         Sun Sep 23, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:17 PDT

Looks like a reasonably well-rounded assortment of titles at launch.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 18         Fri Oct 12, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:02 PDT

The LA Times reports that Toysrus.com sold out of GameCubes eight times more
quickly than it did Xboxes.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 19         Mon Oct 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:17 PDT

I held an Xbox today.  It could comfortably house a family of four.

Compare the sizes of the GameCube and Xbox at this URL (thanks Dain!)

http://forums.gamespot.zdnet.com/group/zd.Games.N64/videogames/videogamesnt.tpt
/@thread@38423@F@1@D-,D@ALL/@article@mark@38423?EXP=ALL&VWM=&ROS=1&OC=300

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 20         Fri Dec 07, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:26 PDT

I was talking with a friend the other day who has an Xbox.  He gave many
reasons why he bought that console and not a GameCube, but two leapt out at
me:

- it's a bigger console;
- it costs more to make.

He used these factors to reason that the system can do more and has more
capabilities.

Pretty shallow logic, IMHO.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 21         Fri Dec 07, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 22:34 PDT


>>I was talking with a friend the other day who has an Xbox.  He gave many
>>reasons why he bought that console and not a GameCube, but two leapt out at
>>me:
>>- it's a bigger console;
>>- it costs more to make.
>>He used these factors to reason that the system can do more and has more
>>capabilities.

I guess we should all be driving 1970 Cadillac ElDorados then.  My choice of
console sadly enough usually comes from one game(at first).  I basically bought
a Super Nintendo (right when it came out) to play the next Zelda game.  The
Nintendo 64 was to play Mario 64(and hopefully Zelda).  The Gamecube was kind
of a, "I always wanted to play the Battle of Endor" purchase.  I know there
will be great titles to come.  Maybe not a million games like the PS2, but as I
don't get to play them that often enough for me:)

-Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 22         Sat Dec 08, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 14:13 PDT

>>>Pretty shallow logic, IMHO.

That's just goofy.  It's big because Microsoft sucks.  It costs more to make
because it's a PC in game console clothing.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 23         Thu Dec 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 23:45 PDT

Some brief stats on reviews from Gamebits.net:

Platform              # games reviewed         Avg. score
---------------------------------------------------------
Nintendo 64                  49                  8.11
Sega Dreamcast               29                  8.2
PlayStation                  88                  7.65
PlayStation 2                15                  7.47
Nintendo GameCube             2                  8.8
Game Boy Color               13                  7.81
Game Boy Advance              4                  8.35
---------------------------------------------------------
Total                       200                  7.95

There is a small margin of error.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 24         Sun Dec 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:54 PDT

There was an article about the Xbox in the Wall Street Journay on Dec 6th.  It
starts off poorly when the author admits to having little knowledge of video
games, so rather than review the hardware himself, he calls in his 19- and
23-year-old sons, who "have spent - or should I say, squandered - thousands of
hours and too much money [on video games]".

If this author is ignorant of gaming and finds it a waste of time, should he
really be writing an article about it?

The quotes that follow from the two "experts" are nothing but glowing praise
for the Xbox, with a few snide remarks about the GameCube (one kid saying it
looks no better than the N64 - "I'd call [the GameCube] the N65").  I don't
find such commentary to be realistic.  Every console has its strengths and
weaknesses; giving such a lopsided report suggests an ulterior motive. (The
author mentions the Xbox was a test machine from Microsoft, but does not say
where the GameCube came from.)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 25         Sun Dec 16, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:06 PDT


No offense to young people, but getting an

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 26         Sun Dec 16, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:45 PDT


That sounded bad:)

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 27         Sun Dec 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 23:42 PDT

Dain,

Take a deep breath and try again.  Those last two posts don't count. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 28         Wed Dec 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:21 PDT

The Systems of 2000
by Ken Gagne

Every five years or so, the video game market sheds its skin and asks
consumers to evolve with it. In exchange, gamers can play the latest video
games with better graphics, more involving plots, and longer replay value.

With so many new systems available, it's important to choose the right one
for you.

For the first time ever, the war of the consoles will not be fought on some
abstract battlefield of pixels and polygons. Our four competitors this
Christmas - the Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Microsoft Xbox, and
Sega Dreamcast - are all powered by 128-bit processors, making them nearly
each other's match. And with four equal fronts on which to program, video
game publishers are releasing their most popular titles, such as Madden NFL
and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, for many or all of the above systems.

The strengths of each system will be found in what exclusive software and
extra hardware they can offer.

For example, Sony's PlayStation 2, a $299 piece of hardware, is the only
system that plays DVD movies out of the box. It is also compatible with the
vast library of PlayStation One software that began in 1995, giving the PS2 a
software library in the hundreds, if not thousands.

With this backward compatibility, the PS2 is home to an astonishing number of
quality games. Players can engage in high tales of sword and sorcery in Final
Fantasy X or Dragon Warrior VII, the latest installments in the most popular
role-playing game series ever. Take to the track in the real-life dream car
of your choice in Gran Turismo 3, or realize your worst nightmares in the
horrific Silent Hill 2.

The original 32-bit PlayStation One is still available for $99, but support
for this system will end in 2002 as developers fully transition to the more
powerful PS2.

Meanwhile, the Sega Dreamcast may be the best deal in the history of video
games. Priced at a mere $49, it features some of the best software to come
out of Sega in years, much of it priced at $20.

The downside to the Dreamcast is that it has been abandoned by practically
all publishers. Sega has exited the hardware business and will not be
producing more Dreamcast units, nor any future systems. The company is now
solely a software publisher, with signature titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog
and Shenmue arriving soon on what were once competing platforms, including
Nintendo and Microsoft.

But in its short life, the Dreamcast accomplished much, and has many
excellent titles from which to choose.

The Dreamcast is also the only console to have a built-in 56K modem, by which
users can connect to the Internet over standard phone lines. Though this
brings email and the World Wide Web to the gamer's fingertips, the more
exciting opportunities lie in online gaming. Through Sega's worldwide
network, opponents can be found in the entire line of Sega Sports games, from
NFL 2K2 to NBA 2K2 and World Series Baseball 2K2. Players are also invited to
share the world of Phantasy Star Online, the first online console
role-playing game.

The Dreamcast is an affordable choice with no future. On the other end of the
spectrum is the PlayStation 2, a known quantity with a bright future.
Somewhere in the middle are two new competitors: the Nintendo GameCube and
the Microsoft Xbox, both to be released in mid-November.

Microsoft, the software giant best known for the Windows computer operating
system (and related court battles), will enjoy its first Christmas as a
console developer. Like the Dreamcast, the $299 Xbox has some additional
hardware features: a built-in eight gigabyte hard drive, and a broadband
adaptor. The adaptor can be used for Internet connectivity, but only by the
minority of people equipped with high-speed cable or DSL modems, and only
once Microsoft's online network is established sometime in 2002. With the
purchase of a separate movie kit, the Xbox can also play DVD movies.

Microsoft's system is accompanied by many exclusive titles. Players travel
across an alien vista solving puzzles to free slaves in Oddworld: Munch's
Oddysee, a game that doesn't move as fast as the slick Project Gotham Racing.

Despite this new contender, don't forget about the once-champ of the gaming
ring, Nintendo, who's moving to reclaim the title with the launch of the
GameCube. This system eschews the fancy movie and hardware features of its
competitors, allowing it the relatively low price tag of $199. Unlike the
versatile PlayStation 2 and Xbox, the GameCube has only one function, and is
advertised as being the best at what it does: games.

Nintendo has traditionally carried an immature image, publishing games
appropriate only for young audiences. True or not, Nintendo hopes to
capitalize on that market while also appealing to the key young adult gamers.

The GameCube will be Nintendo's first console to use discs - a proprietary
DVD format - which will allow for more advanced games and better publisher
support than Nintendo's earlier, cartridge-based consoles. Software publisher
Capcom has already devoted their existing and future line of Resident Evil
survival-horror games as GameCube exclusives, a move sure to please fans of
the mature games.

Nintendo's popular icons will also appear solely on GameCube. Their flagship
title is Luigi's Mansion, putting Mario's brother in the role of ghostbuster.
Players can also take to the beach in Wave Race Blue Storm, or explore a
mysterious dinosaur planet in Starfox Adventures. Nintendo's entire cast of
characters can be found engaging in hand-to-hand combat in the
highly-anticipated Super Smash Bros. Melee, a fighting game with a simple
control system that lets anyone play.

When considering what console to put in your living room, don't forget that
idle hands can be equally satisfied with handheld games. The newest and only
contestant in this market is the Nintendo Game Boy Advance, a 32-bit system.
Despite a screen that is dark and difficult to view, the $99 portable is a
monumental upgrade from its Game Boy Color predecessor, while retaining
compatibility with all previous Game Boy games.

Advance games can cost anywhere from $25 to $45. Whereas earlier Game Boy
games required each player to have his own copy of a game, up to four players
can connect their Game Boy Advances and play with only one game cartridge.

The Game Boy Advance is receiving reissues of older games, such as Street
Fighter II and Super Mario World. New games in familiar series, such as
Castlevania and Pokemon, are also sure to please.

The previous generation of video game consoles has fallen to the wayside.
While old games can still be fun games, gamers wishing to enjoy the
industry's latest and future offerings will need to choose one (or several)
of the above systems.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2001 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Quincy Patriot Ledger, 1-Dec-01

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 29         Wed Dec 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:48 PDT

Any thoughts on the best games of the year?  What are some of your favorite
software titles?  What did you enjoy playing in 2001?

Sheppy?  Ryan? :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 30         Wed Dec 19, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:23 PDT

Games that I enjoyed 2001...

Advance Wars - Turn Based Strategy on the Gameboy Advance.  I liked it.  Not to
hard, and not too easy.

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II  Nintendo Gamecube.  Fun game, especially for
anyone who enjoyed the Star Wars movies.

Ridge Racer 64  : Nintendo 64 :  Not exactly a game from this year, but it was
quite a bit of fun, and I just bought it this year:)

Super Monkey Ball : Nintendo Gamecube :  My Wife and I had hours of fun with
this one.  A game that is simple like Tetris, and ranges from really easy, to
insanely difficult.  Bonus mini games are a great time.  Mini Golf, Bowling and
target practice.

DragonWarrior III : Gameboy Color : Nice remake of a classic Console Role
Playing game.

Legend of Zelda : Oracle of Ages : Gameboy Color  :  Classic Zelda gaming.



There were lots of games out this year.  Fortunately I don't have to worry
about playing games on the PS2 as well, like Ken does.  I am not sure what I
would do:)


Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 31         Wed Dec 19, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 23:10 PDT

The best game I played this year was "Irritate the social worker".

Unfortunately, I lost.

Interestingly, I could say the same thing for 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997. . .

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop and Head Geek, A2
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 32         Thu Dec 20, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 19:47 PDT

>>>Any thoughts on the best games of the year?  What are some of your favorite
software titles?  What did you enjoy playing in 2001?

You don't want my opinion -- as far as consoles go, I've only played on my N64
and PSone.  But, here you go:

On N64 my favorites are still Mario Kart 64 and Lego Racer.

On PSone, I really enjoy Golden Tee Golf..

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 33         Thu Dec 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:02 PDT

Dain,

This was the first year in many I composed a "Christmas Wish List", and I made
sure Advance Wars and the Gameboy Zelda games were on it. :)  I just wish more
Advance Wars gamers were old or wise enough to remember Desert Commander on
the NES.  I'm sure the two games are very similar.

> Ridge Racer 64 : Nintendo 64 : Not exactly a game from this year, but it was
> quite a bit of fun, and I just bought it this year:)

Ever play the PSOne original?  It actually came bundled FREE with Ridge Racer
Type IV; further, that free edition had been optimized from the original 30
fps to 60 fps.  Big difference!

Super Monkey Ball... eh... :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 34         Thu Dec 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:02 PDT

Sheppy,

> On PSone, I really enjoy Golden Tee Golf..

See?  That review wasn't so hard to write. <G>

I don't feel like reviewing games during the holidays, so I'm writing a
two-part column on "The Best Games You've Never Played".  Y'all feel free to
post your thoughts on what games you really liked that were overlooked by the
masses.  Lego Racer is prolly one such title. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 35         Thu Dec 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:04 PDT

The Best Games of 2001:
A Holiday Shopper's Guide
by Ken Gagne

This holiday season, don't waste time playing games, wading through choices
and making guesses. With so many gifts available, it's important to choose
the right one.

When it comes to video games, your choices are plenty. Hundreds of new games
are released annually, each competing for a spot under the Christmas tree. It
may not be easy to tell the Street Fighters from the Syphon Filters, or to
distinguish such shape-inspired names as Xbox, GameCube, and Squaresoft.

But with the following highlights from the 2001 gaming lineup, chances are
there's something to please you or the gamer close to your heart.

A vast amount of electronic entertainment software is occupied by popular,
non-violent sports games, of which there are many for all systems. But few
publishers offer the variety and quality of the Sega Sports line. NBA 2K2,
World Series Baseball 2K2, and football games NFL 2K2 and NCAA 2K2 are all
not only affordably priced, but are the only sports games this Christmas to
feature online Internet play. For great graphics and a global selection of
opponents, the Sega Dreamcast system is the way to go.

An online Dreamcast offers more than sports to play with. Phantasy Star
Online is the first ever online console role-playing game (RPG). Gamers can
create heroic personas with which to explore a futuristic world of science
and fantasy. Other adventurers are also online gamers, with whom to talk,
exchange tips and equipment, partner for a dangerous mission, or kill time
with a round of soccer. Numerous offline missions give the single player
plenty to do while developing her character.

If you prefer your RPGs a bit more whimsical, try Paper Mario for the
Nintendo 64. Princess Peach has been kidnapped, and it's up to the world's
most famous plumber, Mario, to save the day. This game adds a new dimension
to storytelling by making its figures completely flat, and placing them in a
world of pop-up storybook quality. Such graphical gimmickry combines with a
fresh take on a familiar character to make an RPG that's fun for all ages.

The last recommended RPG is Dragon Warrior III, for Game Boy Color. Publisher
Enix brings the "Legend of Loto" trilogy to a close with this final
installment of games that first appeared on the original Nintendo system a
decade ago. Gamers can create their own adventuring party, consisting of
fighters, thieves, merchants, and jesters, before setting off to find the
world-threatening Demon Lord who defeated the hero's father years ago.
Gameplay is executed with simplicity and finesse, making Dragon Warrior III a
winner.

Another popular series continues on the Game Boy Advance with
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, from Konami. The portentously-named Nathan
Graves is the latest to take up the whip in the battle against the vampire
Dracula. Like all good Castlevania games, Circle of the Moon is a
side-scrolling action game, with some role-playing elements. Nathan can
explore Dracula's castle freely, but he'll need to find certain items to
acquire the ability to reach new areas and defeat monstrous henchmen. Magical
cards can be collected and combined for special effects. Again, classic
gameplay and new features blend together in this great title.

Castlevania may be gothic, but it's not horrific. If you enjoy unpleasant
things, then try Silent Hill 2, also from Konami. James Sunderland receives a
letter from his wife, inviting him to the resort town of Silent Hill... even
though his wife died three years ago. Our confused protagonist is quickly
mired in shifting realities and strange happenings, where only insanity is a
given. Violence and mature themes make Silent Hill 2 not for kids. This
survival horror game is available for PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

The mysterious machinations are more political, but no less deadly, in Metal
Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, for PlayStation 2. Terrorist forces have
acquired the plans for the nuclear tank known as Metal Gear, and only
soldier-spy Solid Snake can stop them. Old enemies with new secrets return to
taunt the lethal loner. Stealth and action complement an intriguing
storyline, creating a cinematic gameplay experience for mature audiences.

The PlayStation 2 propagates another franchise with Gran Turismo 3. This
simulation racer allows players to compete with cars they could never
otherwise afford, from makers such as Ford, Dodge, and Shelby. These
high-powered machines come with an appropriate price tag, requiring gamers to
work their way up through smaller races, earning the cash to purchase and
customize better cars. GT3 features some of the best graphics of any racing
title with gameplay that's largely unchanged since the first Gran Turismo.

Too realistic for you? Add some vehicular weaponry and mission-based gameplay
to get Midway's Spy Hunter, also for PlayStation 2. The G-6155 Interceptor
vehicle, with its oil slicks and missile launchers, is the only tool equipped
to stop the Nostra crime syndicate from plunging the world into darkness.
This game only slightly resembles its 1983 predecessor of the same name, but
is a lot of fun in its own right.

It may seem like the PlayStation 2 has most of the good games - but that's
about to be challenged by two new video game systems that launched just in
time for Christmas. Though lacking the extensive software library of retail
veterans Playstation 2 and Sega Dreamcast, the Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo
GameCube still have some excellent games from which to choose.

Nintendo's software includes their gallery of popular characters. In Luigi's
Mansion, Mario is the one in need of saving by his brother, who's equipped
with a vacuum in the role of ghostbuster. It's a lighthearted romp through a
spooky manor in the GameCube flagship title.

If you'd rather engage something more solid than spirits, grab three friends
and duke it out in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Starring practically the entire
Nintendo lineup, including Mario, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, and Link, Super Smash
Bros. features a simple control scheme that anyone can master without
practicing for hours.

The Microsoft Xbox also has its share of exclusive titles. Dead or Alive 3 by
Tecmo is a gorgeous 3D fighting game. Incredibly detailed, interactive
environments and a smooth fighting system make DOA3 one of the first reasons
to own an Xbox.

Halo is the long-awaited first-person shooter by Bungie. Set on a distant
planet where humanity fights for survival against the Covenant alien race,
Halo combines the best elements of action games such as Quake and Rainbow
Six.

There will be plenty of game manufacturers fighting for survival this
Christmas as well, but gamers need not go hungry. Nintendo, Sony, Sega, and
Microsoft have provided holiday shoppers with ample choices that will suit
all tastes and gamers, young and old.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2001 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 3-Dec-01

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 36         Fri Feb 01, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:03 PDT

I wasn't really impressed with any of that generation of console games.
3d-wise to me the N64 was better than the Playstation, but the Playstation had
the ability to stream that video off of the CD, which confused the matter a
bit.  Now there were parts of some games that wer really impressive.  Wave Race
on the Nintendo 64 had incredible water effects.  There were a few parts in
Zelda that were really well done, even with the limited graphic capability of
the system.  It is my opinion that this generation of consoles are finally
powerful enough to package both great graphics and great gameplay.  Much in the
same way the SNES finally delivered the promise in 2d games that the Nintendo
had.

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 37         Fri Feb 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:05 PDT

Dain,

So far, I'm more impressed with PlayStation games than I am with PlayStation
2.  The PSX was the first successful disc-based console, and I can't say that
any console before it had anything like Resident Evil or Metal Gear Solid.

Most developers are comparing the various generations similarly to how you
just did: the SNES was a refinement on the NES.  The 32- and 64-bit systems
were whole new ballgames, while the 128-bit systems are refinements on those.

I found the N64 to be a better system than the PSX for 3D platformers and
first-person shooters.  The PSX had a game called Jumpin' Flash, I think,
about a year before Super Mario 64 came out and showed the world how 3D games
should be done.  The point is that 3D games were not new with Mario, they'd
just never been done well. :)  Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Turok, the inbuilt
four controller ports, and the controller design made the N64 better for the
shooter genre, too.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 38         Sat Feb 02, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:18 PDT


I don't want to imply that I didn't have fun playing any of the Nintendo64
games because I did.  I just don't think that the Horsepower was there yet.
Now some developers pulled off some great games, Mario 64, Zelda64, Goldeneye
to name a few...

Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 39         Mon May 27, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 09:47 PDT


Console Pricing update...a while back the prices of consoles was posted...I
figured an update was necessary.....
                   WAS    NOW
> GameBoy        : $ 79   Pretty sure this is unavailable (some stock remains)
> GameBoy Advance: $ 99   $69
> Sega Dreamcast : $ 99   now $49, but most likely unavailable (out of prod)
> Nintendo 64    : $ 99   Not sure, but it is most likely cheaper than this.
> Sony PSOne     : $ 99   $49 (and to think Sheppy paid $99 for it;)
> PlayStation 2  : $299   $199
> Microsoft Xbox : $299   $199
> GameCube       : $199   $149


Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 40         Mon May 27, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 18:07 PDT

>>>> Sony PSOne     : $ 99   $49 (and to think Sheppy paid $99 for it;)

Don't rub it in. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 41         Wed Jul 03, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:24 PDT

Very often I hear customers ask, "Should I get a PS2 or an Xbox?"  The
GameCube never seems to factor into the equation.  Any thoughts why that is?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 42         Mon Jul 08, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:48 PDT

>>>Very often I hear customers ask, "Should I get a PS2 or an Xbox?"  The
GameCube never seems to factor into the equation.  Any thoughts why that is?

I think the relative failure of the N64 set Nintendo back a long way in terms
of market acceptance.

It doesn't help that Nintendo still has an image of being mostly about
platform games. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 43         Sat Dec 28, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:09 PDT

The Best Games of 2002:
A Holiday Shopper's Guide
by Ken Gagne

Some kids never grow up - even if their toys do.

The electronic entertainment industry has grown phenomenally and quickly this
past year. Last Christmas, Microsoft entered the fray when they launched
their Xbox console, which was followed days later by Nintendo's latest game
machine, the GameCube. Both joined Sony's PlayStation 2 on store shelves for
an aggressive holiday season.

A year later, all three systems have dropped in price - Nintendo's to
$150, the others to $200, with various rebates and bundles being offered both
nationally and locally. Each hardware has its strengths and weaknesses, but
each is only as good as its software. The following titles are some of the
"killer apps" that not only will drive console sales this season, but also
serve as the perfect gift for you or the gamer in your family.

Though there are exclusive titles intended to sway consumers to one platform
or another, there are also games published for all three systems. For
example, gamers can cut loose the power of today's next-generation consoles
in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, a racing title published by Electronic Arts
for the Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation 2. In this high-speed action game,
players hit the road in a variety of sleek dream vehicles, from Porsches to
Lamborghinis. Their mission: to go as fast as possible through deserts,
forests, and coasts, outracing both the competition and the cops. Gamers can
also play on the side of the law, using road blocks and aerial backup to nail
speedsters - or two people can play together in cops-and-robbers fashion.
Cars cannot be customized or fine-tuned, but this simplicity adds to the ease
of play and outright fun.

If you prefer to soak up the sun at a slower pace, join the world's most
famous plumber, who's back in Super Mario Sunshine, for the Nintendo
GameCube. Mario's getaway to the tropical Isle Delfino is spoiled by a
mysterious marauder intent on polluting the paradise. Armed with a
water-shooting backpack, Mario begins his quest to clean up the island and
his reputation. His new apparatus gives Mario several new tricks as he hops
from platform to precipice, avoiding turtles and collecting coins in 3D.
Though his repertoire may've changed, the classic action of the Mario series
has not - good news for those who've missed Nintendo's mascot, but not so
good for those wanting something new.

With games like Super Mario Sunshine, Nintendo hasn't forgotten its
historically core family audience. But with the survival horror game Eternal
Darkness, Nintendo has also stated its intention to capture the mature market
as well. College student Alexandra Roivas becomes embroiled in a family
secret when her grandfather is suddenly murdered. Through his tome of Eternal
Darkness, players will control more than a dozen characters in various times
and places including a World War II photographer, a Persian prince, and an
Inquisition-era monk. The monstrosities each accidental hero will encounter
is likely to push them over the edge, decreasing their "sanity meter". An
insane protagonist may hallucinate bleeding walls or sudden dismemberment,
leaving the player to also question reality. Eternal Darkness is rated 'M'
for mature audiences.

For an evil assailant that's less a flesh-eating zombie and more a
megalomaniac villain in an outlandish costume, take to the skies in
Spider-Man, for all three consoles. Based on the film that made a splash at
the box office earlier this year, Spider-Man puts players in control of the
friendly neighborhood wall-crawler as he battles such venerable foes as Green
Goblin, Shocker, and Scorpion. As Peter Parker's alter ego, players spend
much time aloft, slinging webs and fighting airborne enemies. Spidey's
abilities are captured and finely presented in this superhero action game
which may prove too short an experience for veteran gamers.

While many video games are based on movies, other games are cinematic
experiences in their own right. The Microsoft Xbox has a valuable exclusive
in Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance, from Konami. This title includes in its
entirety the original Metal Gear Solid 2, one of last year's best-selling
games for the PlayStation 2. Super secret spy Solid Snake has stumbled across
plans for a weapon of global destruction; his history with such plots gives
only him the experience necessary to arrest the conspiracy. The Xbox edition
includes five additional "what-if" stories for Snake to experience, as well
as hundreds of secondary and virtual reality training missions. This
cinematic experience has expanded to include humor, drama, stealth, action,
and skateboarding, though the main game is a complicated tale for mature
audiences only.

Today's successful Metal Gear Solid is based on an old Nintendo game from the
Eighties. Similarly, Maximo: Ghosts to Glory is an update on the popular
Ghosts 'n Goblins series from Capcom. This 3D action game for PlayStation 2
sends the good knight Sir Maximo on a quest across five different worlds to
save his kingdom and princess from the villain Achille. His sword and shield
can be upgraded to be inflamed, encase enemies in ice, or be thrown great
distances. Maximo spends as much time fighting the hordes of the undead as he
does leaping gulfs, though; one wrong step or misjudged distance can plummet
the protagonist to his peril.

Another legendary icon is resurrected, this time on the Nintendo GameCube.
Metroid Prime is the first game in the Metroid series in nearly a decade. In
this futuristic conflict against space pirates, bounty hunter Samus Aran
returns to eradicate the titular energy-draining organism. Her adventure will
have gamers exploring deep into an exotic planet and mastering many tools,
weapons, and techniques. Pundits of the series criticize the new first-person
perspective, but the game retains the essence of what has made Metroid a
popular (yet strangely scarce) series.

Just as familiar games are being revamped for today's new home consoles,
handheld gamers will also find that what's old is new again. Samus Aran also
surfaces on the Game Boy Advance in the game Metroid Fusion. Taking a cue
from Sigourney Weaver, Samus has been injected with alien DNA. She must now
explore a strange planet to find the cure for her condition while fighting
off a mysterious imposter. This 2D, side-scrolling game is a more traditional
Metroid adventure, and offers a suitable alternative to Metroid Prime. Gamers
who purchase both titles can connect their Game Boy Advance and GameCube
systems to unlock additional features.

With gameplay similar to Metroid Fusion, Castlevania, a series spanning
nearly two decades, continues in Harmony of Dissonance, a Game Boy Advance
game. Juste Belmont, a descendant of the legendary Belmont clan of vampire
hunters, finds himself lost in Dracula's castle. Players must explore the
intimidating mansion, infested with bats, werewolves, living suits of armor,
and more, to find Juste's missing childhood friend.

Harmony of Dissonance boasts bright graphics, making it easy to see on the
Game Boy's small screen. Gamers can save their progress any time, making
Castlevania perfect for both long sittings of exploration or quick
pick-up-and-play sessions.

Metroid could be considered a science fiction take on Castlevania. For
handheld games that are similar to neither, try two classic Super Nintendo
games that Nintendo has re-released for Game Boy Advance. Super Mario World
3: Yoshi's Island stars Mario's dinosaur companion. Though gamers do not play
as Mario in this 2D adventure, they do get to morph Yoshi into various
vehicles on their way to save Mario's brother, Luigi, from the evil Bowser.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is Nintendo's other reissued classic.
The Princess Zelda has been kidnapped, leaving a young lad named Link to
journey throughout the land of Hyrule, into palaces and dungeons, and into
another world to find the power to restore peace. New to this handheld
adaptation is a four-player mode that lets friends cooperate and compete for
victory.

Every cycle of game consoles brings with it something new, including an
opportunity for a new generation of gamers to experience the latest in
age-old franchises. With myriad options of both hardware and software, such
fierce competition for consumers' dollars will ultimately benefit the gamers
- no matter their age.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 02-Dec-02

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8  [MOVED]
Message 44         Mon Dec 30, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:43 PDT


"One thing about Metal Gear Solid 2 Substance on Xbox: slowdown. Whenever
there's plenty of action to depict, the game seems to slow down. It's
especially noticeable with the rain in the opening outdoor sequences, which
reduces the game to a painful crawl compared with its other environments.
People wonder how Splinter Cell will ever translate to the vastly underpowered
GameCube and PS2; I'm wondering how they ever translated MGS2 to the Xbox. "

This is from the http://www.gamebits.net front page.

It's pretty interesting how these games turn out.   One interesting thing is
that the PS2 has a vastly different architechture than either the Xbox or the
Gamecube (which are quite similar actually).  There have been numerous
instances of PS2 ports going to both the Xbox and the Gamecube coming out with
choppy framerates (See Need For Speed Hot Pursuit for an example).  I think
mainly these things happen because the publishers have very short dead lines
and limited resources allocated to these "ports" to other consoles.  It almost
seems like these titles skip over the tweaking stagings and go straight into
disk duplication.  These games tend to sell very poorly, I wonder if the Game
industry will catch on that a half assed effort will lead to lackluster sales?

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 45         Tue Dec 31, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:34 PDT

Dain,

It's not that Konami did a lackluster job in porting MGS2 to the Xbox; in
terms of content, Substance is a drastic improvement, and there are some
performances improvements as well.  I just don't understand how the Xbox could
succumb to slowdown so badly.

I've played only the PS2 version of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, and enjoyed
it quite a bit.  Can't compare with the other versions...

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 46         Tue Dec 31, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:49 PDT


" I just don't understand how the Xbox could
succumb to slowdown so badly."

Well, I am not an expert, but there are somethings that the PS2 is really good
at.  From things I've read it has some very powerful vector units that when
programmed properly can do things an x86 processor just can't do by itself.
For example, the G4 Processor at 350mhz can do somethings an Intel Celeron at
733Mhz couldn't possibly hope to do.  There are somethings the Celeron might
win in...

That scene you refer to might be such a case that needed to be reprogrammed
specially, and Konami felt it wasn't worth the time or money involved.

Who knows...
Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 47         Sun Jan 12, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:53 PDT

Today's GameFAQs.com poll asks us what the best system of 2002 was.  According
to Gamebits:

System   Games Reviewed     Average Score
-----------------------------------------
GameCube     11                  8.79
Xbox          7                  7.63
PS2          21                  7.6
GBA           5                  7.68

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 48         Sun Jan 12, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:04 PDT


Does Gamebits give out a Game of the Year award?  Or does Ken have a favorite
game of the year?   My Game of the Year would have to be.....drumroll
please.....Metroid Prime.  That award isn't very comprehensive since I bought
very few games in 2002.

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 49         Fri Jan 31, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:17 PDT

Dain,

Gamebits picks its favorite games every year, but never chooses a single "Game
of the Year".  I fumbled on the Metroid Prime review, but
according to the scores I gave last year, it was the best game of 2002,
followed by Super Mario Sunshine.  Sometimes there's more to a game than
scores, though; Eternal Darkness is one of the most original and memorable
games of last year, and one I'll go back and play more than Spider-Man: The
Movie, which received a higher score. (since scores are given after playing a
game for only a week or so, they don't necessarily reflect staying power)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 50         Fri Mar 07, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:24 PDT

The Digital Press Collector's Connection was updated today (Friday, March 7th):

http://www.digitpress.com/dpconnec.txt

This table records video game collectors worldwide, as well as how many games
they own for each system and their email addresses.

How anyone is supposed to read a tabulated text file 257 characters wide is
beyond me, though.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 51         Tue Mar 11, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:29 PDT

A2Central.com reports that Contiki, an Internet-capable operating system
designed for smaller computers, is currently being ported to the Apple II.

Inspection of the Contiki web site reveals that NES, Game Boy, and Atari
Jaguar versions are also in the works:

http://dunkels.com/adam/contiki/ports/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 52         Tue Mar 18, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:59 PDT

A few weeks ago I bought a network hub from GameStop.  It's a four port hub
published by Gamester, a division of Radica; they also make Xbox controllers
and other peripherals.  This device is primarily marketed as a tool for
direct-connecting multiple consoles, especially Xboxes, which strikes me as
odd; a more common use for it would be, I'd think, to allow several different
systems to share one broadband connection.  It is a LAN to which the hub is
preset, but flipping a switch changes its function.

Both this hub and a similar one from RadioShack both cost $40, but I went
with Gamester's because it included four 12-feet Ethernet cables.  That's all
I needed to get my Xbox, GameCube, PS2, and Mac online.  Unfortunately, the
cables are a bright green (again with the Xbox theme), and don't fit well
with interior designs that favor subtle wiring.

The GameCube broadband connection is on the console's side, not rear - ugly.
Installing the PS2 network adaptor and running the configuration software was
ridiculously easy.  It basically asked, "Is this a standard network
connection?  Yes?  Then lemme test it - okay, done!"  I've not installed Xbox
Live yet as doing so initiates its one-year subscription, and I've not any
games with which to use it.

But yeah, I'm online. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 53         Thu Aug 21, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:37 PDT

Nintendo promises to have their new system on store shelves the same time as
their competitors.  This would be a break from tradition, as Nintendo has
always given Sony a one-year lead.

The question now becomes whether the PS3, Xbox 2, and (for want of a better
name) GameCube 2 will ship in 2005 or 2006.

Predictions?  Desires?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 54         Thu Aug 21, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:33 PDT

I hope they all go bust, beaten into submission by a new upstart building
really awesome handheld machines that can be plugged into a TV set for
enhanced gameplay. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 55         Thu Aug 21, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:41 PDT

Sheppy,

Most of the current publishers were "upstarts" at some point.  Sony's first
console beat Sega and Nintendo into submission.  I doubt any start-up company
would have the funds to participate in today's market, and be taken seriously,
though.  Game and console development has become so expensive since two
decades ago that only companies with deep pockets can afford it.  No one but
Microsoft could afford to sell so many Xboxes and lose money on each one, for
example.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 56         Sat Aug 23, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 14:27 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 8:

> Predictions?  Desires?

To me, the machines are irrelevant.   The most important part of the
machines is the controller.  If the controller sucks, then usually the
game does too.  That's why I've had such a problem with PC games other
than first person shooters and point and click games (Sim City, Civ II,
etc.).

The current problem (IMHO of course) is that the current industry is
unwilling to take many chances.  They just rehash the same game using
more powerful hardware that while the game looks better, innovation
isn't all that.

I want realistic and stylized.  I want original stories.  I want
original concepts.   I don't mind sequels, but take chances and re-work
them and give us a reason to buy them.

Since the Xbox will be using ATI chips in its next machine, I wonder if
this has any effect of the Next Nintendo machine.  Starting to sound
like Nintendo/Microsoft need to team up and take on Sony.  Neither
company can effectively compete with Sony at this point.  Put them
together, you have Adult Gamers, Kid Gamers and people like me (kid at
heart gamers) and you would have one mean Company with majorly
Monopolistic business practices written all over it:)   Of course I hate
Microsoft, so I might go nuts if that happened:)

Dain






 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 57         Sat Aug 23, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:10 PDT

Dain,

> the machines are irrelevant.

Possibly.  The original Resident Evil could likely not have been done on any
machine preceding the PlayStation.  Compare that version of RE with the
remake performed on the Nintendo GameCube.  Side-by-side, the latter is far,
far, far superior... but it does not define a new genre, as the former did.

Perhaps we have passed the point of there being any new genres to define.
I wonder what the new systems will be able to do that the current ones can't?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 58         Sun Aug 24, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:26 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 8:

> Perhaps we have passed the point of there being any new genres to
define.
> I wonder what the new systems will be able to do that the current ones
> can't?

I truely hope that we can get some truely unique experiences out of
gaming.  There has got too be at least a few:)

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 59         Fri Sep 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:02 PDT

GameSpy criticizes what they consider the 25 most overrated games of all time:

http://www.gamespy.com/articles/september03/25overrated/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 60         Sun Sep 21, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:20 PDT

Time.com lists ten must-own sports games:

http://www.time.com/time/techtime/200309/video_madden.html?cnn=yes

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 62         Tue Oct 07, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:36 PDT

The release dates at <http://www.gamebits.net/releases/> have been updated,
with 495 games listed for five different systems from 29-Sep-03 through
November 2004.

For the remaining releases in 2003, here are what I consider "must play"'s:

Gladius (all)
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (all)
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (all)
Mario Kart Double Dash!! (GameCube)
1080 Avalanche (GameCube)
Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (PS2)
Karaoke Revolution (PS2)

I wouldn't mind getting my hands on these, either:

Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu (all)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (all)
Spy Hunter 2 (all)
Midway Arcade Treasures (PS2)
Jak II (PS2)
Metal Slug 3 (PS2)

Hmm... notice that Gladius is the only original game out of the 13 I listed?

What games are y'all looking forward to?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 63         Wed Oct 08, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 08:59 PDT

>>>Mario Kart Double Dash!! (GameCube)

This one.  I'll have to get a friend locally to buy a GameCube though. :D

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 64         Thu Oct 09, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 20:57 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 8:

> Gladius (all)
> Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (all)
> Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (all)
> Mario Kart Double Dash!! (GameCube)
> 1080 Avalanche (GameCube)
> Castlevania: Lament of Innocence (PS2)
> Karaoke Revolution (PS2)

Games I really want to get my Paws on...

Mario Kart Double Dash!! (Gamecube)
Vietiful Joe (Gamecube)
Super Mario Bros 3 (GBA)  I actually have played this installment least
of all Marios.  (only one I don't own)
Rogue Squadron III.  I like Star Wars games:)
Beyond Good and Evil (All)


Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 65         Sat Nov 15, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:36 PDT

I think Pelican Accessories finally produced a switchbox capable of supporting
my desire for component video:

http://www.consoleaccessories.com/unv004.asp

What a device!  I could replace three switchboxes with just that one.

Of course, it doesn't solve the lack of space I've recently encountered for
PS2 & GameCube games.  I need to come up with some sort of new shelving
solution...

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 66         Sun Nov 16, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:41 PDT

Yup - I definitely have too many games.  Karaoke Revolution, purchased today,
makes 901.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 67         Mon Nov 17, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:25 PDT

>>>Yup - I definitely have too many games.  Karaoke Revolution, purchased
today, makes 901.

Yikes. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 68         Wed Nov 19, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 16:12 PDT


901 games?  That's fairly amazing considering at one time or another each was
sold for ~$40-$50.

If you just said $45 a piece..that's $40,545 U.S., 56,078 Austrailian,
454,484.3 Mexican Pesos, or 3,050,101 Icelandic Kronas:)

Dain

Never underestimate the power of the Mac OS X Currency Conversion Calculator:)



 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 69         Wed Nov 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:16 PDT

Dain,

474 of the games were given to me for review purposes.  264 games were
purchased used.  That leaves 163 games that were bought new - and some of
those were birthday gifts and the like.  So though the *worth* of my library
may be as you stated, I've actually paid far less (thank goodness :).

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 70         Thu Nov 27, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:24 PDT

CNN.com briefly lists some of the best of the 250 games available this holiday
season:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/fun.games/11/26/holiday.games.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 71         Sun Nov 30, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:46 PDT

The Best Games of 2003:
A Holiday Shopper's Guide

by Ken Gagne

Video games can be serious business, especially when it comes to making sense
of the myriad choices available this holiday season.

The video game market is currently supporting more systems successfully than
any other single time in its history. The Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo GameCube,
and Sony PlayStation 2 are all competing for consumer televisions, while the
Game Boy Advance offers portable pocket gaming. Each system has its own
strengths and unique library of entertainment titles. Though the hardware
varies in capability and expansion opportunities, the best criterion for any
console purchase is the selection of appropriate software. Some games exist
for all systems, while others are exclusive to one or two systems. The
following games are some of the best titles released for each system this
year.

The perennial party favorite returns in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! for
Nintendo GameCube. This racing game sports multiplayer mayhem as popular
Nintendo characters team up to drive tandem karts, with one person behind the
wheel and another acting as gunner, launching turtle shells and banana peels
at opponents. Up to four players can race or battle, or eight people can
network multiple GameCubes and televisions for massive tournaments.

Another Nintendo series returns on the GameCube in The Legend of
Zelda: The Wind Waker. A young boy, a wicked warlock, and a princess in
distress are elements of this 3D adventure set in a watery world. The hero
Link must sail the seas and recover magical artifacts to defeat the villain
Ganon. The cartoonish art style may dissuade more mature gamers who can't see
past the surface into the involving gameplay, while younger gamers will need
patience for both problem-solving and the long journeys between islands.

For an aquatic adventures with less action, try Everblue 2, a PlayStation 2
game from Capcom. Players become scuba divers and salvagers, collecting junk,
lost personal possessions, and legendary treasures from sunken cruise ships,
planes, submarines, and pirate ships. The sale of recovered items funds the
purchase of better equipment, allowing gamers to dive deeper and longer;
otherwise, if they run out of air or health, or are carrying too much
luggage, it's game over. Though the occasional shark or man-o-war will
strike, evasion is the only option, as Everblue is entirely non-combative.
With so many tasks and treasures, the game is both relaxing and addictive.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the not-so-relaxing PlayStation
2 and PC perversity known as Silent Hill 3, the biennial installment in
Konami's survivor horror series. The resort town of Silent Hill has
intersected with a dark dimension possessed by demons and unnatural
monstrosities. Heroine Heather must discern her connection to this nightmare
while surviving brutal onslaughts and mysterious encounters. The story
connects directly with the first Silent Hill game, rewarding players who have
previously experienced the series. Disturbing images and a pervasively
profane atmosphere render this game for adults only.

It's less frightening to take up arms against the underworld in Konami's
other gothic game, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, for the Game Boy Advance.
Castlevania, the home of the ancient and evil Dracula, has reappeared in the
year 2029. Trapped among its evil inhabitants, young Soma Cruz must employ
both the classic armaments of swords and axes with futuristic weaponry to
escape the vampire lord's domain. This action-adventure game challenges
players to collect the souls of Soma's enemies, each which increases his
range of moves. Fatalistic fiends will try the skills and souls of even the
hardiest vampire hunter.

From dungeons and demons to dragons, take to the skies in Panzer Dragoon
Orta, an Xbox game from Sega. A highly advanced civilization long ago wrought
its own destruction; now, an age of unearthed technology clashes with
fantastical creatures. A young girl of unknown origin is chosen by a dragon,
a creature thought extinct, to help overthrow the draconian Empire currently
enslaving the world. This flying game moves airborne gamers along a set path,
but allows them the freedom to combat hostiles from 360 degrees, as the both
the dragon and its foes can circle to any of each other's sides, calling for
swift decision-making and button-pushing as players sweat and tear over its
extreme difficulty.

Remain airborne in Skies of Arcadia Legends, a GameCube role-playing game
(RPG) by Sega. Air pirates inhabit this fantasy world of floating islands and
endless skies, where ancient crystals are being revived to threaten the six
kingdoms. With all the vibrancy and enjoyable storytelling of the early Final
Fantasy games, Skies of Arcadia has aged well since its original release for
the Sega Dreamcast some years ago.

Technology and fantasy are combined in another galaxy far, far, away in Star
Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, published by LucasArts for both the Xbox
and Windows. Set 4,000 years before the events of the films, this Star Wars
role-playing game lets players tailor their own protagonist with which to
venture forth and defeat a Dark Jedi uprising. Gamers will converse with
hundreds of people, spanning hours of spoken dialogue, and will be presented
with decisions that will determine whether they fall to the Light or Dark
side of the Force. The massive inventory and complex gameplay system isn't
for people looking for a simple, fast-paced time, but Knights draws fans in
as few Star Wars games do.

You needn't travel to the stars to find conflict. Nintendo's Advance Wars 2
for the Game Boy Advance offers strategic struggles as players plot against
the imperialistic Black Hole army. Using a gridded map, players move units
representing tanks, bombers, infantry, and batteries, while managing
resources to produce new units in the fight. Two Game Boys can be connected
for players to battle against each other, or to swap terrain maps they've
created for custom campaigns. The animated setting and lack of demonstrated
violence make this game appropriate for any age of gamer willing to think
through her moves.

More frantic but no less calculating is the combat in Soul Calibur II, a
fighting game for the Xbox, PlayStation 2, and GameCube. Published by Namco,
Soul Calibur pits two fighters wielding swords, nunchakus, polearms, staves,
and whips against each other in 3D arenas. Each warrior has a vast repertoire
of detailed maneuvers to master, elevating combat to an art style. Exclusive
to each version of this game is a unique character: the comic book character
Spawn on Xbox; on PlayStation 2, Tekken's unarmed Heihachi; and best of all,
Link, the hero of Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series, on GameCube.

Soul Calibur II is a worthy sequel, as are many of the best games of
2003. With decades of franchises under its belt, the electronic entertainment
industry has made an art of resurrecting old licenses and preserving their
heritage while updating them for a new generation of consumers. This
remodeling doesn't always succeed, but the above nine sequels are proof that,
this holiday season, what's old is often worth being new again.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2003 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Gamebits, 01-Dec-03

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 72         Sun Jun 27, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:53 PDT

The switchbox mentioned in message 65 is also detailed here:

http://www.pelicanperformance.com/universal/popup/pl_957_pro_system_selector_po
p.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 73         Fri Jun 03, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:15 PDT

Chris Morris reminds us that many of the promises of the PlayStation 2 and
Xbox never came through, and so we should be realistic when expectations and
when believing the hype of the PS3 and Xbox 360:

http://money.cnn.com/2005/05/26/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 74         Wed Sep 21, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:22 PDT

There's a fascinating article at this URL that examines how the Revolution
controller is combating a trend in the video game industry that is
self-defeating in both gamer population and game innovation:

http://lostgarden.com/2005/09/nintendos-genre-innovation-strategy.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 75         Sat Nov 12, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:58 PDT

Observe some video game world maps (Zelda and Ultima) on display at 6000x3000
pixels:

http://www.ianalbert.com/misc/mapphotos.php

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 76         Mon Nov 21, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:46 PDT

Peter Moore, marketing VP for the Sega Dreamcast which was crushed by the PS2,
is now getting his revenge on Sony by launching the Xbox 360:

http://money.cnn.com/2005/11/21/technology/moore_biz20_1205/index.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 77         Mon Nov 21, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:47 PDT

Even if the Xbox 360 is a success, should you still wait for the PS3?

http://money.cnn.com/2005/11/21/technology/playstation_fortune_112805/index.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 78         Mon Jan 09, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:02 PDT

Read a brief history on the evolution of the video game controller:

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1980&Itemid=2

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 79         Sat Feb 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:49 PDT

"Rip-off." It's an oft-heard allegation where video games are concerned. These
days it's World War II-themed squad-based combat and urban warfare sandbox
mass-murder simulators. In 1993 it was first-person shooters. In 1986 it was
side-scrolling mascot platformers. In 1980 it was maze games. Sometimes,
imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Sometimes it's grounds for a
lawsuit.

Story continues at <http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3147544>

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 80         Thu Feb 23, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:09 PDT

Here are the ten worst controllers of all time:

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/690/690449p1.html

And let's not forget the ten worst video game character haircuts:

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/686/686673p1.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 81         Wed Mar 08, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:59 PDT

Japanese gamers recently chose their 100 favorite video games of all time.
Many are RPGs, and some were never released in the States; nonetheless, it's
an interesting list:

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2401&Itemid=2

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 82         Sat Mar 25, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:54 PDT

Here are some pictures of many different genres as they were represented in
games 20 years ago and today:

http://gadgets.fosfor.se/gaming-now-and-then/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 83         Mon May 15, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:39 PDT

Is the video game market headed for another crash?

http://www.pointlesswasteoftime.com/games/crash.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 84         Sun Jun 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:38 PDT

Like people, some games age better than others.  Here are some that are almost
universally loved, both then and now:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3151130

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 85         Fri Jun 16, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:20 PDT

Microsoft Xbox 360, sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii: to which console(s) are
your dollars going this holiday season?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 87         Tue Jul 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:32 PDT

Take a look at the ten worst Superman video games of all time:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3151774

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 88         Fri Oct 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:45 PDT

here is a brief history of game console wars:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/index_01.htm?campaign_i
d=ds1

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 89         Fri Oct 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:07 PDT

Nielsen will now start rating video game play:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6160036.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 90         Fri Oct 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:08 PDT

What next-gen system will have the most exclusive software titles?

http://www.siliconera.com/index.php/2006/10/18/battle-of-the-console-exclusives
/

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 91         Sun Oct 22, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:03 PDT

What are the 20 worst games of all time?

http://seanbaby.com/nes/egm.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 92         Sun Oct 22, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:45 PDT

Gosh - even Wikipedia has an entry on the topic:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_considered_the_worst_ever

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 93         Tue Oct 31, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:31 PDT

Take a look at these console launch comparisons, including how many games were
at each, how good they were, and what the best launch titles of all time were:

http://curmudgeongamer.com/2006/10/more-launch-game-stats.html

The top 11 launch games of all time belong to four publishers: 3 for
Microsoft, 1 for Sega, 2 for Sony, and 5 for Nintendo.

And here are predictions of the quality of launch titles for next month's PS3
and Wii:

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4078&Itemid=2

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 94         Sun Nov 05, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:34 PDT

What are some of the best individual levels of all time?

http://videogames.destructoid.com/some-of-the-best-levels-of-all-time.htm

And what games led to quantum leaps in game storytelling?

http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20061103/quantum_01.shtml

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 95         Sat Nov 18, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:44 PDT

From the Jaguar to the N-Gage and Gizmondo, here are the ten worst consoles:

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/ps3-launch/best-buy-smash-n-grab-215504.php

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 8
Message 96         Mon Nov 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:12 PDT

Here's how the PS3 and Wii motion-sensitive controllers work:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/fun.games/11/20/console.controller.ap/index.html

 ------------
 ************
Topic 9         Tue Jul 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:59 PST
Sub: A Day at the Store

Interesting people and events at the local game store.

 177 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 1          Tue Jul 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:00 PDT

Hello!

I currently serve as assistant store manager to a retail store that
specializes in entertainment software and hardware for computers and video
game systems.  I'll regularly be posting to this topic about the unusual
transactions and customers I encounter at work.  Hopefully some of it will be
interesting. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 2          Tue Jul 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:04 PDT

Some of my favorite customers:

- The woman who asked if the Game Boy Advance could play all her husband's
Playboy Color games.

- The guy who paid $300 cash for a PS2 and didn't know what A/V cables are.

- The gentlemen who asked if we carry the N64 power source.  "You mean the AC
adaptor?"  "No, the energy source."  "I'm sorry, sir, we don't sell
electricity here."

- The kid who rebuffed my sales pitch on a new Game Boy game because he "just
downloads the ROMs for an emulator."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 3          Tue Jul 03, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 20:00 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> - The kid who rebuffed my sales pitch on a new Game Boy game because
> he "just
> downloads the ROMs for an emulator."

Ah the wonderful, bite that hand that feeds you, world of emulation.  I
actually think what some of these programmers have done is nifty in some
cases, but I have yet to have an equal experience playing an emulated
game.  I don't even bother with it anymore.  It was an interesting
little experiment.

I feel sorry for people that actually think of emulating a game, as
having fun playing games.

Of course I could just be a nutcase wacko.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 4          Wed Jul 04, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:35 PDT

> Of course I could just be a nutcase wacko.

Make that two of us.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 5          Wed Jul 04, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:37 PDT

There are two policies my store has:

- Any opened software may be returned for a full refund within seven days, as
long as it has not been damaged.  This means you can return games you don't
like.

- Employees may borrow new copies of the games, provided they are returned in
full working order.  THey are then re-shrinkwrapped and returned to their
place with other new software.

A friend of mine finds the latter policy to be very underhanded, demoting the
software from "new" to "used" and that it's false advertising to sell it as
new.

What do you think?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 6          Wed Jul 04, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 13:13 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> - Any opened software may be returned for a full refund within seven
> days, as
> long as it has not been damaged.  This means you can return games you
> don't
> like.
>
> - Employees may borrow new copies of the games, provided they are
> returned in
> full working order.  THey are then re-shrinkwrapped and returned to
> their
> place with other new software.
>
> A friend of mine finds the latter policy to be very underhanded,
> demoting the
> software from "new" to "used" and that it's false advertising to sell
> it as
> new.

Well, both of these policies are kind of qustionable in my books.
Although, I like the flexibility of being able to do that as a customer.
 As an employee thing, I think that maybe a better idea would be to have
store copy that people could use.  Then sell it if no one wants it(Used
of course).  I kind of expect something I get to be new, unless
otherwise stated.


 Dain Neater
 Bulletin Board Manager A2 Community
 Syndicomm


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 7          Wed Jul 04, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:40 PDT

Dain,

If a customer doesn't like a game and returns it, it is resold as new.  Is
that any different from an employee borrowing a game and then it being sold
as new?

The employee benefit is not there to be nice; it's to create informed
employees who are better able to sell products.

Since both the return policy and the employee benefit are intended to
increase sales, I don't see them as all that questionable.

> I kind of expect something I get to be new, unless otherwise stated.

The return policy is clearly stated.  Now I'm wondering if people expect that
returned products are demoted to "Used" status and sold at a lesser price.
Imagine the abuse that could get: someone buys something new, claims to not
like it, returns it, and buys it the next day at the discounted used price.
Ouch.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 8          Thu Jul 05, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 14:41 PDT

>>>A friend of mine finds the latter policy to be very underhanded, demoting
the software from "new" to "used" and that it's false advertising to sell it
as new.

I agree completely.  It should be illegal to do that.  Returns need to be
labeled as such.  IMHO this isn't much different than letting someone buy a
car, drive it around for a week, then return it.  You polish it up, roll back
the odometer, and sell it again, as new.  That's illegal. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 9          Thu Jul 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:47 PDT

I'm a bit confused why a distinction is being made with video games.  Almost
any item that isn't a foodstuff or that is otherwise perishable can be bought,
returned, and resold.  The jacket or pair of shoes you purchased last week may
already have been bought and returned - or even tried on in a dressing room.
If you could explain to me why that's different from the return or employee
loan policies on video games, I'd appreciate it.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 10         Thu Jul 05, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 19:28 PDT

A shirt you pull off the rack isn't sealed at the factory like a video game
is.  Once the original seal is broken, it becomes a used product.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 11         Fri Jul 06, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 09:03 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:


> If you could explain to me why that's different from the return or
> employee
> loan policies on video games, I'd appreciate it.

At Best Buy here you can't return software unless it is defective.  I
think I like your policy better, even though you sell used products as
new:)  Also If I buy a piece of hardware, any piece and return it within
30 days (I think) it gets put back on the shelf with an opened box tag
and at a discount.  I have bought a few PCI cards that way.  It seems
that often times those card just won't work with a particular
motherboard.

I always thought that was done because of some law.  It might just be a
store policy though.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 12         Sun Jul 08, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:13 PDT

I'm surprised by the number of consumers I've had who've asked, "Which'll be
better: Xbox or PS2?  PS2 or GameCube?  GameCube or Xbox?"

Granted, I've seen and played all these systems at E3, but that's no way to
judge a system's capability, nor its software.  I like Nintendo's first-party
games, so I'm confident in the GameCube.  But the Xbox has built-in modem and
hard drive, while the PS2 will have a year of software titles behind it.  How
can we really know which system is better?  I don't think I'll have a
confident answer to that question until Christmas 2002.

So stop with the questions already. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 13         Sun Jul 08, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:13 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> I'm surprised by the number of consumers I've had who've asked,
> "Which'll be
> better: Xbox or PS2?  PS2 or GameCube?  GameCube or Xbox?"
>
> Granted, I've seen and played all these systems at E3, but that's no
> way to
> judge a system's capability, nor its software.  I like Nintendo's
> first-party
> games, so I'm confident in the GameCube.  But the Xbox has built-in
> modem and
> hard drive, while the PS2 will have a year of software titles behind
> it.  How
> can we really know which system is better?  I don't think I'll have a
> confident answer to that question until Christmas 2002.
>
> So stop with the questions already. <g>


Ken,
  Oh come on quit sitting on the fence:)  Actually, I do agree with you.

Not only are people asking you to tell you the future, but they are
asking you to answer a question that is an opinion.

Just look at the past.  I will still argue that the Super Nintendo was
the victor of the 16 bit era, but many people feel that the Sega Genesis
was better.  I personally, think that the SNES is still the best system
out there.  Then there is the argument about the last generation of
systems, N64, Saturn and PS1.  I for one had much more fun with my N64
than I ever did with the PSOne, but in sheer numbers of consoles sold
the PSOne blew it away.

I am not as ADD as most gamers today, so I only need a few very good
games.  I don't need 100 games that I can play for 10 minutes and then
move on to the next best thing.  I will go the route of the Gamecube.
It is small, It is PPC, It will have a Mario Kart Game:)

Dain



 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 14         Sun Jul 08, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:20 PDT

Dain,

> they are asking you to answer a question that is an opinion.

I get such questions all the time.  "What do you think of this game?", etc.
But I agree that asking which is the better of a set of systems that has not
yet been released seems odd.  I can give them a factual answer based on
technical specifications, strengths and weaknesses, etc.  But that won't help
much once I point out that the Sega Master System was better than the NES,
Betamax than VHS, and SyQuest than Iomega.

> I will still argue that the Super Nintendo was the victor of the 16 bit era,
> but many people feel that the Sega Genesis was better.

Technically speaking, the SNES was a better machine.  That doesn't
necessarily mean developers agreed, or that the SNES had better software.
Just look at EA's sports lineup on the Genesis.  Or compare Mortal Kombat:
the original game was sold uncensored on the Genesis and outsold Nintendo's
censored version 4-to-1.

> I don't need 100 games that I can play for 10 minutes and then move on to the
> next best thing.

A popular point of view is that there are as many great games occur as
frequently today as they did ten years ago.  The problem is the amount of
garbage has increased disproportionately, so that there's so much to wade
through to find those gleaming gems.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 15         Mon Jul 09, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 07:09 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> A popular point of view is that there are as many great games occur as
> frequently today as they did ten years ago.  The problem is the amount
> of
> garbage has increased disproportionately, so that there's so much to
> wade
> through to find those gleaming gems.

I personally blame Sony for this.  They are borrowing Quality Control
tips from Atari.  Atari single handedly brought the video game market to
its knees by releasing loads of crap that had no business being on the
shelves.  Well, I guess there were other factors too:)

All, I can say is.  With the number of titles released these days..there
should be more great titles, not the same number.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 16         Tue Jul 10, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:07 PDT

Last night I spent an hour alphabetizing (to library perfection) the hundreds
of jewel cases that comprise our used PlayStation games section (just like I
did three weeks ago).

The next customer into the store was a woman with two small children.  They
pulled out a couple of games to look at, and then asked me to put them back
because they couldn't figure out if the section was in a specific order or
not.

Sigh.  Well, at least they didn't throw them back haphazardly.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 17         Tue Jul 10, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:50 PDT

>>>The next customer into the store was a woman with two small children.  They
pulled out a couple of games to look at, and then asked me to put them back
because they couldn't figure out if the section was in a specific order or
not.

Say what you will about the American education system, but at least they still
teach illiteracy. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 18         Wed Jul 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:20 PDT

My store is in the Searstown Mall, named after the mall's very first anchor.

Today a woman came into the game store to make a purchase.  When I requested
payment, she handed me her Sears charge card.  Knowing such mistakes
occasionally occur, I lightly informed her we don't take Sears charge cards.

"But you're in Searstown, aren't you?" she replied - unjokingly.

Took me a few minutes to get a real form of payment out of her.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 19         Wed Jul 11, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:15 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> "But you're in Searstown, aren't you?" she replied - unjokingly.
>
> Took me a few minutes to get a real form of payment out of her

Heh.  That cracks me up.

Dain


"This job would be great if it weren't for the &*&%ing customers" --
Randall


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 20         Wed Jul 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:39 PDT

> "This job would be great if it weren't for the &*&%ing customers" -- Randall

LOL!  I remember one busy night at Blockbuster - I think it was a Friday and I
was the only cashier, everyone else had called in sick.  One customer in a
very long line noticed how harried I looked, and commented, "I bet you wish
you were somewhere else!"  I motioned to the line and said, "No, it's everyone
else I wish were somewhere else!"

Oops. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 21         Sun Jul 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:58 PDT

A woman came into the store last night who had been given a PlayStation 2 as a
gift from her father.  She claimed total ignorance of gaming in general but
wanted to try something similar to Tomb Raider, which she enjoyed.  I pulled a
couple of titles for her and answered her questions, trying to find something
she might like.

I was impressed.  My experience with women who don't understand video games is
that they hate them, and would rather berate their gaming boyfriends than sit
down and learn to play the games together. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 22         Sun Jul 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:06 PDT

Someone called yesterday asking for "a Dreamcast paddle."  He meant
controller, but this was just a kid, not someone who grew up with Atari.
Where does he get this lingo?? :)

Another person asked for a Dreamcast remote, and he meant controller, but not
wireless.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 23         Sun Jul 15, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:25 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> I was impressed.  My experience with women who don't understand video
> games is
> that they hate them, and would rather berate their gaming boyfriends
> than sit
> down and learn to play the games together. :)

"Hell hath no fury, like a women's scorn for Sega" -Brodie


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 24         Sun Jul 15, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:25 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> Someone called yesterday asking for "a Dreamcast paddle."  He meant
> controller, but this was just a kid, not someone who grew up with
> Atari.
> Where does he get this lingo?? :)

I remember this very ling being used in the 2600 days.  That Atari came
with four controllers, two joysticks and two paddles.  The Paddles were
analog "steering wheels" if you will:)  Remember Warlords, in that game
you could hook up two sets of paddles and play four player.   The Paddle
I guess was also used in games such as Tempest, and other games.  The
term paddles might have derived from some sort of slang, as games like
Ping Pong use paddles, people just made the association.

Other great paddle games....
Night Driver  Atari 2600
I think Tron had a paddle...
Star Trek Arcade had a paddle;)


I might be misusing the term "paddle";)

Dain Neater


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 25         Sun Jul 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:15 PDT

Dain,

I believe you're using the term "paddle" correctly.  What I don't understand
is how a kid who has never played Warlords or Night Driver in his life - or
even heard of such games - could come to call today's controllers "paddles."
It's baffling. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 26         Wed Jul 18, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 22:59 PDT

> I was impressed.  My exprience with women who don't understand video
> games is that they hate them, and would rather berate their gaming
> boyfriends than sit down and learn to play the games together. :)

What about men who don't understand video games?

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS, Page 590
CoPilot v2.55
Alpha Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 27         Thu Jul 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:15 PDT

> What about men who don't understand video games?

Hmm.  Ya know, I'm not sure I've ever encountered any (except from the older
generations).

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 28         Fri Jul 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:13 PDT

I had a customer who was aware that PSOne games worked on the PS2, but didn't
know PSOne memory cards worked on the PS2.

Basically, he thought Sony released a product on which you could play
thousands of their games, but could not save your data.

Duh. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 29         Sun Jul 22, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 08:05 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

>
> Basically, he thought Sony released a product on which you could play
> thousands of their games, but could not save your data.

RTFM!


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 30         Sun Jul 22, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:35 PDT

Here's another one: more than a handful of customers asking if they're making
Gran Turismo 3 for the PSOne.

WHY?

Upgrade! :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 31         Sun Jul 22, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:20 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> Here's another one: more than a handful of customers asking if they're
> making
> Gran Turismo 3 for the PSOne.

Do you think the
$329.99 for GAme and system
$34.95 for the 8MB memory card
has something to do with it?


Just curious:)

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 32         Sun Jul 22, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:39 PDT

>> Here's another one: more than a handful of customers asking if they're
>> making Gran Turismo 3 for the PSOne.

> Do you think the $329.99 for GAme and system $34.95 for the 8MB memory card
> has something to do with it?

Sure, I can understand that some people don't want to upgrade.  But I think
they're failing to see the video game industry as a place of profit for
publishers.  Why would people who want GT3 upgrade if they could get the game
on their existing PSOne?

In another Internet forum, one woman was upset that she had bought a Nintendo
64 at $99 (placing the purchase after August 2000) and that there are now no
new games being produced, and that the industry expects her to upgrade every
six months.

Systems have shelf lives of five years.  If you want for a system to drop in
price, you have to expect that games will be rare by that time.  You don't
HAVE to upgrade unless you want a steady stream of new games.  IMHO, old
games are often just as fun, and almost always cheaper.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 33         Mon Jul 23, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:28 PDT

That's how I see it.  Buy the previous generation machine cheap, get the games
cheap, play them until you're over them, and by then the next generation is on
the discount rack.

Repeat until you're dead. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 34         Mon Jul 23, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:02 PDT

Besides, why would people want Gran Turismo 3 for PSOne?  It's called Gran
Turismo 2.  The only thing that changed in the PS2 sequel is the graphics.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 35         Mon Jul 23, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 17:29 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> In another Internet forum, one woman was upset that she had bought a
> Nintendo
> 64 at $99 (placing the purchase after August 2000) and that there are
> now no
> new games being produced, and that the industry expects her to upgrade
> every
> six months.

Well, I think that if Nintendo still has systems and are still pushing
them then they need to at least put some games on the shelves....release
some old ones or something.  It's kind of misleading to have product on
the store shelves that you aren't producing anything for and you know
you are going to kill in 3.5 months.  In fact, if I was a store clerk, I
would most likely see myself talking someone out of such a purchase,
unless they knew all the facts.  November isn't all that far off for the
Gamecube's release.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 36         Mon Jul 23, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 17:29 PDT

Replying to 'Sheppy' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> That's how I see it.  Buy the previous generation machine cheap, get
> the games
> cheap, play them until you're over them, and by then the next
> generation is on
> the discount rack.
>
> Repeat until you're dead. :)

Sheppy,
  I have been doing quite a bit of that lately although, I bought the
N64 right when it came out.  I had one game for a long time, Mario 64.
My Nintendo 64 collect much dust while I was working two jobs and then I
bought Wave Race 64 used, and a few other games.   I have also been able
to pick up some great games cheap at a few used places.  It is much
cheaper that way.  Of course, I have more time now(one job) so now I can
actually play games when they come out.


Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 37         Mon Jul 23, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:34 PDT

Dain,

> if I was a store clerk, I would most likely see myself talking someone out of
> such a purchase, unless they knew all the facts. November isn't all that far
> off for the Gamecube's release.

GameCube will cost $100 more than N64, and games will come on discs, which
aren't as kid-friendly.  There are still reasons to get a dying system. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 38         Thu Aug 02, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:53 PDT

Web sites need to be clearer about when they're reporting Japanese news.
We've had several customers into the store looking for Final Fantasy X, saying
they read online that it came out a few weeks ago.  It did - in Japan.  The
American release is not until January 2002.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 39         Thu Aug 02, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 16:23 PDT

> Of course, I have more time now(one job)

Wimp. ;-)
-
Ryan
Two jobs, three jobs, four jobs?

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 40         Sat Aug 04, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:28 PDT

Is it not considered proper when working the register to substitute "May I
help the next person in line?" with "Who wants some?!?"

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 41         Sun Aug 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:53 PDT

The proper response to "How are you today?" is not "Hi."

The proper response to "Would you like a bag?" is not "Yeah."

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 42         Mon Aug 06, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:08 PDT

Someone called today asking how much the RF adaptor for the Dreamcast was.  I
told him $10.  He thanked me and hung up.

He called back five minutes later to ask how much that'd be with tax (which is
5% in MA).

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 43         Sun Aug 12, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:00 PDT

Talk about time displacement - someone came into the store yesterday asking if
we carried Atari 2600 games. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 44         Sun Aug 12, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 13:50 PDT

Heh, 2600 games: "This store didn't even exist when people were carrying 2600
games." :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 45         Thu Aug 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:31 PDT

A customer came in this evening and asked me a question.  Before I could
answer, I was nearly knocked over by the incredible stench of cigarette smoke
he had carried in with him.  Good Lord.

Earlier there was a young lady whom I saw a young man approach and reach to
put a necklace on her.  It at first appeared that they were not together, so I
called out, "Please refrain from garroting the customers.  Thanks!"

He had no idea what I was talking about.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 46         Thu Aug 16, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 22:19 PDT

> A customer came in this evening and asked me a question.  Before I could
> answer, I was nearly knocked over by the incredible stench of cigarette
> smoke he had carried in with him.

I've had mail order packages (lots from Apple II folks) who had really bad
tobacco smell.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 47         Thu Aug 16, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:52 PDT

>>>I've had mail order packages (lots from Apple II folks) who had really bad
tobacco smell.

Ugh, this has happened to me too.  Nothing sucks like opening a package and
being overwhemed by the reek of cigarette smoke.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 48         Thu Aug 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 23:24 PDT

Today, one guy asked me, "Aren't you the paper's movie critic?"

Yes I am, and thanks for not reading my column.

Now I'll have to ask you to leave.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 49         Fri Aug 17, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:35 PDT

>>>Today, one guy asked me, "Aren't you the paper's movie critic?"

LOL -- at least he recognized your name vaguely.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 50         Fri Aug 17, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:54 PDT

>> Today, one guy asked me, "Aren't you the paper's movie critic?"
>
> LOL -- at least he recognized your name vaguely.

Prolly more the face than the name; my nametag says "Kenny G" which probably
doesn't immediately prompt people to think "Ken Gagne".  I've had people ask,
"Hey, aren't you Keith Gagne?" etc.

Unfortunately, the picture of me in the paper is absolutely terrible, and is
four years old.  I need a new one.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 51         Fri Aug 17, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:36 PDT

Wow, you get your picture in the paper?  You dog.  It's like a weekly chick ad
for you. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 52         Fri Aug 17, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:13 PDT

> Wow, you get your picture in the paper? You dog. It's like a weekly chick ad
> for you. :)

Oh yeah, it's a regular chick magnet.

Unfortunately, we're of the same pole.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 53         Wed Aug 22, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:03 PDT

A month ago, I was surprised at the number of people disappointed that Gran
Turismo 3 was not also for PSOne.

Now I'm surprised at the number of people disappointed that Syphon Filter 3
will not also be for PS2.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 54         Fri Aug 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:37 PDT

Customer came in asking for "a television connector for a Genesis?  Saturn?"

Okay, it's a Sega machine... I grab the Genesis RF adaptor.  "No, my machine
doesn't have a connector like that," he says.  Well, what you're holding
works with the Genesis.  Is that what you have?  "I have a Genesis Saturn."
Which one, a Genesis or a Saturn?  "It's both."  No sir, a Genesis takes
cartridges, like these... and a Saturn is a CD-ROM system which takes these.
"Yeah, mine takes both."

This guy must've just gotten his Saturn console and had not yet realized that
the slot on the top is for a memory card, not a Genesis cart.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 55         Fri Aug 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:39 PDT

Speaking of getting my picture in the paper, I always thought it would be fun
to have a gallery of headshots to use depending on subject of the game being
reviewed that week:

Wearing a medieval helmet for RPGs
Face paint for sports
Driver's helmet for racers
Bandanna for fighters

etc. :)

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 56         Fri Aug 24, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 10:08 PDT

>>>This guy must've just gotten his Saturn console and had not yet realized
that the slot on the top is for a memory card, not a Genesis cart.

Wasn't there a CD option thing for the Genesis that never went anywhere?

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 57         Fri Aug 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:56 PDT

Sheppy,

There was a Sega CD drive that had a few games.  Even worse was the 32X, a
32-bit upgrade for the Genesis that was advertised as allowing people to
"upgrade" rather than buy a whole new system (the Saturn).  32X games came on
either cartridges or CDs, the latter which required the Sega CD as well.

Did you also know that Nintendo and Sony were working on a CD-ROM drive for
the Super Nintendo?  Nintendo scrapped it but Sony had already invested a lot
of time and effort into it, so they reworked it and released it as the
PlayStation. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 58         Mon Aug 27, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:24 PDT

This is supposedly an excerpt from a job interview my manager recently
conducted:

Female Applicant: "You don't have many women who work here, do you?"

Manager: "Just one, actually."

Applicant: "Oh, you mean that blonde bimbo?"

Manager: "Oh, you mean my niece?"

Applicant: "... Oops."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 59         Mon Aug 27, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 20:47 PDT

Ouch.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 60         Thu Aug 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:10 PDT

A young man tried to return a defective Dreamcast yesterday.  He had the
original packaging, and his receipt, which showed it was within the seven
days' store warranty.  I pulled out the unit and compared its serial number
to the one on the receipt.

Completely different.  He was trying to return a system other than the one he
bought.  I told him this and he briefly protested, once, then took the system
and left.  No fight, no argument.

On Sunday I had a similar situation, except the gentleman had no receipt.
Even though I distinctly remembered selling it to him, without being able to
compare the serial numbers, I could not accept the return.  He didn't handle
it well and said I was not offering him good service and that I would never
become a manager with this attitude.  Although my nametag says "Kenny G," he
called me "Ken" and "Kenneth".  It was a bit unsettling.

He called back the next day and spoke to the store manager, who found a copy
of his receipt which would allow the return to take place, assuming the
serial numbers matched.  The customer thanked Brian and said he'd be down
that night - but he never showed up.

I'm wondering if he became busy, or if we called his bluff.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 61         Thu Aug 30, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 22:27 PDT

> I'm wondering if he became busy, or if we called his bluff.

Five bucks on the latter.

Remember, I used to be a retail manager too, in a past life.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 62         Fri Aug 31, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:30 PDT

One thing that surprised me was, when I told the guy to come back tomorrow and
talk to the manager, he asked if he could leave his broken PS2 at the store,
rather than lug it home and back to the mall again.  I said no, though I
failed to explain it was because we couldn't accept liability for anything
that would happen to it.  Plus, what if he came back and said the PS2 was
working when he left it with us?

My dad's in commercial real estate and I hear about liability a lot, so it
just seemed like common sense to me.  Nonetheless, the customer was upset.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 63         Sun Sep 02, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:32 PDT

The gentleman finally did show and exchanged his defective PSX - so I guess he
wasn't trying ot pull a fast one.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 64         Mon Sep 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:38 PDT

The gentleman with the defective PSX had tried to make the return with a
friend of his.  The friend came in today to make a purchase and wanted to pay
by check, but had no photo ID with him, which we require for such a
transaction.  I had to turn him down.

These guys are never prepared; regardless, they must really hate me now. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 65         Mon Sep 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:40 PDT

The morning of Friday, September 21st, will be my last day at the game store.

An expected promotion did not come through and left me in a position with an
unlivable salary, which leaves me with little choice but to seek employment
elsewhere.

Anyone want some new games at 25% off? <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 66         Tue Sep 04, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 09:09 PDT

> The morning of Friday, September 21st, will be my last day at the game
> store.

Good luck, Ken. . .

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 67         Wed Sep 12, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:25 PDT

The mall closed at 2:00 PM yesterday.  Our store had a total of nine
transactions in the four hours it was open.

This morning I received calls from customers wanting to know what games we're
expecting this week.

I wanted to scream.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 68         Wed Sep 12, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 23:55 PDT

> I wanted to scream.

I still do.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 69         Thu Sep 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:46 PDT

One time when the phone rang, I did scream.  I didn't know there was a
customer in the store at the time.

I also wanted to scream everytime I handed back change to someone and they
didn't drop it in the Red Cross relief fund bowl sitting right in front of
them.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 70         Fri Sep 14, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:51 PDT

Cross-posted in the WTC Community, page 1600.

When I opened Wednesday morning, I placed a bowl for Red Cross relief fund
donations on the counter.  The other keyholder kept it there when he closed.

When the store manager came in Thursday morning, he got rid of it.  Violated
corporate policy.

Tonight I sent an email to the district manager, not describing what has
already transpired in our store, but just asking, isn't there something we can
do?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 71         Sat Sep 22, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:26 PDT

Check out http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2001-09-21

It's not too far from the truth.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 72         Sat Sep 22, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:53 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> Check out http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2001-09-21

The sad part about all this talk is that if the rumors are true.
Retailers might be fighting over 300,000 units of the XBox for the
Christmas season.  It's almost as if they are "pulling a Sony".

We'll see.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 73         Sat Sep 22, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 23:05 PDT

Microsoft's evil promotion machine strikes again, huh?  Doing the same thing
in the console business they did in the OS business.  Rotten scumbags.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 74         Sun Sep 23, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:38 PDT

> Microsoft's evil promotion machine strikes again, huh? Doing the same thing
> in the console business they did in the OS business.

If you read the news article associated with that comic strip, you'll find
that Sony was doing the same thing not that long ago: demanding that stores
pull their Xbox promotional materials in order to get their allotment of
PlayStation 2 units.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 75         Sun Sep 23, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:18 PDT

Evil, evil, evil.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 77         Tue Oct 09, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:54 PDT

Since I've become employed, I feel like I'm doing some of my best writing
ever.

Shoot. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 78         Tue Oct 09, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:00 PDT

>>>Since I've become employed, I feel like I'm doing some of my best writing
ever.

Receipts? :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 79         Wed Oct 10, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 00:19 PDT

Employed as what?

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 80         Wed Oct 10, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:42 PDT

Oops - there's a gaffe.  I meant *un*employed.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 81         Thu Nov 01, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:31 PDT

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has a ratings system similar to
movies, to which almost all video and computer games subject themselves.
Ratings include "E" for Everyone, "T" for Teen (13+), and "M" for Mature
(17+).  Additional descriptive labels include "Animated Violence,"
"Drug/Alcohol Use," "Comic Mischief," etc.

Many retail stores are now enforcing the "M" rating, refusing to sell games to
children without valid ID or a parent.

What do you think of that?  Sure, it may cut back on sales, but let's not
consider the financial aspect.  Do violent games really need to be restricted
at the store level?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 82         Thu Nov 01, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:49 PDT

>>>What do you think of that?  Sure, it may cut back on sales, but let's not
consider the financial aspect.  Do violent games really need to be restricted
at the store level?

I think they should be.  It's really the only way to keep inappropriate
material out of the hands of people that shouldn't have it... and if a parent
actually thinks it is appropriate, fine, they can buy it for their kid.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 83         Thu Nov 01, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 19:22 PDT

>> Do violent games really need to be restricted at the store level?

If not there, then where?

> I think they should be

I tend to agree, but need more data first.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop and Head Geek, A2
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 84         Thu Nov 01, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:55 PDT

Ryan,

>> Do violent games really need to be restricted at the store level?
>
> If not there, then where?

The home level.

> I tend to agree, but need more data first.

Anything I can provide?

A recent ieMagazine interview with store employees said that parents who are
brought to the store to allow their children to buy an 'M'-rated game are
appreciative of the restriction.  My experience was just the opposite, and I
can understand why: if a parent thinks it's okay for a kid to be playing
mature games, then it's silly for the store to stop them from doing so.  It
is, after all, just a video game (in their opinion).

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 85         Thu Nov 01, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:15 PDT

Parents don't tend to be involved enough in their kids' lives.  Letting kids
buy M-rated games without a parent present is just helping bad parents stay
that way.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 86         Tue Dec 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:42 PDT

I just got robbed at Blockbuster.  They charge $1 more for Xbox and GameCube
games than they do for PS2 or Dreamcast discs.  That brought the total price
up to $6.29 - not cheap.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 87         Wed Dec 12, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:46 PDT

Well... considering the Xbox is a ripoff anyway... :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 88         Thu Dec 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:51 PDT

Last week I brought my former manager a batch of cookies, "to show there are
no hard feelings over you firing me."

"I didn't fire you!" he protested.

"Huh... I guess there are some hard feelings after all."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 97         Fri Feb 22, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:42 PDT

Lady 1: "Thanks for calling Blockbuster, how may I help you?"
Ken   : "Do you have The Shawshank Redemption on DVD?"
Lady 1: "What is it?"
Ken   : "The Shawshank Redemption."
Lady 1: "I can't understand you."
Ken   : "SHAWSHANK - REDEMPTION.  With Tim Robbins."
Lady 1: "Just a moment." <click!>...
Lady 2: "How may I help you?"
Ken   : "Do you have The Shawshank Redemption on DVD?"
Lady 2: "To rent or to buy?"
Ken   : "To rent, please."
Lady 2: <type type type> "... We have one for $14.99."
Ken   : "To rent?!"
Lady 2: "It's $14.99 to buy.  We have one for rent too."
Ken   : "Gee, thanks." <click!>

I went to a local Mom & Pop store instead.  They offered two free rentals to
anyone who cut up a Blockbuster card. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 98         Sat Feb 23, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:28 PDT

>>>I went to a local Mom & Pop store instead.  They offered two free rentals
to anyone who cut up a Blockbuster card. :)

LOL

Amazing the talent Blockbuster finds. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 99         Thu Apr 18, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:51 PDT

Whoa - deja vu.

I start next week at the same retail store chain I worked at from June to
September.  Different location - this one is two miles from my house, not 22.

Last time, I went at this job full-time, with no other intention.  This time,
it's a part-time job while I look for something more suitable to my
background, but have bills to pay in the meantime.

Unlike my last store, I'll be the lowest level of sales associate, with no
managerial powers or responsibilities.  But like my last store, I'll be making
the same hourly wage.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 100        Sun Apr 28, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:44 PDT


Ken,
  I look forward to more "A Day at the Store" stories.  Nothing like hearing
what the "normal" people are up to.

btw.  Do you guys sell used Super Nintendos?  Mine has mysteriously gone all
Black and White all the time:)


Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 101        Mon Apr 29, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:17 PDT

Dain,

I return to work today, so I'll see what stories I can record. :)

I'm not sure about used Super Nintendos.  If a used one is brought in to be
sold to the store, then it will be sold back to any customer who wants it,
just like used games are.  So the availability is dependent on whether or not
customers have used consoles to sell to the store in the first place.

Have you considered trying a new RF switch, or maybe some A/V cables, to
connect your console?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 102        Mon Apr 29, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 22:46 PDT


Ken,
  It is definitely an internal issue with the SNES.  I have tried all the same
cables that the Gamecube(and N64) use.  Both get full color.  The SNES is Black
and white....I guess it makes me feel really Retro:)

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 103        Tue Apr 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:34 PDT

Dain,

Used SNES, $40.  Used NES, $50.  Go fig. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 104        Sat May 04, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:09 PDT

I was working on Wednesday when Resident Evil for GameCube came out.  One
customer who's reserved it came to collect his copy; in the course of the
transaction, I fumbled and dropped the game box.

He insisted I give him a different copy, one that "hasn't hit the floor."

Weirdo.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 105        Thu May 09, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 08:50 PDT

>>>He insisted I give him a different copy, one that "hasn't hit the floor."

I would have done the same, for two reasons...

1. The "just in case" factor.  What if something got broken when it was
dropped?

2. I'm really fussy about having all my stuff be in new condition.  Books,
software boxes, hardware.  If it doesn't look like I swiped it off the
assembly line, it bugs the hell out of me.  This is part of the reason why I
almost never buy anything used.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 107        Wed May 15, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:12 PDT

The PS2 dropped in price yesterday, and the store has sold quite a few units
as a result.

The Xbox dropped in price today, and the only person to take advantage of the
new MSRP so far has been me.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 108        Thu May 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:48 PDT

I had some idiot customers tonight.  One was interested in purchasing a
Codebreaker, a Game Shark-like device for the PS2.  I handed him one so he
could look at it.  The plastic case it comes in can be opened without ripping
it, so he opened it up and took the CD out for inspection, even though he
hadn't bought it - or the right to open it - yet.

"This looks like it's been used.  There are smudges on it," he complained.

"Maybe the last person to consider buying it opened it without asking first,
too," I wanted to reply.

Sigh.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 109        Sun Jun 02, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:18 PDT

>>>"Maybe the last person to consider buying it opened it without asking
first, too," I wanted to reply.

I find it truly amazing how slow-witted some people can be. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 110        Mon Jun 03, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:18 PDT

There exist adaptors to use one system's controllers on another console - for
example. PlayStation joysticks on an Xbox.  One customer asked me if that
meant PSX games could be played on the Xbox, too.  A second customer who
wasn't looking at the adaptor also asked if the Xbox had this capability.
These are questions I haven't gotten since before the Xbox came out.

The first customer also asked me how to download and burn PSX games, because
he was going to get the "mode chip".  I told him I couldn't help him with
that, and proceeded to ring the transaction and ignore all other comments he
and his wife made on the subject.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 111        Mon Jun 03, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:55 PDT


You should have taken his money and beaten him over the head with his copy of
State of Emergency.

Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 112        Sun Jun 09, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:33 PDT

Three observations from last night's shift:

1) One of the most annoying kind of customers are those who try to ask me a
question when I'm very obviously helping another customer.  I alternate
between offering brief answers, and telling them unkindly, "I'll be with you
when I'm through helping this customer."

2) A gentleman called last night to ask for help getting his PS2 and memory
card to work.  He bought neither of the items at our store.  I'm willing to
provide good service in the hopes of getting his future business, but still -
geez, call the guys you bought it from, dude.

3) I was ringing up a kid buying a computer game when his friend asked him,
"Hey, can you burn me a copy whe you're done?"  I suggested they shouldn't
say that in front of me, to which he replied, "Whaddya gonna go, arrest me?"

Good question.  What can I do?  Refuse to sell them the item?  The store
manager agreed that it's a good question, and will mention it in an email to
her district manager.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 113        Mon Jun 10, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:45 PDT

>>>Good question.  What can I do?  Refuse to sell them the item?  The store
manager agreed that it's a good question, and will mention it in an email to
her district manager.

Well, you could contact the SPA and the publisher of the software. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 114        Wed Jul 03, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:25 PDT

I wasn't working this past weekend when I walked into a competing software
store.  Without any prompting on my part, I received a very aggressive sales
pitch for WarCraft III.  I almost hated to break the news to them. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 115        Sat Jul 06, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:03 PDT

"I'd like to return this computer program.  It's defective."

"How so?"

"It won't run."

"Why won't it run?"

"It requires Windows 98, and I have Windows 95."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 116        Mon Jul 08, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:49 PDT

>>>"It requires Windows 98, and I have Windows 95."

Well, if it requires Windows, it's defective. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 117        Fri Aug 09, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:16 PDT

Electronics Boutique was having a special yesterday to celebrate the opening
of its 1,000th store.  One of the deals was on trade-ins: $10 for any DVD.
That's a good price, as most movies will net you only $2-$5 each.  I brought
in seven discs (some were free with the player; some I didn't like; others
I'd paid $10 or less for to begin with) and would've normally gotten $21, but
instead for $70 in store credit.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 118        Thu Aug 15, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:53 PDT

Twice in the past week, I've had customers asking me for music CD-Rs - which
are different from data CD-Rs.  They had to be labeled appropriately or they
wouldn't buy them.

Sigh. ;)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 119        Sat Aug 17, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:24 PDT

>>>Twice in the past week, I've had customers asking me for music CD-Rs -
which are different from data CD-Rs.  They had to be labeled appropriately or
they wouldn't buy them.

Hokay. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 120        Sun Aug 18, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:23 PDT


There are special CD recorders that you can buy that don't require a computer
to make your own CD's with.  Basically, these players do not handle computer
data in anyway and require (so I have been told" to use Music CD-Rs, not data
ones.  It seems that basically Music CD-Rs have, like blank tapes, some built
in fees that go to the RIAA to pay for the pirating that goes on.  Basically,
those recorders need to see a digital signature or they will not record.

Just another way for the RIAA to look you in the eye and say "I hope you enjoy
that CD you just bought, Criminal".

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 121        Sun Aug 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:12 PDT

Rude customers:

1) One that starts berating the Macintosh platform and, upon hearing the
cashier holding his credit card is a Mac user, doesn't relent.

2) A customer who buys a PlayStation 2 for his kids, all the while talking
about what a waste of time and money video games are.  You're not going to
convince us, dude.

3) Some guys are in such a rush, they rip off the receipt themselves as soon
as it's printed, without waiting for me to either hand it to them or put it in
the bag with their product.  Too bad for them, the first receipt that's
printed is clearly labeled "STORE COPY"; the second receipt is labeled
"CUSTOMER COPY".  So when they help themselves to the first receipt, I need to
ask them to return it.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 122        Mon Aug 26, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 10:46 PDT

>>>2) A customer who buys a PlayStation 2 for his kids, all the while talking
about what a waste of time and money video games are.

Good to know who's in charge in that house. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 123        Wed Aug 28, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:21 PDT

Super Mario Sunshine came out yesterday.  In the four months I've been working
at my current game store, it's the biggest release I've seen yet.  We had
dozens of reserved copies and people are coming in asking for it all the time.

So much for GameCube sucking. :)

OTOH, every other phone call I got was asking for Onimusha 2, SOCOM, or the
PS2 Network Adaptor - all which *shipped* yesterday, but wouldn't be in until
today.

At one point I almost confused a conversation I was having with my greeting to
a phone call that interrupted us; I nearly said, "Thanks for calling the U.S.
Navy Seals..."

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 124        Wed Aug 28, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 10:36 PDT

>>>At one point I almost confused a conversation I was having with my greeting
to a phone call that interrupted us; I nearly said, "Thanks for calling the
U.S.  Navy Seals..."

"If you're calling to inade Iraq, please press 1.  If you need support in
Afghanistan, press 2.  If you just like guys in wetsuits, press 3."

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 125        Wed Aug 28, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:22 PDT

I get to where fatigues to work, to help promote today's release of
SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals. :)

The only camoflagued clothing I own is a promotional t-shirt I received with
Dino Crisis 2 a few years ago.  Hopefully no one will notice.

Capcom sent me a copy of Onimusha 2 with t-shirt.  I'll wear that tomorrow to
promote today's release of Onimusha 2.

It's a nice change from the otherwise strict, "no t-shirt" policy my workplace
has.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 126        Fri Aug 30, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 10:53 PDT

>>>I get to where fatigues to work

Where? :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 127        Fri Aug 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:51 PDT

>> I get to where fatigues to work
>
> Where? :)

Obviously, I was fatigued. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 128        Fri Aug 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:53 PDT

I rang up a customer tonight and informed him of the final price of roughly
$50.  Reaching for his credit card, he exclaimed, "$50!  That's a crazy price
for a game."

Attempting to comment on the fact that games cost only as much as people are
willing to pay, I grinned and replied, "And yet you're buying it.  How crazy
is that?"

Ten minutes later, the customer brought the item back, wishing to return it.

"May I ask why?" I inquired.

"Yeah.  One, I found it cheaper; and two, your comment didn't sit well with
me."

Confused, I asked, "What comment?"

"That I'm stupid for buying this game."

Wow. That was a new one.  I never meant to suggest he was stupid for buying
the game.

Now, ask me what I think of him for *returning* it... <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 129        Fri Aug 30, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:15 PDT

>>>Attempting to comment on the fact that games cost only as much as people
are willing to pay, I grinned and replied, "And yet you're buying it.  How
crazy is that?"

I'd have taken that the wrong way too.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 130        Thu Sep 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:10 PDT

So many people come into my store looking for AOL startup disks - it's
ridiculous.  From what I've gathered, they need them because their computers
have crashed, the hard drives are reformatted, and all the software needs to
be reinstalled.

Do so few people know the value of making backups, or holding onto the
original installation CDs?

Even more people will come to the counter with one of our bargain-bin games
and ask, "This box says the game will run on Windows 95 and 98.  Will it run
on my Windows XP?"  I'm not sure how the customer expects me to know the
answer to that...

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 131        Sat Sep 21, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 12:50 PDT

>>>Even more people will come to the counter with one of our bargain-bin games
and ask, "This box says the game will run on Windows 95 and 98.  Will it run
on my Windows XP?"  I'm not sure how the customer expects me to know the
answer to that...

Well, I think it's reasonable for them to ask.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 132        Fri Oct 18, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:41 PDT

The chain of stores I work for is offering a bundle deal on new systems: buy a
PS2, Xbox, or GameCube with two games ($49.99/ea. or more) and an accessory
($19.99 or more) and get a $50 mail-in rebate.  Not bad.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 133        Sun Oct 20, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:26 PDT

Hm.  That is good.  Still doesn't get them down under $99. :)

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 134        Wed Oct 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:03 PDT

The other day, I had a gentleman buying Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 for the
computer.  He explained to me how he couldn't get it to install the first time
he bought it.

"If you already bought it, why do you need to buy it again?" I asked.

"Because," he answered, "I got so frustrated that I snapped the CD in half."

I quickly completed the transaction and sent him on his way. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 135        Thu Oct 31, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 18:50 PDT

>>>I quickly completed the transaction and sent him on his way. :)

Wise. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 136        Fri Nov 01, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:24 PDT


Ken,

  I was wondering..in your trials at the store, have you ever seen what people
do to screw up the controllers so badly on those demo Kiosks.  I cannot figure
how the heck the do that.  I've never broken a controller in all my days of
gaming, but some of these things on fairly new consoles looks like they went
through re-entry.

Just curious,
Have fun.

Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 137        Fri Nov 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:15 PDT

Dain,

Pulling the plastic tops off the analog sticks is apparently a popular pastime
with some store gamers.  Dunno why.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 138        Fri Dec 06, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:03 PDT

I had a customer the other day who wanted a computer baseball game that was
"interactive".  I could not extract a more detailed description from her,
except that all the baseball games we had were inadequate.

Dumbfounded, I was. (that seems to be happening a lot lately)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 139        Sat Dec 07, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:46 PDT


Interactive eh?  Baseball eh?  Maybe you should have pointed her to one of
those General Manager type baseball games.  Baseball Mogul or something like
that.  Those are the exact opposite of interactive, but it's incredibly
different than what you have....Stats Stats Stats...

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 140        Sun Dec 08, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 14:25 PDT

>>>Interactive eh?  Baseball eh?  Maybe you should have pointed her to one of
those General Manager type baseball games.

Or the nearest sporting goods store.  You can get a real interactive baseball
game together there. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 141        Mon Dec 09, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 16:27 PDT


I have a sneaking suspicion that if you handed every kid in America a baseball,
about 50 percent of them would be a little confused about the little round
thing you just handed them.

It's a different world:)

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 142        Sat Dec 21, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:14 PDT

Yesterday was my last shift until after Christmas.  I'm relieved, but not
looking forward to processing all the returns.

Each shift I worked this week, I was asked for various games that don't
exist.  Of course, nothing I could say would convince such a customer
otherwise...

When I've not been at work, I was rehearsaling for a Christmas musical I was
in.  My manager gave me all the time off I needed for all the rehearsals.
When when it came to production week, she knowingly scheduled me the same
night as a performance.  She said there was no one else available for that
night, so I had to be there.  Uh, no: it's a bit hard to do a show about the
Three Wise Men with only two of them.  I tried to find someone to cover for
my shift, and when I couldn't, I told her I'd not be at work that night.
There have been no repercussions.

Still, though... that's not much of a holiday spirit for her to tell me she
didn't care what my other obligations were.  Oh well.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 143        Sat Dec 28, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:12 PDT

Sony recently sent me a half-dozen stickers as part of a buddy program: refer
a friend to the PlayStation 2, and when they put your sticker (with your
personalized serial number) on their warranty card and send it in, you'll both
get a free gift: either Spider-Man movie DVD, the DVD movie XXX, or a strategy
guide for 30 PS2 games.

I don't know anyone who wants to buy a PS2... but I happen to work at a store
that sells them.

I went through all six in a matter of hours. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 144        Sun Dec 29, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 04:33 PDT

>>>I went through all six in a matter of hours. :)


Hehehe :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 145        Sun Dec 29, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:23 PDT

Two amazing credit cards I came across this week:

- One customer had signed his name directly onto the magnetic strip.

- Another customer had signed her name in the correct place on her debit card
- and right next to it wrote her login name and password for her online
banking account.

Sheesh.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 146        Sun Dec 29, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:31 PDT

Did you copy down her login information so you could hit the "send email"
button using her account to tell her bank she's too stupid to be trusted with
an account? :)

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 147        Sat Jan 11, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:18 PDT

A couple of recent misunderstandings:

- A gentleman returned the PC program Microsoft Flight Simulator because it
wouldn't work on his Xbox.  "It says 'Microsoft' on it..."

- One customer was looking for address book software.  I recommended she use
a database or spreadsheet program, but she said that was too complicated.  I
replied that we didn't have any commercial products as specialized as she was
looking for, but she might be able to go online and download a shareware
program.  She gathered I was recommending a specific program by the name of
"Shareware".  Oops.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 148        Tue Feb 25, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:28 PDT

A customer inadvertently gave me a chuckle yesterday:

Customer: "Do you have Master of Orion III?"
Ken: "No, it doesn't come out until Wednesday."
Customer: <to friends> "Come on, guys, let's try another store."

I inadvertently gave a customer a chuckle yesterday:

Customer: "Why is 'The Getaway' rated 'M' for Mature?"
Ken: "For violence, blood, alcohol and drug use, and sexual content."
Customer: "How strong is the sexual content?"
Ken: "I haven't gotten that far yet."

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 149        Thu Feb 27, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:50 PDT

>>>Ken: "I haven't gotten that far yet."

Hehehe :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 150        Fri Mar 07, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:39 PDT

I'll never cease to be amazed by customers who ask if there's a Mario game for
the PlayStation.  How do they think this industry works?

Yes, I realize Sonic the Hedgehog now appears on Nintendo systems, and I
would've scoffed at any consumer who five years ago would've asked for such a
beast.  But I don't think it's a great demand, either then or now, that
consumers have some working knowledge of the industry they're supporting.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 151        Sun Mar 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:30 PDT

I had a most stunning and insulting customer the other day.

A businessman, apparently on lunch break, came into the store and had
questions about the PlayStation 2 network adaptor.  I asked him if he had
broadband.

"DUH!  Of course I do!"

I confusedly apologized for asking an apparently dumb question.  He explained
himself: "Come on, look at me.  I wear a tie.  I think I can afford broadband."

I was nearly struck dumb.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 152        Mon Mar 10, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:52 PDT

>>>I confusedly apologized for asking an apparently dumb question.  He
explained himself: "Come on, look at me.  I wear a tie.  I think I can afford
broadband."

Sounds to me like he should be more worried about sounding too stupid to know
how to pick up a phone and order it.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 153        Thu May 01, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:28 PDT

Things at my store have not been going well.  A high amount of shrink (lost or
stolen goods) prompted the employee privilege of borrowing games to be
revoked.  Also, neither I nor any of my coworkers were consistently meeting
quota on certain items we had to sell.  Our store manager, who'd been with the
company for five years, was fired, and anyone else not meeting quota was
likely to go next.

Today, I submitted to the new manager my two-week notice.  When I return from
E3, I will no longer be working in retail.

Big whoop. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 154        Thu May 01, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 16:40 PDT

>>>Today, I submitted to the new manager my two-week notice.  When I return
from E3, I will no longer be working in retail.

Well, any plans for what to do aver E3?

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 155        Thu May 01, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:56 PDT


Quotas are a horrible idea for sales people.  That's all we need are a bunch of
sales people breathing down our neck.  I wonder how they expect the new people
to meet those same quotas.

I hope you have fun at E3.  I'll be there in spirit:)


Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 156        Thu May 01, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:14 PDT

Sheppy,

> Well, any plans for what to do aver E3?

Aver?  Do you mean over or after?  If after, then nothing firm.  I've been in
and out of retail for the last seven years, and am a bit tired of it. :)  I
have my day job still, which is my main source of income.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 157        Thu May 01, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:15 PDT

Dain, I agree.  I quit my job as a talent scout partly due to its quota-driven
nature.  I also find I don't respond well to threats, such as the one handed
down a few weeks ago to my former manager: "Fire anyone who isn't meeting
quota."  Seeya.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 158        Sat May 03, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:43 PDT


Selling and retaining customers is one thing...but heavy handed pushing on
people to buy will do nothing but drive customers off in the long run.  I think
salesmen need to be helpful, but the second they try to get pushy and sell me
something I don't want..then seeya.



Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 159        Sat May 03, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:43 PDT

Dain, it's especially difficult to sell a product to the same clientele over
and over.  We have many repeat customers, and I can sell them the same thing
only once.

Our store is extending a promotion by a few days, through the weekend - to
capitalize on Cinco de Mayo.  Uh, hello?  Is that a big holiday - especially
in the USA - especially one that drives video game sales? ;)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 160        Sun May 04, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 11:57 PDT


I would buy from places like Gamestop more often if I didn't feel like I was
getting a major attitude from the workers there most of the time.  It's hard to
buy a Nintendo game without getting some kind of negative comment about it from
the counter guy near here.  It's like when I used to go into Circuit City to
look at the Macs (and maybe buy one) and you'd get this...why would you want to
buy that trash kind of talk from their PC experts.  Now if I ask, what are your
thoughts on this game system versus this one...I don't mind their comments, but
unsolicited comments about stuff that I am buying or am even interested in is
not a way to win over customers.

It drives them to places with no service...because none is preferable to bad.

Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 161        Sun May 04, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:06 PDT

Dain,

I'm a pro-GameCube employee who has to listen to a lot of Nintendo trash talk
from the customers.  Job'd be great if not for them. ;)

My store is extending a current promotion by a few days, through this coming
weekend - in order to capitalize on Cinco de Mayo.  Uh... Is that holiday even
noticed around here?  And what effect does it have on video game sales?

Goofy. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 162        Mon May 05, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:18 PDT


Regardless of where the negative comments come from...I've never quite
understood, how your choice of gaming platform (or computer for that matter)
really makes all that much difference.  Just poking through some of the online
forums at some of these gaming sites reveals game console zealotry that is just
pointless.

It's like somehow someone owns something different than the norm..then they are
somehow some kind of freak.  I don't think people realize how bad the game
industry would be right now with no competition.

I'd love to buy every console...I just have to settle for one for now.  A.  My
wife most likely wouldn't understand...and B.  I already can't play all the
games I have for my cube.

Dain




 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 163        Thu May 08, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:58 PDT

Well, that stinks.  I was supposed to work the closing shift, but some
"manager-in-training" I'd never heard of called me from my store and told me
not to come in tonight.

That was to be my last shift.  So instead I had my last shift last week,
without even knowing it.

Not working this week also means my employee discounts expires two weeks
earlier than if I had worked.

Grr.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 165        Sun Aug 10, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:04 PDT

GameStop has adjusted its return policy to match its competitors:
return/exchange on opened products for same item only.

That blows, IMHO.  I think their return policy is the only thing (other than
knowledgeable staff) that set them apart from bigger electronics stores, like
Best Buy, and which justified their higher mark-up.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 166        Mon Aug 11, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:38 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 2 Topic 9:

> GameStop has adjusted its return policy to match its competitors:
> return/exchange on opened products for same item only.
>
> That blows, IMHO.  I think their return policy is the only thing
(other
> than knowledgeable staff) that set them apart from bigger electronics
> stores, like Best Buy, and which justified their higher mark-up.

They usually do have a much better selection of games.  You usually can
find older games at a Gamestop that you can't at Best Buy.  Especially
the smaller hyped titles.  For instance you could go to Best Buy right
now and not find Skies of Arcadia, but I bet you could at Gamestop.
It's also easier to pre-order there.  Price is usually a pretty large
factor for me though.  If their prices don't come down to match, then I
most likely won't buy the game unless I can't find it anywhere else.

Dain


 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 167        Tue Feb 24, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:39 PDT

I went to GameStop to renew my membership card yesterday.  Much to my
irritation, they would not let me renew my existing membership, because I did
not have my expired card with me.  I had the membership number, which they
could have simply typed into the computer, and I explained to them that I
hadn't lost the card, I simply didn't have it with me, but they still insisted
on issuing me a new one.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 168        Fri Apr 30, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:57 PDT

OK, someone is definitely stealing material from my life:

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/?t=archives&date=2003-02-25

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 169        Tue Aug 03, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:48 PDT

One year when I was working as a clerk in a video game rental store, I took a
week off to attend E3.  That year's convention had an appearance by The Great
One, Wayne Gretzky.  I waited in line for over an hour to get his autograph.
Despite the publicity managers trying to keep the line moving, I politely
requested to Mr. Gretzky two autographs: one for me, "Dan"; the other for my
brother, "Shad".

When I got back home, I gave one of the autographs to my store's manager,
Shad.

A week later, I was promoted to assistant manager.

Go fig. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 170        Sat Nov 13, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:30 PDT

I'm concerned about a kiosk I've seen established in several local malls this
holiday season.  They go under the name "Tesoro", though I can find no such
company on the Internet.  The kiosks sell video game controllers that connect
directly to the television and have several games pre-programmed into them,
similar to the Atari 2600 joysticks that became available two years ago.  But
these units are shaped like N64 controllers, and contain software such as
Elevator Action, Duck Hunt, Gyruss, and several others.

These products are obviously illegal bootlegs, yet they are being sold in
legitimate settings.  How can mall management allow such activity?  I wrote a
letter to my local mall but have received no response.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 171        Sat Feb 05, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:11 PDT

I bought a small item at Radio Shack yesterday, then used the cash receipt
later in my mall shopping to take a note.  As I was writing on the receipt, I
noticed that they'd charged me $0.32 more than advertised.

I had no compunction in walking back in and remanding that money back.  I
think the manager was a bit annoyed - it's no less involved a process to
refund a few cents than several dollars - but maybe I taught him to pay
attention to details. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 172        Fri Apr 01, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:35 PDT

I was walking into my local mall to visit GameStop yesterday when I stepped on
an empty cardboard box addressed to that store.  Since the box was nowhere
near the dumpster, it did not seem to have been accidentally discarded, so I
figured I'd return it.  The manager was able to use the tracking number to
determine the package to have contained PSP games that they were supposed to
have received, but did not, that day.  Oops.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 173        Tue Apr 19, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:17 PDT

April 18, 2005 - Game retailer GameStop is in agreement to acquire formal
rival Electronics Boutique (better known as EB Games), according to an
announcement by both companies today. The companies estimate the value of the
transaction, including cash and stock, to be about $1.44 billion.

Story continues at <http://xbox.ign.com/articles/605/605091p1.html>

So much for anti-monopoly laws...

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 174        Tue Oct 18, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:20 PDT

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- The association of video game
retailers sued the state of California Monday to overturn a new law that
would bar minors from renting or buying "violent" games.

The Video Software Dealers Assn. filed the case in federal district court in
San Jose in a bid to have the law declared unconstitutional.

Story continues at
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/fun.games/10/18/video.game.suit.reut/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 175        Sun Nov 06, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:01 PDT

I've been anxiously calling and visiting my local GameStop in the hopes of
finally procuring the oft-delayed Atari Flashback 2.0 console (as described in
Category 33, Topic 5).  It finally arrived on Friday, so I went on Saturday to
pick it up.

Apparently, whoever was responsible for receiving and distributing that day's
arrivals didn't realize the one Flashback console they'd received was
reserved, and so he'd put it on the store floor for sale.

Fortunately, no one had purchased it, as I would've had a hard time remaining
a calm and happy camper had they sold it after me waiting since August to pick
it up.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 176        Sat Apr 01, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:38 PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Unauthorized sales of video games deemed too mature for
children declined last year due to stronger enforcement efforts, the Federal
Trade Commission said Thursday.

An undercover investigation of 406 electronic and video games stores around
the nation found that 42 percent improperly sold games with mature content to
children 16 and younger who weren't accompanied by an adult.

That 2005 figure is a drop from 69 percent in 2003, the last time the survey
was done.

Story continues at
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/fun.games/03/31/video.games.children.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 9
Message 177        Tue Oct 10, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:18 PDT

It's a bit wordy, but there are some great tales from a retail manager at
this web site:

http://www.actsofgord.com/

 ------------
 ************
Topic 10        Thu Feb 28, 2002
KGAGNE                       at 20:12 PST
Sub: Meet the Press

Anecdotes from the electronic entertainment media.

 52 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 1          Thu Feb 28, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:15 PDT

Hello all,

As many of you know, I am a member of the press and interact with various
publishers and public relations forms in that capacity.  This business often
has some funny stories or interesting anecdotes, so I created this topic to
share them.

I will be following my mother's advice of not saying anything at all when I
don't have anything nice to say.  I would like to remain a video game
journalist, and do not see being critical of publishers as a way to advance my
career. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 2          Thu Feb 28, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:15 PDT

Sega Sports (represented by the firm Access PR) is being rather creative with
their promotions lately.

First they sent me a pocket dictionary with the word "tweak" highlighted,
suggesting that's what the competition does with their games - make little
changes here and there year to year, whereas Sega presents a whole new game
with each edition.

Then they sent me a megaphone and a clip-on ear.  If I have any
recommendations for their games, I should give them a shout - they're all
ears.

Today's mail included a loaf of Sega bread, telling me that the competition's
games are stale; Sega Sports toasts other publishers.

I love Access. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 3          Thu Feb 28, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 23:28 PDT

>>>Today's mail included a loaf of Sega bread, telling me that the
competition's games are stale; Sega Sports toasts other publishers.

They're creative, at least. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 4          Fri Mar 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:21 PDT

Speaking of Access, on page 181 of the March 2002 issue of Reader's Digest is
an article that includes a quote from David Karraker, VP of corporate
communications for Bluelight.com (Kmart's online presence).

Before moving to Bluelight.com, Mr. Karraker was a Sega account executive at
Access.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 5          Tue Mar 05, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:54 PDT

Someone I met a few months ago recently learned I'm a "self-syndicated
newspaper columnist."  He asked me what I write about, and I told him
entertainment topics, like movies and video games.  "Oh, so you don't write
about issues," he said dismissively.  I told him no, I'm a columnist, not an
editorialist, but he went on to talk about all his favorite writers and his
political opinions, etc.

From this individual, his response was predictable and I wasn't offended, but
I was still mildly amused at how he declared electronic entertainment to not
fall under the broad topic of "issues".  I think I've covered a few issues in
my time. :)

Sadly, his school of thinking is probably prevalent among the many newspaper
editors I've tried to contact.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 6          Wed Mar 06, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:41 PDT

I find that, of the companies from whom I receive review product, there are
three categories: those who send me everything they publish; those who send
me nothing I don't ask for; and those that send sporadic products.

There is a specific company that falls in that third category.  They have
never acknowledged my emails asking for specific upcoming titles, yet I have
always gotten the products I've requested.  I don't know if that's because I
asked for it, or if it was coming my way anyway.  Impossible to tell!

I remember trying to contact another company via email.  I'd never had press
relations with them and very much wanted to receive product from them.  None
of my emails were acknowledged to any degree.  Finally I called the guy on
the phone and he said "Oh yeah, I remember you.  Sure, you'll get this game,"
and I did.  I've been able to get whatever I wanted from them ever since.
Amazing what a single phone call can do.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 7          Thu Mar 07, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:14 PDT


E-mail while one of the easiset ways to contact people is also one of the
easiest methods of communication to ignore.  It's not the best way to get in
the door anywhere.


Dain

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 8          Sun Mar 17, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:35 PDT

I tend not to be too specific when relating stories of poor public relations,
but I have no qualms citing companies for excellent work.

Manning, Selvage & Lee, the PR firm responsible for Midway, has been
advertising the four-player GameCube game, Gauntlet Dark Legacy, with the
tagline "4-Play At Its Best".  My review copy of this game arrived last week,
along with - joy of joys - an actual Twister game!  The spinner board has the
Gauntlet logo and tagline in its center; I haven't unfolded the map to see if
it's been similarly modified.

Forget Gauntlet; next time my friends are over, we're playing Twister. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 9          Fri Jul 12, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:22 PDT

In the Gamebits rating system, I consider a score of 8.0 or higher a "must
play", and 9.0 or higher a "must buy."  To see how accurate that was, I
compared the index of games I've reviewed.

Of the 47 games to which I've given scores of 9.0 or higher, only two do I not
now own: Banjo-Kazooie and Mario Party 3, both for Nintendo 64.  Each received
scores of 9.0.

In fact, of the 70 games that earned an 8.x, 15 do I not own, either.  So
those are pretty good games as well.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 10         Thu Aug 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:52 PDT

I was out of town last week and informed my editor that I would not be
submitting a Gamebits review - that I'd be taking a week off.  I came home to
find he ran in my place instead a game review from a news service.  Though the
author's name was not mine, and it was clearly indicated "Ken Gagne is on
vacation and will return next week", I was surprised to see the column still
entitled "Gamebits".

I wasn't sure whether or not to be furious.  Gamebits is my column's name, and
I don't know what right the newspaper has to be using it for other writers'
material.  OTOH, it's nice to see the continuity of Gamebits, and that it
didn't wholly disappear for the week just because I was on vacation.

Thoughts?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 11         Thu Aug 01, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:57 PDT

>>>Thoughts?

Sounds to me like they think of your column as an asset with a bankable name.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 12         Fri Aug 02, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:55 PDT

Sheppy,

> Sounds to me like they think of your column as an asset with a bankable name.

True... but I like for my name to be associated with the column's.  I felt a
bit promiscuous to have "Gamebits" indiscriminately applied to someone else's
work.

There's enough good points about it for me to not get upset.  I was interested
in hearing other people's perspectives, though.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 13         Thu Aug 08, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:58 PDT

It's been a long while since I've received games from Acclaim or Namco, but
I've managed to get in touch with both their PR departments this month to
assure my copies of Turok Evolution (all systems) and Dead to Rights (Xbox
this month; GCN & PS2 in November).  Woo-hoo!

I'm also trying to get in touch with Electronic Arts to get a copy of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer (Xbox), and Universal Interactive to send them a tear sheet
of my Bruce Lee (Xbox) review.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 14         Thu Aug 08, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 20:00 PDT


I guess you are going to do a huge blowout on Turok.  With a system account:)
Keep up the hustling with those game companies, and keep writing.

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 15         Fri Aug 09, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:16 PDT

Dain,

I requested the GameCube edition of Turok (since it traditionally is a
Nintendo game).  I don't know if that's what I'll get, but I doubt it'll be
more than one.

Working at a game store makes it easy to forget to request review copies,
because I can always just borrow retail copies from work.  I prefer to have my
own, but it's more work to acquire them.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 16         Sun Aug 18, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:46 PDT

The local tech college just signed up for a year of Gamebits, renewing their
contract from last year.  Unfortunately, they're the only college that's
expressed interest in running my material - probably because they're my alma
mater, and received Gamebits for free when I was a student.

They'll be getting 22 articles (five or six issues per seven-week term), from
this week through April.

This is what I love about syndication: it's 22 articles I'm writing for other
papers and my web site, anyway, so the increase in effort is minimal.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 17         Sun Aug 18, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:48 PDT

>>>This is what I love about syndication: it's 22 articles I'm writing for
other papers and my web site, anyway, so the increase in effort is minimal.

That's pretty good.  It'd be nice to have more, but it's a start.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 18         Sun Aug 18, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:08 PDT

As I mentioned Gamebits was just picked up by a school paper.  I'd like to run
a contest or promotion in that paper before some school breaks, offering fans
and readers of Gamebits a free game.  Can anyone think of a fun way to do
this?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 19         Tue Aug 27, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:54 PDT

September is going to be a fantastic month.  I have several reviews lined up;
almost all review copies should come through, save for Nintendo and possibly
Square:

Turok Evolution
        From Acclaim, a first-person shooter for all three next-gen systems.
        Multiple multi-player modes.  The first Turok to appear on a non-
        Nintendo system.

Kingdom Hearts
        A crossover RPG featuring Final Fantasy and Disney characters.
        By SquareSoft, for PS2.

Terminator: Dawn of Fate
        Based on next year's movie?  Set in the future during the War Against
        the Machines.  By Infogrames, for PS2 & Xbox.

Animal Crossing
        A Sims-type game for GameCube.  From Nintendo.

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
        Game Boy Advance game from Konami.  Latest whip-slinging adventure.

Starfox Adventures
        Zelda-like adventure featuring Fox McCloud of Starfox game.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 20         Tue Aug 27, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:01 PDT

One of the most irksome things an editor can do with my column is to take my
pithy concluding statement and make it into the headline.  What the reader is
supposed to read LAST now becomes what he reads FIRST... and my conclusion
just looks dumb instead of clever.

I'd think editors got their job because they could be imaginative.  Then why
are they stealing my ideas for their headlines?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 21         Tue Oct 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:29 PDT

I learned only recently that about a year ago, a publisher dropped the PR firm
they'd been using.  I've not received their product since the switch.

I emailed their in-house PR rep on Aug 26, and received a reply from one of
her associates this evening.  Apparently no history of press relations was
passed on, and they were not keen on requesting further details, as they
assumed I am a lowly webmaster seeking free games, and told me I should check
back in 9-12 months when they might have product with which to support me.

Print journalists receive higher priority, so I'll attempt to clarify the
matter.  I've already missed the opportunity to review what, by all accounts,
is a fantastic new release of theirs.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 22         Tue Oct 01, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:32 PDT


Ken,
  Aren't you in print though.  I was thinking you were in at least one
newspaper.


Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 23         Wed Oct 02, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:30 PDT

Dain,

That's why I'm surprised that the PR woman I spoke with assumed I wrote for
only a website.  I've dealt with this publisher before, through another PR
firm, and they should know that I am foremost a print journalist.  The website
supplements what I write for newspapers.

I hope I can clear up this misunderstanding, and that my actual status will
matter.  I'd like to receive games from this publisher (again).

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 24         Wed Oct 23, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:50 PDT

I write one review each week, and each week I mail a copy of the printed
article to the publisher of the spotlighted game.  Rarely is this
acknowledged, but today I received an email:

"I received your package in the mail earlier this week with a clipping of
the review that you ran - thank you so much.  You don't know how difficult it
is to get press clippings from journalists nowadays."

I was surprised to hear my practice isn't commonplace, and gratified to hear
it was appreciated.  It was very considerate of the PR person to take the time
to send me an email.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 25         Fri Oct 25, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:37 PDT

>>>"I received your package in the mail earlier this week with a clipping of
the review that you ran - thank you so much.  You don't know how difficult it
is to get press clippings from journalists nowadays."

That is nice to get an email like that. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 26         Fri Dec 06, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:02 PDT

One of the strangest - and perhaps funniest - Gamebits-related story I have
comes from Delphi.  The video games forum on that online service was dead,
and the sysop of the movies forum had asked me to post my reviews to his
site.  As a regular member there, I was happy to do so.

Each of my reviews was posted from my Delphi address, KEN_GAGNE, and ended
with the usual copyright notice, as I'm sure you've all seen before:

"This review is copyright (c) 1999 by Ken Gagne.  All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed in a modified form.  Original Publication: Sentinel &
Enterprise"

When one of TPTB (Delphi management, above the head of the sysop who
requested my reviews) saw a post with that notice, he removed it from public
view.  His reason?  The message's poster did not have permission from the
review's author be distributing copyrighted material.

The forum manager and I were dumbfounded.  Had I forgotten to give myself
permission to post my own reviews?  Or had I asked, and turned myself down?

Stunning.  I wonder if TPTB had pointy hair. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 27         Sat Dec 07, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 19:56 PDT

>>>The forum manager and I were dumbfounded.  Had I forgotten to give myself
permission to post my own reviews?  Or had I asked, and turned myself down?

ROTFL

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 28         Fri Jan 24, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:26 PDT

Do a web search on the terms "Gamebits" and "Ken Gagne", and you'll find a
dozen links from random web sites to mine.  What's surprising is that all the
links reference two specific reviews on gamebits.net: Robotron 64 (published
12-Jan-98) and Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles (reviewed 05-Jun-00).  I never
would have submitted specific reviews to any web directory, and I don't know
why these two are popping up all over the place.  Strange.

Any ideas what prompted this?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 29         Sun Jan 26, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 20:12 PDT

>>>Any ideas what prompted this?

Were they particularly good reviews? :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 30         Fri Jan 31, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:14 PDT

Sheppy,

Neither were very favorable reviews, and I don't remember them as being
extraordinary examples of Gamebits' high quality of writing (though of course
every review is such :).  The review of Robotron 64 was the first gaming
review in which I ever used the personal pronoun "I", but other than that...

I never submitted these two particular articles to any search engines, so it
just seems odd that so many sites would focus on them.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 31         Wed Feb 26, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:43 PDT

Everytime my grandmother introduces me to someone, she does so:

"This is my grandson, Kenny.  Do you get the Sentinel?  He writes a column
every Monday.  I read it every week and I never understand a word of it, but
his picture's there."

I don't know if she's trying to be funny, but everytime I hear this, I get
more and more depressed.  I have a degree in technical communications,
specializing in making technical subjects accessible to the general populace.
Does she realize she's calling me a failure?

Good thing she's just my grandma. <g>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 32         Wed Feb 26, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:37 PDT


I currently have the pleasure of trying to make my mother understand computers
for the first time.  Things that I take for granted as being part of my and
almost everyone else's vocabulary are completely foreign to her.  When you
mention "window" referring to computers that complete confuses here.  The term
"desktop" confuses her even more.  I take for granted that these are part of
the very basic understanding of computers..and it just confuses her further.
She would rather they have come up with completely new terms instead of re
using terms and confusing things further.

That being said.  Be lucky your Grandma even tries to read your column.  My
grandma wouldn't even be that patient.:)  She might look at my picture though:)
Your article would never be read if you wrote it at an understanding level that
"everyone" on the planet would get.  You'd have bored them all to death in the
first paragraph.


Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 33         Thu Feb 27, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:11 PDT

Dain,

You're right that I do have to assume some basic knowledge in all my columns.
For example, in every column I never use the acronym "RPG" without spelling it
out first, but I will never take the time to explain what a "boss" is.  I've
often had my reviews checked over before submission, and many friends have
asked me what a "boss" is, but it's much too ingrained in a gamers' vocabulary
for me to attempt to extract it.  They should just be glad I'm not referring
to "minibosses". :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 36         Sun Mar 02, 2003
LUMITECH [Jeff]              at 18:31 PDT

Marker post...
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 37         Sat Mar 22, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:36 PDT

I'm using a new layout at the top of Gamebits.net's front page to list the
most recent reviews posted to the site.  It's more similar to the layout used
elsewhere on the site, and is easier to read, IMHO.

I had originally made the change so that I could list all the systems for
which a game was available.  For example, previously I would list Elder
Scrolls III as being only for Xbox, since that is the version reviewed on
Gamebits.net, but now I could list it as being for both Xbox and Windows.
Adding that much detail caused the third column to word-wrap, though, and
created a very disjointed and nonuniform appearance in the table...

End result, the new layout presents exactly the same information as the old
one - only more neatly.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 38         Mon Mar 24, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:37 PDT

If anyone has any other thoughts or suggestions for gamebits.net, I'm all ears.
:)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 39         Tue Apr 01, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:03 PDT

CNN.com reviews the PC version of Splinter Cell:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/fun.games/04/01/splinter.cell.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 40         Tue Apr 08, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:07 PDT

I just had the best laugh I've had since... well, Sunday.

I was at my alma mater today, picking up this week's issue of the school
paper, which had my review of the game "Batman: Dark Tomorrow".  The headline
the editor/paginator gave the article proclaims it a review of "Batman:
Tomorrow Dark".

I marched into the paper's office to ask who was responsible.  Two students
were there, neither of whom I knew.  They explained that Gamebits is a
syndicated column which they pay to publish, and they aren't allowed to edit
it.  If I want to yell at someone, it should be this "Ken Gagne", since he
writes the headlines, too.

I'm sure they didn't understand why my belligerence suddenly turned to
infinite mirth as I walked out of the office, doubled over in laughter. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 41         Wed Apr 09, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:59 PDT

>>>I'm sure they didn't understand why my belligerence suddenly turned to
infinite mirth as I walked out of the office, doubled over in laughter. :)

ROTFL :)


--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 42         Sun Apr 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:00 PDT

One publication that carries Gamebits is the school paper of my alma mater.
Their next issue is the last for this academic year, and I'd like to offer
some sort of challenge or contest in which to give away some games to student
readers - a way of thanking them for the past year, and to give them something
to do over the summer.

Any idea how to go about doing this?  Should it be a contest aimed at past
readers: "Name three games Gamebits has reviewed this year" or "Name two
sequels that Gamebits reviewed"; a video game trivia challenge, like "What was
Capcom's first NES game"; or something else entirely?

Thoughts?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 43         Thu May 29, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:51 PDT

Oops.

A newsletter editor asked me for a "cover shot" of the game I'm reviewing for
his next issue.  So I sent him a JPEG of the game's box art.

What he wanted was a shot from within the game, for use on the cover of the
newsletter.  Hence, "cover shot".

Close enough. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 44         Tue Jul 01, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:14 PDT

I got an email from THQ informing me that the E3 demo video of their new game,
Full Spectrum Warrior, can now be downloaded from their FTP site.

Great.  Only one downside: it's 1,906,783,420 bytes long.

Sheesh.

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 45         Sun Aug 17, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:06 PDT

Sheesh - that darn Robotron review (see msgs 28-30) is linked to so often,
that doing a Google search on "Gamebits" leads to that page before it does the
site's main page!

Doing a search on "Gamebits" and "Ken Gagne" produces 391 hits; remove
"Robotron" hits from that, and there are only 21 hits.

I think it's because a link to Robotron was added to Google's directory of
video game links:

http://directory.google.com/Top/Games/Video_Games/Action/Robotron_64/

Many other directories mirror Google's links.  I should probably see what
other games they provide links for, and start adding Gamebits to those
listings as well - especially now that I've removed all email addresses from
Gamebits.net, and will not notice an increase in spam as a result of website
traffic.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 46         Thu Aug 28, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:43 PDT

Here's an interview the video game journalist for Playboy and CNN.com:

http://www.gignews.com/goddess_saltzman1001.htm

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 47         Thu Feb 19, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:07 PDT

I still don't get it.  This article talks about the new James Bond video game:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/02/18/hln.game.everything.nothing/index.html

There's so much more they could've written, especially with the resources
available to them.  A gaming magazine would've done an entire feature.  Why
does CNN.com continue to produce such fluff?

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 48         Thu Feb 19, 2004
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:11 PDT


I read the article....and I've learned that the author of the article would
rather blow up everything in the room than sneak through.

I wonder who writes their gaming articles.  Surely not a dedicated staffer.

Dain
 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 49         Thu May 27, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:04 PDT

It seems that the press will be affecting the quality of future games: Warner
Bros. will pay royalties based on the scores the games earn:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/columns/tech_reporter_display.jsp?vnu_cont
ent_id=1000517289

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 50         Tue Oct 12, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:09 PDT

I received via email a press release from a well-known publisher today.  They
forgot to BCC the 443 other blokes who received it.

Nobody better "Reply to All", or I'll never hear the end of it.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 51         Fri Sep 22, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:27 PDT

Do game reviews even matter?

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3837&Itemid=2

 ------------
Category 2,  Topic 10
Message 52         Fri Oct 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:08 PDT

Here's a look at what it takes to become a games journalist:

http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/295/so_you_want_to_be_a_games_.php

 ------------
Category  3 Free Trade Zone
 ************
Topic 1   CLOSED Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:21 PST
Sub: Guidelines For Posting

Welcome to the Gamebits Community's Free Trade Zone.  Please take the time to
read through the guidelines before you post anything.  Thanks.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 1
Message 1          Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:24 PDT

As mentioned in the category description, all transactions conducted in
Gamebits must not comprise illegal products.  Backup copies of games, pirated
games, ROMs, "warez," or anything of the sort will not be tolerated.

Details of transactions, including shipping addresses, should be conducted via
private email.

Please be courteous and remember to post a follow-up message once a
transaction is completed, so other members will know that an item is no longer
wanted/for sale/etc.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 2         Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:25 PST
Sub: General Discussion on Buying & Selling

Have something to say about the video game hardware and software market?  Here
is the place.  Shopper tips and deals can also be posted here.

 24 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 1          Mon May 14, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 14:52 PDT

Where are the best places to buy games online?

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 2          Mon May 14, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 15:39 PDT

There are plenty of online stores at which to buy video games, including the
WWW versions of stores such as Electronics Boutique (ebworld.com), Software
Etc. (gamestop.com), and Toys R Us (tru.com), as well as places like
Amazon.com.  Some of the best deals are at smaller, non-corporate stores,
though, which are also the best (and often the only) places to buy imported
(Japanese) games and systems.  Here are some such places:

Tronix Web
http://www.tronixweb.com
Tronix is one of the premiere online game stores, and also carries a variety
of import products.  The owner, Joe Cataudella, is a former CompuServe video
games forum sysop, and is co-author of the book "Creating Stores on the Web,
Second Edition" (ISBN 0201700050).

National Console Support, Inc.
http://www.ncsx.com
Another good source for import games, but I haven't used them.

The above two stores carry a variety of new and import products.  The next two
deal primarily in older, used (pre-played) software.

Emerald Isle Games
http://emeraldislegames.com
I haven't had any experience with them, except about 6+ years ago when they
massively drove up the price of a rare NES game I wanted in a pre-eBay
auction. <g>

Video Game Liquidators
http://www.vglq.com
I bought one of their games off eBay.  No complaints.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 8          Sat Jun 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:23 PDT

Has anyone here ever bought a used CD-ROM game?  Have any trouble getting it
to run with fingerprints, scratches, etc.?

Having worked in various video game stores, I've seen the worst possible
conditions in which games can be made available.  I've had no trouble with
used cartridge games (most of my NES library is comprised of such), but I
haven't tried my luck with CD games.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 9          Sat Jun 30, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:54 PDT

>>>Has anyone here ever bought a used CD-ROM game?  Have any trouble getting
it to run with fingerprints, scratches, etc.?

I don't buy used stuff often, especially not stuff as easy to damage as
CD-ROMs.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 10         Sun Oct 21, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:54 PDT

I've won a $10 discount on any EA title through the milk CyberLoot promotion.
EA doesn't do Mac titles (what few they have get published through third
parties), and their platform games seem to mostly be sports games, which I'm
not into, so if anyone wants this discount, email me for the discount code and
info on how to claim it.  First come, first served. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 11         Sun Oct 21, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:06 PDT

That's generous of you, Sheppy.  Thanks.

I tried to get a list of EA games from their web site, but they require you
create an ea.com account just to access the main page.  Sheesh!  Try this URL
instead:

http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/company/21.html

EA is releasing the Harry Potter video games next month.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 12         Wed Oct 24, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 10:54 PDT

Nobody wants this $10 discount on EA games?  Nobody's emailed me to claim it
yet. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 13         Mon Nov 05, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:52 PDT

I now have *two* $10 discounts on EA games that I'm willing to give to anyone
that wants them, first come first served.  Just send me email and you can have
one. :)

I also have a pair of tickets to see "Star Trek: The Experience" at the Las
Vegas Hilton free of charge.  I'll give those tickets to the first comer as
well.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 14         Sun May 18, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:34 PDT

I've been given a $15 gift card to the Electronic Arts online store which I do
not want.  Any takers?

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 15         Mon May 19, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 10:10 PDT

I'll take it... :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 16         Mon May 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:50 PDT

It expires the end of this month, so I hope you'll use it! :)  I'm giving it
away because I don't want it to go to waste.

I'll email you the coupon code, Sheppy.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 17         Tue May 20, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:18 PDT

Turns out the EA store isn't selling anything for any platforms I actually own
and that I want.  I did find a game for the PSone I'd like to have, but it was
too cheap to use the coupon.  Hope you can find someone else to use the
coupon, Ken. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 18         Wed May 21, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 09:52 PDT


I used an electoronic arts coupon to buy Tiger Woods 2003 for 4.95.  It was
$20.00 and $15.00 off.  Great deal since the game is actually really good.

Dain

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 19         Tue Oct 14, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:05 PDT

Some sales at Toys R Us:

From Oct 19th to the 25th, buy two GameCube games, get a third free one of
equal or lesser value.

From Oct 26th to Nov 1st, buy two PS2 or Xbox games, get a third free one of
equal or lesser value.

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 20         Thu Nov 06, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:44 PDT

Several $5 coupons for recent releases can be found here:

http://getintothegame.com/bonus_level/index.aspx

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 21         Fri Nov 28, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:34 PDT

Wal-Mart is selling the Nintendo GameCube w/Zelda bonus disc for $79 from 6 AM
to 11 AM today (Black Friday).

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 22         Tue Nov 15, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:28 PDT

Read the games that made CNN.com's Games of the Year holiday roundup:

http://money.cnn.com/2005/11/11/commentary/game_over/techgift_game_buying_guide
/index.htm
http://money.cnn.com/popups/2005/specials/game_guide/frameset.1.exclude.html

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 23         Sat Jan 14, 2006
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 05:27 PDT

I have a $450 GameStop gift card that I have no real use for.  I'm considering
selling it for $400 if anyone would be interested.  Basically, it'd get you $50
worth of free stuff at GameStop with a $400 purchase. :)

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 2
Message 24         Thu Nov 16, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:28 PDT

Even eBay is curtailing online sales of PS3 and Wii:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/fun.games/11/15/gameconsoles.ebay.ap/index.html

 ------------
 ************
Topic 3         Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:27 PST
Sub: Vendor Database

Here are some places that buy and/or sell video game hardware and software.

 2 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 3  [MOVED]
Message 1          Mon May 14, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 15:39 PDT

There are plenty of online stores at which to buy video games, including the
WWW versions of stores such as Electronics Boutique (ebworld.com), Software
Etc. (gamestop.com), and Toys R Us (tru.com), as well as places like
Amazon.com.  Some of the best deals are at smaller, non-corporate stores,
though, which are also the best (and often the only) places to buy imported
(Japanese) games and systems.  Here are some such places:

Tronix Web
http://www.tronixweb.com
Tronix is one of the premiere online game stores, and also carries a variety
of import products.  The owner, Joe Cataudella, is a former CompuServe video
games forum sysop, and is co-author of the book "Creating Stores on the Web,
Second Edition" (ISBN 0201700050).

National Console Support, Inc.
http://www.ncsx.com
Another good source for import games, but I haven't used them.

The above two stores carry a variety of new and import products.  The next two
deal primarily in older, used (pre-played) software.

Emerald Isle Games
http://emeraldislegames.com
I haven't had any experience with them, except about 6+ years ago when they
massively drove up the price of a rare NES game I wanted in a pre-eBay
auction. <g>

Video Game Liquidators
http://www.vglq.com
I bought one of their games off eBay.  No complaints.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 3
Message 2          Tue Sep 30, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:37 PDT

AIMED AT GAME PLAYERS LOOKING FOR CONVENIENCE AND VALUE, GAMERANG LAUNCHES
NEW ONLINE VIDEO GAME RENTAL OPERATION

Gamerang.com Provides Busy Consumers With
The Games They Want, Delivered Quickly, for a Great Price

Costa Mesa, Ca., (September 30, 2003) - New online video game rental company,
Gamerang, officially announced today its entrance into the interactive
entertainment market. Led by software and games industry veterans, Gamerang
is looking to provide consumers with a superior solution for their video game
rental needs. Located at www.gamerang.com, the company offers thousands of
video games for rental, from the top new releases found on all the next
generation game console platforms, to vintage classics.

"As a parent of four girls and a gamer myself, I was constantly frustrated
with our video game rental options," said Greg Gentling, co-founder of
Gamerang. "Our family could never find the games we wanted to rent at retail
outlets, online rental options were nearly non-existent, and buying all the
games my family desired just wasn't cost effective. Because we understood
this need and because we love games, we started Gamerang."

Gamerang offers tremendous value to consumers by providing the games they
want delivered quickly, with multi-tiered pricing that is ideal for
individuals and families alike. A single monthly membership is $14.95 and
lets members rent as many games as they want each month, provided members
check out the games one at a time. A double monthly membership is $19.95 and
lets members check out two games at once. For gamers or families of gamers
who want to enjoy more than two games at once, each additional membership is
$7.95 per month. There are no other online video game rental services that
allow members to rent more than two video games at a time. There are no late
fees and Gamerang also offers a free 10-day trial of the service.

"In order for Gamerang to be successful in this competitive marketplace, we
have to provide superior customer service," adds Gentling. "We have built a
system that saves time and maximizes convenience so kids, teens, and adults
don't have to spend time searching all over for the games they want to play
when they could be playing them. Our quick delivery of games separates us
from the rest of the market. We also know that in order to grow, we need to
continue developing a base of highly satisfied customers who encourage their
friends to become Gamerang members." To that end, Gamerang offers a $5 bounty
for each new Gamerang member that an existing member signs up (provided the
new member remains a member for a minimum of three months time).

Rental requests are processed within 24 hours and consumers can expect to
receive their games within one to three days, in a prepaid mailer. Gamerang
also offers free shipping and free return postage on rented games via an
enclosed, postage pre-paid envelope.

Members are encouraged to create a video game rental "Choice List" found in
their online Gamerang account. As soon as they return a game, the next game
on their Choice List is sent out. Members can even pre-order a
yet-to-be-released game and expect to receive it one to three days from the
published street date. Gamerang also offers parents a special parental
control feature, which allows parents to view and modify their children's
Choice Lists to restrict them from renting teen or mature-rated titles.

For more information about the company and service log onto: www.gamerang.com

 ------------
 ************
Topic 9         Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:36 PST
Sub: Sony

Sony gaming hardware for sale.  PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and peripherals.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 9
Message 1          Mon Nov 28, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:03 PDT

I am selling a PS2 with five games and two controllers on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8238280736

Any member of Syndicomm who wins this auction will receive 10% off their final
winning bid.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 21        Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:49 PST
Sub: Books & Periodicals

If you have back issues of a magazine or an out-of-print book for sale, post
here.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 21
Message 1          Thu May 25, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:45 PDT

Through the end of the month, I am selling a library of video game magazines
on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7035324204

Any member of the Syndicomm community who wins this auction will receive 10%
off the winning bid.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 27        Thu May 10, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:54 PST
Sub: Software

Looking for a game and don't see it for sale?  Post here.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 3,  Topic 27
Message 1          Fri May 18, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 20:15 PDT

I'm looking to purchase the following Nintendo (NES) games:

Adventure of Lolo 2
G.I. Joe
Gilligan's Island
Kickle Cubicle
Lode Runner
Pool of Radiance
SCAT (Special Cybernetic Attack Team)
Taboo the Sixth Sense

Email me with offers.  Thanks!

-Ken

 ------------
Category  4 Books, Magazines, & Strategy Guides
 ************
Topic 1         Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:13 PST
Sub: General Discussion

General discussion of gaming publications.

 15 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 1          Tue Jul 03, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 20:49 PDT

I was wondering if there are any print publications in gaming that are
"worth it" anymore.  I used to read EGM regularly, but haven't touched
in years.  I also used to read a Magazine called Die Hard Game Fan, but
that one was a bit devoid of facts many times.  It did have lots of
color pictures though.

Just curious.

I tend to get all my information online anymore for most things.

Dain


 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 2          Wed Jul 04, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:39 PDT

Dain,

I used to read GamePro, Game Players, and Nintendo Power, but let all my
subscriptions lapse as I spent more time online.

There are occasionally some exclusive items you can find only in print mags,
though - little news tidbits that you (or the web site) somehow missed online.
And it's much easier to wait for a delayed flight with a magazine in your lap.
:)

Next Generation and Game Informer both seem to be all right mags these days.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 3          Fri Oct 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:09 PDT

When I worked video game retail, I encountered a variety of opinions on the
worth of strategy guides.  Some people bought one to accompany every game
purchase, explaining that they felt they couldn't experience the game fully
without the aid of a guide.  Others avoided such books at all costs,
considering them tantamount to cheating.

What's your opinion of strategy guides?  Do you use them or have opinions
about their use and people who use them?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 4          Fri Oct 05, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:42 PDT

Strategy Guides.....
I try to avoid them at all costs.  When I finish a game, I may have a look at
one at the store to see what I might have missed(if I never plan on playing
the game again).

If a game is so difficult it requires a strategy guide then the designers
screwed up.

Dain

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 5          Fri Oct 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:31 PDT

> If a game is so difficult it requires a strategy guide then the designers
> screwed up.

Or the player did.  There was one part in Zelda: Ocarina of Time that I could
NOT figure out.  Most people had no problem with it. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 6          Sat Oct 06, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 19:20 PDT

I'm not good enough at most games to play without help.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 8          Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:47 PDT

Since new books come out more often than new lines of magazines, the topics in
this category have been moved to accommodate the growing number of video game
books.  Please update your message board index accordingly.  I apologize for
any confusion.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 9          Sun Mar 26, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:09 PDT

Computer Games Magazine to Launch New MMO Publication

MASSIVE Magazine Will Be Devoted Exclusively to Massively Multiplayer Online
Games

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.--Mar. 16, 2006--Computer Games Magazine, published by
the media division of theglobe.com, today announced it will publish MASSIVE
Magazine, the first print publication dedicated solely to massively
multiplayer online (MMO) games. It will provide avid online gamers a new
source for the latest news, features, and previews.

The premiere issue will hit newsstands for a three-month run on September 19,
2006, and will start as a stand-alone quarterly publication by January 2007.
It will also include a free DVD packed with MMO demos and games.

"The MMO market is growing at a tremendous rate, with games like World of
WarCraft dominating the sales charts worldwide." said Jayson Dubin, Vice
President and Publisher of Computer Games Magazine. "As more people enter
online worlds and these worlds become a bigger part of their everyday lives,
we know it's the right time to publish this magazine. We are positioning
MASSIVE Magazine as the ultimate guide for MMO communities. We are not only
going to focus on the latest games but also the world of the MMO gamer."

MASSIVE Magazine will include in-depth features on the culture of MMOs,
focusing on players, guilds, communities, and their adventures both inside
and outside the games. The editorial staff of Computer Games Magazine will
produce the content keeping the same style and credibility expected among its
fiercely loyal readership. MASSIVE Magazine will be written with a
lighthearted and breezy editorial tone that will resonate with anyone
interested in MMOs and their place in the world of gaming.

"Since MASSIVE Magazine will be the first publication dedicated solely to MMO
games, we know it will be very well-received by the MMO gaming community,"
said Dubin. "We are confident this magazine will be a huge success."

MASSIVE Magazine will have an aggressive distribution plan and be available
along with Computer Games Magazine at all major retailers, including Barnes &
Noble and Books-A-Million. The magazine will also be distributed in a digital
version thru Zinio.com. For more information about MASSIVE Magazine, please
visit http://www.massive-magazine.com .

About theglobe.com
theglobe.com (OTCBB: TGLO - News) is a publicly traded Internet
communications company with three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Voiceglo,
Strategy Plus (Computer Games Magazine) and Chips & Bits. Voiceglo,
http://www.voiceglo.com, is a global, full-service Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) company that provides communication services to millions of
customers worldwide via the Internet. Computer Games Magazine is a consumer
print publication for online games.
Computer Games Online, http://www.cgonline.com/, the online counterpart to
Computer Games Magazine, is a source of free computer games news and
information for the sophisticated gamer. Chips & Bits, Inc.,
http://www.chipsbits.com/, is a computer games distribution business. Game
Swap Zone, http://www.gameswapzone.com, offers the latest features in online
auctioning as well as new technology to provide gamers all the tools they
need to buy and sell their favorite games.

Safe Harbor
This press release includes forward-looking statements related to
theglobe.com, inc. that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not
limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to integration of newly acquired
businesses and assets, product delivery, product launch dates, risks relating
to the Internet, development and protection of technology, the availability
of financing or other capital to fund its plans and operations, the
management of growth, market acceptance of our products, our ability to
compete successfully against established competitors with greater resources,
the uncertainty of future governmental regulation (particularly as it
pertains to the Internet), pending litigation and other risks. These
forward-looking statements are made in reliance on the "Safe Harbor"
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For
further information about these and other factors that could affect
theglobe.com's future results and business plans, please see the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in particular
our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004 and our
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30,
2005. Copies of these filings are available online at http://www.sec.gov.
Prospective investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of performance. Actual results may differ materially and adversely
from management expectations.

###

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 10         Mon Jul 10, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:57 PDT

Here are five of the best video game magazines of all time.

http://etoychest.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4854&Itemid=9999
9999

Four are out of print.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 11         Sat Aug 05, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:03 PDT

Anyone remember the "Worlds of Power" novelizations of 8-bit Nintendo games?
I do!  And I still have them all: Metal Gear, Castlevania, Wizards &
Warriors, Infiltrator, and Mega Man - I'm probably forgetting a few.

Read this insider's perspective on the genesis and success - or lack thereof
- of this series:

http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3152540

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 12         Tue Aug 29, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:52 PDT

Have strategy guides made games easier... or harder?

http://www.2old2play.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=473

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 13         Thu Oct 12, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:08 PDT

Here are 50 books that everyone in the games industry should read:

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3962&Itemid=2

The twelve categories are:

Theory
Design Practice
Writing
Graphic Design
Music / Audio
Online Community
The History of Games
Sociology
People, Projects, and Businesses
Other Media and Useful Disciplines
Deep Background
Inspirations

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 14         Thu Oct 12, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:22 PDT

I like the last page that recommends books that have influenced and inspired
video games:

The Lord of the Rings
The D&D Players' Handbook
Star Trek
The Hunt for Red OCtober
Watchmen
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Hamlet on the Holodeck

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 1
Message 15         Sat Nov 18, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:51 PDT

Take a look at the varying subscription & sales numbers for various gaming
mags over the last three years:

http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/11/us_game_magazines_hows_the_cir.php

Here are the top 100 magazines of 2006:

http://www.magazine.org/circulation/circulation_trends_and_magazine_handbook/18
423.cfm

 ------------
 ************
Topic 6         Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:49 PST
Sub: Zap

Zap: The Rise and Fall of Atari.  By Scott Cohen.  ISBN 0070115435 (original
printing) and 0738868833 (Xlibris.com reprinting).

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 6
Message 1          Mon Dec 10, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:39 PDT

I've read "Zap! The Rise and Fall of Atari" by Scott Cohen.  This book was
initially published in 1984, and has recently become available again through
Xlibris.com.

The first thing I noticed is that the second word in the book is misspelled.
It sets a trend for the rest of the book, which is an example in sloppy
typing.  Wrong punctuation and random italicization, hyphenation, and carriage
returns abound.  It's shameful.

What's worse is that the writing is only slightly better than the typing.
Cohen appears to be someone more at home with a single-button controller than
a complex keyboard, as his thoughts do not translate well to the written word.
He competes with Hemingway for shortest possible sentences, often repeating
himself.  Metaphors are made for the sake of metaphors, and pronouns are used
either inconsistently or not at all.

Unlike other video game history books, such as "Game Over" or "Phoenix",
"Zap!" has not been updated for its latest printing.  Everything is written
from the perspective of 1983, with guesses as to how Atari will do in the
future.  "They might be bought by IBM, or they could apply their holography
research to the next generation of video games."

After 116 pages, Cohen offers a one-page timeline of Atari's ups and downs.  I
recommend you skip directly to this last page, as its Cohen's most concise
writing and tells you all you wanted to know about Atari.

This book costs $20.99.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 8         Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:49 PST
Sub: Phoenix

Phoenix: The Fall and Rise of Video Games.  By Leonard Herman.  ISBN:
0964384825, 0964384884, and 096438485X (first, second, and third editions).

 4 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 8
Message 1          Tue Jun 26, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:39 PDT

Good news!  This book, last published in early 1998, is receiving an updated,
third edition printing.  I don't know if it will be available in book stores,
but you can preorder it at the publisher's web page:

http://www.rolentapress.com/3rd_edition/new_book.htm

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 8
Message 2          Tue Jun 26, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:39 PDT

Barnes & Noble lists a July 1st release for this book.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 8
Message 3          Tue Aug 21, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:29 PDT

My special order of the third edition of Phoenix finally arrived at Barnes &
Noble.  It's a large softcover book; the size makes it feel like a school
book.  Weird.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 8
Message 4          Tue Aug 21, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 23:54 PDT

> It's a large softcover book; the size makes it feel like a school
> book.

Aaaaaah!  Flashbacks!

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop Pro Tem
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
 ************
Topic 11        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:50 PST
Sub: Joystick Nation

Joystick Nation: How Videogames Ate Our Quarters, Won Our Hearts, and Rewired
Our Minds.  By J.C. Herz.  Hardcover - 228 pages (June 1997) by Little Brown &
Company; ISBN: 0316360074.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 11
Message 1          Sun Jun 17, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:25 PDT

I read Joystick Nation for my senior thesis.  Ms. Herz struck me as very - I
guess the word is "sassy."  She sees the industry and media very clearly and
says her mind just as clearly.  Not the kind of dry writing you'd get from
historians or social analysts.

Excellent book with a lot of interesting topics.

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 13        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:50 PST
Sub: Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill

Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie and Video
Game Violence.  By Lt. Col. David Grossman and Gloria Degaetano.  ISBN:
0609606131.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 13
Message 1          Fri Aug 17, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:02 PDT

"Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris were literally obsessed with playing the video
game Doom... and they were very good at it. These boys... practiced for
hundreds and hundreds of hours, perfecting their craft. Therefore, it should
not be altogether surprising that their killing spree resembled something out
of... a typical Doom scenario."

- Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman,
 "Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill"

 ------------
 ************
Topic 16        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:51 PST
Sub: The First Quarter

The First Quarter: A 25-Year History of Video Games.  By Steven L. Kent.
Paperback - 466 pages (November 1, 2000) by BWD Press; ISBN: 0970475500.

 4 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 16
Message 1          Wed Jun 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:18 PDT

Title        : The First Quarter: A 25-year History of Video Games
Author       : Steven L. Kent
Length       : 466 pages
MSRP         : $21.95
ISBN         : 097047550
Release date : Nov 1 2000
Publisher    : BWD Press
Review       : Ken Gagne

Video games have traveled a long and winding road, from being a fad more than
two decades ago, to today's industry that rivals Hollywood.

The First Quarter: A 25-year History of Video Games, by MSNBC writer Steven L.
Kent, is the latest book to detail the history of electronic entertainment.
This book is currently an exclusive to the online store Amazon.com.

Despite the title, The First Quarter is more than a 25-year history. Video
games have their history in pinball, which originated in 1927. Games as we
know them today were invented in the Sixties, in the forms of Space War and
Pong.

The book's early history of modern video games is likely to have the most
appeal. Today's generation of gamers scarcely, if at all, remember the market
crash of the early Eighties, when Mattel, Coleco, and Atari waged war. Kent's
history includes these events, and continues to as recently as the Japanese
launch of the PlayStation 2, in March 2000.

In researching this book, Kent conducted over 500 interviews, producing
material that's not going to waste. About two paragraphs per page are block
quotes from industry luminaries. These direct quotes show readers some of the
industry's most memorable moments from the perspective of the people who
created them, and provide interesting anecdotes. At the same time, Kent gets
away with writing only two-thirds of the book.

Unlike some video game books, the author doesn't inject much of his own voice
into this history, instead presenting it more as factual data. Hardcore gamers
will eat up these facts like Pac-Man gobbles power pills, but casual readers
will sometimes get bogged down in so much data.

The lack of voice contributes to Kent failing to present himself as very
knowledgeable about video games, or at least passionate about them. In
Joystick Nation, J.C. Herz discusses the various periods and issues of the
gaming industry with so much attitude, there's never any wonder that there's a
person behind all those words. She's a likely candidate to become a character
in Tekken. In The First Quarter, Kent is hidden in an impartial chronology..

This distancing isn't helped by any number of errors; Kent seems to have
forgone the editing process to get the book released for the holiday season.
Typos and other mistakes can be found on average once every four pages. Some
errors are as small as extraneous punctuations. More serious blunders confuse
names, such as referring to the graphics technique of "mitt-mapping" (it's
mip-mapping) or attributing a quote to "David Rosen, Founder of Nintendo"
(Rosen founded Sega). These errors are scheduled to be corrected in the book's
second printing.

The First Quarter falls just short of being an excellent resource by lacking
an index. Video games are an industry where names, places, and dates can recur
through the years, and one person can work for Sony, Sega, and Nintendo. A
reference is essential to, yet missing from, a book that attempts to cover
such a broad market.

There are several books that focus their chronology on more specific aspects
of the industry. David Sheff's Game Over: Press Start To Continue details
Nintendo's rise to power. Its added detail gives a better sense of atmosphere
and feel for the actors. Revolutionaries at Sony, by Reiji Asakura, is about
the making of the Sony PlayStation, and especially Ken Kutaragi, vice
president of Sony.

The First Quarter is an excellent record of the many steps, small and large,
video games have taken, especially in the last 25 years. There's so much
information that every reader is bound to learn something new. Other video
game books are more specific, detailed, and edited, but few encompass as much
as Kent's book.
_________________________________________________________________
This article is copyright (c) 2000 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved. Not to
be distributed in a modified form.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 11-Dec-00

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 16
Message 2          Wed Jun 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:25 PDT

Oops!  My review comments:

> These errors are scheduled to be corrected in the book's second printing.

This is in error, as according to the following email I received from the
author:

"Unfortunately, I have decided to allow The First Quarter to die. Sales
continue to be excellent, but between the cost of reprinting from scratch and
the increased costs of shipping due to the closure of Amazon.com's Seattle
warehouse, it no longer makes sense to reprint."

Some of the errors that will not be corrected are noted in an unofficial
Errata and Commentary web page:

http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~dzubera/kent.txt

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 16
Message 3          Thu Jun 14, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 08:21 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 4 Topic 16:

> The First Quarter: A 25-year History of Video Games, by MSNBC writer
> Steven L.
> Kent,

Interesting enough, Steven Kent is a name that I have seen before
recently.  He has written a number of Pro Nintendo articles lately for
MS-NBC which really surprised me.  I wonder how long you get to keep
your job when you aren't promoting the company that pays you, but a
competitor instead?


Just a thought,
Dain


 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 16
Message 4          Tue Jun 26, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:40 PDT

Steven Kent writes:

"Prima Publishing is re-releasing The First Quarter under the new and ghastly
title of 'The Ultimate History of Video Games.' Not exactly subtle, but it
gets the point across and it gets my book into stores."

An errata and commentary on the first edition of his book is available at
this URL:

http://www.gamebits.net/other/kent.txt

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 17        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:52 PST
Sub: Arcade Fever

Arcade Fever: The Fan's Guide to The Golden Age of Video Games.  By John
Sellers, 1983's Donkey Kong champion.  Paperback - 160 pages (August 2001) by
Running Press.  ISBN 0762409371.

 2 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 17
Message 1          Thu Aug 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:57 PDT

Arcade Fever was spotlighted in the August 2001 issue of Game Informer
magazine.  It appears to be a pictorial history of early arcade games.

More details at these URLs:

http://www.runningpress.com/bookstore/product.asp?sku=69

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0762409371/qid=999215662/002-2835296-756
4837

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 17
Message 2          Mon Sep 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:33 PDT

Title     : Arcade Fever: The Fan's Guide to the Golden Age of Video Games
Author    : John Sellers
Length    : 160 pages
MSRP      : $18.95
ISBN      : 0762409371
Publisher : Running Press
Review by : Ken Gagne
Who ever said nostalgia isn't what it used to be?

Today's kids may not believe it, but there was an entire generation that grew
up in video game arcades. Modern gaming centers don't hold much to support
that truth, but for those who remember the draw of decades past, this book is
for you.

"Arcade Fever: The Golden Age of Video Games" is a chronology of the arcade
era that lasted from 1978 to 1985. It is written and compiled by John
Sellers, pop culture writer and Donkey Kong 1983 world champion.

Unlike other historical records, Sellers' book is not a report on the
industry itself; gamers can turn to other excellent chronicles such as "Game
Over", "The First Quarter", or the recently revised "Phoenix: The Fall and
Rise of Video Games" for that information.

No, "Arcade Fever" is a history not of the powers behind the medium, but of
the medium itself: the games that we saw, touched, played, and grew up with.
There are interviews with programmer Eugene Jarvis and Atari founder Nolan
Bushnell, among others, but primarily this book brings you back to the
arcades of twenty years ago.

Fifty classic games comprise this walk down memory lane, beginning with Pong
and Computer Space, the first coin-operated arcade games, and ending with
Punch-Out!! and Gauntlet. Other highlighted titles include Pac-Man, Dragon's
Lair, and TRON. Each entry includes Sellers' description of the game, as well
as pictures of gameplay and cabinet art, when possible. Sidebars describe
failed sequels and spin-offs, but there are no screen shots or other pictures
to envision the turkeys Sellers describes.

Arcade games did not exist in a vacuum, and neither does Sellers'
presentation of each game. Each year of games highlights what was also hot
that year in headlines, movies, TV, and sports. From the title to the
writing, Sellers invokes the era he describes, incorporating aspects of
popular culture such as quotes, brand names, and themes. He has a penchant to
overuse some words, such as "titular" and "arguably", but I'm willing to
chalk it up to the throes of arcade fever.

Sellers also writes from the perspective of someone firmly entrenched in the
present, who is nostalgic yet realistic. Fond memories do not cloud his
opinion that, looking back, some of these games did not deserve accolades. He
gives honor where due, but don't be shocked if the next comment slams a game,
or even some of the people who played it.

"Arcade Fever" is not wanting for material, but it devotes only four pages to
home consoles and such memorable games as Adventure, Pitfall!, and Lode
Runner. Though such games are not the focus of this book, I hope Sellers or
someone like him will take it upon himself to create a similar volume for
those memories created in dens and basements, not arcades.

"Arcade Fever" is not a reference or resource, but more so than any other
book, it is a look into the hearts and minds of a generation of gamers. It
helps us to understand not only the roots of the gaming industry, but the
people who ensured the pastime's place in American culture. It warrants a
place on the bookshelf of any gamer, young or old.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2001 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 17-Sep-01

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
 ************
Topic 18        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:53 PST
Sub: Twin Galaxies

Twin Galaxies' Official Video Game & Pinball.  Walter Day, editor.
Published January 1998; ISBN 1887472258.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 18
Message 1          Sun Feb 10, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:46 PDT

This book is a source of high scores and records for almost any arcade game.
Not exactly light reading; intended more as a reference.

From Amazon.com:

"Walter Day is the world's only electronic games referee. He runs the Twin
Galaxies Intergalactic Scoreboard-the 'official scoreboard for the world of
video game and pinball playing.' As the founder of organized video game
playing, Day has judged contests and high scores submitted by arcades as far
away as South Africa, Australia, Ireland, and Japan."

I believe Mr. Day was interviewed in John Sellers' book "Arcade Fever".

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 20        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:54 PST
Sub: Supercade

Supercade, by Van Burnham, Ralph H. Baer.  Published September 2001;
ISBN 0262024926.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 20
Message 1          Sun Feb 10, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:50 PDT

This hardcover book costs a whopping $50.  Ralph Baer, one of the authors, is
commonly referred to as "The Father of Video Games".

 ------------
 ************
Topic 21        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:54 PST
Sub: Opening the Xbox

Opening the Xbox: Inside Microsoft's Plan to Unleash an Entertainment
Revolution.  By Dean Takahashi.  ISBN 0761537082.

 5 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 21
Message 1          Fri Apr 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:05 PDT

Prima Publishing publishes this book on April 23.  370 pages of, uh, Microsoft
goodness. :)

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 21
Message 2          Sun Apr 28, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 19:37 PDT


There have been a few things written about this book already on the net.
Supposedly there is a story in there of Microsoft offering 25 Billion for
Nintendo, but Nintendo being more than solvent refused.

Not sure how true this is as I have yet to read this.

Dain
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 21
Message 3          Mon Apr 29, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:19 PDT

I'm supposed to be receiving a copy of this book in the mail.  I've started
reading the novelization of the new Star Wars movie, but will put it aside
should the Xbox book show up, as I hope to be reviewing it next month.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 21
Message 4          Sun May 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:45 PDT

Title        : Opening the Xbox
Author       : Dean Takahashi
Foreword by  : Seamus Blackley
Length       : 370 pages
MSRP         : $24.95
ISBN         : 0-7615-3708-2
Release date : Apr 23 2002
Publisher    : Prima Publishing
Review by    : Ken Gagne

With Microsoft having recently dropped the price of their Xbox video game
console from $299 to $199, many gamers are likely to be opening their wallets
to add a new system to their gaming arsenal.

In "Opening the Xbox: Inside Microsoft's Plan to Unleash an Entertainment
Revolution", author Dean Takahashi opens a different kind of box, revealing
for the first time many of the details behind the creation of Microsoft's
next-generation, 128-bit video game console.

As the title suggest, Takahashi occasionally plays with hyperbole. The Xbox
has not yet proven to be an entertainment revolution, suggesting that this
book may be a bit premature in detailing Microsoft's success story in the
console wars. But though the console's historical impact remains to be seen,
the significance of Microsoft's entry into the gaming industry cannot be
ignored.

Takahashi's look at the video game industry does not reach farther back than
most historical books perforce must; Microsoft is, after all, the newest
comer to the console market. "Opening the Xbox" starts in the late Nineties,
when the industry has already grown to gargantuan proportions. The industry
was founded by companies such as Atari and Activision with much smaller
teams, whereas by the time Microsoft entered the fray, their legions number
in the thousands. It is difficult to detail every person who influenced the
Xbox project, though Takahashi makes a valiant effort. Though this level of
detail makes for useful historical reference, it occasionally doubles as
heavy and confusing reading.

Humanizing the cast reminds us that they are not only technological wizards,
but people as well. Takahashi's approach to doing so is to introduce each
individual with a brief background - who his parents were, where he grew up -
and then follow up with the occasional narrative anecdote. Amid the
description of a business meeting, the reader may suddenly be informed of the
speaker's favorite color jellybean, or the location of his tattoo. These
details are a tad too specific, and their abrupt placement, jarring.

But the events in which these actors participate can be fascinating.
"Opening the Xbox" is as much about Microsoft as it is the Xbox. A gaming
company such as Nintendo does not have the same conspiracies and conflicts
about a new console that a non-gaming company like Microsoft does. Gamers,
unaware of the many internal struggles that brought the software giant into
the game hardware industry, can now read how likely it was that the Xbox plan
was squashed in favor of furthering WebTV development. More than the Xbox was
threatened by Microsoft's designs; a previously-unrevealed bid to acquire
Nintendo would've taken the GameCube off the shelves as well.

Ultimately, "Opening the Xbox" reads more like a book aimed at businessmen
and computer enthusiasts than at gamers. Nintendo and Atari are gaming
companies, whereas it seems impossible to talk about Microsoft, or even the
Xbox, without mentioning Windows. The Xbox has not been around long enough to
win the hearts of gamers, though people curious about the machinations that
allowed a software company to produce a game console, or readers looking for
a focused look on a specific part of the industry, will find much to like in
this book.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 20-May-02

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 21
Message 5          Tue Dec 10, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:54 PDT

"Opening the Xbox" book debuts in Asia

After launching this spring in the U.S., "Opening the Xbox: Inside
Microsoft's Plan to Unleash an Entertainment Revolution" is headed to Asia,
with translations slated for Japan, Korea and China.

A Japanese language translation debuted in Japan in November, published by
Softbank Publishing (http://books.softbank.co.jp/). The Japanese version
includes a new chapter on the Xbox in Japan and a new afterword that brings
the story up to date through the summer of 2002.

Other foreign publishers have picked up rights to publish translated versions
in China and South Korea.

The U.S. version hit stores in April and was published by Prima Publishing,
Roseville, California, a division of Random House. The book is still
available in bookstores and on book web sites like Amazon.com.

About the author: Dean Takahashi is a staff writer at the San Jose Mercury
News, covering hardware, chips and video games. He was formerly a writer at
the Red Herring magazine, where he wrote about video and computer games,
semiconductors and consumer electronics. He has been a business writer for
fourteen years, working previously at the Wall Street Journal, the San Jose
Mercury News, the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register and the Dallas
Times Herald. He has appeared on CNN, CNBC, the BBC, TechNation and other
news outlets.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 22        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:54 PST
Sub: 1000 Game Heroes

1000 Game Heroes, by David Choquet.  ISBN 3822816337.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 22
Message 1          Fri Jan 31, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:41 PDT

From the publisher's web site at
<http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/books/digital/all/facts/03314.htm>:

"From cute, furry little rodents to gnarly, sword-wielding giants, video game
heroes are the stars of this new book which catalogs 1000 characters, from
the most famous to the most obscure, spanning the history of video games from
their very roots to the present day. Arranged by categories (Violent Heroes,
Sexy Heroes, Video Game Legends, etc.) and including three indexes (Name of
the Game, Hero's name, and Platform) the book is designed to be navigated
like an encyclopedia or simply flipped through. Each chapter's introduction
is written by a famous game creator and describes the working process
involved in creating the games and their heroes. For game aficionados, casual
or one-time gamers, and anyone who has ever had a sore thumb from punching
gamepad buttons, this book is not to be missed!"

This $40, 608-page, paperback coffee-table book comes in a single
English/French/German edition with an ISBN of 3822816337.  An
Italian/Spanish/Portuguese version will release in February 2003 under the
ISBN 3822823287.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 23        Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE                       at 07:02 PST
Sub: Lucky Wander Boy

Lucky Wander Boy.  By D.B. Weiss.  Paperback - 288 pages, February 25, 2003,
published by Plume; ISBN 0452283949.  See also: http://www.luckywanderboy.com

 3 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 23  [MOVED]
Message 1          Mon Jul 14, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:07 PDT

A rather strange, futuristic novel about video game addiction includes plenty
of real-life video game references: "Lucky Wander Boy," released 2/25/03 for
$13 with an ISBN of 0452283949.

http://www.luckywanderboy.com/

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 23
Message 3          Sat Oct 18, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:02 PDT

Title     : Lucky Wander Boy
Author    : D.B. Weiss
Length    : 288 pages
MSRP      : $13.00
ISBN      : 0452283949
Released  : February 25, 2003
Publisher : Plume
Review by : Ken Gagne

We can play the games, study the chronologies, even hope for sequels. But the
birth of electronic entertainment resides only as a memory that can never be
solidified, any more than they can be recreated. So learns Adam Pennyman, the
protagonist of Lucky Wander Boy, a novel by D.B. Weiss.

Set in present times, Lucky Wander Boy is a tale of everyman Adam Pennyman;
despite (or perhaps because of) a rather strong affinity for classic video
games, Adam's character and history are mundane and identifiable to readers. A
down-on-his-luck, untalented young man, Adams sets to consume his spare time
with a catalog of the home and arcade games of his youth. He writes this
encyclopedia as more than just a collection of facts, but of fresh
dissertations and analyses on the meaning of said games. These essays are
founded in Adam's own youth, and his reminiscences resonate so clearly with
the first generation of gamers raised in the Eighties that one wonders to what
degree the book is autobiographical. We find ourselves considering the
futility of Frogger's quest, or the turning point that Double Dragon
represented in the evolution of the arcade game.

Later, these entries become more convoluted and self-inflated - like much of
academia, trying to justify itself with pretentious metaphors and impossible
importance. Finding commonalities between Mario and Jesus Christ is not beyond
Weiss' main character.

This change in focus is matched by a similar loss of coherency in the novel
itself. Adam becomes obsessed with a (fictional) game from his boyhood, the
titular Lucky Wander Boy, but stumbles across people and situations that put
him closer to finding the game and its creator.

The book is divided into three sections; as the story continues, it is more
obvious that the book's style and atmosphere parallel the three stages of
Lucky Wander Boy, becoming more abstract and deconstructing our main
character. Adam discovers that, though the arcade games of his boyhood may be
preserved, everything else that made his memories unique are gone, and that
the games are just things - singular elements of those overall experiences.
With the futility of his search for eternal youth comes irrational antics that
Adam calmly rationalizes, though his readers may be filled with disbelief.
Adult language and situations make this novel unsuitable for younger readers,
who would wonder what the fuss over some pre-Nintendo games is anyway.

Who is D.B. Weiss is to be writing a novel? The First Quarter was by Steven
Kent, electronic entertainment correspondent for MSNBC; even John Sellers was
a Donkey Kong world champ before writing Arcade Fever. Lucky Wander Boy is
Weiss' first novel, and is perhaps all that separates him (if anything does)
from the innumerable gamers to whom his book speaks.

Lucky Wander Boy has a captivating opening and middle, with plenty of
references only video gamers would get - such as an unexpectedly climatic
moment in which, akin to a Terminator movie, Adam finds himself where
everything fell apart years ago. Weiss' use of such obscure trivia is
masterful, though the history is explained to those not privy to the facts.
Ultimately, Weiss seems more concerned with taking a literary gambit of
abstractness - like Adam playing his video game, we are left us wandering a
strange environment, never really sure how the tale ends. That should not
deter interested readers from witnessing the combined memories of Weiss and
Pennyman, as much of it rings true.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2003 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Tech News, 9-Sep-03

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

 ------------
 ************
Topic 24        Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE                       at 07:02 PST
Sub: Blue Wizard Is About to Die

Blue Wizard Is About to Die: Prose, Poems, and Emoto-Versatronic Expressionist
Pieces About Video Games 1980-2003.  By Seth Fingers Flynn Barkan.  Paperback
- 150 pages, January 2004, by Rusty Immelman Press; ISBN 0974100005.

 3 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 1          Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:06 PDT

This book will be available through Biblio Distribution in the first month of
next year, but apparently can be purchased online now with no shipping costs.
See <http://www.twhi.org/bluewizard.htm> for more details.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 2          Mon Oct 13, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:09 PDT

I like the title.  Very "Gauntlet." :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 24
Message 3          Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:12 PDT

I've called both Waldenbooks and Barnes & Noble, and both report this book as
having been released in May 2003 and unavailable.  The January 2004 release
date reported by Amazon.com is not reflected in physical retail outlets,
though I suspect it will be when that date rolls around.

For now, why not buy it without shipping costs online? (see message 1)

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 25        Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE                       at 07:02 PST
Sub: High Score!

High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games (2nd Edition).  By
Rusel Demaria and Johnny L. Wilson.  Paperback - 392 pages, December 2003, by
McGraw-Hill Osborne Media.  ISBN 0072231726.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 25
Message 1          Wed Mar 03, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:45 PDT

The original edition of this book was released in April of 2002 and has an
ISBN of 0072224282.

The second edition, besides being updates, expands to include UK and Japanese
games, and is 64 pages longer.

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 27        Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE                       at 07:02 PST
Sub: Masters of Doom

Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture.
By David Kushner.  Hardcover - 352 pages, May 2003, by Random House.  ISBN
0375505245 (hardcover), 0812972155 (paperback).

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 27
Message 1          Wed Apr 21, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:58 PDT

The paperback edition of this book will be released on May 11th, 2004.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 28        Mon Oct 13, 2003
KGAGNE                       at 07:02 PST
Sub: Videogames: In the Beginning

Videogames: In the Beginning.  By Ralph Baer.  Paperback - 280 pages, April
2005, by Rolenta Press.  ISBN 0964384817.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 28
Message 1          Fri Jul 01, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:33 PDT

This book, by one of the fathers of video games, was published earlier this
year and has an official web site at this URL:

http://www.rolentapress.com/Products/Videogames%20-%20In%20The%20Beginning/Prev
iew.htm

 ------------
 ************
Topic 34        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:56 PST
Sub: Game Informer

Game Informer.

 2 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 34
Message 1          Wed Apr 27, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:33 PDT

I feel like a schmuck: when I worked at GameStop, I got leftover issues of
"Game Informer" for free.  I'd throw them out when I was done reading them.

Since when I terminated my employment, I have been a paying subscriber to this
magazine ($10/10 monthly issues).  And now that I'm paying for them, I keep
them when I'm done.

Same magazine.  Should be the same value.  But no...

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 34
Message 2          Sat May 07, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:34 PDT

Hmm.  If the sign I read is correct, Game Informer is no longer $10 for 10
issues; subscriptions now cost $14.95 for 12 issues.

It continues to come with a membership card good for 10% off used products at
GameStop stores (get a $10 item for $9), but the card has now been extended to
include an additional 10% trade-in value on used items (sell back a $10 item
for $11).

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 39        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 13:59 PST
Sub: Nintendo Power

Formerly the Nintendo Fun Club.

 5 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 39
Message 1          Thu Jun 14, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:12 PDT

Anyone still have their Nintendo Fun Club newsletters?  This publication
lasted only a few issues, was short, and preceded the full, bimonthly Nintendo
Power.

When Nintendo Power went monthly, every other month was a strategy guide.
There was one for Final Fantasy, another for Ninja Gaiden... I think three or
four in total, before the regular NP mag went monthly.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 39
Message 2          Fri Jun 15, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 12:07 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 4 Topic 34:

> Anyone still have their Nintendo Fun Club newsletters?  This
> publication
> lasted only a few issues, was short, and preceded the full, bimonthly
> Nintendo
> Power.

The Nintendo Fun Club newsletter was a great little mag.  Back in the
day.  The first few issues reminded me of a fanzine with good production
values, but no real money behind it.  As the Nintendo Juggernaut grew,
The fun club magazine quickly went color and expanded its coverage.  It
soon became Nintendo Power, which at the time was quite a better
publication than it is now.  In fact the New Magazine Nintendo Power
Advance kind of  reminds me of the original Nintendo Power.


Dain


 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 39
Message 3          Fri Jun 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:14 PDT

Dain,

I eventually let all my print subscriptions lapse in favor of online news,
which is more current.  But my final issues of Nintendo Power had third-party
ads.  It was quite a mess.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 39
Message 4          Fri Dec 31, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:13 PDT

Dain found a scan of the second issue of the Nintendo Fun Club:

http://www.tomheroes.com/Video%20Games%20FS/video%20games/nintendo/nintendo_fun
_club_2.htm

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 39
Message 5          Fri Jan 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:15 PDT

Read a modern review of the first issue of Nintendo Power (Spring 1988):

http://www.x-entertainment.com/articles/0751/

 ------------
 ************
Topic 40        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:00 PST
Sub: PSM

Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine.

 2 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 40
Message 1          Thu Aug 28, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:10 PDT

The latest issue of PSM has a PS2 demo disc that includes a mock trailer/staff
video for a game entitled "Metal Gear Randy: Substance Abuse".  Looked pretty
funny.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 40
Message 2          Sat Nov 18, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:52 PDT

This magazine is closing its doors come January:

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3155255

 ------------
 ************
Topic 47        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:06 PST
Sub: BradyGAMES

Take your games further.
http://www.bradygames.com

 4 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 47
Message 1          Tue Sep 24, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:52 PDT

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - Sept. 24, 2002 - Capcom(R) today announced an official
agreement granting BradyGames(R) exclusive rights to publish strategy guides
for several upcoming games. Since the companies began their publishing
relationship, BradyGames has created strategy guides for numerous Capcom
games including smash hits like Devil May Cry(tm), Resident Evil(R),
Capcom(R) vs. SNK(R), and the Onimusha(tm) series. In addition, BradyGames'
Signature Series, a line of deluxe strategy guides featuring innovative
design and content, was launched with the Devil May Cry(tm) Official Strategy
Guide, further solidifying the alliance between the companies. The extended
relationship marks the first large scale exclusive agreement between Capcom
and BradyGames.

The two game industry giants have joined forces to help gamers enjoy some of
this year and next year's biggest games. The key 2002 titles that BradyGames
will publish strategy guides for under the new agreement include: Capcom(R)
vs. SNK(R) 2; EO, Mega Man(tm) Zero, Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts(tm), Street
Fighter(R) Alpha 3, Gio Gio's Bizarre Adventure(tm), Resident Evil(R) Zero,
Marvel(R) vs. Capcom(R) 2, and Steel Battalion(tm).

The relationship extends into 2003, with additional strategy guides for hot
titles like Devil May Cry(tm) 2, Auto Modellista(tm), and many more.

"We have been very impressed with BradyGames' commitment to quality and
innovation," said Toshihiro Tokumaru, manager of licensing and merchandising,
Capcom Co., LTD., Japan. "Because they share our high standards for
excellence, we felt that they were the best choice for a strategy guide
partner. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them."

"We are excited and honored by the opportunity to expand on our great
relationship with Capcom, and work with them exclusively," said David
Waybright, publisher for BradyGames. "Their upcoming lineup of games is
amazing, and we plan on offering guides with the same high standard people
have come to expect from BradyGames-with a few surprises as well."
- - - - -

ABOUT CAPCOM
Capcom Entertainment, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Capcom, Co., Ltd. of Japan. A leading force in the
multi-billion dollar interactive entertainment industry, Capcom's legacy
spans 22 years of entertaining video gamers. Capcom develops, markets, and
distributes home video games for the PlayStation(R) game console,
PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo(R) GameCube game
console Xbox(tm) video game system, Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color
systems, personal computers, and coin-operated games. Worldwide recognizable
product lines include Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Onimusha and
Resident Evil. World headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company also has
offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, London and Sunnyvale, California. The company is
publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, code number 9697.

ABOUT BRADYGAMES
Strategy guides have become an essential part of the high-tech world of
gaming, and BradyGames delivers everything gamers need to win - comprehensive
tips, strategies, cheats, and more! BradyGames creates strategy guides for
the most anticipated games. Each guide takes on the unique look and feel of
the game it supports while providing every piece of essential information.
BradyGames' talented team of authors and editors cover every aspect of the
game to provide the most detailed information available.

BradyGames, an imprint of the Pearson Technology Group, is a leader in the
gaming world. BradyGames' guides feature quality and excellence comparable to
each game they cover. With top-notch strategy guides and exclusive
partnerships, BradyGames is on the path to an even more successful future.
For the latest hints and cheats, visit www.bradygames.com and Take Your Game
Further(R).

Capcom, Street Fighter and Resident Evil are registered trademarks of Capcom
Co., Ltd. Onimusha, Mega Man and Breath of Fire are trademarks of Capcom Co.,
Ltd. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo, Game Cube, Game Boy and Game Boy
Advance are trademarks of Nintendo. Xbox and Microsoft are trademarks of
Microsoft Corp. All rights reserved. All other marks are the property of
their respective holders.

# # #

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 47
Message 2          Wed Oct 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:17 PDT

Grand Theft Auto(tm): Vice City Official Strategy Guide serves as gamers'
partner in crime

INDIANAPOLIS - Oct. 29, 2002 - Players of Rockstar's highly anticipated Grand
Theft Auto(tm): Vice City having second thoughts about playing the game alone
are in luck, as the BradyGames Official Strategy Guide offers to be their
partner in crime, revealing essential methods for survival and profit.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the latest installment in one of the most
widely recognized video game franchises in the world. It features challenging
missions, an immersive storyline, and over 100 hours of addictive
entertainment - all set in the 1980s. Players face numerous missions that
will require them to get ahead and stay alive in the seedy underworld of Vice
City.

The Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Official Strategy Guide puts gamers on the
fast track to becoming enterprising criminals. Expert tactics detail what
vehicles to drive, where to go, and who to knock-off to earn respect and cash
in every mission. As the most complete visual reference for Vice City, the
detailed maps provide routes and locations for nearly every mission and
secret item. The guide also gives tactics for all odd jobs, extra missions,
Unique Jumps, and Rampage Challenges. In addition, the expansive vehicle
coverage provides players with a virtual showroom of all 100 sweet rides.

As part of BradyGames' Signature Series line, the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Official Strategy Guide showcases innovative design and content that has made
these deluxe strategy guides so successful. Some special features that gamers
will find in this guide include:

* Full-color art on the inside front and back cover.
* Special collector's edition cover with matte laminate and spot gloss
varnish.
* A giant two-sided map poster.

"To say that the release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is an 'event' would
be putting it mildly," said David Waybright, publisher of BradyGames. "We've
tried to approach the strategy guide with the passion and innovation that
this game deserves."

The Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Official Strategy Guide (ISBN 0-7440-0194-3)
is available now at local electronics, book and software retailers for $14.99
US / $21.99 CAN / L9.99 Net UK. It is also available for purchase online at
http://www.bradygames.com.

ABOUT TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC.
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is an
integrated global developer, marketer, distributor, and publisher of
interactive entertainment software games and accessories for the PC,
PlayStation(r), PlayStation(r)2, Xbox(tm), Nintendo Game Boy Color, Nintendo
GameCube and Nintendo Game Boy Advance. The Company publishes and develops
products through various wholly owned subsidiaries including: Rockstar Games,
Rockstar North, Gotham Games, Gathering of Developers, TalonSoft, Joytech,
PopTop, and Global Star. The Company maintains sales and marketing offices in
Cincinnati, New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Copenhagen,
Milan, Sydney and Auckland. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on
NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information
please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

ABOUT BRADYGAMES
Strategy guides have become an essential part of the high-tech world of
gaming, and BradyGames delivers everything gamers need to win - comprehensive
tips, strategies, cheats, and more! BradyGames creates strategy guides for
the most anticipated games. Each guide takes on the unique look and feel of
the game it supports while providing every piece of essential information.
BradyGames' talented team of authors and editors cover every aspect of the
game to provide the most detailed information available.

BradyGames, an imprint of the Pearson Technology Group, is a leader in the
gaming world. BradyGames' guides feature quality and excellence comparable to
each game they cover. With top-notch strategy guides and exclusive
partnerships, BradyGames is on the path to an even more successful future.
For the latest hints and cheats, visit www.bradygames.com and Take Your Game
Further(r).

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 47
Message 3          Fri Nov 22, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:43 PDT

BradyGames(r) arms gamers with flawless strategy for Mortal Kombat(r): Deadly
Alliance(tm)

Signature Series guide is the ultimate resource for the game

INDIANAPOLIS - Nov. 22, 2002 - Finish Them! As gamers prepare to engage in
Midway's Mortal Kombat(r): Deadly Alliance(tm) - a fight that will be so
brutal, so evil, and so deadly - they'll need the BradyGames Official
Strategy Guide to prevail in this intense competition.

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance offers a lethal dose of unparalleled
brutality, supernatural mystique and a reinvented fighting system. Beginning
the next chapter in the battle of good versus evil, two powerful sorcerers
Shang Tsung(tm) and Quan Chi(tm) join forces to deliver unrivaled fighting
action in their quest for supreme mortality. In the game, players engage in
hand-to-hand and special-weapon combat, executing secret moves and
combinations with new fatalities and deadly body blows. Lethal new warriors
are added to the mix along with the return of Mortal Kombat classics
-Scorpion(tm), Raiden(tm), Sub-Zero(tm) and Sonya Blade(tm). Hyper-realistic,
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance features progressive physical damage that
allows players to view the inevitable demise of their opponents while
utilizing three unique fighting styles for each warrior, creating nearly
unlimited fighting possibilities.

"We're happy to work with BradyGames on one of our biggest titles of the
year," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing for Midway. "Mortal
Kombat fans will love the extras in this Signature Series guide."

BradyGames' Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance Official Strategy Guide provides
essential fighting tactics and shows brand new fatalities. With complete
coverage of all kombatants, plus the moves, combos, and killer strategy, for
all extra nine characters, players will have the upper hand on their
opponents. In addition, the guide reveals a sneak peek at the secrets in the
Krypt, one of the best reasons to keep playing the game!

Besides unbeatable strategies, this guide offers unique bonus content for
avid Mortal Kombat fans. Part of BradyGames' Signature Series line, the
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance Official Strategy Guide incorporates quality
design with extensive game coverage. A few of the special features in this
guide include an exclusive art gallery encompassing some of the most
incredible Mortal Kombat concept art imaginable and riveting trivia on the
Mortal Kombat series.

"The Mortal Kombat series is one of the most widely-known and popular
fighting games ever," said David Waybright, publisher for BradyGames. "We're
excited to once again work with Midway on Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance."

For more information about Midway Games and Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
visit mortalkombatdeadlyalliance.com.

- - -

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance Official Strategy Guide (ISBN 0-7440-0173-0)
is available now at local electronics, book and software retailers for $14.99
US / $21.99 CAN. It is also available for purchase online at
http://www.bradygames.com.

ABOUT MIDWAY
Midway Games Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of
interactive entertainment software. Midway videogames are available for play
on all major videogame platforms including the PlayStation(r)2 computer
entertainment system, the XboxTM video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo
GameCubeTM and Game Boy(r) Advance.

ABOUT BRADYGAMES
Strategy guides have become an essential part of the high-tech world of
gaming, and BradyGames delivers everything gamers need to win - comprehensive
tips, strategies, cheats, and more! BradyGames creates strategy guides for
the most anticipated games. Each guide takes on the unique look and feel of
the game it supports while providing every piece of essential information.
BradyGames' talented team of authors and editors cover every aspect of the
game to provide the most detailed information available.

BradyGames, an imprint of the Pearson Technology Group, is a leader in the
gaming world. BradyGames' guides feature quality and excellence comparable to
each game they cover. With top-notch strategy guides and exclusive
partnerships, BradyGames is on the path to an even more successful future.
For the latest hints and cheats, visit www.bradygames.com and Take Your Game
Further(r).

MORTAL KOMBAT, DEADLY ALLIANCE, all character names and MIDWAY are trademarks
of Midway Amusement Games, LLC. Used under license.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 47
Message 4          Mon Jun 07, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:42 PDT

Capcom(R) and BradyGames(R) Renew Exclusive Strategy Guide Partnership

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - June 7, 2004 - Capcom(R) today announced an official
agreement granting BradyGames(R) exclusive rights to continue publishing
strategy guides for many of their upcoming games. After working together for
several years, Capcom selected BradyGames as their exclusive strategy guide
partner in 2002. Under their original agreement, BradyGames published
strategy guides for many smash hit Capcom titles such as Resident Evil(R)
Zero, Devil May Cry(TM) 2, Mega Man(R) Battle Network 3: Blue & White, and
Viewtiful Joe(TM).

The first blockbuster title under the latest agreement, Onimusha(TM) 3 Demon
Siege, was released in late April. BradyGames published two collectible
guides for the final game in the renowned Onimusha trilogy--the Onimusha 3
Demon Siege Official Strategy Guide (Signature Series) and the Onimusha 3
Demon Siege Limited Edition Strategy Guide. The Signature Series Guide
included bonus content and other exclusive extras such as a double-sided
pullout poster featuring character art from the game. The Limited Edition
Strategy Guide was a special, limited offering that included the Onimusha 3
Demon Siege Signature Series Guide with an exclusive cover, a stunning art
book featuring imagery from the entire Onimusha series, and a deluxe book
jacket.

Once again, the two game industry giants have joined forces to help gamers
enjoy some of the year's hottest games. BradyGames will publish strategy
guides for several key Capcom titles in 2004 including: Mega Man Battle
Network 4: Blue Moon & Red Sun, Way of the Samurai 2, Street Fighter(R)
Anniversary Collection, Crimson Tears(TM), Monster Hunter, Mega Man X Command
Mission, Viewtiful Joe (for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment
system), Mega Man Zero 3, Mega Man X8, Resident Evil 4, Killer 7(TM), Shadow
of Rome(TM), and Under the Skin(TM).

The renewed relationship extends into 2005, with additional exclusive
strategy guides for big games such as Resident Evil Outbreak 2, Viewtiful Joe
2, Devil May Cry 3 and many more.

"We have been very impressed with BradyGames' strong commitment for creating
high-quality products," said Taki Enomoto, manager of licensing, Capcom Co.,
LTD., Japan. "Their tailored approach to publishing is apparent in every
guide they publish, and this high standard is why we chose to continue our
exclusive partnership with BradyGames."

- - -

ABOUT CAPCOM

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of
interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created
world-renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man,
Breath of Fire, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in
Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom,
Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products
can be found on the company's web site at www.capcom.com.

ABOUT BRADYGAMES

Strategy guides have become an essential part of the high-tech world of
gaming, and BradyGames delivers everything gamers need to win - comprehensive
tips, strategies, cheats, and more! BradyGames creates strategy guides for
the most anticipated games. Each guide takes on the unique look and feel of
the game it supports while providing every piece of essential information.
BradyGames' talented team of authors and editors cover every aspect of the
game to provide the most detailed information available.

BradyGames, an imprint of the Pearson Technology Group, is a leader in the
gaming world. BradyGames' guides feature quality and excellence comparable to
each game they cover. With top-notch strategy guides and exclusive
partnerships, BradyGames is on the path to an even more successful future.
For the latest hints and cheats, visit www.bradygames.com and Take Your Game
Further(R).

(C) CAPCOM CO., LTD. 2004. (C) CAPCOM U.S.A. 2004. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CAPCOM, the CAPCOM LOGO, Resident Evil, Street Fighter, and Mega Man are
registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. Onimusha, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful
Joe, Killer 7, Shadow of Rome, Under the Skin, Crimson Tears and Breath of
Fire are trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd, "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family
logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights
reserved. All other marks are the property of their respective holders. The
ratings icon is a registered trademark of the Entertainment Software
Association.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 48        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 14:07 PST
Sub: Prima Games

Prima Games, founded in 1990 in Roseville, California.  Owned by Prima
Publishing.
http://www.primagames.com

 9 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 1          Fri Oct 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:05 PDT

Prima Games has established a free holiday season game tip line for the media,
so that if we're having trouble playing a game and we're under deadline to
write a review, we can get help.

Now that's damn cool. :)

Of course, I won't need it... <eg>

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 2          Sun Oct 14, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:00 PDT

Prima Games will publish strategy guides for the following games this holiday
season:

EverQuest Player's Guide
Okage: Shadow King
Kessen II
Monopoly Tycoon
Thunderstrike: Operation Phoenix
Devil May Cry
Dark Age of Camelot
NASCAR Thunder 2002
RollerCoaster Tycoon
Project Eden
Syphon Filter 3
Ultimate Code Book: Book of Se
GameShark Pocket Power Guide 10th Edition
GameShark Pocket Power Guide 10th Edition (for EB)
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Rogue Spear: Black Thorn
WWF SmackDown!  "Just Bring It"
Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies
Aliens Vs. Predator 2
Sid Meier's Civilization III
Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds
Dragon Warrior VII
Soul Reaver 2
Nickelodeon Games Fun Book
Herdy Gerdy
Bond: Agent Under Fire
Empire Earth
The Sims: Hot Date
Project Gotham
NFL Fever 2002
Halo
NFL 2K2
Legends of Wrestling
Deus Ex: The Conspiracy
Shadow Man: 2econd Coming
New Legends
Star Wars: Obi-Wan
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee
Amped: Freestyle Snowboarding
Azurik: Rise of Perathia
Nightcaster
Luigi's Mansion
Majestic
Dead or Alive 3
Warrior Kings
Blood Omen 2
Fuzion Frenzy Hintbook
EverQuest: Shadows of Luclin
Eternal Darkness
Shenmue II
Pikmin
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
WWF Raw is War
Command & Conquer: Renegade
Bruce Lee: Quest of the Dragon
Galleon: Islands of Mystery
Commandos 2: Men of Courage (PS2)

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 3          Fri Oct 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:53 PDT

> Prima Games has established a free holiday season game tip line for the
> media, so that if we're having trouble playing a game and we're under
> deadline to write a review, we can get help. Now that's damn cool. :)

I take it back.  Great idea; poor execution.  I mailed a help request to their
help line at midnight EDT Thursday morning, and have not received a reply as
of 10:00 AM Friday morning.  That's not within the advertised "2 hours or
less".  There was no live support at the phone number given.  Any help I get
now will be after my deadline.

I can't even give Prima an "'A' for effort" on this one. ;)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 4          Fri Oct 19, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 07:59 PDT

>>>I can't even give Prima an "'A' for effort" on this one. ;)

There are other things "A" stands for. ;)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 5          Fri Oct 19, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:41 PDT

I CC'ed my last post to the public relations person who had informed me of
the help line's existence.  Within an hour I had a phone call from her,
apologizing for what happened.  Apparently, my help request was the first one
not answered in the two weeks since the service started, and she was going to
find out why.

Five hours later, I had an email from Prima:

        "We sincerely apologize for not having responded in a timely manner
to your message.  We have just recently started the hint line and,
unfortunately for us, we ran into a glitch.  Your messages were routed to the
incorrect person.  We have made the appropriate fixes on this end and would
sincerely appreciate your trying our hint line again.  Meanwhile, I'm also
providing my contact information should you wish to discuss anything further.

        "We would like to send you the Prima guide for the game in question
and place you on our press mailing list for new guides.  Please let me know
whether that is acceptable.

        "Again, I realize your deadline has passed, but I am supplying the
answer to your question..."

I appreciate all the attention my complaint (though I really just meant it as
a negative observation :) has received.  I'm not sure how I feel about
accepting the offer of bribery though. :)  I'd probably feel more confident
if I had their game guides in hand, should I need to use them, than if I had
to unexpectedly put my faith in their help service again.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 6          Sat Oct 20, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 13:16 PDT

>>>I appreciate all the attention my complaint (though I really just meant it
as a negative observation :) has received.  I'm not sure how I feel about
accepting the offer of bribery though. :)

What, are you kidding?  I love bribery. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 7          Sat Oct 20, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:13 PDT

> What, are you kidding? I love bribery. :)

I'll have to remember that. ;)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 8          Sat Oct 20, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 23:30 PDT

>>>I'll have to remember that. ;)

Bribery works. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 4,  Topic 48
Message 9          Tue Oct 23, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:10 PDT

Prima is not releasing a strategy guide for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of
Liberty, which is likely to be the best-selling game this Christmas season.

Why would they do that?  I'm sure lots of companies are releasing guides, one
"Authorized" and the rest "Unauthorized".  I doubt Konami has served an
injunction against publishers producing an "unauthorized" guide.  Does Prima
feel the playing field's a bit too crowded for MGS2 perhaps?

-Ken

 ------------
Category  5 Games on TV and in the Movies
 ************
Topic 1         Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:27 PST
Sub: General Discussion

General Discussion of video game movies and TV shows.

 41 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 1          Mon May 14, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:24 PDT

Remember that 1980's Disney movie, TRON?  It was one of the first cinematic
productions to feature computer-generated graphics.  Thanks to Penny Arcade
<http://www.penny-arcade.com>, I found two of the coolest TRON-related fan
sites:

http://www.tronmovie.com
http://www.tronfan.com

They have sound clips, MP3's, artwork, product info, and so much more.  Really
cool stuff!  If you like TRON (which is available on DVD, BTW), then check out
these sites.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 2          Mon May 14, 2001
A2.DAIN                      at 23:58 PDT

I never got to see tron.  Was it any good?  I did see a Tronlike graphics
movie called The Last Starfighter.  I don't remember much, except that I
always wanted to play the video game that they show in that movie.


Dain Neater

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 3          Tue May 15, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 05:54 PDT

Dain,

TRON is one of my all-time favorite movies.  Basically, a guy gets pulled into
a computer and is forced to play for real all the video games he played in the
arcade.  This is the movie from which we get "light cycles" and all the games
based on them.  In fact, the TRON arcade game(s) were simultaneous releases
with the movie.  Some elements appear in the movie just so that their
appearances in the games can have a basis.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 4          Tue May 15, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 06:43 PDT

>>>>I never got to see tron.  Was it any good?

TRON was a fun movie, really great (especially at the age I was when it came
out, but it's still fun to watch today).

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 5          Tue May 15, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 09:58 PDT

I don't know if Tron was much of a movie in terms of plot and such, but it was
a fun one to watch.
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 6          Fri May 18, 2001
LUMITECH [Jeff]              at 23:45 PDT

Replying to 'A2.RYAN' in Category 5 Topic 1:

> I don't know if Tron was much of a movie in terms of plot and such,
but
> it was
> a fun one to watch.

It certainly was not a money maker for Disney. Shortly after Tron was
released, Disney was almost lost in a hostile take-over attempt.


 LumiTech
 Fri, 18 May 01 @ 23:16:00

 Cruising the 'railway' provided by:
 Spectrum v2.5.2 and SOAR! v1.0b4


 A belly button is for salt when you eat celery in bed.


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 7          Sat May 19, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 09:25 PDT

> It certainly was not a money maker for Disney. Shortly after Tron was
> released, Disney was almost lost in a hostile take-over attempt.

For some reason, I just have a mental picture of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and
Donald all joining in to fight hostile takeovers :)
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS, Page 590

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 8          Sat May 19, 2001
LUMITECH [Jeff]              at 11:40 PDT

Replying to 'A2.RYAN' in Category 5 Topic 1:

>| It certainly was not a money maker for Disney. Shortly after Tron was
>| released, Disney was almost lost in a hostile take-over attempt.
>
> For some reason, I just have a mental picture of Mickey, Minnie,
Goofy,
> and
> Donald all joining in to fight hostile takeovers :)

LOL! Actually, you left out one from the so-called "Fab 5" ... PLUTO!
He's the one that saved the day! ;-)


 LumiTech
 Sat, 19 May 01 @ 11:34:48

 Cruising the 'railway' provided by:
 Spectrum v2.5.2 and SOAR! v1.0b4


 Shareware program dies! GIF at Eleven.


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 9          Mon Aug 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:45 PDT

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/301801p1.html suggests a new edition of TRON
on DVD is being released, though the article is written almost as wishful
thinking on the author's part.  I can't tell if it is meant to convey fact or
fiction.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 10         Tue Aug 14, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 07:05 PDT

That definitely looks like wishful thinking by a warped dude. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 11         Tue Aug 14, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:40 PDT

Here's an email from the author of that article:

"The purpose of the 'Good Edition' articles is to hypothesize what could and
should be included in a second, more feature laden release.

"While usually I or whom ever writes the GE in question makes up what they
feel should be included based on materials known or thought to exist, in the
case of the TRON GE that I wrote, I based almost all of the features straight
from what was found on the now out of print laserdisc special edition.

"The kicker in this case is that Disney has indeed announced a second special
edition release for early next year.  Since my extras were ported over from
the laserdisc, the chances are good that many of the supplemental features I
wrote about will indeed make it onto the new disc.

"But no, the Good Edition of TRON as written won't be released."

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 12         Mon Sep 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:30 PDT

The web site for Jerry Buckner and Gary Garcia, the dynamic duo behind the
early Eighties hit "Pac-Man Fever," is http://www.bucknergarcia.com.  You can
order their CD there.

They have several songs available for download online, from both their
Pac-Man Fever CD and another CD, "Now & Then".  The download page is

http://www.bucknergarcia.com/mp3frame.htm

One song is "Pokemon Fever," which is the same tune as Pac-Man Fever but with
new lyrics.  The URL I used to download this song is as follows:

http://downloads.mp3.com/AAIAQgobFQBB6uEsMwGAwARub3JtUAQAAABSUOQAAAUBUQEAAABT
AQAAAFQBAAAACABDz9CSOyr3UGZkkUL6UC8G3Av1.lY-/Pokemon_Fever.mp3

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 13         Thu Nov 15, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:00 PDT

The TRON special edition DVD is a reality, hitting store shelves on Jan 15,
2002.  Full feature list at

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OCMR/qid=1005886749/sr=1-1/ref=sr_
1_2_1/102-2492767-7032111

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 15         Fri Apr 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:51 PDT

Fox Television has acquired the rights to make a live-action Dragonball Z
movie, based on the popular anime of that name.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 16         Fri Apr 11, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:44 PDT

A movie based on the "Dead or Alive" fighting and volleyball games is in the
works, by the same studio that is doing "Resident Evil 2" and "Driver".

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 17         Fri Jun 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:04 PDT

For details on a Microsoft documentary airing next weekend, see Category 30,
Topic 3, Msg 96.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 19         Thu Sep 04, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:15 PDT

MAJESCO'S 'BLOODRAYNE' GOES HOLLYWOOD
AS BOLL KG ACQUIRES FILM RIGHTS
TO POPULAR VIDEO GAME FRANCHISE
$30 Million Budget to Back Hollywood's New Femme Fatale

EDISON, NJ, September 04, 2003 - Continuing its strategy of developing
cornerstone franchise properties with widespread commercial appeal, Majesco,
one of the fastest-growing publishers of interactive entertainment software,
today announced a deal that will take their popular action/horror video game,
BloodRayne to the silver screen. Vierte Boll Kino Beteiligungs-GmbH & Co. KG
(Boll KG), the production company responsible for several film adaptations of
video games including Alone in the Dark and House of the Dead, has purchased
the theatrical film and merchandise rights for the game.

Executive producer and director Dr. Uwe Boll, expects to begin filming
BloodRayne sometime in 2004 and estimates a budget in the $30 million range.
Shawn Williamson (White Noise, Alone in the Dark) of Brightlight Pictures is
set to produce.

"BloodRayne is one of the select interactive entertainment franchises that
transcends the video game genre and appeals to mainstream entertainment
audiences," said Jesse Sutton, President of Majesco. "With its unique blend
of action, horror, and sex appeal, BloodRayne contains major crossover
potential and we are continuing to explore additional licensing
opportunities."

"We think BloodRayne is a dynamic, compelling anti-hero and a contemporary,
smart standard bearer for the genre" says Boll from the set of Alone in the
Dark, currently wrapping production with Brightlight Pictures in Vancouver
with Christian Slater, Tara Reid and Stephen Dorff. "We look forward to
bringing her-and the game--to life on film."

Williamson adds, "I'm looking forward to continuing my collaboration with
Uwe, and to continuing to build Brighlight's reputation in producing terrific
entertainment with these films."

Originally released for console on October 2002, with a PC release scheduled
for September 9 of this year, BloodRayne features the sexy, supernatural,
huntress BloodRayne, an unholy breed of human and vampire. An explosive force
with gymnastic dexterity and an intense lust for blood and action, BloodRayne
was raised and trained by a secret agency to hunt down and eliminate
supernatural threats around the globe.

Consumers looking for more information on BloodRayne can visit the official
Majesco site at www.BloodRayne.com <http://www.bloodrayne.com/> . The site
contains movies and screen shots from the game; additional background on the
interactive world's most deliciously wicked hunter of evil; unique downloads
and other special features.

About Majesco
Headquartered in Edison, NJ, with offices in the United Kingdom, Majesco was
founded in 1986 and is a leading international developer, publisher and
distributor of interactive entertainment products for the Xbox(r),
PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo GameCube(tm) and Game
Boy(r) Advance systems, as well as the personal computer. Included among
these are Majesco's Drake, a comic book-styled shooter for Xbox(r) and PC,
and Black9, an original action/RPG for console and PC, both scheduled for
release this fall. Already scheduled for a spring 2004 release is Majesco's
highly-anticipated Advent Rising, the first in a trilogy of intergalactic
action/adventure games and novels, scheduled for Xbox(r) and PC. Majesco can
be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.majescogames.com/
<http://www.majescogames.com/> .

About Boll KG
With $US29 million in production funds raised in the past year, Boll KG is a
fast-growing upstart film production entity based in Frankfurt, Germany under
the aegis of Dr. Uwe Boll. With this most recent acquisition, Boll has
emerged as a pre-eminent developer and producer of films based on video
games. Artisan will release House of the Dead, based on the Sega franchise,
this Fall; Boll is about to wrap production on a film adaptation of Atari's
Alone in the Dark in Vancouver. Both films were produced with Shawn
Williamson's Brightlight Pictures.

# # #

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 20         Fri Sep 05, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:26 PDT

Hm.  Reviews of BloodRayne for the Macintosh have been less than stellar,
complaining about shoddy graphics quality and so forth.  I'm not sure why
someone would jump on the bandwagon to make a movie based on a game that
doesn't seem to be that big a deal.

Or is it some huge phenomenon in the console space that I've missed hearing
about somehow; I hadn't heard of it being on consoles until this press
release.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 21         Fri Sep 05, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:03 PDT

Sheppy,

BloodRayne came out for all three consoles in October; see Category 8, Topic
1, Messages 27-28, 30.  I don't remember it being a big hit, either.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 22         Sun Sep 07, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:35 PDT

Is it just me or are games that move from console to PC often substandard on
the PC?  They tend not to bother to soup up the graphics for the much higher
resolutions PC (and Mac) users are used to.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 23         Sun Sep 07, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:27 PDT

Sheppy,

> Is it just me or are games that move from console to PC often substandard on
> the PC?

I think ports in general do not fare well.  For example, Civilization II on
PSone was good, but it was made for a computer and keyboard, not a console and
joystick.  Even Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, which originated on the PS2, is
often considered superior on that original platform when compared with the
Xbox and GameCube ports.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 24         Tue Sep 09, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:12 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 5 Topic 1:

> I think ports in general do not fare well.  For example, Civilization
II
> on PSone was good, but it was made for a computer and keyboard, not a
> console and joystick.  Even Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2, which
> originated on the PS2, is often considered superior on that original
> platform when compared with the Xbox and GameCube ports.

I've read that the Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 suffered similarly on
the PC.  Much of this relies I would think on how similar the original
target platform is from the new platform.  The PS2 has shipped 60
million consoles worldwide and  the other consoles have shipped about a
sixth of that.  The money is devoted similarly.

Some games seem to have little or no adverse affects.  The Madden Series
is very much the same on all platforms.

The PC and the Mac are small fish compared to the console markets.
Sometimes you see a PC game like The Sims or Myst that sell millions of
copies, but usually you see very few that sell even near a million.
Some games just don't port over well to newer control schemes either.

I'm still looking for a decent controller for my Mac and PC..

Dain





 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 25         Fri Mar 05, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:42 PDT

So many games are being optioned for movies, it's silly.  Prince of Persia and
Soul Calibur are the latest.

Who knows if we'll ever see them.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 26         Fri Mar 12, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:26 PDT

GAMEFLY, FOUNTAINHEAD ENTERTAINMENT, AND UPN INTRODUCE A FREE
PC GAME IN CONJUNCTION WITH NEW CGI TELEVISION SHOW "GAME OVER,"
PRODUCED BY CARSEY-WERNER-MANDABACH

Simultaneous Introduction of Game and
TV Show - Uniting Traditional and Interactive Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, CA, (March 11, 2004) - GameFly announced today that they are
official sponsors of "Game Over in Machinimation", a free downloadable PC
game created by Fountainhead Entertainment that debuted last night on
www.UPN.com in conjunction with the first-ever CGI television series for
primetime - "Game Over," produced by Carsey-Werner-Mandabach. Due to
GameFly's sponsorship, Fountainhead Entertainment was able to produce "Game
Over in Machinimation" as a simultaneous release with the television series,
based on Raquel, the main female protagonist. In addition to watching Raquel
on screen and playing her in the game, players are able to use her character
in interactive and non-interactive ways by employing the Machinimation tools
that Fountainhead has made available as a free download on www.UPN.com.

"The ability to play a game as a character from a television show, and then
to take that character and make your own short film, is just plain cool,"
said Katherine Anna Kang, Fountainhead Entertainment's CEO. "It's exciting to
be a part of history; to be doing something no other network has ever done
before." The TV Show:

"Game Over" airs Wednesdays at 8:00 PM on UPN

Special Encore Telecast of Premiere Episode airs Friday, March 12 at 9:00 PM
Produced by Carsey-Werner-Mandabach for UPN

"Game Over" features the far-from-ordinary suburban Smashenburn family, who
live in an alternate video-game universe comprised of offbeat characters.
Within this world of action heroes, monsters and cartoon characters inspired
by popular video games, the Smashenburns find unconventional ways to survive
everyday issues.

As head of the Smashenburn household, Rip (voiced by "Seinfeld" alum Patrick
Warburton) is a hotshot Grand Prix racecar driver who rides and wrecks daily.
His feisty and attractive wife, Raquel (voiced by Lucy Liu), is a modern
working woman juggling family and her exhilarating job as a gun-toting,
monster-fighting Agent Smashenburn. Their son, Billy (voiced by E.G. Daily),
is a 13-year old shallow-but-trendy, wanna-be hip- hopster who often argues
with his 14-year old sister, Alice (voiced by "Saturday Night Live's" Rachel
Dratch), a cynical yet socially conscious teen. The family pet, Turbo (voiced
by Artie Lange, a regular on "The Howard Stern Show") is 300 pounds of
everything a pet isn't. He knocks over pawn shops, busts open parking meters
and robs the fighting Shaolin monks who live next door.

The Game:

"Game Over in Machinimation" by Fountainhead Entertainment

The free, downloadable PC game places the main female protagonist from the TV
show, Raquel Smashenburn, on an alien planet in search of the ancient
artifact known as the "Alien Monkey". Raquel, who struggles to balance the
responsibilities of work and home, must complete her mission in order to
return safely back to her family on Earth.

In the game, players can choose to play in either first- or third-person
shooter mode. There are six levels to the game; one is strictly single-player
and the other five can be either single or multiplayer. Built on the Quake
III engine, the game uses Machinimation -- the convergence of filmmaking,
animation and game development whereby game players can use a real-time 3D
game engine to produce their own films.

"What is really exciting for us is that fans of "Game Over" will be able to
watch the series, play the game and then make their own animation featuring
Raquel," said executive producer, Dave Goetsch. "Partnering with GameFly
brings an exceptional audience of dedicated gamers who we hope will
appreciate the context of our program as well as the incredible game
Fountainhead has produced," said Dave Goetsch, executive producer of "Game
Over."

"We are the leader in the game rental space, making games easily accessible
to the masses. UPN, Fountainhead and CWM are also delivering game
entertainment to the masses by linking our main medium (games/Internet) with
television," said Jung Suh, co-founder of GameFly. "Combining our strong
following of dedicated gamers with UPN's loyal viewers, both the 'Game Over'
show and the 'Game Over in Machinimation' game are teed up to be an extremely
popular union."

About Fountainhead Entertainment

Founded in 2000, Fountainhead Entertainment is an independent production
company that develops and produces animation, documentaries and specializes
in machinima. With focus in combining the best elements of traditional media
with new emerging forms, the company is dedicated to supporting creative
achievement in a virtual environment. Fountainhead is the recipient of
several awards for their machinima works, most notably for its work on "In
the Waiting Line" as well as the company's latest film, "Anna". For more
information on Fountainhead visit www.fountainheadent.com
<http://www.fountainheadent.com/> .

About GameFly

Founded in 2002, Los Angeles-based GameFly is the world's leading online
video game rental service, delivering the best selection and availability by
offering over 1500 titles for the PlayStation(R)2, Xbox, GameCube and GameBoy
Advance. GameFly memberships are priced at $21.95 per month. Located at
www.gamefly.com <http://www.gamefly.com/> , the company also offers hundreds
of the highest quality, pre-played video games for sale at exceptional
prices.

Game Over is produced by Carsey-Werner-Mandabach, created by David Sacks and
developed by David Goetsch, David Sacks, Jason Venokur and Ross Venokur.
Founded in 1981 Carsey-Werner-Mandabach is the leading independent studio in
the business today with programs seen in over 175 countries and translated
into 50 different languages. Its current shows include, "That' 70s Show,"
"Grounded for Life," "Whoopi" and "The Tracy Morgan Show." www.cwm.com

###

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 27         Sun May 23, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:21 PDT

Three college students in Detroit shot a trailer for a live-action Mega Man
movie:

http://www.planet-megaman.com/mmmovie/

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 28         Wed Aug 24, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:30 PDT

GAMETRAILERS.COM LAUNCHES "GT WEEKLY"; NEW INTERNET TV
SHOW FOCUSED ON VIDEOGAMES

Interactive Online TV Program Allows Gamers to Tailor Show Content in Real
Time

Los Angeles, CA - August 23, 2005 - GameTrailers.com, the leading online
source for videogame multimedia content, is pleased to announce its new
original show, "GT Weekly." Unlike any other news show on the internet, "GT
Weekly" allows viewers to choose the segments they want to watch based on
their preferences.

"Every videogame fan is different, and each one has very specific and intense
loyalties, but more importantly they have no patience to watch coverage of
games they don't care about. The interactive format of the show lets viewers
choose the topics they want to see, and skip past the stories they are not
interested in. This is one of many advantages internet programming has over
traditional TV," said Jon Slusser, CEO of GameTrailers.com. "A massive number
of people now have broadband access and this opens up endless possibilities
for high quality content. GT Weekly is bringing audiences 'TV on the
internet' with a new level of technology and production value."

Designed specifically for interactivity, GT Weekly offers viewers up-to-date
news and stories about the game industry accompanied by the latest trailers,
behind the scenes footage, interviews and event coverage. Hosted by Amanda
MacKay, each 5-10 minute show highlights the best of GT TV's programming,
with on-screen links for fans to jump to more extensive coverage.

GT Weekly can be seen at GT.tv and GameTrailers.com with new episodes
premiering every Thursday. The latest episode covers QuakeCon and the
Evolution Fighting Game Championships 2005. Upcoming GT Weekly shows will
include coverage of the Tokyo Game Show and much more.

For more information, please visit GameTrailers.com and GT.tv.

About GameTrailers.com and GT.tv.
With over 8 million videogame trailers downloaded monthly, GameTrailers.com
continues to lead the videogame-focused multimedia revolution as it adds
unprecedented innovative content with their GT TV shows, high-definition
downloadable content, and its vast network of media partners that include
AOL, Comcast.net, Ask.com, PlayStation.com, Xbox.com, and About.com.

###

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 29         Sun Aug 28, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:02 PDT

Looks like eight episodes of the Super Mario Bros. Super Show are available
for download - legally!

http://www.pressthebuttons.com/2005/08/free_legal_onli.html

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1  [MOVED]
Message 30         Tue Sep 13, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:50 PDT

MTV Films Announces Agreement to Acquire Worldwide Film Rights to Midway's
The Suffering

MTV Films Joins Forces with Stan Winston Productions and Circle of Confusion
on Project

NEW YORK, NY - September 8, 2005  - MTV Films, a division of Viacom Inc.
(NYSE: VIA, VIAB), today announced that it has acquired an option on the
worldwide film rights to the award-winning, action-horror videogame property
The Suffering(R) from Surreal Software, a subsidiary of Midway Games Inc.
(NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment industry publisher and
developer.

In The Suffering, which was released in April 2004, the player controls the
prisoner Torque, a hardened inmate sentenced to die for a murder he may or
may not have actually committed. A sequel, The Suffering: Ties That Bind(TM)
is scheduled to ship in September 2005 and lets players delve into the
perverse world of Torque's sanity to discover his past and struggle to
control his future. Both games were developed by Midway's internal studio,
Surreal Software.

MTV Films is working in conjunction with Stan Winston and Brian Gilbert from
Stan Winston Productions and Jason Lust and Rick Jacobs from Circle of
Confusion on The Suffering's development as a feature film project. MTV
Films' Senior Director Jason Weiss, who brought the project to the company,
Gregg Goldin and David Gale will be developing on behalf of MTV Films.

"We are very excited to be working hand in hand with Midway to translate this
innovative game into an edge-of-your-seat film," said David Gale, Executive
Vice President, MTV Films. "Gaming is such a huge part of the culture for
MTV's audience it makes perfect sense for us to work with Midway, Stan
Winston and Circle of Confusion on bringing The Suffering to life as a
feature film."

"The Suffering is a true action-horror experience with plenty of disturbing
and twisted creatures," said Alan Patmore, president, Surreal Software. "We
are extremely happy to be working with MTV Films to bring the terror to the
big screen in what promises to be a groundbreaking horror film."

This film agreement with Midway closely follows a June announcement that MTV
and Midway will jointly market three upcoming Midway games. L.A. RUSH(TM),
which will feature MTV branding throughout the game world with the crew from
the hit MTV show, "Pimp My Ride," West Coast Customs, will be the first title
shipping under this deal.

About The Suffering: Ties That Bind

The Suffering: Ties That Bind is a revolutionary action-horror game that
emphasizes the disturbing terror of its predecessor, with new twisted
creatures and a few familiar faces. Set in the unforgiving streets and
prisons of Baltimore, the player once again controls Torque as he seeks
revenge against the mysterious grand manipulator Blackmore, a man somehow
tied to the death of Torque's family. Players will explore the tough
inner-city, with poverty and urban injustices trapping people just as
effectively as a physical prison. The unique morality system returns, as
players delve into the perverse world of Torque's sanity to discover his past
and struggle to control his future.

About Midway

Headquartered in Chicago, IL with offices in San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA,
Austin, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Munich, Germany, London, UK, and Adelaide, AUS,
Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY) is a leading developer and publisher of
interactive entertainment software for major video game systems. More
information about Midway can be obtained at  www.midway.com

About MTV

MTV Networks owns and operates the cable television programming services MTV:
Music Television, MTV2, mtvU, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, VH1, CMT:
Country Music Television, Comedy Central, and Spike TV, as well as The
Digital Suite from MTV Networks, a package of thirteen digital services, all
of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also operates and
offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its
programming can be seen worldwide.


This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future
business conditions and the outlook for Midway Games Inc. (the "Company")
based on currently available information that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these
risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the financial
strength of the interactive entertainment industry, dependence on new product
introductions and the ability to maintain the scheduling of such
introductions, the upcoming console platform transition and other
technological changes, dependence on major platform manufacturers and other
risks more fully described under "Item 1. Business - Risk Factors" in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004,
and in the more recent filings made by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1  [MOVED]
Message 31         Thu Nov 24, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:14 PDT

Video games get a bad rap in this pending episode of "CSI: Miami":

http://www.salon.com/ent/tv/review/2005/11/22/csi_gamers/index_np.html

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 32         Sat Jan 07, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:24 PDT

"Bloodrayne" the movie came out in theaters this week.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 33         Sat Jan 07, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:19 PDT

Supposedly, 24 episodes of the "Super Mario Bros. Super Show" will release on
a four-DVD set on March 28:

http://www.pressthebuttons.com/2006/01/mario_super_sho.html

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 34         Mon Jan 09, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:37 PDT

Oof.  "Bloodrayne" is receiving some awful reviews and ratings, excerpts of
which are provided here:

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1984&Itemid=2

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 35         Wed Feb 08, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:48 PDT

Visit this URL for a review of the DVD release of "The Legend of Zelda"
animated series, and of the show itself:

http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/22002

An excerpt:

"The Zelda cartoons themselves, though, are of a different nature. For, in
spite of the fact that they are in every instance silly and absurd, they are
yet overwhelmingly preoccupied with sexual tension, the accompanying problems
of which are well known to adults everywhere. We are supposed to believe that
Link's ultimate mission is to steal the triforce of power from his nemesis,
Ganon, in order that the forces of good may rule the land. But after only a
few episodes, we adults realize that Link has an ulterior motive: to quench
his man-thirst in the eager stream of womanly passion."

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 36         Wed Feb 15, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:32 PDT

If there were ever a "Metal Gear Solid" movie, Uwe Boll would not direct it:

http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/02/03/2140225

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 37         Thu Apr 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:33 PDT

Here's a kinda lame quiz about the actors who have appeared in movies based on
video games:

http://movies.aol.com/quiz_video_game_movies

Knowing video games won't help you; you need to have seen the films.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1  [MOVED]
Message 38         Tue Sep 19, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:30 PDT

Here's a list of 17 upcoming movies based on video games, whether or not
they'll suck, and why:

http://www.destructoid.com/some-upcoming-video-game-movies.htm

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1  [MOVED]
Message 39         Mon Sep 25, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:57 PDT

Director Uwe Boll, (in)famous for making bad movies based on video games,
recently beat the crap out of several of his critics by inviting them into
the boxing ring:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/25/moviedirector.boxing.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1  [MOVED]
Message 40         Tue Oct 31, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:33 PDT

Look for yet another movie based on the "Street Fighter" video games:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/30552

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 1
Message 41         Fri Nov 03, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:08 PDT

Via 1up, the news on the Coming Soon site is not good. Paul W.S. Anderson is
to film a Castlevania movie, beginning next year. From the article:

"Anderson's script spans many time periods but mostly takes place in 15th
century Transylvania. It represents a fresh take on the much-filmed Dracula
legend, mining back to its genesis in the story of the Romanian prince Vlad
the Impaler. 'You could almost call this movie Dracula Begins,' Anderson said.
'It's an action/horror project in the vein of Underworld and Blade, and
hopefully it will be a big franchise for us, Rogue co-president Andrew Rona
said."

Story continues at
http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/02/2153205&from=rss

 ------------
 ************
Topic 2   CLOSED Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:28 PST
Sub: ...reserved...

Reserved for future expansion.

 2 messages
 ************
 ************
Topic 6         Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:29 PST
Sub: Saturday Morning Cartoons

Remember getting up at the crack of dawn for a bowl of Chocolate-Frosted Sugar
Bombs and Saturday morning cartoons?  Many of them were based on video games.

 25 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 1          Sat Jun 09, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:08 PDT

There have been countless Saturday Morning cartoons based on video games,
including early shows Q*bert, Pac-Man, Frogger, and Donkey Kong.  Lately,
video game cartoon shows, such as Pokemon and Digimon, seem to be on weekday
afternoons.

What are some of your favorite Saturday morning cartoons?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 2          Sat Jun 09, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 17:10 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 5 Topic 6:

> What are some of your favorite Saturday morning cartoons?

I always liked the Superfriends and the Transformers.  I liked Dungeons
and Dragons the cartoon, but I think they made like 10 episodes so it
got old after a while.

It's been a while since I have seen any of them...

Dain


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 3          Sat Jun 09, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:56 PDT

> What are some of your favorite Saturday morning cartoons?

The original X-Men series is of course my favorite :)
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 4          Sat Jun 09, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 23:10 PDT

Ryan,

Have you seen the new X-Men cartoon that debuted on Fox this past Fall?  I
taped about a dozen episodes, but haven't watched them yet.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 5          Mon Jun 11, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 22:15 PDT

 > Have you seen the new X-Men cartoon that debuted on Fox this past Fall?

I have, but it's too far off from the original X-Men for me to be interested.
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS, Page 590

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 6          Sat Jun 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:39 PDT

Has anyone seen the Street Fighter Saturday morning cartoon?  I just finished
watching the animated movie, and there's a large number of cartoon series in
Japan.  I'm wondering how the American take was.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 7          Mon Aug 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:38 PDT

Not related to video games, but...

Lorenzo Music passed away on August 4 from bone cancer at age 64.  His voice
acting talents were present in many of my favorite childhood cartoons.  He
played Tummi in the Disney cartoon "Gummi Bears" and Dr. Peter Venkman in "The
Real Ghostbusters" - but he's probably best known as Garfield the cat, in the
many Garfield specials and the Saturday morning cartoon.

Sigh.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 8          Sat Nov 03, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:58 PDT

Justice League (featuring Superman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, and others)
premieres on Cartoon Network on November 17th.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 9          Sun Nov 04, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 11:16 PDT

> Justice League (featuring Superman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, and
> others) premieres on Cartoon Network on November 17th.

Wonder Twin powers, activate!

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop and Head Geek, A2
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 10         Sun Feb 24, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:05 PDT

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Chuck Jones, the creator of some of Warner
Bros.' most famous characters, including the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, and
Pepe Le Pew, died Friday at the age of 89, the Orange County Coroner's office
said.

The animator died at home of congestive heart failure with his wife of 20
years, Marian, by his side, his family said.

Continued at <http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/23/chuck.jones.obit/>

See also chuckjones.com.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 11         Sun Feb 24, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:57 PDT

That's sad... :(

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 12         Thu Mar 21, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:01 PDT

Season 1 of The Transformers will be released on DVD on April 23rd.

http://www.dvdpricesearch.com/cgi-bin/dvdcalc2?cmd=calc&tmpCart=16821

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 13         Mon May 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:37 PDT

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG SPEEDS, SPINS AND ZIPS INTO THE FOX BOX

4Kids Entertainment's FOX BOX Adds All-New SONIC X Animated Series To
Saturday Morning Line Up Beginning Fall 2003

NEW YORK, NY (May 14, 2003) - 4Kids Entertainment (NYSE:KDE) and SEGA(R)
today announced that the fastest hedgehog in the universe is speeding into
the FOX BOX! Continuing its drive to make FOX BOX the Saturday morning
destination for kids, 4Kids Entertainment has signed SEGA's Sonic The
Hedgehog(R) as the network's newest mega-star for its Saturday morning
line-up beginning fall 2003.

4Kids Entertainment has teamed with award-winning animation studio TMS
Entertainment Ltd. of Japan to produce 52 all-new animated episodes of the
SONIC X cartoon. The show will star the speedy blue superstar whose video
games have sold more than 32 million units globally. SONIC X takes its place
on FOX BOX alongside such popular shows as TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES,
KIRBY: RIGHT BACK AT YA!, ULTIMATE MUSCLE, and THE CRAMP TWINS.

Since his debut role in SEGA's "Sonic The Hedgehog" game in 1991, Sonic has
grown to be one of the most enduring game characters and franchises of all
time. Sonic The Hedgehog has appeared in numerous video games across multiple
console, handheld and wireless platforms over the past 10 years. Consistently
a top-selling franchise, Sonic The Hedgehog continues to be a popular icon
worldwide in 2003 and beyond.

"Sonic is one cool sassy hedgehog that kids will instantly be rooting for as
he takes on the evil DR. EGGMAN and his robot foes," said Norman Grossfeld,
president of 4Kids Productions.

"SEGA is thrilled to be bringing Sonic to another generation of fans," said
Mike Fischer, vice president of marketing, SEGA of America. "Our speedy blue
hedgehog is a video game icon, and SONIC X captures all the excitement and
thrills of his interactive adventures. FOX BOX is the perfect place for this
great new series."

Program Synopsis:
Accidentally transported by Chaos Control, Sonic finds himself on a strange
planet inhabited by humans and teams up with his newest friend, Christopher.
Together, Sonic and Christopher embark on a series of exhilarating and
elaborate quests as they search for the "Chaos Emeralds," precious stones
delivering the power to conquer the world to whoever possesses them. Through
their adventures, Sonic and Christopher must battle Sonic's archrival, the
evil Dr. Eggman, a robotics authority, who wants the "Chaos Emeralds" for
himself so that he can establish his own empire to dominate the world. Known
for speed, power and energy, Sonic helps Christopher overcome his boyhood
fears as they meet-up with long-time friends Knuckles, Tails and Amy, and
encounter new pals Cream and Cheese. In a distant galaxy, the confrontation
between Sonic and Dr. Eggman begins once again!

About 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.:
Headquartered in New York City, with international offices in London, 4Kids
Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) is a global provider of children's
entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned
subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing;
product development; television, film, music and home video production and
distribution; media buying and planning; and Web site development. For
further information, please visit the company's Web site at
www.4KidsEntertainment.com.

About FOX BOX
Saturday morning kids TV has taken on a whole new shape with the Fall 2002
launch of FOX BOX. From 4Kids Entertainment, the company responsible for some
of the biggest names in children's entertainment, FOX BOX is the TV network
home for the all-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kirby: Right Back at Ya! ,
Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy, The Cramp Twins, Ultraman Tiga,
Fighting Foodons and Pirate Islands. FOX BOX airs Saturday mornings
8:00AM-12:00PM (ET/PT) on Fox Network affiliates nationwide.

About SEGA
SEGA(R) of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized
as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside
the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at
www.sega.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Due to the fact that
the Company faces competition from toy companies, motion picture studios and
other licensing companies, and the uncertainty of public response to the
Company's properties, actual results or outcomes may differ materially from
any such forward looking statements.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 14         Tue Jul 27, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:58 PDT

Three of the 13 episodes of the "Zelda" cartoon (part of the "Super Mario
Bros. Super Show"), along with some episodes of "Sonic Underground" (huh?),
are now available on DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00026L7YU/ref=ase_tvshowsondvdco
m/103-0570418-3134209?v=glance&s=dvd

Four episodes of the Mario cartoon are also out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000AZT6I/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/103-0570418
-3134209

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 15         Sun Mar 27, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:15 PDT

Here's a web site for fans of "Captain N":

http://www.CaptainN.net

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 16         Sun Aug 21, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:04 PDT

Look for all 13 episodes of "The Legend of Zelda" animated series in an
October 18th DVD release:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=3951

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 17         Sun Dec 25, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:07 PDT

Following up on Message 2 uptopic - all 27 episodes of the "Dungeons &
Dragons" cartoon may be headed to DVD in 2006:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4760

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 18         Sun Mar 12, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:00 PDT

Supposedly, "Captain N: The Game Master" will be coming to DVD:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=5292

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 19         Mon Mar 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:59 PDT

Look for commentary tracks and special features on the D&D cartoon DVD:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=5343

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 20         Sat May 13, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:51 PDT

A live-action "Dance Dance Revolution" TV series is headed to CBS's Saturday
monring lineup this September 16th:

http://news.digitaltrends.com/article10389.html

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 21         Fri Jul 07, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:26 PDT

Here is a semi-official announcement that BCI is releasing the "Dungeons &
Dragons" cartoon to DVD:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6003

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 22         Wed Jul 19, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:38 PDT

Here, finally, is the OFFICIAL press release regarding the November 7th
release of all 27 episodes of the "Dungeons & Dragons" cartoon on DVD:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6079

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 23         Thu Sep 14, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:54 PDT

Look for "Captain N" on DVD on February 13th:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6419

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 24         Sat Sep 23, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:13 PDT

The DVD release of the D&D cartoon has moved from Nov 7 to Dec 5:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6442

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 6
Message 25         Mon Nov 06, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:33 PDT

Amazon is now taking preorders for the four-disc set of the "Captain N"
animated series:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JBXHVY

 ------------
 ************
Topic 15        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:34 PST
Sub: The Wizard

Starring Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, Beau Bridges, and Christian Slater, this
movie was essentially one big commercial for Nintendo, especially Super Mario
Bros. 3.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 15
Message 1          Sun Aug 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:47 PDT

Fianlly!  After all these years - the best video game movie is coming to DVD!

http://www.dvdpricesearch.com/cgi-bin/dvdcalc2?cmd=calc&tmpCart=56897

 ------------
 ************
Topic 18        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:39 PST
Sub: Mortal Kombat

Three unknowing martial artists are summoned to a mysterious island to compete
in a tournament the outcome of which will decide the fate of the world.  With
Christopher Lambert, Robin Shou, Linden Ashby, and Bridgette Wilson.

 4 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 18
Message 1          Sat Oct 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:38 PDT

IMHO, Mortal Kombat is possibly the finest movie ever based on video game.  It
has some great action sequences (nothing on the level of Jackie Chan or Jet
Li, but still good), and tons of humor and inside jokes - but nothing
extremely dependent on knowledge of the game.

Anyone agree/disagree?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 18
Message 2          Fri Jan 18, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:54 PDT

Looks like they're doing a third Mortal Kombat movie, subtitled "Domination":

http://us.imdb.com/Details?0293429

Characters casted so far include Liu Kang, Kitana,. Sonya Blade, Raiden, and
Jax.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 18
Message 3          Thu Mar 18, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:38 PDT

The third film is currently slated for a 2005 release.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 18
Message 4          Fri Jan 27, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:15 PDT

Ignore those last two messasges. :) "Mortal Kombat: Devastation" appears to
have been scheduled to begin filming in May 2005.

Interesting that Robin Shou, who originated the role of Liu Kang in the
series' first movie in 1995, is back.  I wonder how active he is ten years
later, at age 46? (He's also in the video game-based movie "Dead or Alive",
which opens this August.)

 ------------
 ************
Topic 19        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:41 PST
Sub: Street Fighter

The ultimate battle.  Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile, and Raul Julia
as M. Bison in his last movie performance.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 19
Message 1          Sat Oct 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:20 PDT

Of the sixteen characters in the original Street Fighter II line of games, Fei
Long was the only one not to appear in Street Fighter: The Movie.

-Ken

 ------------
 ************
Topic 20        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:44 PST
Sub: Final Fantasy

Fantasy becomes reality in this entirely CGI movie.  With Alec Baldwin, Steve
Buscemi, Donald Sutherland, James Wood, and Peri Gilpin.

 22 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 1          Tue May 22, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 23:43 PDT

This movie opens July 11th.  It was Square's most-hyped product at E3 this
year.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 2          Wed Jul 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:15 PDT

This movie opened today.

Anyone seen it?  Anyone planning to?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 3          Wed Jul 11, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:15 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 5 Topic 20:

> This movie opened today.
>
> Anyone seen it?  Anyone planning to?

It depends..I don't go to very many movies, and usually I end up at
movies that I wasn't going to see in the first place.  I've read a few
preliminary reviews....Looks good, needs some heart.

Dain


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 4          Wed Jul 11, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:40 PDT

I just made prelim plans to see Final Fantasy the night before I leave for
KansasFest.  I wonder what movie the KFest gang will be seeing this year?
X-Men rocked in 2000. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 5          Thu Jul 12, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 18:28 PDT

I'm planning to see it, just because the CGI looks remarkable. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 6          Thu Jul 12, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:20 PDT

Sheppy,

> I'm planning to see it, just because the CGI looks remarkable. :)

Ditto.  I don't know much about the acting or story - witnesses of some
previews had some negative things to say - but oh, that CGI... :)

Unfortunately, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within looks nothing at all like any
of the video games.  I fail to see the connection. :\

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 7          Mon Jul 16, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 09:06 PDT

I went to see Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within yesterday.  It was... very
interesting.  The CGI is phenomenal, setting a new standard.  It brings to
light just how astoundingly close we are to being able to make movies with
truly realistic computer-generated humans.  I highly recommend the movie just
for the visuals.

The story is interesting.  I've never cared for fantasy described as if it
were science, so the pseudoscientific mythos in this movie was a little
irritating to me.  However, it wasn't until the last 15 or 20 minutes that it
was enough for me to really be annoyed about it.  The last bit of the movie
gets a little too weird for my tastes, with things not quite making sense to
me.

Still, it's a good movie and the graphics are remarkable.  I recommend it,
especially if you're a geek. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 8          Sun Jul 29, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:22 PDT

> Still, it's a good movie and the graphics are remarkable. I recommend it,
> especially if you're a geek. :)

Sheppy is to be trusted in all matters cinematic.

The above recommendation is hereby decreed gospel.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 9          Sun Jul 29, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 23:24 PDT

ROTFL :)

I take it this is fallout from the fact that I tried to talk everyone into
seeing Jurassic Park III or Final Fantasy instead of Planet of the Apes last
night?

Man, that movie sucked.  Really, really sucked. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 10         Mon Jul 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:21 PDT

> I tried to talk everyone into seeing Jurassic Park III or Final Fantasy
> instead of Planet of the Apes

FWIW, I cast my vote for "Planet of the Apes or Final Fantasy, preferably FF".

Since then, I've been trying to warn as many people as I can against Planet of
the Apes.  I fear I am only encouraging some unbelievers into seeing how a
movie can be that bad.

I still want to see FF.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 11         Mon Jul 30, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 19:44 PDT

FF was good.  I wish we'd seen that again instead of that travesty that is
POTA.  Oh my God, that sucked. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 12         Mon Jul 30, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:47 PDT

I think we need to start a new tradition of the KFest roastee selecting both
the place of dining, AND the evening movie.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 13         Wed Aug 01, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:14 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 5 Topic 20:

> I still want to see FF.

Me too.  My vote was for FF too, but in a way, I am glad that it went
the way it did.  It gives us something to slam, and I had a great time
while I stayed behind.


Dain


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 14         Thu Aug 02, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 16:25 PDT

 > I think we need to start a new tradition of the KFest roastee selecting
 > both the place of dining, AND the evening movie.

Well, if you're making me the roastee, we're eating sushi, and you're seeing
Planet of the Apes.  Again. :-)
-
Ryan

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 15         Thu Aug 02, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 17:59 PDT

Watching Planet of the Apes was like having my head hacked open and my brain
scooped out using ice-cold spoons, ladled into a mug of frothy dog spittle,
and forced down my throat.  It was just that bad.

I went to see JURASSIC PARK III yesterday (vastly bettter than POTA but still
not great).  Two poor fools were on their way to see POTA; I warned them.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 16         Sun Aug 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:55 PDT

I saw Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within tonight. Though you may've heard good
and bad about the plot, I found it to be decent enough to warrant paying
attention for the duration of the film - which, sadly, is not true of of all
movies. One of the premises revolved around capturing spirits, and the movie
never explained to my satisfaction what a "spirit" is, exactly. Some of the
ending was a bit skewed, and a few scenes seemed superfluous.

Regardless, the movie is visually astounding, with some of the most realistic
CGI graphics ever, anywhere. The close-ups reveal a mixture of details: Aki
Ross's hair just begs you to wonder what conditioner she uses, but her clammy
skin and the not-quite-right lip syncing reveals her artificial nature. (I
found Prof. Sid's character to have the most lifelike appearance) Yet I dare
you to distinguish between live action and CGI in any scene shot from a
distance, that shows general action and body movement.

Why must the villains always look so... evil? The General comes adorned in
black leather (complete with gloves), a furrowed brow, and dark, slick-backed
hair. Gee, guess he's not just misunderstood?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 17         Tue Aug 07, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 08:20 PDT

>>>Prof. Sid's character

He was definitely the most realistic; almost disturbingly so.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 18         Tue Aug 07, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:22 PDT

Donald Sutherland was perfect for Prof. Sid... though his last line was a bit
corny. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 19         Tue Aug 07, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 15:36 PDT

>>>Donald Sutherland was perfect for Prof. Sid... though his last line was a
bit corny. :)

Yeah, I thought so.  The only voice actor I thought totally didn't fit was
Steve Buscemi.  His voice just doesn't fit with a tough military type. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 20         Thu Aug 09, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:39 PDT

Steve Buscemi was about as appropriate for that role as Joe Pesci. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 21         Sat Aug 11, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:54 PDT

> I wonder what movie the KFest gang will be seeing this year?
> X-Men rocked in 2000. :)

POTA sucked them in 2001.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W. - rsuenaga@apple2.org - A2's Head Geek
Alpha Testing CoPilot v2.55 and ProTERM 3.1
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 20
Message 22         Sat Aug 11, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 23:15 PDT

Aaaargh, you mentioned POTA!!

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 21        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:44 PST
Sub: Tomb Raider

Angelina Jolie is Lara Croft.

 15 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 1          Thu May 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:03 PDT

This movie opens June 15th.  Anyone looking forward to seeing it?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 2          Thu May 24, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 10:43 PDT

I'm not sure. :)

I plan to go see it (I think) but I'm not sure how excited I am about it. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 3          Thu May 24, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:50 PDT

 > This movie opens June 15th.  Anyone looking forward to seeing it?

I'm planning on seeing it, if I can free up some time in my life :)
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS, Page 590

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 4          Fri May 25, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:07 PDT

I have my doubts about a Tomb Raider movie.  It's based on a video game that's
more or less based on Indiana Jones; the TR movie is thus twice removed from
its original source.

Plus I've yet to be impressed by anything Angelina Jolie has done (though
granted, my experience is limited: Gone in Sixty Seconds & Hackers).

Gosh, she's only four years older than me. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 5          Fri May 25, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 10:06 PDT

Angelina Jolie seems like an oddball choice to play Lara Croft to me, but
what're you going to do? :)

I've been informed that if I intend to see TR, I'll have to go alone; Sarah
wants no part of it.  I hate seeing movies alone. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 6          Sat Jun 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:48 PDT

It's out! :)  Anyone see it opening night?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 7          Sat Jun 16, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 18:47 PDT

I saw it yesterday afternoon.  It was kinda slow-paced and I wasn't impressed
by the CGI.  The camerawork was too jerky and too full of short shots that
makes the action sequences so hard to follow that all you can tell is that
there's a lot of action.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 8          Sat Jun 16, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:38 PDT

Sheppy,

> I saw it yesterday afternoon.

I take it you couldn't convince Sarah to go with you? :)

So the cinematography and special effects were poor.  What did you think of
Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 9          Sat Jun 16, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:47 PDT

She was pretty good as Lara Croft, although I know too much about Angelina
Jolie to really ignore how bizarre she is, so that taints my image of her in
this movie.  Every time she picked up a knife I expected her to start into
self-mutilation. :)

But she did the part quite well, and the special effects team responsible for
enhancing her dimensions did a good job too. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 10         Mon Apr 21, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:39 PDT

Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, a second movie and again starring Angelina
Jolie, will be released on July 25th, according to boxofficeprophets.com.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21  [MOVED]
Message 11         Mon Apr 21, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:39 PDT

Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, a second movie and again starring Angelina
Jolie, will be released on July 25th, according to boxofficeprophets.com.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 12         Thu Jul 31, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:01 PDT

Anyone seen the new "Cradle of Life"?  I hear it didn't go over as well as had
hoped, so the studio is blaming the lackluster sales of the new PS2 game,
"Angel of Darkness", for affecting its cinematic counterpart.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 13         Fri Aug 01, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:01 PDT

>>>Anyone seen the new "Cradle of Life"?  I hear it didn't go over as well as
had hoped, so the studio is blaming the lackluster sales of the new PS2 game,
"Angel of Darkness", for affecting its cinematic counterpart.

I've heard that the real problem is that Angelina Jolie is in this movie not
as proportionally similar to the game version of Lara Croft. ;)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 14         Tue Aug 05, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 21:20 PDT

Sounds like a lot of BlameFesting.  Maybe they should have done a poll
to see if people actually wanted another Laura Croft Movie so soon.
I've not seen it or the original.  Are they any good?

Dain Neater


Replying to 'Ken' in Category 5 Topic 21:

> Anyone seen the new "Cradle of Life"?  I hear it didn't go over as
well
> as had hoped, so the studio is blaming the lackluster sales of the new
> PS2 game,
> "Angel of Darkness", for affecting its cinematic counterpart.



 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 21
Message 15         Thu Aug 07, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 08:37 PDT

I thought the first Tomb Raider movie was fun, if a little unnecessary.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 22        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:47 PST
Sub: Resident Evil

A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and
hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a
laboratory accident.  Starring Milla Jovovich.

 10 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 1          Sat Oct 13, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:23 PDT

This movie is written and directed by Paul Anderson III, who also directed
Soldier (Kurt Russell), Event Horizon (Sam Neill), and Mortal Kombat.

Resident Evil is currently slated for a 2002 release.

A brief "Making of 'Resident Evil'" film was shown at E3 2001.  Amidst all the
clamor of the expo, it was hard to take much notice of it.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 2          Wed Jan 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:04 PDT

Resident Evil movie trailer:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/columbia/resident_evil/

This movie stars Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element).

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 3          Tue Feb 26, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:27 PDT

The movie adaptation of Resident Evil opens on March 15, 2002.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 4          Tue Feb 26, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:29 PDT

SONY PICTURES DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT Announces New Interactive Marketing
Intiatives

Sony Online Entertainment in Collaboration with
Sony Pictures Integrated Network for upcoming film "Resident Evil"

SAN DIEGO, CA (February 26, 2002) - Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment
(SPDE) announced that the leading online gaming division, Sony Online
Entertainment Inc. (SOE), will host a mini-site at The Station
(www.station.com <http://www.station.com> ) for the Sony Screen Gem's film
Resident Evil. With the film set for release on March 15, 2002, this
collaborative effort marks the first time that SOE and SPDE's recently
launched online marketing division, Sony Pictures Integrated Network (SPIN),
have worked together to promote a film property from the studio.

"This campaign is a perfect illustration of how we are truly integrating our
efforts and working together across all our businesses to deliver a
thoroughly satisfying experience for our consumers" said Yair Landau,
president of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment. "Resident Evil is an
exciting property for us to first utilize the combined strength of SOE's
unparalleled gaming expertise with SPIN's marketing and promotional power."

Sony Online Entertainment will be working with Sony Pictures Integrated
Network to cross-promote the best in motion picture entertainment at
www.station.com <http://www.station.com> beginning with Resident Evil. Movie
buffs and game players will enjoy a Resident Evil-themed ConfettiTM game,
sweepstakes, a gallery of movie images, behind-the-scenes film footage, the
latest scoop on the movie's stars, a live chat, and , a direct link to the
official movie site at www.resident-evil-the-movie.com
<http://www.resident-evil-the-movie.com> .

"The Resident Evil property has a unique convergence of loyal game
enthusiasts and adventure-seeking movie-goers," said Valerie Van Galder,
executive vice president of marketing, Sony Screen Gems. "Being able to give
fans a full range of opportunities to become immersed in the excitement of
Resident Evil is a great opportunity for us to work with SPDE. The mini-site
really answers the demands of a multi-layered audience looking to be
engaged."

"The Resident Evil movie is yet another testament to the growing popularity
of video games as serious entertainment," said Scott McDaniel, vice president
of marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "Leveraging new mediums such as
film, television and the Internet, video games are not only reaching vastly
larger audiences than ever before, but creating an expanding global community
of gamers through online gameplay, chat rooms and related news and
information."

In addition to the Resident Evil mini-site, The Station offers players over
40 games to enjoy, from popular favorites such as Jeopardy! Online, Wheel of
Fortune Online, The Dating Game Online and the recently launched Rick O'Shea,
to the world's most successful massively multiplayer online game,
EverQuest(R). Community features including news, shopping and chat have
helped create one of the most cohesive gaming communities online with more
than 12 million registered users.

# # #

About Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment
Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment (SPDE), an operating unit of Sony
Pictures Entertainment (SPE), oversees the activities of SPE's digital
production and online assets including Sony Pictures Imageworks, Sony Online
Entertainment, the Digital Networks Division which includes SoapCity and
Screenblast, and SPIN, which represents the studio's online promotional
presence. SPDE focuses on three areas: 1) producing and developing visual
effects and computer-generated imaging (CGI), digital character animation,
and original content for motion picture, television, online and PlayStation
audiences; 2) developing new forms of online content, games and interactive
programming; and 3) leading SPE's efforts to provide online, open-access
video-on-demand, interactive television and wireless entertainment.

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), the online gaming division of Sony
Pictures Digital Entertainment, is a worldwide leader in massively
multiplayer online gaming. Headquartered in San Diego, California, SOE
develops, publishes and distributes entertainment for the PC and online
markets. With more than 12 million registered users, SOE's award-winning
website, The Station(R) (www.station.com <http://www.station.com> ) hosts a
variety of entertaining games and player communities spanning all genres. In
addition to blockbuster hits EverQuest(R) and Jeopardy! Online, SOE has an
array of cutting-edge online games in development such as PlanetSide(tm),
Star Wars* Galaxies(tm) and Sovereign(tm).

About Screen Gems
Screen Gems was established as a new marketing label under Sony Pictures
Entertainment in December of 1998. Its most recent release is Mark
Pellington's psychological thriller "The Mothman Prophecies." Screen Gems'
upcoming releases include "Resident Evil," based on the best selling video
game and starring Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez; "Formula 51"
starring Samuel Jackson, Robert Carlyle and Emily Mortimer; "Lone Star State
of Mind" starring Josh Jackson, James King, D.J. Qualls and Matt Davis and
"Half Past Dead" starring Steven Seagal, Morris Chestnut and Ja Rule. Screen
Gems' recently acquired domestic distribution rights to the Meg Ryan
thriller, "In the Cut," which is slated to begin principal photography in the
spring of 2002.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 5          Wed Mar 20, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:53 PDT

I saw this movie on opening day.  While I felt it was a generic action flick,
it was at least a well-done one.  There's little to make this movie
outstanding, save its video game heritage.

I don't think it's a spoiler to say two of the main characters spend most of
the film suffering from amnesia, preventing us from really getting to know
them.  Little suspense is built from this device, since the main threat -
escaping from a zombie-infested industrial compound - remains the same,
regardless of who you are.

There is, however, an amazingly exciting and chilling scene near the
beginning.  Watch for lasers. :)

BTW, for those who know the games and want to know what to expect from the
movie, I'd say the film is based more on the setting and events in Resident
Evil 2, and that a sequel, if any, will be based on RE3.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 6          Thu Apr 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:32 PDT

Title       : RESIDENT EVIL
Platform    : Cinematic
Directed by : Paul W. S. Anderson
Publisher   : Columbia Pictures
Rating      : R
Review by   : Ken Gagne

Resident Evil, Capcom's second game series to make the jump to cinema, has
nearly become an indelible part of pop culture. Its 1996 launch for the Sony
PlayStation defined the "survival horror" video game genre. Unfortunately,
its movie counterpart fails to be similarly extraordinary.

The film Resident Evil resembles the plot from the games, but the details are
a good deal different. Columbia Pictures and writer, director, and producer
Paul W. S. Anderson (who also directed the movie Mortal Kombat) did not chain
themselves to the games' minutia - a trap which snared previous
video-game-to-movie adaptations such as Super Mario Bros. and, to an extent,
Street Fighter.

The movie is inspired by the first three Resident Evil games, in which the
pharmaceutical/genetics company Umbrella allows an experiment to escape. The
first game was set on the outskirts of Raccoon City in an abandoned mansion,
where scientists fell victim to a virus that transmutes living organisms into
undead zombies. In Resident Evil 2, the virus had spread to the main city,
where two strangers became involved in an Umbrella plot gone awry; their
escape from the city led them through an Umbrella experimentation
installation. The third game in the series was synchronous with its
predecessor, following RE1's heroine Jill Valentine as she too made her
escape from Raccoon City.

From setting to climax, the movie is based on Resident Evil 2 most of all.

The story starts in the afore-mentioned mansion, giving only the briefest of
nods to the story's original locale before setting out for the Hive -
Umbrella's vast laboratory located beneath Raccoon City. The Red Queen, the
advanced artificial intelligence that controls the Hive, has killed everyone
in the facility without offering a peep of explanation or justification. This
technological killer proves to be only one of several threats the Umbrella
special operations squad encounters as they attempt to penetrate the Queen's
defenses and determine not only what's happened, but how to rectify the
situation - if they can. (Unlike the games, there is no Special Tactics And
Rescue Squad, or STARS, of good guys; just Umbrella employees.)

Our stars are Alice (Milla Jovovich) and Spence (James Purefoy), who spend
most of the movie suffering from amnesia. Rather than create suspense, this
storytelling device prevents the audience from identifying with the main
characters, who have no idea who they are. It seems a waste of the audience's
time to wonder which is the hero and which the traitor; such allegiances
hardly matter when surrounded by bloodthirsty zombies.

Zombies, dogs, and "lickers", all common enemies in the games, are in the
theatrical version. Hollywood's zombies are hungrier than the PlayStation's
ever were, but the licker appears as though a corner or two were cut in its
animation process.

I generally find video games to have a greater capacity for scaring its
audience. A movie viewer might identify with the main character, but a gamer
becomes the main character, with zombies becoming personal nightmares rather
than detached threats. That lack of involvement prevents the atmosphere that
worked in the game from necessarily work in the movie. A movie and game that
are both extraordinary are such in different fashions, as appropriate to
their media.

Overall, this film is a decent action flick with a hackneyed
"infiltrate and escape alive" plot. Fans of the games will enjoy the film,
even if, for better or worse, it is not a direct translation.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 25-Mar-02

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 7          Mon Sep 08, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:32 PDT

Resident Evil: Apocalypse is scheduled to hit theaters next year:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0318627/combined

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 8          Thu Aug 26, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:45 PDT

Resident Evil: Apocalypse will hit theatres on September 10th:

http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/tickermaster/listing.cfm?TMID=742

I thought the first film's main character, Alice, was analogous to the video
game's heroine, Jill, but it ain't so: Jill will also be a character in this
film.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 9          Mon Sep 06, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:58 PDT

Official site for this movie:

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/residentevilapocalypse/

Trailer at this URL:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/resident_evil_apocalypse/

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 22
Message 10         Mon Sep 20, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:19 PDT

Title       : RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE
Platform    : Cinematic
Directed by : Alexander Witt
Publisher   : Sony/Screen Gems
Rating      : R
Review by   : Ken Gagne

2002. Movies continue to be adapted from a variety of sources, such as comic
books and video games, with varying degrees of success. A few months before
Spider-Man webbed his way into movie history, a landmark video game series
made its silver screen debut.

Capcom, formerly responsible for the travesty that was Street Fighter: The
Movie (starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Raul Julia in his last film),
returned to theaters with Resident Evil, based on a series of "survival
horror" video games that scared a generation of gamers with flesh-eating
zombies and undead hounds. Expectations were high; satisfaction proved low.

2004. Resident Evil: Apocalypse picks up the story where the original ended.
Expectations are low: satisfaction is on par. The lack of letdown produces a
more acceptable experience, as the film is no better, and possibly worse,
than its predecessor.

The setting for Apocalypse is Raccoon City, where citizens are becoming
infested with the T-virus, which reanimates necrotic cells (read: kills
people and turns them into zombies). Only a few souls have the means and
methods to escape alive.

In one corner, our returning champion, Alice (Milla Jovovich). Shedding her
amnesia from the first film, Alice is a more powerful and confident character
this time around, attacking her assailants with gusto. The motivation for
this malevolence is a stranger to us, as Alice seems to care for no one and
nothing - except possibly revenge on Umbrella, the evil corporation (but
then, what cinematic corporation isn't evil?) responsible both for her past
injuries and the T-virus itself.

In the other corner, we have Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory). Like a bad
Capcom movie, Jill dresses and looks almost exactly like she does in the
video game, albeit with the wrong color hair. This is not the "master of
unlocking" we saw in the first RE game, who ran screaming like a girl from
the first zombie she saw. But neither is the audience made privy to this
cinematic character's background. All we know is that she's a disgraced
member of STARS (Special Tactics And Rescue Squad) with some prior experience
with the T-virus. Her sauciness serves only to fill the scenes lacking Alice;
the two don't complement each other as much as they do duplicate. Normally,
two such similar women would be played against each other, but these two are
rarely at odds; though such animosity would have been cliche, at least it
would have had the characters interacting on some meaningful level.

We also have two returning characters now played by different actors. The
artificial intelligence from the first film, portrayed in avatar as a
ten-year-old girl, returns as the actual youngster off whom the A.I. was
modelled.

Though some may consider it a spoiler, anyone who knows saw the end of the
first film should've already connected the dots: Matt, Alice's sole surviving
partner from the first movie, returns as the mutated killing machine Nemesis.
To get a feel for Nemesis' appearance, imagine Mr. Potato Head dressed for
the Matrix, and in a leathery suit with less facial expression than a
live-action ninja turtle. This "villain" bears similar functionality to
Robocop: obeying directives from his superiors and occasionally providing the
audience with a view from his perspective, complete with visual data akin to
a video game display.

Here's another missed opportunity for character interaction. The audience
knows Matt is Nemesis; does Alice? If she does, we see no indication of such
for most of the film. Nemesis is a minor, rarely-seen, non-threatening
character - which is odd, he was important enough to earn the subtitle in the
movie's source game, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Alice and Matt's encounters
are further limited to fisticuffs, of which there is little in the RE games
(due to the lack of thrill in such limited firepower). Does Mr. Potato Head
seem like a likely candidate for a boxing match? Give us some Matrix- or
Equilibrium-style gunfights!

Firearms aren't the only things not shooting well: the cameras use the
recently popular technique of short, fast cuts from one angle to another.
Perhaps this style is meant to suggest the frenetic pace of a battle, but it
succeeds only in making such scenes disjointed and hard to follow.
Fortunately, such shooting is not as prevalent in Apocalypse as it was in
Blade II or The Bourne Supremacy.

Other effects include frequent flashbacks, either to the first film or to
what little time separates it from the sequel. Another scene is almost
shot-for-shot the opening from Resident Evil: Code Veronica, which is some
creative continuity: the first film was based loosely on the second video
game, and this one on the third. Veronica is the fourth game in the series.
Where are they going with this? This isn't a tip of the hat to fans of the
games; it's a mallet to the head. The film's ending moves quickly with
several discrete occurrences and elements that seem far separated from the
rest of the film.

The best effect of the movie was to make me want to play the video games
again. The Resident Evil series defined a new genre with its excellent
settings and surprises. Sadly, the films have never enjoyed similar artistic
success. Apocalypse is not horrifyingly bad, and may be worth a DVD rental,
but let the first film be a warning for you to set your expectations
appropriately.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2004 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Tech News, 21-Sep-04

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at http://www.gamebits.net

 ------------
 ************
Topic 23        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:48 PST
Sub: House of the Dead

Based on Sega's shooters.

 4 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 23
Message 1          Wed Feb 27, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:35 PDT

SEGA'S "THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD" COMES ALIVE ON FILM; SHOOTING BEGINS THIS MAY

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 26, 2002) - Mindfire Entertainment today announced
that principal photography will begin in mid-May in Vancouver, Canada on the
first motion picture inspired by the popular "The House of the Dead(tm)"
video game franchise from SEGA(r).

Based on a script by Mark A. Altman ("Free Enterprise," "Abducted") and Dave
Parker, the movie will star the zombie-battling agents featured in SEGA's
"The House of the Dead" video game series on a mission to take on the undead.

The $12 million film will be directed by noted German commercial and music
video director Uwe Boll (Sanctimony, HomeRoom: The Heart of America) who will
bring his unique talents for suspense and horror to the production. The film
will be produced by Shawn Williamson of Bright Light Pictures and director
Boll. The Executive Producers of the film will be Mindfire partners Dan
Bates, Mark Altman and Mark Gottwald. Also executive producing is Daniel
Kletzky via his Entertainment Licensing Associates (ELA). ELA has a long
history of adapting video games into merchandise and traditional forms of
entertainment. Kletzky is currently serving as Executive Producer of
Constatin Film's "Resident Evil," to be domestically distributed by
Sony/Screen Gems on March 15, 2002.

As shooting begins on the film," SEGA keeps the zombies alive with its 2002
release of "The House of the Dead(tm) 3" for the Xbox(tm) video game system
from Microsoft(r).

"We are delighted to be working with video game industry giant Sega to bring
'The House of the Dead' to the big screen," says Mindfire Entertainment CEO
Dan Bates. "Unlike other video game-based movies, 'The House of the Dead'
will be in a unique position to exploit the cross-marketing and promotional
opportunities between the successful game franchise and the movie as they
will share a common storyline and aesthetic."

Adds Daniel Kletzky, "We are thrilled to be working with Uwe Boll whose
remarkable ability to create suspense and horror make him the perfect
director for what we are certain will be the first of many films derived from
this exciting game franchise."

"'The House of the Dead' is one of SEGA's leading video game franchises and
we are thrilled to partner with Mindfire Entertainment, who shares our
enthusiasm for the game, to translate our game developers' vision into a
feature film," jointly stated Charles Bellfield, vice president of strategic
planning and corporate affairs, Sega of America and Masahiro Nakagawa,
director of licensing, SEGA Corporation.

"The House of the Dead 3" for the Xbox is being created by renowned SEGA
development studio, WOW Entertainment Inc., the team who brought gamers
innovative, cross-genre titles such as "Sega Bass Fishing(tm)" and "Sega
GT(tm)." In the action-shooting game "The House of the Dead 3," players will
once again assume the role of government agents whose sole purpose in life is
the eradication of hideous new strains of zombies and monsters that are
unleashed upon the world to wreak havoc upon the innocent.

# # #

About Sega
SEGA(r) of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized
as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside
the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at
www.sega.com.

About Mindfire Entertainment
Mindfire Entertainment is a company devoted to the production of feature
films and television, which have included the award winning "Free
Enterprise," starring William Shatner and Eric McCormack, and the critically
acclaimed comedy, "The Specials," starring Rob Lowe and Melissa Joan Hart.
Other films include the upcoming monster truck comedy "The Brass Rat" and
several projects based on bestselling video game and comic book properties.
Web site is located at www.mindfireentertainment.com.

About Entertainment Licensing Associates (ELA)
ELA is a merchandising agency and production company which focuses its
efforts on extending high profile brands and franchises through the
traditional merchandising business model. ELA and its sister companies also
produce television series and feature films based on high profile marquis
properties. Past productions include the animated television series Street
Fighter, Mega Man and The Secret Files of Spy Dogs . ELA principal Daniel
Kletzky also served as an Associate Producer on Sony's "Final Fantasy: The
Spirits Within," inspired by SquareSoft's "Final Fantasy" game franchise.

# # #

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 23
Message 2          Sat Oct 04, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:51 PDT

This movie releases Oct 10th.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 23
Message 3          Sat Oct 25, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:12 PDT

Shucks.  I'd made plans to see this film the day before Halloween, but it's
already gone from all local theaters.

Guess it didn't do that well...

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 23
Message 4          Wed Jan 21, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:02 PDT

This movie released on video on January 27th.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 24        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:48 PST
Sub: Crazy Taxi

Based on Sega's taxi simulation video game.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 24
Message 1          Tue Aug 06, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:23 PDT

MINDFIRE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES "CRAZY TAXI" MOVIE BASED ON HIT VIDEO GAME
SERIES FROM SEGA

LOS ANGELES (August 6, 2002) - Mindfire Entertainment announced today that it
has finalized a deal with SEGA(R) to acquire the rights to produce a motion
picture based on the company's best selling video game series, "Crazy Taxi."
Coming on the heels of the successful partnership with "The House of the Dead
- The Movie," currently slated for a 2003 theatrical release, Mindfire has
acquired the rights to "Crazy Taxi" from SEGA to serve as the basis for a new
feature film series.

"Our relationship with SEGA on 'The House of the Dead - The Movie' has been a
wonderful experience, and we are delighted to enter into this new
partnership," said Dan Bates, CEO, Mindfire Entertainment. "We believe that
'Crazy Taxi' has the potential to be a major motion picture, combining the
thrills and exciting street action of 'The Fast and The Furious' with the
humor and quirkiness of 'Taxicab Confessions.' SEGA has created a wildly
entertaining game concept filled with action and fun, and we hope to
effectively translate this to the big screen with this upcoming feature
film."

SEGA created the successful "Crazy Taxi" video game franchise, including a
popular arcade game and two best selling console titles. Last week SEGA
released the highly anticipated "Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller" for the Xbox(TM)
video game system from Microsoft(R).

"The 'Crazy Taxi' franchise has been a tremendous success for SEGA, and it
will enjoy even greater exposure with this upcoming feature film," said Peter
Moore, president and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "We are very pleased to
continue our association with Mindfire, a company that recognizes the strong
entertainment value and cinematic potential of some of SEGA's most popular
titles."

About SEGA
SEGA(R) of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized
as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside
the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at
www.sega.com.

About Mindfire Entertainment
Mindfire Entertainment is an independent production company devoted to the
creation of motion pictures, television and publishing. Mindfire's films
include the award winning "Free Enterprise" starring William Shatner and "The
Specials." Their newest film, "The House of the Dead," based on the hit video
game series from SEGA, will debut theatrically in 2003. Mindfire recently
announced the formation of a comic book division devoted to the publication
of comics and graphic novels based on their existing and original properties.

# # #

 ------------
 ************
Topic 25        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:48 PST
Sub: Spy Hunter

Based on the Midway action-driving game.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 25
Message 1          Fri May 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:00 PDT

MIDWAY'S TOP-SELLING SPYHUNTER VIDEOGAME
TO BECOME MAJOR FEATURE MOTION PICTURE

Universal Pictures Options SpyHunter as a Possible Star Vehicle for WWE
Superstar The Rock

CHICAGO - May 9, 2003 - Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading software
industry publisher and developer, announced today that Universal Pictures has
obtained an option to the rights to develop the classic 1980s Spy Hunter
videogame into a major live action motion picture. SpyHunter(R) 2, the latest
iteration of the classic videogame, is scheduled to ship fall 2003 for the
PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) and Nintendo
GameCube'.

"SpyHunter's fast-paced action, relentless mission-based gameplay and overall
cool spy theme make it a natural for the big screen," said Helene Sheeler,
vice president of marketing, Midway.

Universal Pictures is developing the property as a possible starring vehicle
for WWE superstar The Rock, who would portray Alec Sects, commander of the
world's most sophisticated spy vehicle, the G-8155 Interceptor. In addition,
Universal Pictures has brought four of the most talented professionals in the
entertainment industry together - Chuck Gordon and Adrian Askarieh as
producers and Michael Brandt and Derek Hass as writers. Brandt and Hass most
recently wrote the screenplay for Universal Pictures' "2 Fast 2 Furious," the
major motion picture sequel to "The Fast and The Furious."

"The SpyHunter deal marks the success of Midway's effort to proactively
showcase its top properties to the movie industry," said Steve Booth, vice
president of licensing, Midway. "We have a rich library of popular games,
which will translate well into other forms of media."

In addition to the film, the videogame sequel to the SpyHunter videogame
released in fall 2001, is currently in production. SpyHunter 2 is a powerful
progression in the mission to save the world from the sinister grip of the
global criminal terrorist group, Nostra. Gamers will command an all-new,
extremely powerful and customizable G-8155 Interceptor with new
transformations such as an off-road 4-wheel drive vehicle, an off-road
motorcycle and a snowmobile. In addition, the gameplay includes upgradable
offensive and defensive weaponry, as players fend off enemy vehicles
throughout massive levels set across enormous regions. A new mysterious, sexy
female agent has also been added to the mix to increase the intensity of
SpyHunter 2's fast-paced action.

SpyHunter 2 introduces an all-new terrorist threat and it is up to Alec Sects
to command the world's most sophisticated super spy vehicle to save the
world. Exclusive weaponry such as an auto-tracking turret and an
indestructible armored shield are combined with landmines and oil slicks for
an impressive defense that will immerse gamers in 16 action-packed levels set
across four gigantic regions. Each region is interactive and dynamic,
allowing players to choose their own paths and fight against giant
end-of-mission bosses, including eight all-new Nostra enemies. The excitement
also continues with the latest version of the Interceptor's online computer,
Leonie 2.0, designed to aid in mission-critical tactics and information. For
more information about SpyHunter visit www.spyhunter2.midway.com

Midway Games Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of
interactive entertainment software. Midway videogames are available for play
on all major videogame platforms including the PlayStation(R)2 computer
entertainment system, Xbox, Nintendo GameCubeTM and Game Boy(R) Advance.

For more information about Midway Games visit www.midway.com.

# # #

SPYHUNTER and MIDWAY are registered trademarks of Midway Amusement Games,
LLC. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox and Microsoft are trademarks of Microsoft
Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Nintendo GameCube is a
trademark of Nintendo. " 2001 Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property
of their respective owners.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future
business conditions and the outlook for Midway Games Inc. (the "Company")
based on currently available information that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these
risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the financial
strength of the interactive entertainment industry, dependence on new product
introductions and the ability to maintain the scheduling of such
introductions, technological changes, dependence on major platform
manufacturers and other risks more fully described under "Item 1. Business -
Risk Factors" in the Company's current Annual Report on Form 10-K and the
other filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 26        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:48 PST
Sub: Alone in the Dark

Based on the survival horror series of video games and starring Christian
Slater and Tara Reid.  Official web site: http://www.alone-in-the-dark.com

 14 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26  [MOVED]
Message 1          Sat Jul 05, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:12 PDT

Two survival-horror games are both slated to become live-action films.

Alone in the Dark will star Christian Slater as Edward Carnby.  See Category
26, Topic 2, Message 2 for a review of the game off which this movie is based.

Eternal Darkness will be produced by film studio Hypnotic.  See Category 14,
Topic 9, Message 24.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 2          Sat Sep 06, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:51 PDT

Ooh!  Playing opposite Slater will be Tara Reid, of "American Pie" fame. :)

More details at

http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/tickermaster/listing.cfm?TMID=845

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 3          Sun Sep 07, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 11:36 PDT

>>>Eternal Darkness will be produced by film studio Hypnotic.  See Category
14, Topic 9, Message 24.

That should be interesting. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 4          Sun Sep 07, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:29 PDT

Sheppy,

Yup, should be. :)  Optioning a game for the silver screen doesn't mean it
will happen, though.  Jason Alexander was supposed to be in a DOOM flick many,
many years ago.  When and if Eternal Darkness progresses as far as Alone in
the Dark has (it's almost done filming), it'll get its own topic.  Same for
Metroid, Zelda, and any other licenses floating around out there.

I am looking forward to AitD, though.  I think the games are spooky and
plotted enough to provide enough material for a film - even if they capture
only the essence, and not the facts, of the series (ala Tomb Raider).

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 5          Sun Sep 07, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 21:05 PDT

I've heard recent news about a DOOM movie; apparently there's a script at
last.

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 6          Tue Sep 09, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:12 PDT

Replying to 'Ken' in Category 5 Topic 26:

> When and if Eternal Darkness progresses as far as Alone in the Dark
has
> (it's almost done filming), it'll get its own topic.  Same for
Metroid,
> Zelda, and any other licenses floating around out there.

I'm not sure if Eternal Darkness needs a movie.   I liked the game quite
a bit and think the game told the story rather well.

Dain


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 7          Tue Sep 09, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:12 PDT

Replying to 'Sheppy' in Category 5 Topic 26:

> I've heard recent news about a DOOM movie; apparently there's a script
at
> last.

Let me guess... Aliens invade.  We send in the one man Army Space
Marine.   The aliens die.  Oh wait..there has to be some scantily clad
female too:)

The end:)

Dain


 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 8          Fri Oct 24, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:59 PDT

Shucks.  I'd made plans to see this film the day before Halloween, but it's
already gone from all local theaters.

Guess it didn't do that well...

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 10         Sat Oct 25, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:15 PDT

The two previous messages were deleted because I posted in the wrong topic.
Oops.

Alone in the Dark is still slated for a 2004 release.  The official web site
is http://www.alone-in-the-dark.com ; download the 10 MB movie trailer from

http://www.alone-in-the-dark.com/trailer/AitD_352x160.mpeg

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 11         Sun Sep 26, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:31 PDT

This film has been delayed until sometime in 2005.

An actual trailer is available at

http://www.alone-in-the-dark.com/trailer/AitD_352x158.mov

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 12         Fri Dec 31, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:23 PDT

This film finally releases in theaters on January 28th.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 13         Sun May 15, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:00 PDT

This film released on DVD on May 10th:

http://www.dvdpricesearch.com/cgi-bin/dvdcalc2?cmd=calc&tmpCart=43060

2,999 users of the IMDb have given it a collective 2.1/10 stars, making it the
27th worst film ever (coincidentally, the video game-inspired 2003 film
"House of the Dead" is #34; several MST3K films, such as "Manos", "Future
War", "Girl in Gold Boots", and "The Giant Spider Invasion", also share slots
on this list):

http://www.imdb.com/chart/bottom

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 26
Message 14         Sun May 15, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:04 PDT

View the unofficial web site of this film's director:

http://www.uweboll.com/

Heh. :)

 ------------
 ************
Topic 27        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:48 PST
Sub: Silent Hill

Konami's psychological thriller comes to the silver screen.

 9 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27
Message 1          Wed Sep 17, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:59 PDT

KONAMI ANNOUNCES SILENT HILL(r) MOVIE

Davis Films to Begin Production Based on Popular Horror Videogame Franchise

REDWOOD CITY, CA - September 17, 2003 - Leading videogame publisher, Konami
of America, Inc., a subsidiary of Konami Corporation (NYSE: KNM), today
announced that its hit psychological horror videogame series, Silent Hill(r),
will be released worldwide as a major motion picture. Production company
Davis Films will produce the feature film adaptation of Konami's popular
franchise. Produced by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc. (KCET), the
Silent Hill games thrust players into a nightmarish world where they must
unravel twisted storylines and battle grotesque creatures and terrifying
monsters.

Bringing the series to the big screen is prolific producer Samuel Hadida
whose credits include blockbuster films, True Romance, directed by Tony Scott
and written by Quentin Tarantino, Spider, directed by David Cronenberg, and
Brotherhood of the Wolf, directed by Christophe Gans. Gans, who also directed
the major motion picture, Crying Freeman, has been appointed as the director
of the Silent Hill feature film.

"Silent Hill is a groundbreaking game with an atmosphere that has mesmerized
millions of gamers all over the world - it is scary and clever," said
Christophe Gans. "I am very proud to be associated with this game."

Working closely with the production team, Konami Corporation will help
recreate the universal appeal of the game by overseeing the script
development, participating in the design of all the monsters, creatures and
characters as well as aiding in the film's soundtrack composition.

"The success of the Silent Hill series is based on a perfect blend of
suspense, plot twists and captivating characters," said Geoff Mulligan, Chief
Operating Officer of Konami of America, Inc. "We are confident that Samuel
Hadida and his talented team will capture and create an unforgettable
movie-going experience."

Silent Hill is the premiere franchise in the horror videogame genre with over
four million copies sold in Japan, the U.S. and Europe. Silent Hill 3 for
PlayStation(r)2 was recently released in August 2003 and is considered to be
the best game in the series. With a terrifying narrative, spectacular
graphics and a bloodcurdling soundtrack, Silent Hill 3 has already garnered
numerous industry accolades and awards.

To further strengthen the Konami brand worldwide, the company is currently
pursuing film production deals for its other blockbuster videogame
franchises.

Silent Hill 3 is rated M for Mature and is available at an SRP of $39.99. To
learn more about Silent Hill 3, please visit the Konami website at
http://www.konami.com/silenthill3/ <http://www.konami.com/silenthill3/> .

###

About KONAMI CORPORATION

Konami Corporation is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of
electronic entertainment properties, specializing in the home video game
market. Konami Corporation's action and adventure titles include the popular
franchises Metal Gear Solid(r), Silent Hill(r) and Castlevania(r), among
other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the
Web at www.konami.com <http://www.konami.com/> . Konami Corporation is a
publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami
of America, Inc. in the US and Konami of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany. Konami
Corporation, the parent company of Konami of America, Inc. is traded in the
United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM.
Details of the products distributed by Konami of America, Inc. can be found
at www.konami.com/usa <http://www.konami.com/usa> .

SILENT HILL(r) is a registered trademark of KONAMI COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT
TOKYO, INC. (c) 1999 2003 KONAMI COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT TOKYO. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27
Message 2          Sun May 15, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:53 PDT

This film has been cast and is slated for a 2006 release:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384537/
http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/tickermaster/listing.cfm?TMID=1929
http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/tickermaster/movienews.cfm?TMID=1929

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 3          Sun Aug 28, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:56 PDT

Look for this film on April 21, 2006.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 4          Fri Sep 16, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:12 PDT

"Silent Hill" wrapped filming on July 22nd and is now in post-production.

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 5          Sat Feb 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:27 PDT

The trailer for this film was posted this morning:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/silenthill/

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 6          Thu Apr 06, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:15 PDT

THE SILENT HILL EXPERIENCE NOW AVAILABLE

Innovative New Multimedia Product for the PSP(TM) System Features Digital
Comics, Music and Exclusive Content from the Upcoming Silent Hill Motion
Picture

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - April 4, 2006 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.,
today announced that The Silent Hill Experience for the PSP(TM)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) system has shipped to retail and is available on
www.konamistyle.com. Unique among products for the PSP system, The Silent
Hill Experience incorporates a variety of compelling media from the Silent
Hill video game series such as comics, music and videos as well as exclusive
interviews and content from the upcoming Silent Hill motion picture.

Using an intuitive 3D interface, The Silent Hill Experience combines a
selection of media that give users additional insight into the storyline and
characters from the acclaimed Silent Hill video games as well as the upcoming
motion picture. Featuring both the acclaimed "Dying Inside" and all-new "The
Hunger" comic book series, users can experience several hours of comics that
are designed specifically for viewing on the PSP system with animation and
music. The Silent Hill Experience also features a music player with twenty
tracks from acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka, as well as cinematics
from previous Silent Hill video games.

Providing viewers with a glimpse into the upcoming Silent Hill motion
picture, The Silent Hill Experience features exclusive interviews with
director Christophe Gans and Akira Yamaoka about the making of the film. The
product also includes the theatrical trailer for the film.

"A first-of-its-kind product for the PSP system, The Silent Hill Experience
combines several forms of media into one enticing package and gives fans
insight into the acclaimed video game series with comics, music and behind
the scenes content," said Wilson Cheng, Product Manager at Konami Digital
Entertainment, Inc. "Viewers can also get a sneak peek at the franchise's
debut on the silver screen with exclusive interviews that set the stage for
the upcoming feature film."

The Silent Hill Experience is available exclusively for the PSP system and
carries a SRP of $19.99. For more information on The Silent Hill Experience
please visit: www.konami.com/gs.

About KONAMI CORPORATION
Konami Corporation is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of
electronic entertainment properties, specializing in the home video game
market. Konami Corporation's action and adventure titles include the popular
franchises Metal Gear(R), Silent Hill (R)and Castlevania(R) among other top
sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at
www.konami.com. Konami Corporation is a publicly traded company based in
Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in
the US and Konami of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany. Konami Corporation, the
parent company of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. is traded in the United
States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of
the products published by Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. can be found at
www.konami.com/gs.

###

"Silent Hill(R)" and "Silent Hill Experience(TM)" are either registered
trademarks of trademarks of Konami Corporation. (C)2006 KONAMI CORPORATION.
"PSP" is a trademark and "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are
registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick
Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately).

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 7          Sun Apr 23, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:28 PDT

I saw "Silent Hill" on opening night.  It's a film about a married couple
whose young daughter sleepwalks and dreams about a town called Silent Hill.
The mother kidnaps the girl and takes her to the town, which has been closed
off for decades - and rightly so.  When they arrive there, the couple is
separated, their escape is cut off, and the local townfolk reveal themselves
to be either cultist or monsters.

In this perverted town, the special effects are stunning.  One of the main
concepts of the game is that there is a light and dark side to the world.  In
the game, the transition usually occurs suddenly or unconsciously; in the
movie, we actually see the light world *become* the dark world, with paint
and wood falling off walls to be replaced with the cold, hard, metal frames
beneath.

There are many elements of the first two games in the four-game series
present that made the movie more enjoyable; I saw the film with a fellow fan
and he pointed out some stuff even I had missed.  This background helped us
to understand the movie a little bit, but the plot was still fairly
convuluted and, at times, even game-like; there are too many loose threads,
and even Roger Ebert, who has never played the games, had trouble with it, as
he discusses in his review at <http://tinyurl.com/of6z3>.

One actress reminded me of the Borg Queen, which is something I've thought
before and been wrong about (see Category 34, Topic 25, Message 10).  This
time, I was vindicated: Alice Krige is indeed in this film, as evidenced in
the credits and then later at

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/news/article/15974.html

Though the film exhibits fantastic cinematography and there are some truly
tense moments, I ultimately can't recommend the film to anyone who hasn't
played the games.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 8          Mon Apr 24, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:10 PDT

This movie was #1 at the box office its opening weekend:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/23/boxoffice.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 27  [MOVED]
Message 9          Wed Sep 06, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:57 PDT

This film was released in widescreen, fullscreen, and Blu-Ray DVD formats on
August 22nd, and thus its topic has been moved to the appropriate category.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 28        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:49 PST
Sub: Doom

id's first-person shooter comes to the big screen (finally?) with Dwayne "The
Rock" Johnson.

 9 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 1          Sun Apr 17, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:07 PDT

This game - er, movie - is slated to come out in Octber 21st, 2005, according
to

http://filmforce.ign.com/doom/articles/604/604593p1.html

Here's a picture which included Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Sarge:

http://tinyurl.com/983yb

More info:

http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/tickermaster/listing.cfm?TMID=1649
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419706/

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 2          Wed Apr 20, 2005
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 20:25 PDT

Sounds like they've done a lot of work to make it actually have something
resembling a story, by basing it loosely off DOOM 3 instead of the original
game.  Might actually make a watchable film, although I won't hold my breath.

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 3          Thu Apr 21, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:16 PDT

I remember posting about this film back on the GEnie Showbiz RT, back when
Jason Alexander was supposed to star.  Interesting to see the evolution of a
film.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 4          Fri Apr 22, 2005
TCOMPTER                     at 05:34 PDT


Jason Alexander??  Isn't he the short bald guy from Seinfeld?  Somehow, I can't
imagine him as a star of an action flick.

_________
  | homas

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 5          Fri Apr 22, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:00 PDT

Thomas,

That's him.  He was a Broadway actor long before NBC picked him up, so he is
rather versatile.

He also played the villain in an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager". :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 6          Wed Oct 19, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:51 PDT

this movie opens October 21st.  See the trailer at

http://www.doommovie.com/media/doom_trlr5_700k.mov

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 7          Sat Oct 22, 2005
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 19:17 PDT

Anyone planning to see "Doom?"

I'm kind of interested, believe it or not. :)

 --
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.



 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 8          Sat Oct 22, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:04 PDT

I watched the trailer and was surprised by the use of first-person.  It's
innovative in film... but it reminded me way too much of watching a video
game.

I'll probably wait for video, unless I have a free night (doubtful) and can
drag a friend along. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 28  [MOVED]
Message 9          Mon Oct 24, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:33 PDT

The online comic strip CAD does not have a high opinion of the new "DOOM" film:

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/?t=archives&date=2005-10-24

 ------------
 ************
Topic 29        Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 08:49 PST
Sub: Halo

Based on Microsoft's Xbox blockbuster and being released by Universal
Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, and Peter Jackson in 2008.

 7 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 29
Message 1          Tue Oct 04, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:12 PDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Oscar-winning creative team behind the "The Lord
of the Rings" films has been named to run the production of the upcoming film
based on Microsoft Corp.'s blockbuster "Halo" video game, the company said
Tuesday.

"Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson and his wife, Fran Walsh, will
serve as the executive producers for "Halo," which Universal Pictures and
Twentieth Century Fox plan to release worldwide in mid-2007.

Story continues at
http://money.cnn.com/2005/10/04/technology/microsoft_halo.reut/index.htm

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 29
Message 2          Thu Dec 08, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:38 PDT

From <http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/12/07/200207&from=rss>:

Via 1up.com, an interview with Halo movie Producer Peter Jackson about his
upcoming King Kong feature and the film adaptation of the Bungie game. As of
yet, he has not selected a Director. From the article: "Question: You're still
producing Halo? Jackson: Yeah. Question: What attracted you to Halo? Jackson:
I'm a fan of the game. Question: But video game movies suck. Jackson: They do.
Question: So what will be different? Jackson: Hopefully it won't suck. "

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 29
Message 3          Thu Aug 10, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:57 PDT

The "Halo" movie, produced by Peter Jackson, has found itself a director:
Neill Blomkamp.

http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=24139

Wow - someone my age, whose only past work has been in visual effects.
Interesting.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0088955/

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 29  [MOVED]
Message 4          Wed Sep 27, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:31 PDT

Peter Jackson, the producer of this film, is now also working on a new "Halo"
video game for the Xbox 360:

http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/27/commentary/column_gaming/index.htm

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 29  [MOVED]
Message 5          Fri Oct 20, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:42 PDT

From <http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/10/20/133205&from=rss>:

"20th Century and Universal Pictures, the two studios that agreed to
co-finance the film adaptation of Microsoft's Halo video game, have abruptly
pulled out of the project. This leaves executive producers Peter Jackson and
Fran Walsh without financing or distribution. A ballooning budget (rumored to
have been closing in on the $200 Mil mark) and apparent lack of confidence in
rookie feature film director Neill Blomkamp are being named the major culprits
for Fox and Universal's decision."

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 29  [MOVED]
Message 6          Tue Oct 24, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:20 PDT

"Now Microsoft has released an official statement via the Bungie website which
reads: 'We are disappointed that Universal and Fox wanted to significantly
renegotiate the financial points of the deal. But the Halo franchise is hugely
popular and our goal remains the same - to find a partner that shares our
passion and will creatively collaborate with us to best represent the story
and spirit of the Halo franchise ... Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and the rest of
the creative team are dedicated to ensuring the Halo movie becomes a reality,'
the statement continues.

Story continues at <http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=69005>

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 29  [MOVED]
Message 7          Tue Oct 31, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:32 PDT

Supposedly, the "Halo" movie is officially postponed:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/30560

 ------------
 ************
Topic 31        Sat Feb 04, 2006
KGAGNE                       at 16:18 PST
Sub: Dead or Alive

Starring John-Rhys Davies and Robin Shou, based on the Tecmo fighting game.

 2 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 31
Message 1          Sat Feb 04, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:22 PDT

Here's a teaser trailer for this film:

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/media/player.php?id=2288

Looks like "Charlie's Angels". :(

 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 31
Message 2          Mon May 01, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:03 PDT

Look for this film on August 25th, according to

http://games.slashdot.org/games/06/05/01/1256254.shtml
http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/tickermaster/listing.cfm?TMID=1136

 ------------
 ************
Topic 32        Wed Feb 22, 2006
KGAGNE                       at 14:19 PST
Sub: Wheelman

The Wheelman hits the big screen.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 32  [MOVED]
Message 1          Wed Feb 22, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:18 PDT

"The Wheelman" To Come to Life as Video Game Property and Feature Film; Vin
Diesel to Star and Produce

Vin Diesel's Tigon Studios Joins Forces with Midway, MTV Films, Paramount
Pictures and MTV Games For Groundbreaking Collaboration on
Action-Entertainment Property

Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA, February 22, 2006 - Bringing together some
of the top content providers in entertainment, Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY),
a leading interactive entertainment industry publisher and developer, Tigon
Studios, founded by Vin Diesel, and Viacom's (NYSE: VIA, VIAB) MTV Films,
Paramount Pictures and MTV Games today announced a collaboration on a
groundbreaking action-entertainment property, The Wheelman.

The Wheelman is being developed as an intensely riveting video game from
Midway, in association with Diesel's Tigon Studios and MTV Games, intended to
serve as the introduction to a series of related entertainment offerings.

MTV Films and Paramount Pictures have purchased the rights to develop a major
motion picture based on the video game. The Wheelman is being developed as an
adrenaline-charged action movie starring Vin Diesel as an expert wheelman who
comes out of retirement to protect a woman from his past.

Rich Wilkes, who worked with Diesel on "XXX," is slated to write the script
for the project. Diesel's Tigon Films and MTV Films plan to produce the film,
and Paramount Pictures intends to release it. Overseeing the film for MTV
Films will be David Gale, Executive Vice President, Loretha Jones, Senior
Vice President of Development and Jason Weiss, Senior Director of
Development. Overseeing for Paramount will be Dan Levine, Senior Vice
President Production, Matt Jackson, Vice President Production and Eben
Davidson, Director Creative Affairs. Overseeing for Diesel's Tigon Studios
will be Samantha Vincent, Vice President and Coz Lazouras, Product
Development Executive.

The Wheelman will be the second of three titles under the recently announced
strategic relationship between MTV Networks and Midway to market, jointly
sell in-game advertising and collaborate on soundtrack development.

"With The Wheelman we have created the first integrated franchise being
launched for both the gaming and film industries," said Vin Diesel. "In
collaborating with Midway, MTV and Paramount, TIGON Studios has brought
together an incredible team to execute this project."

"We believe The Wheelman is a groundbreaking new model for our industry,"
said David F. Zucker, president and CEO, Midway. "We intend to create a
broad-arcing experience, simultaneously developing entertainment properties
across a number of mediums, with Vin Diesel right at the center of it all."

"We've been big Vin Diesel fans since he first wrote, directed and starred in
his first feature 'Strays,' so partnering to bring this kick-ass character to
life across multiple screens is not only exciting, but reflective of how we
want to work with talent," said Van Toffler, President, MTV Networks
Music/Films/Logo Group. "With some of the biggest names in the feature film
and gaming worlds joining forces on The Wheelman, we've got all the makings
of a very cool franchise."

"With the close cooperation of Midway, Paramount and MTV Films, we are
putting together a new way to tell a story," said Cos Lazouras, production
executive, Tigon Studios. "Working in tandem with the movie, we envision the
video game will introduce The Wheelman in a way that creates a unique
connection with the audience that will blend the interactive world with the
experience of the motion picture."

About Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel starred in the blockbusters The Pacifier, Chronicles of Riddick,
XXX, The Fast and the Furious, and Pitch Black. His next feature is Sidney
Lumet's "Find Me Guilty," which opens nationwide March 17th. His additional
credits include A Man Apart, Boiler Room, voicing the title character in The
Iron Giant; and playing Private Carpazo in Saving Private Ryan, a role which
garnered him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination as part of the film's
ensemble cast. Diesel has written, directed and starred in the short
Multi-Facial, which screened at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival; and Strays,
which screened in competition at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival.

About Rich Wilkes

Rich Wilkes wrote the screenplay for XXX, as well as Airheads, The Stoned
Age, The Jerky Boys Movie and Beer Money. He also wrote and directed an
independent feature, Glory Daze, and the UPN pilot, Vegas Dick.

About Tigon Studios

Founded by Vin Diesel in 2002, Tigon Studios objective is to incubate and
develop dynamic, creative, and marketable story and character-driven
intellectual properties and leverage them concurrently across multiple
entertainment mediums. In just three years, Tigon has already proven its
ability to produce award winning properties with the release of the
highly-acclaimed Xbox and PC title, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from
Butcher Bay ("Escape from Butcher Bay"), a title based upon the 2004
Universal Pictures film release, "The Chronicles of Riddick."

About MTV Films

MTV Films is the feature film development and production division of MTV that
releases films in conjunction with Paramount Pictures. Since its inception in
1995, MTV Films established itself as a unique movie label with a slate of
diverse and successful films that have grossed more than 900 million dollars
in domestic box office. In partnership with Paramount Pictures, MTV Films has
released 24 films including "Beavis & Butt-head Do America," "Varsity Blues"
and "Save the Last Dance," which each broke box-office records on their
opening weekends. In 2004, MTV Films released with Fox Searchlight the indie
comedy, "Napoleon Dynamite," which proved to be another huge success for the
company as it earned critical raves, over $40 million at the box office, and
three Independent Spirit Award nominations. In 2005, MTV Films produced
"Coach Carter," and the summer blockbuster "The Longest Yard" which took in
the division's largest opening weekend ever with more than 58 million dollars
domestically. MTV Films has also enjoyed success with the critically
acclaimed acquisition and Academy Award-nominated "Hustle & Flow," winner of
the Audience Award at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, and also released the
Academy Award nominated documentary "Murderball," winner of the Documentary
Competition Audience Award at the same festival. Some other highlights of MTV
Films include the Academy Award - nominated "Election" (Best Adapted
Screenplay) and "Tupac: Resurrection" (Best Documentary), as well as
"Jackass: The Movie," "Orange County," and the Spike Lee directed comedy
concert film "The Original Kings of Comedy."

About MTV Games

MTV Games is dedicated to producing and marketing unique interactive
entertainment experiences that resonate with MTV's audience. Through
strategic partnerships with a range of videogame publishers and independent
developers, MTV Games creates, supports, and participates in the success of a
diverse slate of innovative console, handheld, and PC titles for both
hardcore and casual gamers. Titles released under these partnerships receive
multi-platform promotion across MTV's properties worldwide, including MTV,
mtv2, mtvU, and mtv.com, leveraging MTV's unique brand and marketing
capabilities to maximize sales. In addition, MTV Games collaborates with its
partners on soundtracks,in-game advertising sales, and development of
complementary television programming.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom, Inc.,
one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in
the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment news, sports and
music.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's
leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV
Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the
following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1,
mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND,SPIKE TV, CMT,
NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV
NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks
of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust
consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties
worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television
services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication
deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About Midway

Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with
offices throughout the world, is a leading developer and publisher of
interactive entertainment software for major videogame systems and personal
computers. More information about Midway and its products can be found at
www.midway.com.

The Wheelman is a trademark of Midway Home Entertainment Inc.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements"within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning future
business conditions and the outlook for Midway Games Inc. (the "Company")
based on% currently available information that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these
risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the financial
strength of the interactive entertainment industry, dependence on new product
introductions and the ability to maintain the scheduling of such
introductions, the console platform transition and other technological
changes, dependence on major platform manufacturers and other risks more
fully described under "Item 1. Business - Risk Factors" in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and in the
more recent filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Each forward-looking statement, including, without limitation,
financial guidance, speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and
Midway undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to
reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to
reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or
circumstances.

 ------------
 ************
Topic 33        Thu May 11, 2006
KGAGNE                       at 07:41 PST
Sub: Metal Gear Solid

Hideo Kojima's hero Solid Snake comes to the big screen.

 1 message
 ************
 ------------
Category 5,  Topic 33
Message 1          Thu May 11, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:41 PDT

This movie has been confirmed:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2006/05/10/news_6150282.html

 ------------
Category  7 Game Industry Shows (Closed)
 ************
Topic 1         Sat May 12, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 15:03 PST
Sub: General Discussion

General discussion of game industry/trade shows.

 26 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 1          Fri Mar 15, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:38 PDT

For Immediate Release to all Internet and related groups!

The Classic Computer And Gaming(CCAG) Show 2002 is on!

"We, the CCAG organizers, regret that it took so long to officially announce
the CCAG 2002 Show. However, we are also very glad that the CCAG 2001 Show
did NOT take place after September 11th, 2001. Had CCAG 2001 taken place
after 9-11, we would have had to cancel. Because we had used a National Guard
Armory for the previous two CCAG's, we were not able to rent the Armory again
after the events of 9-11. We have been able to locate and secure a facility
for CCAG 2002! We again apologize for the delay, as we were only able to know
with certainty, in the past several days. See you all at the CCAG 2002!!!"

CCAG 2002 Staff

The Classic Computer And Gaming Show 2002 will be held on May 25th, 2002 from
8AM till 2 PM. Vendor setup is on the 24th from 5:30PM till 9PM, and from
6:30AM till 8AM on the 25th. Show location is at the St. John Lutheran
Church, 11333 Granger Road, Garfield Hts. Ohio, 44125.

Here is our own site for more information and current status of vendors and
attendees.

http://www.ccagshow.com

Table rental is $5 this year, and admission is only $2. The admission fee
will also allow you to be eligible for a drawing at 1PM, the 25th, for an
Arcade machine! (You will need a way to take the machine home with you!)

The web site, www.ccagshow.com, has site info, table layouts, map info, etc.

We hope to see you there at the CCAG 2002!

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 2          Wed Apr 10, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:26 PDT

When it comes to conventions, everyone knows the importance of having "booth
babes" - even Kevin:

http://www.kevinandkell.com/2001/kk0607.html

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 5          Thu Oct 17, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:40 PDT

Christian Game Developers Conference "A Total Success"

PORTLAND, Oregon - Oct. 17, 2002 // Graceworks Interactive
(http://www.graceworksinteractive.com) is pleased to announce that the
inaugural Christian Game Developers Conference [CGDC] was a total success and
that CGDC 2003 will be held July 25-27, 2003, at Cascade College in Portland,
Oregon.

"I consider the first Christian Game Developers Conference to be a total
success," said organizer Tim Emmerich of GraceWorks Interactive. "It was
profound to see so many interested developers gather together."

Almost three times the expected number of participants attended, traveling
from as far away as Florida to be a part of the weekend symposium on the
campus of Cascade College.

Following sessions on industry growth and product development, the attendees
were eager to follow up on this yearis discussion with another conference and
voted to hold another meeting in 2003, making the Christian Game Developers
Conference an annual event.

Those who attended this yearis convention had much to say about the
informative discussions that took place. "I thought it was an excellent
discussion. Iim impressed with how articulate everyone here is and how
insightful, intelligent, and polite the responses were," said one
conferencegoer.

"[Speaker Dan Rogers] provided a healthy dose of realism" with his statistics
and information about the gaming industry, according to another attendee.
Many of those who visited the conference commented on the need for expansion
in the Christian gaming industry, and expressed enthusiasm for new and
different products that would incorporate recent trends in gaming, including
the massively multiplayer format.

With the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from this yearis participants,
plans for next yearis event are already in motion. The 2003 conference will
revisit and expand on topics of interest and discussions from this year.

"[These topics] were chosen as they are basic topics that cover pertinent
issues that are independent of the state of the industry," said Emmerich,
adding that over 50 conference attendees and others are continuing to
interact and pooling their resources via a Yahoo online discussion group.

"We are a diverse group but we definitely have a common calling. It has been
a great source of encouragement for me. We pray that this spark will ignite
and our community will grow."

More information about the 2003 Christian Game Developers Conference and
information on Christian gaming projects and developers, can be found at
http://cgdc.graceworksinteractive.com.

###

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 10         Wed Jun 04, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:40 PDT

Registration Underway For 2003 Christian Game Developers Conference

Intel, Hewlett Packard representatives among those to speak
at annual meeting of industry leaders

PORTLAND, OREGON (10 April 2003) - Building on last year's success and the
continued growth of the industry, the 2003 Christian Game Developers
Conference will feature a group of speakers representing every facet of the
gaming industry. Registration is now underway for the conference, which will
be held July 25-27 on the campus of Cascade College in Portland, OR.

"Last year's conference proved that there is real interest in an industry
gathering devoted to Christian games," said conference organizer Tim Emmerich
of GraceWorks Interactive (http://www.graceworksinteractive.com). "This year,
we will focus on how best to address the needs of Christian game developers
for the future."

Among the speakers at this summer's conference are Kevin Johnson of Intel
(http://www.intel.com) and Frank Cloutier of Hewlett Packard
(http://www.hp.com), as well as Ralph Bagley of N'Lighting Software
(http://www.n-lightning.com) and representatives from the independent game
development community.

"This year's conference will revisit last year's topics as well as others,"
Emmerich said. "We will discuss the goals of Christian gaming and what sort of
content we hope to provide, and how to fund projects and publish them. We also
plan to examine the games that are on the market now to see where they have
succeeded and why they might fail."

Christian gaming fills an important need in the $10 billion per year
electronic gaming industry: "Many families want non-violent entertainment
alternatives. They are looking for action titles with wholesome messages,"
Emmerich said. Last year's conference - sponsored in part by Nvidia and
N'Lightning Software - gathered industry leaders from across the U.S. to
discuss strategies for appealing to this growing market. Developers from as
far away as Great Britain and Africa have shown interest in attending this
year's event.

"Depending on the developer, a game can share the Gospel Message, or just
equip the game player with better social skills or even educate them on
various topics. Christian games are important to our society today as they can
minister to the players."

With the constant advances in technology, Christian developers are able to
target games to a specific audience without having to rely on a large
publisher and risk diluting the message of their product. Organizers of this
year's conference hope to encourage developers to "take advantage of their
God-given skills and technologies to develop their project," Emmerich said.

"We pray that we can be encouragement to developers and teams of all sizes,
whether they're currently working on a Christian gaming title or planning
future projects."

Conference registration information - including the full roster of speakers
and events as well as travel and lodging options - is available online at
http://www.cgdc.org .

Interviews with Tim Emmerich of GraceWorks Interactive may be arranged by
e-mailing hugh@cyprmedia.com or phoning 740 / 239-0901.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 11         Thu Jul 31, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:17 PDT

LEADERS OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF GAMES TO CONVERGE ON AUSTIN IN SEPTEMBER

Austin Game Conference to Feature Keynotes by Raph Koster, chief designer of
Star Wars Galaxies, and Mark Jacobs, CEO and President of Mythic
Entertainment

AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2003 - The Austin Game Initiative today announced the
Austin Game Conference, to be held September 11-12, 2003, at the Austin
Convention Center. The two-day event is designed to inform and educate game
industry professionals on next-generation technologies and business
strategies for emerging products and platforms, such as online multi-player
and mobile games. Austin Game Conference will bring together developers,
technologists and business professionals for sessions, workshops, and a
technology pavilion, all pushing the boundaries of game development.

The inaugural event will feature industry luminaries including keynote
presenters Mark Jacobs, chief executive officer and president of Mythic
Entertainment and Raph Koster, chief designer of Star Wars Galaxies at Sony
Online Entertainment (SOE). Additionally, the packed schedule will include
sessions by Atari, Castle Hill Studios, Electronic Arts, GameSpy, Glass Eye
Productions, Metrowerks, Mutable Realms, Mythic Entertainment, Online
Alchemy, Sony Online, Ubi Soft, Wolfpack Studios and others. See a full
speaker list at http://www.gameconference.com/conference/

Sponsors include Alias, GameSpy, Bigworld, Micro Forte, BroadQ, Criterion
Software/RenderWare, RLX Technologies, Nokia, Mary-Margaret.com, Inc.,
AustinXL Angel Investors Network, Heavy Metal Marketing, BeyondBeyond, and
Zona.

"The southwest area has long been a mecca to some of the most innovative game
development projects and I am honored to be involved in this inaugural
event," said Mark Jacobs, chief executive officer and president of Mythic
Entertainment, developer of Dark Age of Camelot.

"The gaming industry has seen tremendous growth, in both popularity and in
technological achievement and continues to be the catalyst for driving new
technologies," said Raph Koster, chief designer of Star Wars Galaxies. "By
bringing together some of the most creative minds in the industry, the Austin
Game Conference is leading professionals to the next generation of game
development."

The Austin Game Conference will provide attendees with an opportunity to
attend special sessions that focus on the latest PC and console tools,
hardware and technologies to streamline the design processes. Conference
tracks are designed to allow individuals to pursue their specialized
interests, learn from industry leaders and scout out the latest technology.
In addition, the Austin Game Conference has teamed up with Criterion Software
to produce "LivePitch GameON!," - http://www.LivePitch.com Criterion
Softwares respected industry matchmaking initiative that provides an
opportunity for developers to meet with and pitch PC and console game demos
to the world's leading publishers.

Event Highlights include:

* Multiplayer Online Games Tracks - Discussions with visionaries and
veterans, providing detailed insight with four tracks: Tech, Design, Service
and Production. The definitive conference on multiplayer online games.

* Future of the Development Pipeline - Focuses on streamlining the design
process. With the length of todays development cycle dont be left behind.
Includes PC and console focuses.

* Mobile Market Design and Profits - Revenues and profits are just now being
realized. Understand this fragmented market and the opportunities. Learn how
to get product out the door and make a profit.

* LivePitch Developer/Publisher Pitch Sessions - Independent developers vie
to pitch with leading publishers at the show. See http://www.LivePitch.com
for details.

* Technology Pavilion - Showcasing the latest tools, technologies, products
and services. The only place to nationally showcase until next year. Booths
and/or private meeting rooms available.

* Machinima Theater - Machinima is the convergence of filmmaking, animation
and game development. By combining the techniques of filmmaking, the
flexibility of animation production and the technology of real-time 3D game
engines, Machinima makes for a very cost- and time-efficient way to produce
films.

Registration Information

Early Registration for the two-day event is now open and can be accessed by
logging on to www.gameconference.com. Early registration for professionals
prior to August 15 is $85. Early registration for students prior to August 15
is $55.

About the Austin Game Conference

The Austin Game Conference is a two-day event designed to inform and educate
game industry professionals on online multiplayer games and new game markets
and techniques. The conference is dedicated to meeting the needs of
professionals focused on next generation game development such as multiplayer
internet-based games and mobile games. For more information on the Austin
Game Conference and opportunities at the event, visit
http://www.gameconference.com.

SOE and the SOE logo are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment
Inc.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 12         Mon Aug 18, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:16 PDT

CNN.com talks about QuakeCon 2003:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/fun.games/08/17/videogame.culture.ap/index.html

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 13         Fri Sep 05, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:19 PDT

Well over 600 individuals representing more than 300 companies will
participate in the Austin Game Conference (AGC) Sept 11-12 in Austin, Texas.
The Austin Game Initiative, producer of the conference, has published the
attendee list as of Sept 3 at http://www.gameconference.com/attending.html

Attendees are flying in from around the world for 45 sessions in 6 tracks on
online game development, mobile game development, and the future of console
and PC development. More than 60 developers applied to participate in AGC's
exclusive LivePitch, a program that allow's developers to pitch their PC or
console game projects to leading publishers. Selected developers will meet
with publishers at the conference. The conference is price is $95 in advance
or $125 at the door. The event is open to anyone interested in game
development.

The Austin Game Conference is produced by the Austin Game Initiative (AGI).
The AGI is chartered with the growth of the computer and video game industry
in Austin, Texas, thereby increasing its overall contribution to the economic
development of the region. Austin is the # 3 location in the U.S. for game
development with more than 50 companies making major contributions to the
game industry, including game development, publishing, tools and middleware
and chips and hardware. Industry leaders in the area include more than 35
game studios producing both top hit franchises and original titles. Nintendo,
Microsoft, Motorola, Dell, Electronic Arts, Criterion Software, Sony Online
Entertainment and dozens of others maintain offices in the region. The AGI is
dedicated to serving the needs of companies involved in producing interactive
entertainment software and hardware for video game consoles, handheld
devices, personal computers and the Internet. More information at
http://www.gameconference.com

To register as media for this event please go to:
http://www.gameconference.com/media/mediaregister.html

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 14         Fri Sep 12, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:43 PDT

Major League Gaming is holding a console competition in New York later this
month.  The entry fee is $50/person, and the grand prize is $10,000.

More at mlgpro.com.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 15         Mon May 17, 2004
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:03 PDT

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S GAME CONFERENCE TO TAKE PLACE SEPTEMBER 9-10, 2004 IN
AUSTIN, TEXAS

New Event Focuses on Women Working in Computer and Video Game Industry, How
Women Are Portrayed in Games and Women as Gaming Consumers

AUSTIN, Texas, May 17, 2004 - The Game Initiative announced today the Women's
Game Conference (WGC), a new conference focusing on women in the computer and
video game industry, will take place September 9-10, 2004 in Austin, Texas.
The conference will focus on a variety of women's topics in the computer and
video game industry including examining career paths for women in the
industry and issues related to working in the industry as women as well as
how women are portrayed in games and women and girls as consumers of games.

The Women's Game Conference also announced a Steering Committee comprised of
leading women in the game industry, representing leading game hardware
manufacturers, developers, publishers and educators, who are guiding the
creation of a powerful and influential WGC program. The conference is open to
anyone interested in the game industry, including existing professionals,
industry executives and persons interested in getting into the game business.
The conference web site is http://www.WomensGameConference.com

The WGC 2004 Steering Committee includes:

* Ellen Guon Beeman, Live Team Producer, The Matrix Online, Monolith
Productions
* Mia Consalvo, Assistant Professor in the School of Telecommunications, Ohio
University
* Laura Fryer, Director, Advanced Technology Group, Microsoft Corporation
* Sheri Graner Ray, Senior Game Designer, Sony Online Entertainment
(Committee Chairperson)
* Kathy Schoback, Vice President of Content Strategy, Infinium Labs

Biographies for committee members are provided below.

"This comprehensive program is a positive step forward for the industry and
could not have taken place several years ago," said Sheri Ray, Women's Game
Conference Steering Committee chairperson. "Conference participants will be
able to discuss the industry and focus on the evolution of the business going
forward. Participants will identify trends and discuss how to continue to
expand the industry."

Attendees will hear from industry leaders and have the opportunity to network
extensively at the WSC. The casual nature of this event allows attendees an
unprecedented opportunity to gain valuable contacts and explore new ways to
expand the business and create a thriving work environment.

The conference is $125 for professionals and $85 for students if they
register in advance online (a $50 savings). Onsite registration prices are
$175 for professionals and $135 for students. The Women's Game Conference is
held concurrently with the Austin Game Conference, the definitive conference
on multiplayer online game development. Registration to one conference gains
full access to both conferences.

"The Women's Game Conference fits with The Game Initiative's mission to serve
as a leader in assisting in the growth of the computer and video game
industry by serving the needs of the people in the business," said
Christopher Sherman, Executive Director of the Game Initiative.

Women's Game Conference Steering Committee Members

Ellen Guon Beeman
Live Team Producer, The Matrix Online
Monolith Productions
Ellen Guon Beeman has worked as a designer, writer, and producer of computer
and videogames since 1989, for companies including Microsoft, Disney,
Electronic Arts, Sega, and others. She is currently the Live Team producer
for The Matrix Online at Monolith Productions.

Mia Consalvo
Assistant Professor in the School of Telecommunications
Ohio University
Mia Consalvo is an assistant professor in the School of Telecommunications at
Ohio University. Her research focuses on digital games--including game
players and the game industry. Her research has been published in the
anthology The Video Game Theory Reader; journals including Television & New
Media; Feminist Media Studies; and the Journal of Communication Inquiry. She
is currently doing research on women gamers, and is writing a book about
cheating and how it has affected the game industry and players perceptions of
how to play games.

Laura Fryer
Director, Advanced Technology Group
Microsoft Corp.
As Director of the Xbox(R) Advanced Technology Group (ATG) Laura Fryer is
responsible for making Xbox the ultimate platform for game developers. ATG's
services to the worldwide video games industry include proactive support for
programmers, content creators and content services; as well as helping game
designers, producers, artists, musicians and sound designers realize their
creative visions.

Fryer joined the Xbox team in May 2000, becoming responsible for much of the
day-to-day management at ATG. During the Xbox project, she cultivated
worldwide Xbox Developer Support, created the Xbox Advisory Board, and ran
Xbox game developer events (a.k.a. Xfests) around the globe. In 1995, Fryer
became one of the first members of Microsoft Games Studios (MGS). During her
tenure, she was the leading producer in MGS shipping six games in five years.
Her best-known titles are Crimson Skies, Fighter Ace, and Pinball Arcade. As
one of the founders of MSN Zone.com, Fryer is an expert on Internet and
multiplayer gaming. Besides conceiving and producing the first Microsoft
release for Zone.com, she also produced Fighter Ace 1.0, Microsoft's first
massively multiplayer game.

As one of the founders of the annual "Women in Gaming" sessions at the Game
Developers Conference in 2000, Fryer is dedicated to fostering the role of
women in the video game industry.

An avid gamer, Fryer enjoys taking "video game vacations" to play video games
in marathon all-day sessions. Her other hobbies include playing the guitar
and violin, drawing, juggling and reading.

Sheri Graner Ray
Senior Game Designer
Sony Online Entertainment
(Steering Committee Chairperson)
Sheri Graner Ray is Sr. Game Designer with Sony Online Entertainment and
author of the book, "Gender Inclusive Game Design-Expanding the Market." She
has served as the co-chair for the Women in Game Development SIG of the IGDA
for 4 years and has been a spokesperson for the female game player for many
years. Before coming to Sony, she served as President of her own studio,
Sirenia Software, and before that as Director of Product Development for Her
Interactive, where she began her research into females and computer games.
She has also worked for Origin Systems as a writer and designer on the Ultima
PC series.

Kathy Schoback
Vice President of Content Strategy
Infinium Labs
As the content strategist for the Phantom gaming service, Kathy Schoback
oversees relationships with game publishers and developers worldwide,
including title selection, prioritization, negotiations and lifecycle
management. She has spent previous lifetimes at Eidos and Sega, as well as at
the Game Developers Conference as part of the show management team. In
addition to serving as IGDA chairperson, Kathy is also co-chair of the IGDA
Business Committee.

About The Game Initiative

The Game Initiative is chartered with the growth of the computer and video
game industry by serving the needs of companies and people involved in
producing interactive entertainment software and hardware for video game
consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. The Game
Initiative assists in growing the game industry through events, public
awareness, information and supporting programs. Game Initiative events
include the Austin Game Conference, the Women's Game Conference and the How
to Break into the Game Industry national conference and resume workshop
series. More information about the Game Initiative can be found at
http://www.TheGameInitiative.com.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 16         Thu Jan 27, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:41 PDT

COMIC BOOK LEGEND, STAN LEE TO DELIVER SPEECH ON CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AT
2005 D.I.C.E. SUMMIT

Lee to Offer Video Game Industry's Elite Creative Talent His Wisdom on
Building Modern Day Superheroes

CALABASAS, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2005) - The Academy of Interactive Arts &
Sciences (AIAS), the professional organization dedicated to the advancement
and recognition of interactive arts, announced today that Stan Lee, the
co-creator of Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men and many other
superheroes, will be delivering a speech at the 2005 D.I.C.E. Summit on
February 1, at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas. Lee's speech,
titled "Superheroes - Creating Characters for the Ages" will address the art
of developing enduring characters and environments for today's entertainment
mediums.

"It is an absolute privilege to have Stan Lee speak at this year's D.I.C.E.
Summit, as he makes very few public appearances," said Joseph Olin, president
of the AIAS. "Mr. Lee's creations not only live in the movies we watch and
the video games we play, but they have influenced and inspired countless
video game designers and developers."

"Interactive entertainment is now the most potent platform for reaching
today's youth," said Stan Lee. "It's great to see many of the characters and
storylines that I've created over the years being featured today in the video
game world, and best of all, that's just the beginning. I can't wait till the
exciting new properties I'm working on will be brought to the medium. Also,
It'll be way cool to meet with the video game industry's top artists at the
D.I.C.E. Summit, and to kick around ideas for creating characters and
storylines for the future."

Without question, Stan Lee has exerted more influence over the comic book
industry than anyone in history. Lee's singular co-creations include
Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man,
Daredevil, The Avengers, Silver Surfer and Dr. Strange among many others.
Lee, known to millions as the man whose Super Heroes propelled Marvel Comics
to its preeminent position in the comic book industry, first became publisher
of Marvel Comics in 1972 and is presently the Chairman Emeritus of Marvel
Enterprises, Inc.

Lee created or co-created nearly all of Marvel's recognized characters, which
have been successfully licensed and marketed since 1965 into comic books,
television series, feature films, home videos/DVDs, video games and other
consumer products. In the last 3 years, Lee's movies have grossed over $2.5
billion dollars. In 2001, Lee formed POW! (Purveyors of Wonder)
Entertainment, with producer Gill Champion and attorney Arthur Lieberman.
POW! specializes in franchises for television, DVDs, video games,
merchandising, and related ancillary markets, all which aid in the
establishment of global franchises. The 2005 D.I.C.E. Summit (Design,
Innovate, Communicate and Entertain), is a high-level interactive
entertainment industry conference that brings together the top video game
designers and developers from around the world and business leaders from all
the major publishers to discuss the state of the industry, its trends and the
future. The three-day event will be held January 31 - February 2, 2005 at
Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas, NV. More information on the 2005
D.I.C.E. Summit can be found at www.DICESummit.org.

About The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) was founded in 1996 as a
not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of
the interactive arts. The Academy's mission is to promote and advance common
interests in the worldwide interactive entertainment community; recognize
outstanding achievements in the interactive arts and sciences; and conduct an
annual awards show (Interactive Achievement Awards) to enhance awareness of
the interactive art form. The Academy also strives to provide a voice for
individuals in the interactive entertainment community.

More information about the AIAS can be found at www.interactive.org.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 17         Mon Jan 31, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:51 PDT

TRIP HAWKINS TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE
ACADEMY OF INTERACTIVE ARTS & SCIENCES (AIAS) HALL OF FAME

Video Game Legend to Receive the Academy's Most Prestigious Honor at the 8th
Annual Interactive Achievement Awards on February 1

CALABASAS, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2005) - The Academy of Interactive Arts &
Sciences (AIAS), the professional organization dedicated to the advancement
and recognition of interactive arts, announced today that Trip Hawkins will
be awarded the AIAS Hall of Fame Award, joining an elite group of interactive
entertainment industry legends. Hawkins will be given the award at the 8th
Annual Interactive Achievements Awards ceremony, being held at the Green
Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas on February 1, the second evening of the
2005 D.I.C.E. Summit.

"Trip Hawkins is one of the interactive entertainment industry's true
pioneers, with credentials that are unparalleled," said Joseph Olin,
President of the AIAS. "Trip's belief that the video game industry would
achieve the status as a mass entertainment medium spans three decades. From
the earliest hardware platforms to today's mobile technology, Trip continues
to create and innovate with all of us the benefactors of his efforts."

One of the most difficult decisions the Academy's Board of Directors faces
each year is choosing an inductee into the AIAS Hall of Fame. The Board looks
for a person that has made a significant impact or contribution to the
industry, such as pioneering a new game genre; changing the face of the art
form through new technology; influencing other designers and products;
demonstrating the highest level of creativity and innovation; and consistent
product success at a level that helps expand the industry. Trip Hawkins has
accomplished all of those things and much more.

"It is an incredible honor to be recognized by my distinguished peers in the
industry," said Trip Hawkins. "It is a great privilege to join the industry's
greatest luminaries and be one of few to be named an AIAS Hall of Fame
inductee. I love this industry and am not finished pushing its boundaries."

From the moment Hawkins laid his eyes on the first computer in 1972, he knew
he wanted to make video games. He began programming his first games while at
Harvard, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in strategy and
applied game theory. His first game was a 1973 football simulation, which
foreshadowed the video game empire that would become known to the world as
"Madden" and "EA Sports." Hawkins earned his MBA at Stanford, and in 1978
went to work for Apple. Hawkins helped grow the company from $2 million in
revenues and 50 employees to $1 billion and over 4,000 employees, in just 4
years.
After leaving Apple in 1982, Hawkins regained his focus on video games and
incorporated Electronic Arts later that year. The 1980s were tough, due to
the demise of the original Atari, but Hawkins pushed forward. After
developing some of the industry's earliest sports games, Hawkins moved onto a
favorite sport, football, and brought legendary football coach, John Madden
into the picture -- and the rest has made history.

In the 1990s, Hawkins left EA and formed 3DO with the goal of advancing the
video game industry through 3D graphics, multimedia capabilities, optical
disc mass storage and liberal licensing models. While at 3DO, Hawkins set his
eyes on the Internet and launched what many industry pundits consider the
first massively multiplayer game with graphics, Meridian 59.

The dawn of the new millennium spawned Hawkins current endeavor, a company
called Digital Chocolate. Targeting the burgeoning mobile games industry,
Hawkins newest business has already reaped some recent successes in the
growing new world of casual games like Bubble Ducky.

Previous winners of the AIAS Hall of Fame award include 2004's winner Peter
Molyneux of Lionhead Studios (Black & White); 2003's winner Yu Suzuki of
SEGA(R) Corporation (AFTER [JRO1] <#_msocom_1> BURNER, F355 Challenge,
Shenmue series, Virtua Fighter 4 f); 2002's winner Will Wright of Maxis
(SimCity, The Sims, The Sims Online); 2001's winner John Carmack (DOOM,
Quake); 2000's winner Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy); 1999's winner Sid
Meier (Civilization, Railroad Tycoon); and 1998's winner Shigeru Miyamoto
(Pikman, Donkey Kong, Legend of Zelda, Mario).

The 2005 D.I.C.E. Summit (Design, Innovate, Communicate and Entertain), is a
high-level interactive entertainment industry conference that brings together
the top video game designers and developers from around the world and
business leaders from all the major publishers to discuss the state of the
industry, its trends and the future. The three-day event will be held January
31 - February 2, 2005 at Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas, NV. More
information on the 2005 D.I.C.E. Summit can be found at www.DICESummit.org.
About The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) was founded in 1996 as a
not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of
the interactive arts. The Academy's mission is to promote and advance common
interests in the worldwide interactive entertainment community; recognize
outstanding achievements in the interactive arts and sciences; and conduct an
annual awards show (Interactive Achievement Awards) to enhance awareness of
the interactive art form. The Academy also strives to provide a voice for
individuals in the interactive entertainment community.

More information about the AIAS can be found at www.interactive.org .

# # #

For a headshot of Trip Hawkins please visit: www.bhimpactpress.com/DICE/

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 18         Wed Feb 02, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:13 PDT

BEST VIDEO GAMES OF 2004 HONORED AT 8TH ANNUAL INTERACTIVE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) Celebrated the Greatest
Works in Interactive Entertainment at the Annual D.I.C.E. Summit in Las Vegas

CALABASAS, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2005) - The interactive entertainment industry's
elite creative talent and business executives gathered together on Tuesday
evening, February 1, to honor the top video games of 2004, at the 8th Annual
Interactive Achievement Awards, held during the annual D.I.C.E. Summit in Las
Vegas.

Voted and judged upon by game industry peer panels from the Academy of
Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), the professional organization dedicated
to the advancement and recognition of interactive arts, the awards celebrate
outstanding technical and artistic achievement in the world of interactive
entertainment.

"The Interactive Achievement Awards provide an important arena for the
interactive entertainment industry to showcase the year's most outstanding
video and computer games," said Joseph Olin., president of the Academy of
Interactive Arts & Sciences. "This year's winners not only represent some of
2004's most popular games, but they also embody the spirit and innovation
that has driven this industry since its inception."


Winners of the 8th annual interactive achievement award categories are listed
below, along with the corresponding publishers and developers, respectively.

1. Game Of The Year Awards

Game Of The Year - Half-Life 2 (Vivendi Universal Games/Valve)

Console Game Of The Year - Halo 2 (Microsoft/Bungie)

Computer Game Of The Year - Half-Life 2 (Vivendi Universal Games/Valve)


2. Innovation Awards

Innovation in Computer Gaming - Half-Life 2 (Vivendi Universal Games/Valve)

Innovation In Console Gaming - Katamari Damacy (Namco Hometek Inc./Namco
Limited)


3. Craft Awards

Outstanding Achievement In Art Direction - Half-Life 2 (Vivendi Universal
Games/Valve)

Outstanding Achievement In Animation -Half-Life 2 (Vivendi Universal
Games/Valve)

Outstanding Character Performance, Male - Robert Guillaume - Half-Life 2
(Vivendi Universal Games/Valve)

Outstanding Character Performance, Female - Judy Dench - Golden Eye: Rouge
Agent (Electronic Arts/EA/LA)

Outstanding Achievement In Soundtrack - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
(Rockstar Games/Rockstar North)

Outstanding Achievement In Original Musical Composition - Fable
(Microsoft/Big Blue Box)

Outstanding Achievement In Sound Design - Halo 2 (Microsoft/Bungie)

Outstanding Achievement In Game Play Engineering - Half-Life 2 (Vivendi
Universal Games/Valve)

Outstanding Achievement In Online Game Play - Halo 2 (Microsoft/Bungie)

Outstanding Achievement In Visual Engineering - Half-Life 2 (Vivendi
Universal Games/Valve)

Outstanding Achievement In Game Design - Katamari Damacy (Namco Hometek
Inc./Namco Limited)

Outstanding Achievement In Character Or Story Development - Fable
(Microsoft/Big Blue Box)

4. Genre Awards

A. Console

Platform Action/Adventure Game Of The Year - Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
(Ubisoft/Ubisoft Montreal)

Action/Adventure Game Of The Year - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Rockstar
Games/Rockstar North)

Action Sports Game Of The Year - Tony Hawk's Underground 2
(Activision/Neversoft)

First Person Action Game Of The Year - Halo 2 (Microsoft/Bungie)

Children's Title Of The Year - Sly Cooper 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment
America/Sucker Punch)

Family Game of the Year - Donkey Konga (Nintendo/Namco)

Fighting Game Of The Year - Mortal Kombat: Deception (Midway/Midway Chicago)

Racing Game Of The Year - Burnout 3 (Electronic Arts/Criterion)

Role Playing Game Of The Year - Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
(Nintendo/Intelligent Systems)

Sports Simulation Game Of The Year - ESPN NFL 2K5 (Sega/Visual Concepts)

B. Wireless & Handheld

Wireless Game Of The Year - Super Mario 64 DS (Nintendo)

Handheld Game Of The Year - Metroid: Zero Mission (Nintendo)

C. Computer

Action/Adventure Game Of The Year - Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora
Tomorrow (Ubisoft/Ubisoft Shanghai, Paris, Annecy Studios)

Children's Game Of The Year - Backyard Skateboarding (Atari/Humongous
Entertainment)

Downloadable Game Of The Year - The Incredibles: Escape from Nomanisan Island
(Disney Online)

Family Game Of The Year - Zoo Tycoon 2 (Microsoft/Blue Fang Games)

First Person Action Game Of The Year - Half-Life 2 (Vivendi Universal
Games/Valve)

Role Playing Game Of The Year - Neverwinter Nights: Kingmaker
(BioWare/BioWare)

Sports Game Of The Year - Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 (Electronic
Arts/Electronic Arts Redwood Shores)

Strategy Game Of The Year - Rome: Total War (Activision/Creative Assembly)

D. Online

Massive Multiplayer/Persistent World Game Of The Year -World of WarCraft
(Vivendi Universal Games/Blizzard)


Dominating this year's awards recipient categories for Game of the Year,
Innovation, Craft and Computer awards was Half-Life 2 (Vivendi Universal
Games/Valve.)

"Half-Life 2 was a huge challenge creatively as well as for the company,"
said Gabe Newell, CEO and Founder, Valve. "To be honored with nine
Interactive Achievement Awards is a great symbol that all those years of hard
work and investment were absolutely worth it."

The 2005 D.I.C.E. Summit (Design, Innovate, Communicate and Entertain), is a
high-level interactive entertainment industry conference that brings together
the top video game designers and developers from around the world and
business leaders from all the major publishers to discuss the state of the
industry, its trends and the future. The three-day event concludes today at
the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas, NV. More information on the 2005
D.I.C.E. Summit can be found at www.DICESummit.org.

About The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS)

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) was founded in 1996 as a
not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of
the interactive arts. The Academy's mission is to promote and advance common
interests in the worldwide interactive entertainment community; recognize
outstanding achievements in the interactive arts and sciences; and conduct an
annual awards show (Interactive Achievement Awards) to enhance awareness of
the interactive art form. The Academy also strives to provide a voice for
individuals in the interactive entertainment community.

More information about the AIAS can be found at www.interactive.org.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 19         Tue Mar 22, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:00 PDT

VIDEO GAMERS LEAGUE OPENS REGISTRATION FOR NATIONAL GAMING TOURNAMENT
OVER $20,000 CASH AND A 2005 SCION xB TO BE AWARDED.

Dallas, Texas - March 21, 2005 - VGL, (Video Gamers League), the first
organization to advance console gaming competitions to the level of a
professional sport, announced today that they have opened registration for
the first season of competition in the National VGL Video Gaming Tournament,
the largest-ever console game tournament. Players can register to compete in
official (qualifying) tournaments at the VGL website, www.vgleague.com. Halo
2 is the official game for the first season, which will include 112
tournaments that will take place in Scion dealerships across the nation.

The VGL will offer both team and FFA (free for all) tournaments. The FFA
tournaments are free to enter. Official winners will advance to one of six
regional tournaments, which will take place in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas,
Orlando, San Francisco, and Chicago. Winners of the regional tournaments will
advance to the national championship, where top finishers will receive cash
and prizes and the grand champion will drive away with a 2005 Scion xB. All
tournament participants will receive Scion merchandise, including beanies,
CD's, and backpacks.

The National VGL Video Gaming Tournament is made up of two tournament
seasons. It is produced and managed by VGL of Dallas, TX and Turn-Key
Marketing Services, Inc. of Orlando, FL. Scion, a top-level sponsor, will
host the official Halo 2 tournaments for the first season and will determine
the official game for the second season in the near future.

Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. produces the versatile x, the
urban xB and the sporty tC. Visit their website at www.scion.com.

Turn-Key Marketing Services, Inc. is the exclusive sponsorship sales and
marketing firm representing the VGL. In addition to VGL's National Video
Gaming Tournament, Turn-Key Marketing is working with numerous corporations
and venues to further develop the growth of the VGL and its tournaments.
Turn-Key Marketing represents a variety of regional and national events that
include sports, family entertainment, and faith-based initiatives. Visit
their website at www.sponsorshipsforsale.com.

Jeff Gross launched VGL in 1999. Gross previously was involved in tournaments
with both CPL and Twin Galaxies, and now focuses his full attention on the
VGL. VGL's newly designed website is www.vgleague.com.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 20         Tue Oct 18, 2005
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:26 PDT

SEX IN GAMES FEATURED AT WOMEN'S GAME CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 26-27, 2005

Austin, Texas - October 18, 2005 - The Game Initiative today announced that
game industry veteran Brenda Brathwaite will deliver a compelling, adults
only talk on sexual content and video games at the Women's Game Conference
taking place October 26 - 27, 2005 in Austin, Texas. From flirting in MUDs to
hardcore sexual simulators to the emerging field of teledildonics, sex in
games is nearly as old as the medium itself. Sex isn't limited to the games
themselves, the infamous E3 booth babes are as much a part of sex in games as
the characters that walk through game worlds. Sexual content found in video
game advertising has as strong a place in the discussion as emergent sexual
content in MMORPGs. To learn more about the Women's Game Conference, other
sessions at the conference and how to attend visit
http://www.WomensGameConference.com

The second annual Women's Game Conference focuses on women in the computer
and video game industry and highlights the importance of women as consumers
of games, draws attention to the contributions women bring to the game
industry workforce, and creates an environment conducive to networking. The
conference shares a career pavilion and technology pavilion with the Austin
Game Conference.  All attendees are encourage to visit the Career Pavilion
where 12 game companies are recruiting, including: Activision, BioWare Corp.,
Electronic Arts, Exclaim Recruiting Agency, High Voltage Software, Inc.,
Microsoft Game Studios, Midway, Multimedia Games, Radical Entertainment, Sony
Computer Entertainment America, THQ, and Ubisoft.  Another 40 companies have
exhibits in the Technology Pavilion.

Other game-industry leaders speaking at the Women's Game Conference include:

Linda Currie, Blue Fang; Nicole Willick, Activision; Tracey Rosenthal-Newsom,
Harmonix; Jeb Havens, Cyberlore; Amber Dalton, PMS Clan; Amy Brady, PMS Clan/
Frag Dolls; Lisa Waits, NOKIA; Heidi Perry, Play First; Lisa Sikora,
Microsoft; Monika Madrid, UbiSoft; Clarinda Merripen, Cyberlore; Jennifer
McLean, IGN Entertainment, Inc.

Conference sessions include:

Facilitated Networking
Recruitment and Retention of Women in the Game Industry
Team Building : How a Diverse Team Makes a Big Impact
Games for a Diverse Audience
Sex in Games
Conference Keynote:  Kris Soumas VP Interactive, Lifetime TV
Increasing Marketshare: The Marketing of Games to Women
A Discussion with Professional Female Gamers
Casual Games: Reaching the Female Market
What Women Want:  A discussion between female casual game consumers and the
marketers and developers who serve them

Registration

The pre-registration rate is $165 and onsite registration is $195. Conference
attendees will also have access to the Khronos Developer University, the Game
Writers Conference, the TechPavilion and the Austin Game Conference, all of
which run concurrently with the Women's Game Conference.  Registration is
available online at http://www.WomensGameConference.com/register/

The Women's Game Conference is sponsored in part by Real Arcade, LifeTime,
WITI and Microsoft Research

3 Day Conference Highlights:

- 9 tracks, 130 speakers, 2000+ developers, 10+ companies recruiting

- Microsoft / Xbox 360 will hold in-depth presentations covering Xbox
360Live/Marketplace, XNA studio and Next-Gen Graphics on Vista

- IBM to Discuss Details of the Cell Processor
George Dolbier, IBM Senior Executive Architect for Games, will discuss
details of the Cell Processor powering the next generation game platforms at
the Game Technology Association meeting at AGC.

- Career Pavilion - By popular demand a career area has been added to the
TechPavilion. For everyone at the show looking for a career change this is
the place to go.

- Khronos Developer University - This one day hands-on work shop provides
up-to-the-minute training on industry standard APIs for embedded graphics and
video processing.

- Official Conference Party sponsored by K2 Networks Inc. - a not to be
missed event.

- Sponsors and Exhibitors include:
3Dconnexion, Inc., Academy of Art University, Activision, Alias, Anark
Corporation, Animation Farm , Association of shareware professionals, ATI
Technologies, Austin Community College, Autodesk, Avid Computer Graphics,
Bigworld Pty Ltd., BioWare Corp., BuildForge, Inc., Business Wire, Develop
Magazine, Dolby, Emergent Game Technologies, Ensemble Studios, Enzyme Testing
Labs, Game instinct , Game Trust, GameDev.net, GamesIndustry.biz, GC
Networks/Game Creation Magazine, Ginny's Printing, GoPets, Guildhall at SMU,
Havok, Hybrid Graphics Ltd., iBeta, IBM Texas Credit Union, janimation Inc ,
K2 Networks Inc., Khronos Group, Mary-Margaret.com, Microsoft, Microsoft
Casual Games Group, Microsoft Research, Midway, MobyGames.com, Mythic
Entertainment, NCSoft, NVIDIA, Omni Interactive Media, Online Game Services,
Inc., Power VR (PowerVR), Real Networks/Lifetime, Scaleform Corporation , St.
Edwards University, TechExcel, THQ, The OGaming Network, UAT, and Versant
Corporation

- TechPavilion and Attendee Lounge - The TechPavilion showcases the latest
tools, technologies, products and services. The Attendee Lounge includes
comfortable couches and chairs where attendees can relax and network in a
casual environment.

About The Game Initiative

The Game Initiative is a leading producer of conferences and events for
professionals in the computer and video game industry.  The Initiative is
chartered with the growth of the industry through events, public awareness,
information and supporting programs and serves the needs of companies and
people involved in producing interactive entertainment software and hardware
for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the
Internet.  Game Initiative events include the Austin Game Conference, the
Mobile Game Conference, the Women's Game Conference, the Game Writers
Conference, the Advertising In Games Forum, the Casual Games Conference, Game
Technology Association Meetings and the How to Break into the Game Industry
national conference series.  More information about The Game Initiative can
be found at http://www.GameConferences.com

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 21         Thu Jan 19, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 03:36 PDT

Penny Arcade Expo 3rd Annual Gaming Festival Celebrating Videogames
and Game Culture to be Held on August 25-27, 2006

Seattle, Washington - January 18, 2006 - Penny Arcade Inc., creator of the
popular game-oriented comic strip of the same name, today announced the dates
for the third annual Penny Arcade Expo. The three-day event, a nonstop
celebration of videogames and gamer culture, will take place Friday, August
25th through Sunday, August 27th, 2006 in Bellevue, Washington.
Pre-registration is now open to the public at www.pennyarcadeexpo.com.

Last year's Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) saw 9,000 hardcore gamers gather just
outside Seattle for an over-the-top, game-oriented fun fest. Attractions
included an exhibit floor packed with playable game demos of titles that were
still a good six months or more from being available in stores, game-industry
conference panels, big name music concerts in the 'nerd core' rap and rock
genres by artists such as MC Frontalot and The Minibosses, and plenty of
gaming tournaments including the Survivor-style Omegathon: a gaming Olympics
where participants' names are drawn from the pre-registration list to compete
in multiple game formats. Last year's Omegathon prize was a collection of
every product ever made for the Nintendo Entertainment System, as well a
state-of-the-art limited-edition Star Wars-branded Alienware computer. This
year's Omega Collection prize will be announced in June. If you missed PAX
05, you can view show content in a five-DVD set available at
www.thinkgeek.com/pa.

"Now that we have some distance from it, I am able to look back at PAX 05
objectively and say that it was the greatest gaming event ever held in the
universe," said Penny Arcade's Gabe. "The honest truth is that we would have
to be idiots to think that we could top it. So...that's what we intend to
do!"

This year's PAX will include an expanded tabletop gaming experience as well
as attendees' favorite elements from previous years. PAX 06 is designed to be
the epicenter of pure gaming pleasure for three straight days.

Game industry professionals interested in exhibiting or speaking at PAX 06,
should contact Robert Khoo at rkhoo@penny-arcade.com.

About Penny Arcade Expo
Started by videogame-oriented comic strip creators Gabe and Tycho in 2004,
Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is a 3-day, round-the-clock celebration of games and
game culture. It includes an exhibition floor filled with playable demos of
games that won't be on shelves until next year, a conference program of game
industry speakers on topics related to gaming, music concerts, game
tournaments and more. For more information visit www.pennyarcadeexpo.com.

About Penny Arcade
Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny-Arcade
(http://www.penny-arcade.com) covers videogames in a way that is genuine,
insightful, and respected by the gaming community. What started as a hobby
for Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik has, over five years,
grown into an online phenomenon that serves 45 million page views a month to
millions of readers worldwide. In addition to the comic strip and PAX, Penny
Arcade Inc. also manages Child's Play (www.childsplaycharity.org), a
gamer-driven charity for sick kids in Children's Hospitals across the world.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 22         Sat Apr 01, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:39 PDT

PAX '06 Musical Guests: Mike Relm, The Minibosses, MCFrontalot and More

March 31st Earlybird Registration Deadline

Seattle, Washington - March 30, 2006 - Penny Arcade Inc today revealed the
musical lineup for gaming fest Penny Arcade Expo (PAX), slated to turn
Washington State into a gamer's nirvana August 25th-27th. Artists expected to
participate in the 3rd annual game culture celebration include architect of
hip-hop culture Mike Relm, along with returning musical guests The
Minibosses, MC Frontalot, Optimus Rhyme, The Video Game Pianist, and the
Neskimos.

This Friday, March 31st is the early bird registration deadline for PAX which
means gamers can still buy a three-day pass for less than the price they
might be planning to shell out for The Godfather game. Online registration is
now live at www.pennyarcadeexpo.com. Contestants for the Survivor-style
Omegathon gaming Olympics at PAX are drawn only from the pre-registration
attendee list. Those selected to participate in Omegathon will compete in
multiple game formats for crazy big game prizes.

The PAX06 exhibit floor, which will offer playable game demos of titles still
six months away, is already 90 percent sold out, with new sponsors including
Turbine, NC Soft, Prima Games, The Behemoth, Flying Lab, Creative Labs,
Tablestar Games, Garage Games, Nvidia, Klei Entertainment, Sweet Kitty, Pink
Godzilla, Mythic Entertainment, Privateer Press and Paizo Publishing.

About Penny Arcade Expo
Started by videogame-oriented comic strip creators Gabe and Tycho in 2004,
Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is a 3-day, round-the-clock celebration of games and
game culture. It includes an exhibition floor filled with playable demos of
games that won't be on shelves until next year, a conference program of game
industry speakers on topics related to gaming, music concerts, game
tournaments and more. For more information visit www.pennyarcadeexpo.com.

About Penny Arcade
Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny-Arcade
(http://www.penny-arcade.com) covers videogames in a way that is genuine,
insightful, and respected by the gaming community. What started as a hobby
for Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik has, over five years,
grown into an online phenomenon that serves 45 million page views a month to
millions of readers worldwide. In addition to the comic strip and PAX, Penny
Arcade Inc. also manages Child's Play (www.childsplaycharity.org), a
gamer-driven charity for sick kids in Children's Hospitals across the world.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 23         Fri Jun 23, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:38 PDT

Microsoft, Nintendo to Headline Penny Arcade Expo

Keynote to Focus on Prehistory of Xbox


Seattle, Washington - June 23, 2006 - Penny Arcade Inc today announced that
exhibit space is now sold out for its upcoming Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) gaming
culture fest slated to invade Washington State this August 25th-27th. On the
exhibit floor PAX '06 attendees can expect to get hands on with
yet-to-be-released games and products from the likes of exhibitors Microsoft,
Nintendo, Nvidia, ArenaNet, America's Army, Turbine, NCSoft, Ubisoft, Mythic,
Sabertooth Games, Foundation 9, Rockstar, Flying Lab, Creative Labs, The
Behemoth, Garage Games and Red Octane among others. In addition to
pre-release games galore on its show floor, PAX offers attendees a host of
game-related conference sessions, parties, concerts and contests, including
the grand-daddy of game challenges, the Omegathon.

It was also announced that Alex St. John will keynote PAX06. St. John's
keynote entitled "The Prehistory of Xbox," will address the legends and
anecdotal stories of the evolution to Microsoft's Xbox as experienced by the
man behind the "Manhattan Project." A former Microsoft employee, whose
exploits have been chronicled in books such as "Renegades of the Empire" by
Michael Drummond, "Opening the Xbox" by Dean Takahashi and "Masters of Doom"
by David Kushner, today St. John runs WildTangent, an online game publishing
company.

"Last year's PAX was like a big party with 9,000 of your closest friends,"
said Penny Arcade's Robert Khoo. "It's hard to imagine, but PAX '06 is on
track to be even larger and more outrageous."

About Penny Arcade Expo
Started by videogame-oriented comic strip creators Gabe and Tycho in 2004,
Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is a 3-day, round-the-clock celebration of games and
game culture. It includes an exhibition floor filled with playable demos of
games that won't be on shelves until next year, a conference program of game
industry speakers on topics related to gaming, music concerts, game
tournaments and more. For more information visit www.pennyarcadeexpo.com.

About Penny Arcade
Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny-Arcade
(http://www.penny-arcade.com) covers videogames in a way that is genuine,
insightful, and respected by the gaming community. What started as a hobby
for Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik has, over five years,
grown into an online phenomenon that serves 45 million page views a month to
millions of readers worldwide. In addition to the comic strip and PAX, Penny
Arcade Inc. also manages Child's Play (www.childsplaycharity.org), a
gamer-driven charity for sick kids in Children's Hospitals across the world.
# # #

Media Note: Reporters who wish to attend PAX06 should register online now at
http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/registration.php#attendeereg.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 24         Wed Aug 02, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:50 PDT

Pre-Registration for Penny Arcade Expo Extended to August 3, 2006

Seattle, Washington - July 31, 2006 - Penny Arcade Inc today announced that
due to overwhelming demand, pre-registration for Penny Arcade Expo (PAX)
gaming culture fest slated to invade Washington State this August 25th-27th
has been extended to August 3rd at 6:30pm pacific.

On the exhibit floor PAX '06 attendees can expect to get hands on with
yet-to-be-released games and products from the likes of exhibitors Microsoft,
Nintendo, Nvidia, ArenaNet, America's Army, Turbine, NCSoft, Ubisoft, Mythic,
Sabertooth Games, Foundation 9, Rockstar, Flying Lab, Creative Labs, The
Behemoth, Garage Games and Red Octane among others.  In addition to
pre-release games galore on its show floor, PAX offers attendees a host of
game-related conference sessions, parties, concerts and contests, including
the grand-daddy of game challenges, the Omegathon. Details of this year's
Omegathon prize will be announced later this week.

About Penny Arcade Expo
Started by videogame-oriented comic strip creators Gabe and Tycho in 2004,
Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is a 3-day, round-the-clock celebration of games and
game culture.  It includes an exhibition floor filled with playable demos of
games that won't be on shelves until next year, a conference program of game
industry speakers on topics related to gaming, music concerts, game
tournaments and more.  For more information visit www.pennyarcadeexpo.com.

About Penny Arcade
Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny-Arcade
(http://www.penny-arcade.com) covers videogames in a way that is genuine,
insightful, and respected by the gaming community. What started as a hobby for
Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik has, over five years, grown
into an online phenomenon that serves 45 million page views a month to
millions of readers worldwide.  In addition to the comic strip and PAX, Penny
Arcade Inc. also manages Child's Play (www.childsplaycharity.org), a
gamer-driven charity for sick kids in Children's Hospitals across the world.
# # #

Media Note:  Reporters who wish to attend PAX06 should register online now at
http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/registration.php#attendeereg.


 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 25         Fri Aug 11, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:27 PDT

PENNY ARCADE EXPO ANNOUNCES OMEGATHON III GRAND PRIZE

Last Gamer Standing Wins a Customized Scion xB at PAX'06

Seattle, Washington -- August 11, 2006 -- As pre-registration swells to 40
percent over last year's attendance at the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) gaming
culture festival, Penny Arcade today announced the grand prize for the
Omegathon III, the annual three-day gaming tournament in which contestants
must prove their mettle in a range of games undisclosed before the event.
This year, the winner will drive off in a brand new 2006 Scion xB in Black
Sand Pearl, featuring a game geek's dream package of a flipdown 15"
widescreen monitor, Xbox 360 Premium System, 6-speaker sound system with
CD/MP3 player, custom taillights and wheels with low-profile tires.

Set to invade Washington State this August 25th-27th, PAX will feature a
heavy-hitting lineup of top sponsors including Microsoft, Nintendo, Nvidia,
ArenaNet, America's Army, Turbine, NCSoft, Atari, Ubisoft, Mythic, Sabertooth
Games, Foundation 9, Rockstar, Flying Lab Software, Wizards of the Coast,
Creative Labs, The Behemoth, Intel, ATI, Garage Games, AMD, and Red Octane
among others. In addition to booths filled with pre-release games galore on
its show floor, PAX offers attendees a host of game-related conference
sessions, parties, concerts and contests, including the grand-daddy of game
challenges, the Omegathon. In addition to a horde of game players from around
the world, both enthusiast press and consumer press have registered to attend
in force. Industry luminary Alex St. John is slated to deliver the show's
keynote, entitled "The Prehistory of Xbox."

"The first year, the Omegathon champion received every PlayStation 2 game
ever made. The next year it was every NES game ever made," said Robert Khoo
of Penny Arcade. "This year, in accordance with the massive growth of PAX, we
decided it was time to up the ante."

About Penny Arcade Expo
Started by videogame-oriented comic strip creators Gabe and Tycho in 2004,
Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is a 3-day, round-the-clock celebration of games and
game culture. It includes an exhibition floor filled with playable demos of
games that won't be on shelves until next year, a conference program of game
industry speakers on topics related to gaming, music concerts, game
tournaments and more. For more information visit www.pennyarcadeexpo.com.

About Penny Arcade
Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny-Arcade
(http://www.penny-arcade.com) covers videogames in a way that is genuine,
insightful, and respected by the gaming community. What started as a hobby
for Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik has, over five years,
grown into an online phenomenon that serves 45 million page views a month to
millions of readers worldwide. In addition to the comic strip and PAX, Penny
Arcade Inc. also manages Child's Play (www.childsplaycharity.org), a
gamer-driven charity for sick kids in Children's Hospitals across the world.

# # #

Media Note: Reporters who wish to attend PAX06 should register online now at
http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/registration.php#attendeereg.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 1
Message 26         Thu Aug 24, 2006
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:01 PDT

17,000+ Gamers Gather for Penny Arcade Expo Game Culture Fest

What:   Penny Arcade's 3rd annual Penny Arcade Expo (PAX)

More than 17,000 hardcore gamers are expected to gather later this week for a
3-day consumer gaming extravaganza that includes a show floor exhibiting the
latest games in development from Microsoft, Nintendo and other top publishers
plus music concerts, game tournaments, lectures and more.  The event is
hosted by Penny Arcade, developers of the infamous game industry-focused
comic strip of the same name.

Where:  Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, Washington

When:   Friday, August 25th through Sunday, August 27th

Friday PAX hours:  3pm-2am
Highlights include:
"       "Prehistory of the Xbox" keynote 4:15-5:00
"       Panel with Gabe and Tycho from Penny Arcade 7:30-9:00
"       Music Concert A 9:30-12:30

Saturday PAX hours:  10am-2am
Highlights include:
"       Expo Floor 10:00-6:00
"       Halo 2 Tourney 10:30 - 2:30
"       D&D Open Duel 11:00-3:00
"       "Pitch Your Game Idea" panel 2:00-3:30
"       Live "Penny Arcade" Comic Strip Creation 3:30-5:00
"       Music Concert B 9:00-1:00

Sunday PAX hours:  10am- 6pm
Highlights include:
"       Expo Floor 10:00-6:00
"       Guitar Hero Tourney 10:00-1:00
"       Soul Caliber III Tourney 1:30-4:30
"       Omegathon Final Round 4:00-6:00

How:    www.pennyarcadeexpo.com

#   #   #

 ------------
 ************
Topic 5         Sun May 13, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 16:22 PST
Sub: Electronic Entertainment Expo

Hosted annually by the Interactive Digital Software Association.

 141 messages
 ************
 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 1          Mon May 14, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 07:44 PDT

All,

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Los Angeles to attend the Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3).  On Wednesday I'll be at the Nintendo and Sony press
conferences, and possibly Microsoft; I'll report back, probably to this topic,
with my reports on these events.  Thursday is the first day of the show, at
which I have an appointment at Sega's by-appointment-only booth, and then
their press conference.

Unfortunately, I cannot attend the Friday and Saturday portions of the show,
but I'll try to post as much information as I can from first-hand sources or
elsewhere.

Anyone have anything in particular they want me to keep an eye out for at E3
2001? :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 2          Mon May 14, 2001
SYNDICOMM                    at 09:33 PDT

>>>Anyone have anything in particular they want me to keep an eye out for at
E3 2001? :)

Not really, I pretty much rely on you to tell me everything I want to know. :)

I look forward to your reports. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 3          Tue May 15, 2001
A2.DAIN                      at 00:02 PDT

Ken,

Have a good time in Los Angeles.  I just want to know how good that Rogue
Leader : Rogue Squadron II game is from Lucas Arts.  It looks great.

http://www.lucasarts.com/e3/six/shot.jsp?num=1

"Impressive, yes most impressive!"


Dain Neater

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 4          Tue May 15, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 22:49 PDT

"CRAZY TAXI 2" DRIVES INTO THE LA CONVENTION CENTER!

Have Your Photo Taken With a Real "Crazy" Taxi and the Four New Renegade
Drivers Featured in "Crazy Taxi 2" For Sega Dreamcast

WHAT:           A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH FREE GIVE-AWAYS
WHO:            THE NEW CAST OF "CRAZY TAXI 2" WITH A REAL LIFE "CRAZY" TAXI!
WHEN:           5.17.01 (THURSDAY) 10:00AM - 5:00PM
WHERE:  THE INSIDE HALLWAY OF THE LA CONVENTION CENTER, RIGHT IN THE MAIN
ENTRANCE OF THE WEST HALL

On Thursday, May 17, the cast of "Crazy Taxi 2" for Dreamcast(tm) skid into the
heart of the LA convention center for E3 to mingle with the masses! With the
release of  "Crazy Taxi 2" on the horizon, the anticipation has hit new heights
for this follow-up to "Crazy Taxi(tm)," last year's phenomenal hit on
Dreamcast. To feed the frenzy, a "crazy" taxi surrounded by all of the new
characters, including Iceman, Hot-D, Cinnamon, and Slash, will be on hand for
group photos and to give cool goodies to those who pose with them (we'll be
doing a special give-away every couple of hours). For all interested media,
pictures of these reckless rebels will also be posted on May 18 at the
following ftp site:

<ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/public/Sega/CrazyTaxi_eventphotos/ >

Now that you've braved the psychotic streets of San Francisco in "Crazy Taxi,"
it's time to kick things up a notch in "Crazy Taxi 2" by taking on New York.
Hit the gas and say your prayers with four new cab drivers and pick up an
entirely new gallery of perturbed passengers with a variety of destinations,
including many of New York City's recognizable landmarks, such as the Hard
Rock* Cafe and FAO Schwarz*.  Players can even scoop up groups of passengers
that need to be dropped off at multiple destinations! Pumping up the chaos,
gamers have the exclusive new ability to "bounce" low-rider style over
obstacles, while the Offspring and Methods of Mayhem provide the slammin'
soundtrack.

###

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 5          Wed May 16, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:37 PDT

Nintendo GameCube images are being uploaded to the Gamebits file library as we
speak.

ftp://username@syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits

Part of our "Live from E3" coverage!

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 6          Wed May 16, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 17:55 PDT

Image files of various games being shown at E3 are being uploaded to the
Gamebits file library.  Specific announcements in other categories.

ftp://username@syndicomm.com/pub/members-only/gamebits

Part of our "Live from E3" coverage!

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 7          Wed May 16, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 23:47 PDT

Ken,

Are there actual pics of the game consoles somewhere?
-
Ryan
Chief Sysop Pro Tem, Palm OS, Page 590

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 8          Wed May 16, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 23:50 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2001
Nintendo Press Conference Coverage

Ah, Nintendo. Microsoft spurned my attempts at journalistic infiltration, so
the first event of E3 2001 I attended was the Nintendo Press Conference.
Standing amid the throngs of gamers pressing their bodies and each others
through tight gates, I could imagine how rockers were crushed to death at
concerts. Fortunately we made our way downstairs without fatalities - "we"
being CompuServe staffers Will White, Jon Sohn, Kevin Young, T.F. Falls, and
Joe Talladira, Joe's friend Eddy Wysoki, and former VGC staffers Ian Johnston
and Lee Rogers - we found our seats and awaited the conference.

Peter Main appeared, aware we were anxious to see the debut of the Nintendo
GameCube, so he was quick to speak on the Game Boy Advance. The 32-bit
handheld launched in Japan on March 21st, selling 1.6 million units in the
first five weeks, and will launch on June 11th in America with about 20 games.
200,000 of the 500,000 units available on launch day are preordered; another
500K will be available two weeks after launch, with a goal of 24 million units
sold in 12 months.

Main then invited Satori Awata of the NCL Board of Directors to talk about
what will make the GameCube unique among the next generation of consoles -
what Awata called "the Nintendo difference." Today's industry trends of
multi-platform game releases, repetitive sequels, and focus on graphics have
preached mistrust and boredom to the gaming community, and has made the
console a generic commodity. "The Nintendo difference" is innovation, quality,
characters, and heritage. Nintendo has these attributes in spades, since,
unlike large electronics corporations, entertainment is their speciality. As
Awata put it, "We are only an entertainment company, but we are working to
become the best entertainment company anywhere" - as demonstrated by the first
GameCube demo: Super Smash Bros. Melee.

The new Smash Bros. game has favorites Mario, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Captain
Falcon, Kirby, Pikachu, Fox, Donkey Kong, and Ness, and new characters Shiek
(from Zelda: Ocarina of Time) and Ice Climber (now there's an old game!). The
gameplay looks similar to the original game, but the graphics are all new,
with changing camera perspectives. Seeing Nintendo's icons together in one
GameCube game was really an experience. This game will be playable on the show
floor tomorrow, as will Luigi's Mansion.

Mansion is the latest Mario game, but is more akin to Ghostbusters. Luigi
explores an abandoned manor, capturing ghosts and coins with his vacuum. If he
can vacate the house of spirits, he'll save his brother, Mario.

The next game is the brainchild of Shigeru Miyamoto. In Pikmin, players
control swarms of plantlike insects to tear down walls, collect items, and
defeat larger insects. Odd, cute, Lemmings-like.

Nintendo briefly showed on video their entire lineup in development:

Super Smash Bros. Melee                 Pikmin
Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet     Luigi's Mansion
Rogue Squadron II                       Animal Forest
Raven Blade                             Metroid Prime
Wave Race Blue Storm                    Mario Kart
NBA Courtside 2002 Starring Kobe Bryant Eternal Darkness
Disney's Mickey                         Kameo
Donkey Kong Racing                      Zelda

Plenty of third-party titles will be coming, according to Nintendo, because
the GameCube is developer-friendly. Though the Nintendo 64 created new genres
of games, the GameCube will give developers the freedom to realize the worlds
they've imagined without scaling it down to the system's capabilities. This is
due in part to Nintendo's partnership with several engineering firms,
including IBM and Panasonic. The latter, known in Japan as Masushita, will
release in that country a GameCube-compatible machine with extended
capabilities, including CD and DVD functionality.

The GameCube controller will have built-in force feedback, and the WaveBird, a
wireless controller, will also be available at launch time. The Game Boy
Advance can be used as a GameCube controller, too.

The Nintendo GameCube will launch in Japan on September 14th, and in the USA
on November 5th. This announcement came hours after Microsoft announced the
November 8th launch of their $300 Xbox. A price for the GameCube will be
announced on May 24th.

Nintendo not only had a well-organized presentation, they demonstrated an
uncanny sense for what their audience wanted. Though Luigi's Mansion was not
entirely what we expected, and nobody knew what to think of Pikmin, there was
a surprising lack of Pokemon (such as Crystal for Game Boy Color) coverage or
of Game Boy Advance titles, which we'll be seeing on store shelves soon enough
anyway. The speakers were interesting and intelligible, yet brief and
to-the-point.

Yup... I love Nintendo.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2001 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved. Not to
be distributed in a modified form.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 9          Wed May 16, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 23:52 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2001
SCEA Press Conference Coverage

Sony's buses whisked reporters from the Biltmore Hotel sight of Nintendo's
conference, to a sound stage a few blocks away. There, after a happy buffet of
delicious vegetarian and chicken foods, we were herded into the conference
hall, equipped with Sony pads and three-color pens. We settled in for what
would prove to be a long and fairly uneventful press conference.

A variety of Sony speakers took their turns at the lectern. First off were
SCEA's refutations of PS2 launch myths, such as the wild ideas that it was
unsuccessful or that they had production issues. Then they went right into the
software. There are already 80 PS2 titles available, with 100 to debut at E3.
Over 280 titles will be available by Christmas. Here are some specifics.

Dark Cloud, an RPG, is due on May 29th, followed on June 19th by Twisted
Metal: Black... neither of which were demoed at the conference. Gran Turismo 3
A-Spec was shown, mostly FMV and replay mode. This updated racer will launch
on July 10th, and can also be purchased in a PS2 bundle for $330.

Naughty Dog, the development studio that created Crash Bandicoot, demonstrated
Jak and Dexter: The Precursor Legacy. This 3D platformer features a dashing
protagonist with a furry friend on his shoulder, and what Andy Gavin of
Naughty Dag called "rigid body physics" and real-time effects with millions of
polygons. Though pretty, J&D appeared neither original nor innovative; in
fact, the two-part hero and the beach level we saw reminded me strongly of
Banjo-Kazooie.

John Schappert of Electronic Arts' Tiburon Studio demonstrated Madden 2002,
which graphically looked at least as good as Sega's NFL 2K series. Also
showcased was the "EA Sports BIG" line of games, including SSX Tricky
snowboarding, NBA Street urban basketball, and Sled Storm 2.

A portion of the show was given for Square to present their material - which
was only Final Fantasy. FFX's graphics are an excellent example of the PS2's
power. Unfortunately, what we were shown was almost entirely FMV, and very,
very little gameplay. Even the type of world in which FFX is set - steampunk
or fantasy - is difficult to discern. A movie trailer for FF: The Spirits
Within movie was also shown.

Shinja Mikami, creator of Capcom's Resident Evil games, next took the mic to
speak of his new game, Devil May Cry. This 3D action game pits the half-human,
half-demon warrior, Dante, against a host of demonic creatures. Dante's
repertoire features one move in which his katana dashes enemies into the air,
where he pumps them full of lead with his dual guns; when you execute this
move, as Mikami said, "it makes you feel so good."

With a smooth segue from demonic to horrific, Gozo Kitao of Konami rolled a
tape of Silent Hill 2. Though a year old, it looked better than the gameplay a
tester showed us. Yet in either case, the creepy environment which made the
original Silent Hill such a hit is one best conducted through gameplay, not
audience viewing. This revisit to the paranormal resort town of Silent Hill is
sure to draw many players along with it.

Konami then handed the stage to Hideo Kojima and Metal Gear Solid 2. More of
the plot was revealed, and hardly any of the gameplay.

Games such as Final Fantasy X, Devil May Cry, Metal Gear Solid 2, Legacy of
Kain: Soul Reaver 2, and Virtua Fighter 4 will be PS2 exclusives for at least
a year.

Various PlayStation peripherals will also be available this year. An LCD
screen for the PSOne will cost $129, or $149 with extra features. Expect to
see colored DualShock controllers for $25 in August.

Finally, Kaz Hirai elaborated on Sony's commitment to put their newest console
on the online frontier. The full hardware suit will prove an extensive and
expensive package. Online gaming will occur by this November, when a dual 56K
modem/broadband adaptor is released for $39.95. A keyboard, mouse, LCD screen,
and 40 gigabyte hard drive will also be available, all by Christmas 2001.

Online software will also make the PlayStation 2 a powerful online tool.
Several partnerships have been formed to help ensure Sony's success on the
'net. Netscape will provide the web browser, while a version of the America
Online client will also be available. This is a smart move on SCEA's part,
since Sega omitted a large audience by neglecting AOL connectivity from their
Dreamcast plans. Cisco will provide the protocol stack, with more software
coming from Macromedia (Flash) and Real Software (RealPlayer).

There was so much focus on the hardware and software necessary to create an
online experience for the PS2, little time was given to online gaming. SOCOM:
U.S. Navy Seals was one unveiled online title, as was Twisted Metal Online,
but gaming definitely seemed to take a backseat to Sony's plans to establish
the PS2 as the center of fulfilling the household's electronic needs.

The overall focus of Sony's press conference was on sequels and graphics.
Maybe I had been biased by Nintendo declaring these "negative industry
trends," but I was unimpressed by the lack of originality demonstrated at this
press conference. The speakers, who would have been lost without teleprompters
and PowerPoint, droned on and on, often accompanied by halting and inaccurate
translations. Neither the content nor the organization of this presentation
left me feeling excited about the future of gaming on the PlayStation.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2001 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved. Not to
be distributed in a modified form.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 10         Thu May 17, 2001
KGAGNE                       at 00:07 PDT

Ryan,

If you check the Hardware folders in either the GameCube or GameBoyAdvance
directories of the Gamebits file library, you'll find pics of the consoles.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 15         Mon May 21, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:39 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2001
General Coverage & Highlights

Whoever spoke of the lull before the storm, has never attended E3.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo, held last week in Los Angeles, is the video
game industry's annual opportunity to showcase its wares in an event open to
the media, retailers, developers, and other trade members. The products that
debut at E3 are a glimpse of the future of a $6 billion industry which
comprises a growing portion of America. "The fact is, not only are games
everywhere, but gamers are everyone," observed Doug Lowenstein, president of
E3's host, the Interactive Digital Software Association.

This year's show heralded an incoming generation of game consoles. Nintendo,
Sony, and Microsoft, not content to wait for the holiday season, did
everything in their power to convince the world that their 128-bit, DVD-based
console would be the wave of the future.

Sony has a head start on the competition, their PlayStation 2 having launched
in 2000 and three million consoles sold in North America since. Despite strong
sales, the PS2 is often criticized for lacking "killer apps" - games that make
the console worth purchasing. Sony intends to remedy that situation with
several important releases this year.

Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec is Sony's most realistic racing games ever, and will be
available separately or bundled with the PS2 for $329 when the game launches
in July.

Other games will also capitalize on popular PlayStation franchises, such as
Final Fantasy X, a groundbreaking role-playing game from Square; Metal Gear
Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, a spy game from Konami; and Silent Hill 2, a
cinematic horror game, also from Konami.

Even with a strong lineup of games, Sony is determined to expand the PS2 into
more than a gaming console. By year's end, an LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse,
hard drive, and combination modem/broadband adaptor will be available, giving
the PS2 almost as much functionality and Internet connectivity as a home
computer.

Another multimedia conglomerate, Microsoft, is ready to enter the video game
industry for the first time. Their Xbox console will launch on November 8th
with a pricetag of $300. The hardware includes a hard drive and broadband
adaptor - essential pieces of technology for a system to connect to the
Internet.

Just as Sony's E3 showing lacked in online titles, Microsoft was missing a
strong, unique library of game titles. Halo, a shooter from Bungie Studios,
stands out strongly, as do exclusives such as Dead or Alive 3. The rest of
their lineup consists primarily of computer games, or updated versions of
other consoles' games. Though Microsoft stands to have a hardware juggernaut
this Christmas, it may not sell without games people want to play.

One company with few, if any, online strategies is Nintendo. Unlike their
competitors, Nintendo is solely an entertainment company. They will draw on
their vast gallery of popular icons and other successes when they launch two
new systems this year.

The Game Boy Advance will be on store shelves next month, and is the first
true upgrade to the most popular handheld ever since its initial launch a
dozen years ago. Accompanying its release will be new entries in well-known
game series: Super Mario Bros. Advance, Mario Kart Advance, F-Zero, and Street
Fighter II.

With the high success rate of both the original Game Boy and its flagship
Pokemon titles, the Game Boy Advance is practically guaranteed high market
penetration, paving the way for the Nintendo GameCube home console, to which
the GBA can connect.

The GameCube launches on November 5th, beating Microsoft's Xbox by mere days.
No pricing was announced, but for a system that does not play CDs or DVD
movies nor has built-in Internet components, $200 is a likely upper limit for
the GameCube.

Again, Nintendo will launch a new system with familiar characters. In Luigi's
Mansion, Mario's brother must clear a haunted manor of spirits, ala
Ghostbusters.

The GameCube is not without its innovations, either. Shigeru Miyamoto, creator
of Mario and Donkey Kong, is hard at work on Pikmin, a Lemmings-like game in
which players organize plantlike insects to overcome obstacles. Eternal
Darkness is an insanity-inducing, Resident Evil-like game that spans from the
Roman Empire to the modern age.

After the poor market performance of the Nintendo 64, Nintendo will need to
apply what they call "the Nintendo difference": innovation, quality,
franchises, and world-famous game development. Only these qualities give
Nintendo a chance at re-entering the console wars.

The game market has traditionally been unable to sustain more than two game
systems. The first casualty of this survival of the fittest was Sega, who in
January announced that they will cease production of their Dreamcast system
and begin developing games for other consoles.

The first fruits of these labors were shown at E3. Both of Nintendo's new
systems will benefit from Sega's platform-agnostic business model. Sonic the
Hedgehog will appear as a launch title for the Game Boy Advance, as will the
puzzle games ChuChu Rocket and Columns.

Sega's massive multiplayer role-playing game, Phantasy Star Online, will make
its way to the GameCube, along with Monkey Ball, an original puzzle game.

Various signature and original Sega games will also be available for
PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Though these releases may include online games, Sega's
responsibility ends with the content; it is up to Nintendo, Sony, and
Microsoft will need to develop and implement methods for their consoles, and
the games, to connect to the Internet.

With a vast history of games to tap and multiple systems for which to develop,
Sega stands poised to meet their goal of being the world's top publisher by
2003.

Sega's not giving up on its own system just yet, though. The Dreamcast will
receive six entries in the Sega Sports lineup, including World Series
Baseball, NCAA Football, and Virtua Tennis; all six games will feature online
play. And in June, Sega will celebrate the tenth anniversary of their hip
hedgehog with Sonic Adventure 2.

This year's E3 introduced a lot of new hardware, and many, many pieces of
software - some original, some not. Kazuo Hirai, president and COO of Sony
Computer Entertainment America, pointed out, "Pretty graphics are just the
ante to get into this business." There's no question that the systems
competing for places under this year's Christmas tree can produce pretty
graphics. For the first generation ever, all the consoles are on the same
level of 128-bit processing power. The industry will thrive, but which console
will have the software that allows 145 million American gamers to thrive as
well, only time will tell.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2001 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved. Not to be
distributed in a modified form.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 21-May-01

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 16         Fri May 25, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:13 PDT

E3Expo 2001 Draws Tens of Thousands of Industry Professionals
Hundreds of Next Generation of Computer and Video Games
Debut at the World's Largest Interactive Entertainment Trade Event

LOS ANGELES - MAY 19, 2001 - The seventh annual Electronic Entertainment Expo
(E3Expo) concluded at the Los Angeles Convention Center today, having drawn
more than 62,000 interactive entertainment professionals from more than 70
countries, according to the show's owner, the Interactive Digital Software
Association (IDSA).  More than 400 exhibitors showcased thousands of computer
and video games and next generation technologies, including more than 750
products seen for the first time ever at E3Expo 2001.  According to the annual
pre-show exhibitor survey, approximately 80 percent of the products seen at
the show are anticipated to hit store shelves by the coming holiday season.
"2001 is an extremely exciting year for the industry, with the introduction of
new hardware and the debut of stunning new software," said Douglas Lowenstein,
president of the IDSA, the trade association that represents U.S. computer and
video game publishers.  "E3Expo is the launch pad for games that will shape
the future of entertainment."

This year's show kicked-off with a groundbreaking keynote panel with top
executives from Microsoft Corporation, Nintendo of America and Sony Computer
Entertainment.  The panelists discussed the future of next generation
consoles, and their impact on consumers and the industry in the coming year.
In addition, leading industry experts joined together to strategize with and
teach E3Expo attendees about hot topics and business opportunities in
interactive entertainment during a three-day educational conference program.

The show will return to Los Angeles, May 23-25, 2002.

E3Expo is wholly owned by the IDSA, the U.S. association dedicated to serving
the business and public affairs needs of companies publishing interactive
games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the
Internet. IDSA members collectively accounted for more than 90 percent of the
$6 billion in entertainment software sales in the United States in 2000, and
billions more in export sales of American-made entertainment software. The
IDSA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers
including a global anti-piracy program, business and consumer research,
government relations and First Amendment and intellectual property protection
efforts.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 17         Fri Aug 24, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:54 PDT

E3 2002 SHOW DATES ANNOUNCED

World's Leading Interactive Entertainment Event Moves to
Wednesday, May 22 through Friday, May 24, 2002

(Washington, D.C) - The Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA)
announced today that in 2002, for the first time ever, the Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3), will run from Wednesday to Friday. The dates of the
2002 show, the world's premiere interactive entertainment trade event, will
be Wednesday, May 22, through Friday, May 24.

"Because the 2002 show falls just before the Memorial Day weekend, we've
changed the dates to make it a Wednesday through Friday event," said Doug
Lowenstein, president of the IDSA, the video and computer game industry trade
group that owns E3. "This will make the show more convenient for attendees
who want to enjoy the long weekend and more cost effective for exhibitors who
will not incur premium labor rates."

"As an exhibitor at E3 2002, we are delighted that the E3 organization is
taking this step," said Don James, Vice President of Design, Nintendo of
America Inc. and chairman of the IDSA Trade Show Committee. "We appreciate
the fact that show management is proactively addressing the needs of its
exhibitors by moving the dates to reduce additional costs which would have
been incurred moving out on a holiday weekend."

Lowenstein said that rebook for the 2002 event is underway and early
indications are that the top exhibitors are contracting for as much or even
more space than they did in 2001. He also noted that feedback from the 2001
event, which was attended by more than 62,000 people, continues to be
overwhelmingly positive. "E3 2001 was truly a milestone event with the launch
of new platforms and hundreds of never-before-seen games and related
products. We expect next year's show to continue to generate high levels of
excitement and interest as the most advanced games ever are introduced."

E3 is owned by the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), the U.S.
association exclusively dedicated to serving the business and public affairs
needs of companies that publish games for video game consoles, personal
computers and the Internet. Association members include the nation's leading
interactive entertainment software publishers, who collectively accounted for
more than 90 percent of the $6 billion in entertainment software revenues
generated in the United States in 2000, and billions more in export sales of
U.S.-made entertainment software.

E3 is a trade event, and is not open to the general public. No one under the
age of 18 will be admitted, including infants.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 18         Mon Nov 05, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:21 PDT

Anyone here ever been to E3?  What did or didn't you like about it?

Anyone want to go to E3?  Why?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 19         Mon Nov 05, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:05 PDT

> Anyone want to go to E3?  Why?

Yes.

To meet Asia Carrera ;-)

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop and Head Geek, A2
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 20         Mon Nov 05, 2001
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 22:29 PDT

>>>Anyone here ever been to E3?  What did or didn't you like about it?

I've been once.  It's too commercial and skanky.  Didn't help that I had to
work a booth. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 21         Tue Nov 06, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 07:15 PDT

Ryan,

We can make it a mainland event.  "Come for E3, stay for KFest!"

I'm sure the Sheppys wouldn't mind a two-month houseguest. :)

Who's Asia Carrera, and what's she doing at E3?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 22         Thu Nov 29, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:05 PDT

Registration for E3 2002 has opened.

Industry professionals can call 1-877-216-6263; journalists should visit
http://www.e3expo.com

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 23         Thu Nov 29, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 21:48 PDT

Where and when will E3 be?  I still want to meet Asia Carrera :)

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop and Head Geek, A2
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 24         Thu Nov 29, 2001
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:57 PDT

Ryan,

E3 2002 will be Wednesday, May 22 through Friday, May 24, 2002, in Los
Angeles, California.

See Message 17 in this topic for full details.

Who's Asia Carrera, and what's she doing at E3?

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 25         Fri Nov 30, 2001
A2.RYAN                      at 22:22 PDT

> Who's Asia Carrera, and what's she doing at E3?

You don't want to know, and you don't want to know.

Ryan M. Suenaga, M.S.W., L.S.W.
Chief Sysop and Head Geek, A2
Delivered by alpha CoPilot v2.55
Offline Syndicomm.com Message Manager


 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 26         Sat Dec 01, 2001
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 07:05 PDT

Ryan,
  I just asked a friend of mine who is up on both games and other "things".
He seemed to know exactly who it was.:)

Dain

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 27         Mon Mar 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:11 PDT

E3Expo 2002 OFFERS EXPANDED CONFERENCE PROGRAM

33 Sessions, Including Three Additional Workshops, Cover Everything
Industry Professionals Need to Know About Interactive Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, MARCH 25, 2002 - The Interactive Digital Software Association
(IDSA) today announced details of the new E3Expo 2002 Conference Program,
featuring an expanded workshop program and four educational tracks comprised
of six sessions each. For the first time ever, the program will include nine
in-depth, hands-on workshop sessions, covering a wide variety of topics
critical to interactive entertainment industry professionals. The E3Expo 2002
Conference Program is scheduled for May 21 - 23 at the Los Angeles Convention
Center, with exhibits running May 22 - 24.

"The topics included in the E3Expo 2002 conference and workshop program
reflect the dynamic, diverse, sophisticated and mainstream nature of the
interactive entertainment industry," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of
the IDSA, the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video game
publishers and owns E3Expo, the world's most important interactive
entertainment industry event. "E3Expo is not only the place to see the latest
and most advanced computer and video games and related products, it's also an
unparalleled educational forum for industry professionals looking to sharpen
their skills and share their ideas."

This year's E3Expo conference faculty includes more than 125 of the
industry's most accomplished and respected leaders. The roster of speakers
includes numerous industry greats such as the few listed: LucasArts' Hal
Barwood; Richard Garriott, formerly Origin Systems Inc/Ultima series, now NC
Soft; Oddworld co-founder Lorne Lanning; American McGee, Alice designer, now
with his own company, Carbon 6; Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios; Crash
Bandicoot designer Jason Rubin; Age of Empires' Bruce Shelley; Deus Ex
designer Warren Spector; Alex St. John of Wild Tangent; Sega's legendary game
maker Yu Suzuki; and The Sims creator Will Wright. For a complete faculty
list visit http://www.e3expo.com/ .

Workshop and Conference Sessions
E3Expo 2002 will offer nine two-hour workshops (up from six workshops last
year) and 24 90-minute sessions examining key issues that impact the
interactive entertainment industry.

E3Expo 2002 workshops include:
* Start-up "Starter Kit" For Today's Marketplace
* Designing Games That Teach: an MIT Workshop
* A Complete Technology Toolkit For Wireless Game Development
* How To Package And Pitch Your Game To Publishers
* Global Game Trends 101: Learning From the World's Top Titles
* The Business of Persistent Worlds: Learn From The Pros
* Developing Content For Wireless Handsets: Making Big Ideas Work For The
Small Screen
* Design-Document Workshop: Don't Start That Game Without One
* Listen to Your Gamers: What Player Metrics Is Telling Us

E3Expo 2002 conferences sessions include:
* Game Development - Strategies And Trends:
* Rules Of The Game

E3Expo 2002 CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP LINE UP 2-2-2-2
* Design Secrets, Part 1: Japan And The USA
* Design Secrets, Part 2: Europe And The USA
* Creating The Perfect Game Character
* Managing Resources: Smart Solutions For Building Compelling And Profitable
Games
* Sneak Peek: The Hottest Upcoming Titles As Presented By Their Designers

Business Strategies To Build On:
* Reaching Niche Markets, Creating New Markets
* The Wireless Landscape: The Business Models, The Markets, The Value Chain
* Non-Traditional Marketing Tactics
* How To Break Into Today's Game Industry
* Master Class From The Masterminds Of Business
* Licensing Opportunities For The Smart And Nimble

New Trends/Future Trends:
* Understanding Platform Segmentation And What It Means For Your Bottom Line
* Creative Solutions To Financing And Funding
* Channel Update: Knowledge Is Power
* Games That Pushed The Envelope, Pushed Buttons And Set New Trends In Motion
* Prepare Your Business For The Game Industry Of Tomorrow
* High-Tech Roundup: Modern Tools For Current Games

Life Online - Cracking The Code:
* Successful Online Strategies: Inspiration And Implementation
* Consoles And Online Gaming: Strategies For Dominance
* Advergaming: How To Profit From Online's Next Wave Of Game Development
* Browser Games Come of Age
* Creating Lasting Communities (And Higher Sales) Through Pre-Release Demand
And User-Created Content
* You Asked For It! (A Session Built Around Attendee Suggestions)

Registration Information
General registration for the E3Expo 2002 Conference Program is available at
www.e3expo.com or by calling (877) 216-6263. Attendees save up to $50 by
signing up during the early registration period ending April 12. Early
registration packages range from the $245 "Workshop Package" to the $425
"Super Pass."

E3Expo, now in its eighth year, is owned by the Interactive Digital Software
Association (IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business
and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for
video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet.
IDSA members collectively account for more than 85 percent of the $6.35
billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2001, and billions
more in export sales of American-made entertainment software.

E3Expo is a trade event, and is not open to the general public. No one under
the age of 18 will be admitted, including infants. This policy is strictly
enforced.
###

Please allow extra time for check in before entering the show due to
increased security measures. All bags are subject to search.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 28         Fri Mar 29, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:19 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2002: "A World of Its Own"
The Premier Trade Event for Interactive Entertainment
Conferences: May 21 - 23/Exhibits: May 22 -24
Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC)
http://www.e3expo.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------
Up-to-the-Minute News, March 27, 2002
CONTENTS:
1. Register Now: Early-Media Registration Deadline is April 19th
2. Learn From Industry Greats at the New 2002 E3Expo Conference Program
3. Save the Date: 2002 IDSA Media Briefing & Breakfast
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------
1. REGISTER TODAY! EARLY-MEDIA REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHS
Register today for E3Expo 2002, the world's most prestigious interactive
entertainment event, where prominent industry players -- from retailers and
developers to analysts and executives from more than 70 countries -- attend
each year to get business done. In addition, hundreds of never-before-seen
products will debut at E3Expo 2002.

To Register as Media:
Worldwide media who wish to attend E3Expo 2002 may register online at
http://www.e3expo.com/media_center/media_registration.shtml until April 19th.
Credentials required for a media badge are outlined on the site and must be
faxed or mailed in before the application request is considered complete. For
questions, call the E3Expo 2002 Media Hotline at (310) 967-2946 or send an
email to mailto:e3expo@cohnwolfe.com.

To Register as a General Attendee:
Visit http://www.e3expo.com/registration/registration.shtml or call (877)
216-6263 until April 12th.
Industry professionals who register before April 12th can save up to $50 by
purchasing E3Expo packages at reduced rates. Package prices range from $200,
offering three-day show floor admission only, to $425 allowing full access to
workshops and discussions.

2. E3Expo 2002 Offers Expanded Conference Program
The new E3Expo 2002 Conference Program features an expanded workshop program
and four educational tracks comprised of six sessions each (total of 33
sessions). For the first time ever, the program will include nine in-depth,
hands-on workshop sessions, covering a wide variety of topics critical to
interactive entertainment industry professionals.

This year's E3Expo conference faculty includes more than 125 of the
industry's most accomplished and respected leaders. The roster of speakers
includes numerous industry greats such as the few listed:

    o LucasArts' Hal Barwood
    o Richard Garriott, formerly Origin Systems Inc/Ultima series, now NC
Soft
    o Metal Gear Solid designer Hideo Kojima of Konami
    o Oddworld co-founder Lorne Lanning
    o American McGee, Alice designer, now with his own company, Carbon 6
    o Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios
    o Crash Bandicoot designer Jason Rubin
    o Age of Empires' Bruce Shelley
    o Deus Ex designer Warren Spector
    o Alex St. John of Wild Tangent
    o Sega's legendary game maker Yu Suzuki
    o The Sims creator Will Wright

For a complete conference and faculty list visit:
http://www.e3expo.com/conference_programs/conference_programs.shtml

3. SAVE THE DATE!
Members of the Media: Save the date for the 2002 Media Briefing & Breakfast
with Interactive Digital Software Association President Doug Lowenstein,
scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 a.m. Details coming soon...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------
E3Expo is wholly owned by the Interactive Digital Software Association
(IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public
affairs needs of companies publishing interactive games for video game
consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. For more
information visit http://www.idsa.com .

PLEASE NOTE:
Please allow extra time for check in before entering the show due to
increased security measures. All bags are subject to search.

E3Expo 2002 is a trade event, and is not open to the general public. No one
under 18 will be admitted, including infants. This policy is strictly
enforced.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 29         Tue Apr 09, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 17:34 PDT

My E3 press badge arrived last week. :)

Now I just need to decide if I want to go, and find a place to stay if I do.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 30         Wed Apr 10, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 07:03 PDT

>>>Now I just need to decide if I want to go, and find a place to stay if I
do.

Seems like a gimme to me, being in the biz and all. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5  [MOVED]
Message 31         Mon Apr 15, 2002
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 18:17 PDT

Ken,
  If you make it to E3, then you know that you are required to host a chat
about your experience there:)  We want pictures too...Booth Bunnies....Eternal
Darkness...booth Bunnies...Zelda.....booth Bunnies.....


Dain
 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 32         Mon Apr 15, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:27 PDT

Dain,

I booked my flight to E3 last week, but am still wrestling with the issue of
accomodation.  At least now I know I'm going.

I don't have a digital camera, and my E3 pictures never come out well.  But
I'll certainly host an official post-E3 chat this year, just as I did last
year.  Heck, E3 2001 was the occasion of this forum's opening; I can't not
live up to that tradition. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 33         Thu Apr 25, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:34 PDT

DRAGONS, RACING, WAR AND MORE AT SOUTH HALL BOOTH #1168

Codemasters reveals its Triple-A line-up for E3 2002

New York, NY - April 25, 2002 - Codemasters today announce a blockbuster
line-up of powerful games that will be showcased at this year's E3 Expo in
Los Angeles. Showing at Booth #1168 in South Hall, Codemasters' highlights
include the 'must be seen to be believed' Dragon Empires (PC/online), and the
unveiling of Colin McRae Rally 3 (PS2, Xbox).

The current line-up of games, playable for the first time at the show, are:

Colin McRae Rally 3
PS2 / Xbox - releasing September 2002
You are Colin McRae in the game that presses the accelerator in rally sport
gaming.
http://www.codemasters.com/colinmcrae3

Dragon Empires
PC/online - releasing autumn 2002
Live, fight and rule an empire in this incredibly rich MMORPG.
http://www.codemasters.com/dragonempires

The rest of the line-up includes:

IGI 2: Covert Strike
PC - releasing autumn 2002
The acclaimed superb stealth-based first-person shooter returns with
international intrigue and extreme action.
http://www.codemasters.com/igi2

Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing
PS2 / Xbox - releasing May 31 / June 7 2002
Landing the hardest punch of them all, Tyson comes to Xbox and PS2 in
dazzling form, complete with 15 other heavyweight professionals.
http://www.codemasters.com/mthb

Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis
Xbox - releasing autumn 2002
Command land, sea and air units in the Xbox edition of the ultimate realistic
Cold War military experience.
http://www.codemasters.com/flashpoint

Operation Flashpoint: Resistance
PC - releasing June 2002
The official expansion pack delivers a new prequel campaign, remarkable
high-resolution graphics and enhanced network code.
http://www.codemasters.com/flashpoint

Prisoner of War
PS2 / Xbox / PC - releasing summer 2002
Experience the intrigue, danger and heroism of Allied escape attempts from
POW camps during World War II in this incredible stealth adventure.
http://www.codemasters.com/pow

Pro Race Driver
Xbox/PS2 / PC - releasing summer 2002
High speed and aggressive touring car race action combines with a dramatic
plot of murder, betrayal, revenge and, for some, victory.
http://www.codemasters.com/tocaracedriver

World War II: Frontline Command
PC - releasing autumn 2002
From The Bitmap Brothers, this squad-based action real time strategy game
lets you command some of World War II's most significant battles.
http://www.codemasters.com/ww2

E3 runs in Los Angeles from Wednesday 22nd May through to Friday 24th May.
Codemasters' showcase booth is #1168 in the South Hall.

ABOUT CODEMASTERS
Established in 1986, UK-based Codemasters is one of Europe's best-selling and
profitable game-makers, developing and publishing titles for the console
platforms and PC. Codemasters' products first appeared on US retail shelves
in 1999 and since then they have continued to provide energetic, compelling
and innovative entertainment to gaming fans of all genres. The company's 2001
offerings included Blade of Darkness and Operation Flashpoint, both of which
met with critical acclaim and enormous consumer praise. Richard Darling, the
company's Design Director and co-founder, is renowned as one of the most
prolific game designers and has been involved in the creation of 60 of the
company's staggering #1 titles in the UK. In keeping with the company's
mission to remain on the crest of the gaming wave, Codemasters is developing
games for online and next generation platforms. Additional information about
the company and its products can be found at www.codemasters.com

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 34         Wed May 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:10 PDT

E3Expo 2002 SHOWCASES MORE THAN A THOUSAND NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN
INTERACTIVE GAMES AND PRODUCTS

Exhibitors Provide First-Look at This Holiday's New Computer and Video Games

LOS ANGELES - May 1, 2002 - Leading interactive entertainment companies from
around the world will unveil more than 1,000 never-before-seen computer and
video games and related products at the 2002 Electronic Entertainment Expo
(E3Expo), according to data from the E3Expo 2002 Exhibitor Survey, released
today by the show's owner, the Interactive Digital Software Association
(IDSA). In addition, the vast majority (80 percent) of the show's
approximately 400 exhibitors report that three-quarters of their products
debuting at this year's E3Expo will be on store shelves for the 2002 holiday
season.

"The impressive number of new product introductions at E3Expo 2002 illustrate
both the vibrancy of the video game market today and the status of E3Expo as
the world's most important event for launching the new products and
technologies that consumers will see for the 2002 holiday season " said
Douglas Lowenstein, president of the IDSA, the trade association representing
U.S. entertainment software publishers. E3Expo 2002 takes place May 22 - 24
at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and will include more than 505,000 net
square feet of exhibit space.

Reflecting the growing household penetration of next generation game devices,
survey respondents reported that one-half (49 percent) of all new interactive
software products being shown at E3Expo support video game consoles. In
addition, the popularity of interactive entertainment software spans across a
number of platforms with exhibitors reporting that approximately 39 percent
of the new titles being shown are PC- based, 17.5 percent are for handheld
game devices, 7.8 percent are online/Internet only games and 3.4 percent are
for PDAs and wireless phones.

According to survey respondents, the new E3Expo titles they will display
cover a wide range of game genres, including Action games (28.4 percent),
Sports and Driving games (16.7 percent), Adventure games (12.1 percent),
Child and Family games (10.9 percent), Role Playing games (8.3 percent),
Strategy games (7.3 percent), Educational/ Edutainment games (6 percent) and
Simulation games (3.2 percent).

Previously unreleased interactive products will be spotlighted at this year's
show in the E3Expo 2002 "First Looks" program. Participating First Looks
exhibitors will be designated in the E3Expo exhibit guide, Show Daily,
www.e3expo.com and on the exhibit floor beginning May 22.

E3Expo, now in its eighth year, is owned by the Interactive Digital Software
Association (IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business
and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for
video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet.
IDSA members collectively account for more than 85 percent of the $6.35
billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2001, and billions
more in export sales of American-made entertainment software. The IDSA offers
services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global
anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show,
business and consumer research, government relations and First Amendment and
intellectual property protection efforts.

E3Expo is a trade event, and is not open to the general public. No one under
the age of 18 will be admitted, including infants. This policy is strictly
enforced.

###

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 35         Wed May 01, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:20 PDT

SEGA TO SHOWCASE BLOCKBUSTER GAME LINEUP AT E3 2002

Delivering More Than 20 Games Across All New Next-Generation Consoles, SEGA
Shows its Strength as a Content Publisher

SAN FRANCISCO - (May 1, 2002) - Illustrating its power as a platform-agnostic
content publisher, SEGA(R) of America, Inc. today announced its lineup of
more than 20 entertainment and sports games to be unveiled at this year's
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Featuring titles for the Nintendo
GameCube(tm), PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox(tm)
video game system from Microsoft(R), this year's E3 lineup reinforces SEGA's
commitment to delivering industry-leading content across all platforms.

"SEGA is proud to announce this exciting lineup of quality content across all
platforms after just over one year as a platform-agnostic content publisher,"
said Peter Moore, president and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "With a string of
recent hits including 'Sonic Adventure(tm) 2 Battle,' 'SEGA Sports(tm) NBA
2K2' and 'Virtua Fighter(tm) 4,' and a first-class lineup of entertainment
and SEGA Sports titles slated for release this year, it is clear that SEGA is
quickly establishing itself as a leading global content provider."

This year at E3, SEGA will feature entertainment titles including:

* "Shinobi(tm)" (PlayStation 2): Shinobi returns, hunted by demons, haunted
by the dead and hindered by the very rage that spurs him on in this latest
installment of one of SEGA's most revered action franchises. Players take the
role of Hotsuma as he battles through the demon-filled streets of a
post-apocalyptic Tokyo, running on walls, summoning Ninja magic and mastering
an arsenal of ancient weaponry on a quest to avenge his clan. Available this
fall.

* "Super Monkey Ball(tm) 2" (Nintendo GameCube): SEGA is on a roll! Hot on
the heels of the runaway success of the original "Super Monkey Ball," the
ultimate party game is back. Jam-packed with more than 150 stages, a new
story mode and 12 addictive party-games, "Super Monkey Ball 2" delivers the
ultimate in addictive multiplayer action. Available this fall.

* "ToeJam & Earl(tm) III: All Funked Up" (Xbox): After 10 years of chillin',
the original alien duo from Funkotron has returned. ToeJam, Big Earl and
their new partner-in-funk Latisha are on a mission to retrieve the 12 sacred
Albums of Funk that have been stolen by the ever-so-unfunky Earthlings. In
the Xbox exclusive "ToeJam & Earl III: All Funked Up," gamers explore
randomly generated worlds, collect present power-ups of almost endless
variety, play mini-games, use Funk-Fu and generally get down with their bad
selves in a rhythm-filled, off-the-wall adventure. Available this fall.

* "Panzer Dragoon(tm) Orta" (Xbox): Years ago, a legacy was born that ruled
the skies. This fall, the Dragon will rise again. Gamers take to the skies
aboard their own dragon for intense aerial combat through 10 branching stages
as they battle to save humanity from the brink of extinction. Dragons morph
in real time, allowing players to constantly change their fighting styles as
they master devastating techniques that influence both the action and the
storyline in this thrilling Xbox exclusive. Available this fall.

* "Crazy Taxi(tm) 3: High Roller" (Xbox): The king of crazy driving games is
back and taking to the streets of Glitter Oasis with new cars, new drivers
and new thrills. Whether it's making crazy money, conquering the new batch of
mini-game challenges or trying out new tricks in the completely overhauled
West Coast and Small Apple levels, "Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller" guarantees the
best odds to beat the house. Available this summer.

* "SEGA GT(tm) 2002" (Xbox): Prepare for the definitive car racing
simulation. "SEGA GT 2002" features more than 125 classic and contemporary
high performance vehicles, which were created using the exact handling and
performance specifications from their real-life counterparts. Players can
fill their garage with tricked-out cars and trophies as they race their way
through the SEGA GT circuit. Classic car buffs can also drool over "Chronicle
Mode" where they can take to the streets in the hottest muscle cars from the
'60s, '70s and '80s. Available this fall.

* "The House of the Dead(tm) III" (Xbox): Prepare for the ultimate in horror.
In "The House of the Dead III," players will battle the undead as they
explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Gamers can shoot up the undead as they
travel different routes and advance the storyline, uncovering new secrets and
hidden areas along the way. Available this fall.

* "Beach Spikers(tm)" (Nintendo GameCube): Bump! Set! SPIKE! SEGA's
"Beach Spikers" delivers intense beach volleyball action for up to four
players and showcases beautiful female athletes as they battle it out under
the fierce summer sun. Gamers will have to cooperate and compete as they take
control of bikini-clad beauties and go two-on-two at the net. Available this
summer.

* "Phantasy Star(tm) Online Episode I & II" (Nintendo GameCube): The
award-winning "Phantasy Star Online" sparked a gaming phenomenon, and is now
coming to Nintendo GameCube with all-new gameplay modes and exclusive new
features. New character classes, weapons, enemies, items and quests are only
a portion of the new content waiting to be discovered. Episode I delivers all
the action from PSO Ver.2, while Episode II offers an exclusive new
full-length adventure. The evolution of the original revolutionary gaming
experience continues. Available this fall.

* "Gungrave(tm)" (PlayStation 2): "Gungrave" casts gamers as "Grave," a dark
hero who fights alone to annihilate a mysterious criminal organization that
controls the city. With over-the-top action sequences ripped straight from
intense Japanese animated films, "Gungrave" delivers some of the fastest,
most stylish action to ever grace a console. Employing twin handguns and a
huge coffin as weapons, players fight their way through six intense varied
stages, destroying everything in their way. Available this fall.

* "SEGA Bass Fishing(tm) Duel" (PlayStation 2): "SEGA Bass Fishing Duel"
focuses on fun, carefully balancing the addictive arcade gameplay from the
original hit game with an added level of realism, including real-life lakes
and their complete ecologies. Players can go head-to-head against other
armchair anglers in new Tournament competitions or play against AI opponents
that are more than happy to motor out on to the lake and challenge gamers to
go bass for bass in a fishing tournament. Available this fall.

* "Ferrari(R) F355(tm) Challenge" (PlayStation 2): Racing fanatics, Ferrari
lovers and speed-junkies unite! "Ferrari F355 Challenge" provides everything
players need to push the limits of the awesome Ferrari F355 on the world's
fastest racetracks. Even amateur drivers can get up to speed using the unique
Assist function to hone their skills step-by-step. Available this fall. (Game
not yet concept approved.)

SEGA Sports will also feature titles including:

* "SEGA Sports(tm) NFL 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube): The
series that redefined the conventions of football gaming returns for a brand
new season, with a totally revamped franchise mode, drastically improved AI,
and brilliant new graphics featuring redesigned 3D stadiums, updated player
and facial models, and hundreds of new animations. "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" is
the cure for gridiron fans everywhere, whether your squad happens to be the
Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, or the expansion Houston Texans.
Available this fall.

* "SEGA Sports(tm) NBA 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube): SEGA
Sports will once again establish new levels of realism and entertainment in
the basketball genre. Building on its critically acclaimed roots, the
ultimate hoops simulation, which brought relentlessly authentic gameplay to
basketball fans, steps onto the court for another year with hundreds of new
animations including highlight-reel dunks and fancy dribble moves, redesigned
player models and arenas, and a revamped street mode. Available this fall.

* "SEGA Sports(tm) NHL 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube):
Building upon the acclaimed "NHL 2K" series, SEGA Sports is proud to bring to
the passionate hockey fan the next level of authenticity in hockey video
games - "NHL 2K3." Highly adaptive AI and a variety of new gameplay options,
including advanced line controls and a redesigned franchise mode, defines
this fast-paced game, which brings the player closer to the ice than any
hockey title ever before. Available this fall.

* "SEGA Sports(tm) NCAA(R) College Football 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox,
Nintendo GameCube): College football is about tradition, pageantry and the
purity of the game. "SEGA Sports NCAA College Football 2K3" embodies all of
those things, as this year's game features dramatic improvements including
new player models, completely redesigned stadiums, all 25 official BCS bowls
and a revamped Legacy mode where gamers can recruit key high-school stars and
compare lifetime records against other collegiate programs in the historical
rankings system. Available this fall.

* "SEGA Sports(tm) World Series(R) Baseball" (Xbox): "SEGA Sports World
Series Baseball" delivers authentic baseball action in dazzling graphical
detail, while a deep and innovative franchise mode lets you control complete
player movement and management transactions, providing enough stats data for
the most hardcore fan of America's National Pastime. Featuring the new
Cooperstown Collection(tm) License, which lets you play as or against 25
legendary ballplayers, and classic uniforms for all 30 Major League teams,
"SEGA Sports World Series Baseball" provides the ultimate in baseball
simulation. Available this summer.

* "SEGA Sports(tm) Tennis" (PlayStation 2): The acclaimed arcade and
Dreamcast tennis franchise brings its signature pick-up and-play controls,
stunningly realistic player models and incredibly detailed venues to the
PlayStation 2 this summer. Featuring a World Tour Mode with various
mini-games, addictive four-player doubles action and 16 internationally
ranked men and women's tennis players, SEGA Sports Tennis hits the proverbial
sweet spot. Available this summer.

For more information about any of the above titles, including screen shots,
please visit the following FTP site:
ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/public/Sega/E3_2002_Assets/

About Sega
SEGA(R) of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized
as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside
the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at
www.sega.com.

(tm), (R) and the Nintendo GameCube logo are trademarks of Nintendo.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. Some titles have not yet been concept approved by
Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

(C) 2002 NFL Properties LLC. Team names and logos are trademarks of the teams
indicated. All other (NFL-related marks) are trademarks of the National
Football League. Officially Licensed product of PLAYERS INC. The PLAYERS INC
logo is a registered trademark of the NFL players. www.nflplayers.com (C)
2002 PLAYERS INC.

World Series is a trademark owned by the office of the Commissioner of
Baseball and may not be reproduced without written consent. Major League
Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League
Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit the official Major League Baseball website at
MLB.com (C) MLBPA - Official Licensee, Major League Baseball Players
Association. Visit the Players Choice on the web at www.bigleaguers.com (C)
SEGA CORPORATION, 2002 (C) MLBP 2002 / MLBPA 2002 The Major League Baseball
Players Association is the collective bargaining representative for all
professional baseball players of the National League and the American League
and serves as the exclusive group licensing agent for commercial and
licensing activities involving active Major League Baseball Players. On
behalf of its members, it operates the Players Choice licensing program and
Players Choice Awards and Big League Challenge events, which benefit children
through the Major League Baseball Players Trust for Children, a charitable
foundation established and run entirely by Major League Baseball Players.
Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.

NHL, National Hockey League, the NHL Shield and the Stanley Cup are
registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks
and team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the
respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent
of NHL Enterprises, L.P. (C) 2002 NHL. All rights reserved. Officially
Licensed Product of the National Hockey League. Officially Licensed Product
of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players' Association and the
NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA and are used under license by Sega.
(C) NHLPA.

The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this
product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of intellectual
property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may
not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA
Properties, Inc. (C) 2002 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.

The "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label is the exclusive property
of The Collegiate Licensing Company. The "Collegiate Licensed Product" label
is the property of the Independent Labeling Group. All names, logos, team
icons, and mascots associated with the NCAA, universities, bowls, and
conference are the exclusive property of the respective institutions. Heisman
Memorial Trophy and likeness of the actual trophy are registered service
marks owned by the Downtown Athletic Club under registration numbers 936,853
and 935,852 respectively. Heisman and Heisman Trophy Award are service marks
owned by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York City, Inc.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 36         Thu May 02, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 16:04 PDT

KEMCO DELIVERS ACTION, COMEDY AND ADVENTURE
FOR E3 2002

Blockbuster Batman Title, Egg Mania and GBA MP3 Player
to be Showcased at #2808 West Hall

Seattle, Wash. - May 1, 2002 - Japanese publisher and developer Kemco,
announced its diverse line-up for this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Kemco will finally unveil the highly anticipated Batman: Dark Tomorrow for
the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, The Xbox(TM) video game
system from Microsoft and the Nintendo GameCube(TM). In addition, the latest
action puzzle game, Egg Mania, will be on display for both handheld and
console platforms. Kemco will also be demonstrating its revolutionary new
hardware - a GameBoy Advance MP3 player, at the company's booth located at
2808 West Hall.

Other titles to be exhibited by Kemco at E3 include, Boulder Dash(R) EX,
Crazy Chase and Woody Woodpecker Crazy Castle 5.

"From the action of Batman to the challenge of Egg Mania to our revolutionary
GBA MP3 Player, Kemco's diverse original titles, products and high profile
licenses will appeal to both core enthusiast and mass-consumer audiences,"
said Glenn Halseth, vice president of sales and marketing for Kemco. "The
2002 line-up will help to ensure our position as a key publisher and
developer in the North American market."

A brief synopsis of each title follows:

Title: Batman: Dark Tomorrow
Release date: November 5, 2002
Genre: Action Adventure
Platform: GameCube, PS2 and Xbox

Explosions echo throughout the mean streets of Gotham as rival gangs battle
for control of the city. Anarchy reigns supreme with the sudden disappearance
of Police Commissioner James Gordon and the lockdown of Arkham Asylum, home
for the criminally insane. By using all of his skills, both mental and
physical, as well as a variety of gadgets, Batman must stop the gang war,
infiltrate Arkham Asylum and rescue the Commissioner. During this time,
Batman must also piece together clues to discover the mastermind behind these
seemingly unrelated events and stop an evil plan that threatens the fate of
the entire world!

Title: Egg Mania(TM)
Release date: September 10, 2002
Genre: Action Puzzle Game
Platform: GBA

In this cartoon arcade style puzzle game, players battle one another to be
the quickest to build a tower out of blocks. Facing challenges that include
ascending water, challenging enemies and the inherent environmental hazards
within each level, players must catch the falling blocks and drop them into
their correct positions before the rising water consumes them. The object of
this game is to be first to reach the top of the level and locate the pull
chain that is used to "flush" their opponent's tower.

Title: Egg Mania(TM): Eggstreme Madness
Release date: September 10, 2002
Genre: Action Puzzle Game
Platform: GameCube, PS2

Faithful to the original game theme, Egg Mania(TM): Eggstreme Madness evolves
around the concept of racing to build towers from randomly falling blocks
while avoiding nasty foes and rising moat water. The game delivers an amazing
array of customizable options for balanced gameplay and optimum challenge and
includes dozens of new characters and modes that offer puzzle game depth and
replay value.

Title: Boulder(R) Dash EX
Release date: August 2002
Genre: Acton Puzzle Games
Platform: GBA

Based on the coin-op arcade classic, players are cast as a curious explorer
that, upon discovering a hidden cave, stumbles across the remains of an
ancient culture. These adventurers must delve into the ruins of six worlds
and search for hidden treasure, all the while defending themselves against
blood-sucking bats, poisonous scorpions and a plethora of other monsters. New
features include screen rotation and scaling, time bombs and multi-player
support.

Title: Crazy Chase
Release date: October 2002
Genre: Action Adventure
Platform: GBA

In this quick-thinking crazy game, players will strap on their turbo-charged
clown shoes and assist Kid Klown in saving the world and defeating the vile
space pirate Dirty Joe, who has kidnapped "Her Royal Bratness," Princess
Honey. Players join forces with Kid Klown to find four items that will enable
the dynamic duo to reach the next stage before Dirty Joe's bomb detonates.
Fast fingers and a sense of humor are essential while facing perilous
objects, such as cars, thorns, spikes, cannons, sticky bushes and rolling
logs.

Title: Woody Woodpecker Crazy Castle 5
Release date: September 2002
Genre: Action
Platform: GBA

In this fifth installment of the action-adventure Crazy Castle series,
players step into the shoes of the loveable character Woody Woodpecker, a
Universal Studios property through Walter Lantz Productions, in his quest to
aid Mother Nature in freeing the Fairy World from Demons. With the assistance
of Mother Nature, players must navigate through several elemental worlds,
collecting keys and other useful items, while assuming different costumes and
discovering new abilities along the way. While searching for keys to find and
unlock new doors, players will come across treasure chests filled with
helpful items such as dart guns to freeze enemies or fruit pies to
momentarily stun them. Each world has a new and dangerous adversary that must
be defeated, before advancing to the next level and ultimately saving the
Fairy world.

GameBoy(R) Advance MP3 Player
The GBA MP3 Player features a portable music player function in addition to
the normal GBA functions and can easily record and play music that can be
heard via headphones or GBA speakers. It comes with a voice delete function
that allows music lovers to delete vocals which are recorded with a built-in
microphone.

Come to West Hall Booth #2808 to see the titles and experience them
hands-on.

###

BATMAN and all related characters, names, and indicia are trademarks of DC
Comics(C) 2002.

Boulder Dash is a registered trademark of First Star Software, Inc

Woody Woodpecker and Friends and related characters are trademarks and
copyrights of Walter Lantz Productions, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios
Licensing, Inc. All rights reserved.

About DC Comics
DC Comics, a division of Warner Bros. an AOL Time Warner Company, is the
largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such
iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC
super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television
series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of
all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at
http://www.dccomics.com.

About Kemco
Since 1984, Kemco has produced over 100 titles including the popular Top Gear
racing games and Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle series for a wide variety of video
game platforms. An original Nintendo licensee, Kemco works closely with DC
comics, Warner Bros. and Universal Studios on ongoing video game projects.
Currently Kemco's development teams are creating games for Nintendo's next
generation platforms, as well as Sony PlayStation(R)2 and Microsoft's Xbox.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 37         Sun May 05, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:32 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2002: "A World of Its Own"
The Premier Trade Event for Interactive Entertainment
Conferences: May 21 - 23/Exhibits: May 22 -24
Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC)
www.e3expo.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up-to-the-Minute News, April 26, 2002
CONTENTS:
1. Sneak Preview of Some Celebrity Appearances at E3Expo 2002
2. A Sampling of Media Briefings & News Conferences at E3Expo 2002
3. Preliminary Schedule of Other Events at E3Expo 2002
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: Events are subject to change and this list is not inclusive of
all exhibitor events. This events list will be updated during the show and
available on-site in the Media Center, West Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 502.

Celebrity Appearances
May 22 -- NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - Available in the morning at the
InterAct Accessories booth for media interviews, autograph signing and racing
wheel demos. Booth: South 1424 Contact: Kim Axtell, 410-785-5661 ext. 303,
kaxtell@gameshark.com

May 22-23 -- WWF Superstars Rob Van Dam and Stacey Kiebler - Available for
autographs at THQs booth from 1-3 pm (Van Dam on the 22nd, Kiebler on the
23rd). Booth: Petree 4001 Contact: Kendall Boyd, 818-871-5000, thq@thq.com

May 22-24 -- Tony Hawk, Mat Hofman, and other sports action athletes - Come
to Activisions booth for vertical ramp sessions with Tony Hawk and Mat
Hofman, Street Hoops exhibitions, and autograph signings, times TBD. Booth:
South 1224 Contact: Michelle Nino, 310-255-2508, mnino@activision.com

May 23 -- Playboys Miss March 2002 Tina Jordan - Will announce the release of
Playboy's cool PC jigsaw puzzle line and sign autographs at the 21st Software
booth between 9:30 -11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Booth: Kentia 7618 Contact: Clara
Reaume, 858-547-4460, clara@21stSoftware.com

May 23 -- Mr. T - Celebrity appearance by Mr. T (a.k.a. Clubber Lang from
Rocky 3 movie) to promote the new Rocky video game with game challenges and
photographs at Rages booth from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Booth: South 436 Contact: Glen
O'Connell, 44(0)151 237 2200, glen.oconnell@rage.com

May 23 -- "Magic: The Gathering" creator Richard Garfield and National Pro
Tour Champ John Finkel - Watch the two duel in the ultimate Magic battle and
share their game-winning strategies at the Wizards of the Coast booth. Signed
Magic collectible for registered media and first 100 others in attendance
from 2:30-4pm. Booth: Petree 4005 Contact: Laura Tomasetti, 617-367-6655,
laura.tomasetti@verizon.net

May 24 -- Band "Digital New Age" - Meet the band that is making big waves in
digital music and custom video game tracks. Receive great giveaways directly
from the band at the Teamxbox.com booth from 12-3pm. Booth: West 2558
Contact: Serenity Soboleski, 412-310-1654, serenity@teamxbox.com

May 24 -- Evil Dead creator and star Bruce Campbell - Will sign autographs at
THQs booth from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Booth: Petree 4001 Contact: Kendall Boyd,
818-871-5000, thq@thq.com

Media Briefings/News Conferences
(NCR = News Conference Room, West Hall 501A)
May 21 - Nintendo of America, 10:30 a.m., location TBA. Join Nintendo for its
annual Media Briefing. Heavy hitters from Nintendo's unparalleled team of
franchise characters will be on hand, and there are sure to be a few
surprises. Contact: Julia Roether (213) 623-4200 or Bobby Stone (206)
505-8308.

May 22 - IDSA, owner of E3Expo, 7:30-8:30 a.m. E3Expo 2002 Media Briefing
hosted by IDSA President, Douglas Lowenstein. This exclusive event offers
media the opportunity to preview findings from the IDSAs annual Computer and
Video Game Consumer Survey and get an in-depth update on the state of the
rapidly growing interactive entertainment industry. Media attendees will
receive a pass for complimentary breakfast, an official E3Expo 2002 media
hat, and this year will be given early access to exhibits on the show floor.
Briefing: West Hall Theater, 2nd Floor, Rm 411 Breakfast: Media Hospitality
Suite, West Hall Rm 515B. Contact: E3Expo Media Relations, (310) 967-2946,
e3expo@cohnwolfe.com

May 22 - Ixtek, 11-11:45 a.m., NCR. The introduction of a new real-time
system for procedural planet rendering from Ixtek. The new software for
licensing game developers enables creation of planets with progressive levels
of detail for entire solar system. See booth #6558 to see the software in
action procedurally rendering the Milky Way. Contact: Travis Cannell,
(805)-689-1367, travisc@eschatongames.com

May 22 - Majorem, 4-4:45 p.m., NCR. Introduction of Ballerium, a massive
multiplayer strategy game. Contact: Eyal Netanel, 972-54-882198,
info@majorem.com

May 23 - German Pavilion, 9-11 a.m., Kentia 6001. Thirteen well-known
companies from Germany are hosting the second official German Presentation
and Media Breakfast. Invitation only. Contact: Andreas Pfeiffer,
+49/911/9981315, a.pfeiffer@spielwarenmesse.de
<mailto:a.Pfeiffer@spielwarenmesse.de>.

May 23 -- Championet Networks, 10-10:45 a.m., NCR. Come see the debut of a
new sport, Virtual Golf, with a new peripheral, suitable for home users.
Contact:Juan Tonda, 34 91 351 9000, marketing@championet.com

May 23 -- SETTEC, 11-11:45 a.m., NCR. SETTEC will deliver current copy
protection market and technology status and introduce their two major copy
protection solutions, AlphaDISC (software protection) and AlphaAUDIO (audio
music protection). Contact: Heecheon Lee, 82 2 577 1117 x310,
hclee@settec.net

Other Events
May 22-24 -- Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. - Acclaim will have many exciting
events going on at their booth this year, including the first public
unveilings of Turok: Evolution, Vexx and Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 3. Booth:
South 1046. Contact: Alan Lewis, 516-656-2263, alewis@acclaim.com

May 22-24 -- Criterion Software, LTD - Come learn more about the
revolutionary new technology, RenderWare Studio, providing the industry with
an entirely different way of developing games. By allowing the development
and publishing teams to view the state of the game at any time, RenderWare
Studio enables the development team to work collaboratively. Booth: South
1536 Contact: Michelle Doss, 214-443-7563, michelle.doss@edelman.com

May 22-24 -- Eidos Interactive - Stop by Eidos Interactives booth for the
unveiling of Tomb Raider. Booth: South 1300. Contact: Michelle Seebach,
415-547-1214, mseebach@eidos.com

May 22-24 -- Infogrames - Meet some of the industry's hottest developers!
Stop by Infogrames' booth and see live demos by Epic, Bioware, Reflections,
Blitz Games and more! Booth: South 924 Contact: Erica Krishnamurthy,
408-532-7391, ericak_work@attglobal.net

May 22-24 -- THQ - Check out the Hot Wheels Twin Mill car featuring twin 502
Big Block Chevrolet motors, topped with two 8-71 Mooneyham blowers and four
Edelbrock carburetors, producing more than 1,400 horsepower. AndEyes, it
runs! Free Hot Wheels die-cast cars to anyone who plays the Velocity X demo.
Booth: Petree 4001 Contact: Kendall Boyd, 818-871-5000, thq@thq.com

May 23 - Majesco - Autograph signing and photos with the female cast of
BloodRayne, including AgentBloodRayne, the half-vampire, half-human lead
character from the action/thriller game.
2-3pm. Booth: Concourse MR 409A Contact: Laura Heeb, (212) 338-9551,
Laura@highwatergroup.com <mailto:Laura@highwatergroup.com>.

May 22-23 -- Belkin - The Belkin booth will be the scene of the Cyberathlete
Professional League Nostromo Exhibition Tournament, featuring Belkin's
Nostromo n50 SpeedPad. The tournament will feature some of the top
professional gamers in the world competing against each other and show
participants. Check the website for the latest or stop by the Belkin booth.
Booth: Kentia 6545. Contact: James Little, 310-604-2292, jamesl@belkin.com
<mailto:jamesl@belkin.com>

May 23-24 - Interact Accessories, Inc. - Test your gaming skills by taking
the GameShark Challenge. All media and show attendees are invited to take on
our GameShark code hackers to try to beat the game. See first hand how
GameShark can enhance your gaming experience. Each participant will receive a
GameShark for his/her efforts to beat the game. Booth: South 1424. Contact:
Kim Axtell, 410-785-5661, ext. 303, kaxtell@gameshark.com
<mailto:kaxtell@gameshark.com>.

May 24 -- Teamxbox.com - Game publishers and developers mixer, 2-4 p.m.
Daily: Experience the newest in Xbox games hands on, found nowhere else. Win
big prizes and surf teamxbox.com. Booth: West 2558 Contact: Serenity
Soboleski, 412-310-1654, serenity@teamxbox.com
<mailto:serenity@teamxbox.com>.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the latest E3Expo 2002 exhibitor announcements, please visit the
Exhibitor News section of the online Media Center at www.e3expo.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

E3Expo is wholly owned by the Interactive Digital Software Association
(IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public
affairs needs of companies publishing interactive games for video game
consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet. For more
information visit www.idsa.com.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 38         Wed May 08, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:11 PDT

ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC. UNVEILS ITS OFFICIAL
2002 ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO PRODUCT LINEUP
Strong Lineup of Franchise Products And New Brand Introductions
Spearhead Company's 2002 Holiday Season Offerings

GLEN COVE, NY May 8, 2002 - With the interactive entertainment interactive
entertainment industry's annual trade show two weeks away, Acclaim
Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ.SC: AKLM), today officially unveiled its product
lineup for the 2002 Electronic Entertainment Expo being held at the Los
Angeles Convention Center May 22-24, 2002.  Displaying nearly 30 SKU's
spanning all of the next-generation hardware platforms scheduled to be across
all of the next-generation hardware platforms, at its booth (#1046 in the
South Hall), the Company will publicly debut its eagerly anticipated titles,
including Aggressive Inline*, Turok*: Evolution*, Vexx* and Dave Mirra BMX
3*.

"With products encompassing every genre and maximizing the technological
capabilities of each of the next-generation hardware systems, Acclaim's E3
lineup will foreshadow what promises to be a very strong holiday season for
the company," said Sarah Anderson, Senior Vice President of Brand.  "In
addition, we will be announcing several new properties at the show and
displaying others behind closed doors, which will further diversify our
offerings to consumers and strengthen our position within the industry."

Acclaim's 2002 E3 lineup includes several recently launched award-winning
titles, as well as the company's blockbuster holiday releases:

*       All-Star Baseball* 2003
*       Aggressive Inline
*       Burnout*
*       Dave Mirra BMX 3
*       Headhunter*
*       Legends of Wrestling*
*       Mary-Kate and Ashley Sweet 16*
*       Punch King*
*       Turok: Evolution
*       Vexx
*       ZooCube*

Acclaim's complete showcase of products will be featured at E3 in Los
Angeles, CA at booth #1046 in the South Hall.  For more information on
Acclaim, please visit www.acclaim.com <http://www.acclaim.com/> .

About Acclaim Entertainment
Based in Glen Cove, N.Y., Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., is a leading worldwide
developer, publisher and mass marketer of software for use with interactive
entertainment game consoles including those manufactured by Nintendo, Sony
Computer Entertainment and Microsoft Corporation as well as personal computer
hardware systems.  Acclaim owns and operates six studios located in the
United States and the United Kingdom which includes a motion capture and
recording studio in the U.S., and publishes and distributes its software
through its subsidiaries in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany,
France and Spain.  The Company uses regional distributors worldwide.  Acclaim
also distributes entertainment software for other publishers worldwide,
publishes software gaming strategy guides and issues "special edition" comic
magazines from time to time to support its time valued brands, Turok and
Shadow Man. Acclaim's corporate headquarters are in Glen Cove, New York and
Acclaim's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ.SC under the symbol AKLM.
For more information please visit our website at www.acclaim.com
<http://www.acclaim.com/>.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 39         Wed May 15, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:11 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2002
Last Minute News & Reminders
May 15, 2002
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------
E3Expo 2002: "A World of Its Own"

The Worlds Premier Interactive Entertainment Event
Kicks Off Next Week at the Los Angeles Convention Center
LAST MINUTE NEWS
E3Expo 2002 Debuts First-Ever E3Expo Electronic Show Guide

State-of-the-art Palm OS software program developed UR Navigation will be
available for download at beaming stations throughout the convention center.
It includes:
* Show floor maps
* Exhibitor list & information
* Conference program schedules
* Datebook feature easily adds events to the PDA calendar

SHOW REMINDERS

* The E3Expo 2002 exhibit floor will open one hour early on Wednesday, May 22
at 9 a.m. for badged media. (For general attendee hours, please see below.)

* The IDSA Media Briefing & Breakfast will kick off the show on Wednesday,
May 22 at 7:30 a.m. in the West Hall Theater, 2nd Floor, Room 411.
*Due to the overwhelming response to this event, please be sure to arrive
early to secure your seat. Seating is limited and first come, first served.
Breakfast will be served to attending media only immediately following the
briefing in West Hall Room 515B.

* Please check the online Media Center http://www.e3expo.com/ during E3Expo
for regular show and exhibitor news and photos.

* Be sure to check the media center in West Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 502 for
on-site exhibitor events and happenings.

* Please allow extra time for check in before entering the show due to
increased security measures. All bags are subject to search.

SHOW HOURS:

Exhibits: May 22 - 24
Wednesday, May 22         10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (9 a.m. for badged media)
Thursday, May 23               9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, May 24                   9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Conference Program: May 21 - 23
Tuesday, May 21               9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22         10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 23              9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

General Attendee Registration
South Hall Lobby
Monday, May 20               8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21              8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22         8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 23             8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, May 24                 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.


Media Registration/Media Center
West Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 502
Tuesday, May 21             8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22        7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 23            8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 24                8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

*Working journalists who wish to register on-site must bring photo ID and
back-up documentation as listed on http://www.e3expo.com/ .

Media Hospitality Suite
West Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 515B
Continental Breakfast, Thursday, May 23 - Friday, May 24, 8a.m.
Lunch, Wednesday, May 22 - Thursday, May 23, 12 p.m.
*Breakfast & lunch served for badged media only

On-site Media Contacts
West Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 502
Cristi Motto
Mobile: 310-403-7511
Ashley Kim
Mobile: 310-927-1041

PLEASE NOTE:
E3Expo is a trade event and is not open to the general public. No one under
18 will be admitted, including infants. This policy is strictly enforced.
If you would prefer not to receive further messages from this sender, please
click on the following link and confirm your request:

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 40         Thu May 16, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:08 PDT

TDK MEDIACTIVE UNVEILS MOST EXTENSIVE LINEUP EVER AT 2002 ELECTRONIC
ENTERTAINMENT EXPO

Video Game Publisher to Showcase Some of the Top Licenses in the Industry

CALABASAS, Calif. - May 16, 2002 - TDK Mediactive, Inc. (OTC BB: TDKM), a
global publisher of interactive entertainment software, is set to debut its
2002 product lineup, its strongest and most impressive to date, at the
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles May 22-24, 2002. The
company will showcase games of all styles across multiple platforms and
genres, including titles created with some of the biggest licenses in the
industry. From Shrek(R) and Robotech(R) to Mercedes-Benz(TM) and
Dinotopia(TM), TDK Mediactive has something for everyone. Furthermore, every
viable game system will be represented in the TDK booth (South Hall #1446)
including the Nintendo GameCube(TM) system, PlayStation(R)2 computer
entertainment system, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, and
PlayStation(R) game console, as well as the Nintendo Game Boy(R) Advance and
Game Boy Color handheld systems.

"The presence of TDK Mediactive will be felt at this year's E3 like never
before," said Vincent Bitetti, chief executive officer, TDK Mediactive. "Our
lineup is more powerful than it has ever been, packed with new titles
featuring globally recognized brands like Shrek, Robotech and Aquaman. Plus,
we've got a few more surprises that we plan to unveil at the show."

TDK's E3 2002 Lineup
Robotech(R) Battlecry(TM) and Robotech: The Macross Saga(TM): A mission
driven, third person action game that takes the hi-tech mecha mayhem of the
animated television series and translates it into an exciting real-time 3D
game. In this high-octane action shooter, players take on the role of an
intrepid fighter pilot and must put their skills to the test in a desperate
struggle to aid the Robotech Defense Force (RDF) in safeguarding the planet
Earth against the evil alien forces of the Zentraedi(TM) armada. Players
control the Veritech(TM) fighter, a unique multi-purpose mecha, capable of
agile ground-based combat in robotic form, or quickly transforming into an
advanced tactical fighter for aerial dog fighting. Robotech: Battlecry is
scheduled to launch this fall for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube, with
Robotech: The Macross Saga being released for Game Boy Advance.

Shrek(R) Super Party(TM): Movie-like graphics and multi-player action come to
the living room in this interactive board game with 30 action-packed
mini-games! Up to four players can play as Shrek, Princess Fiona(TM), Lord
Farquaad(TM), Donkey, Monsieur Hood or Thelonius. By advancing in the board
game, swapping bugs and/or teaming-up against opponents, players will compete
to earn 100 drops of bug juice and win the game. Shrek Super Party is
scheduled to release on Xbox in fall, 2002.

Shrek Extra Large(TM): The ogre is back! And he's EXTRA LARGE! Enhanced and
redesigned for the GameCube demographic, the hit character-based platformer,
Shrek is back and stacked with 10 levels, new and beloved twisted fairy tale
characters, over 15 awesome cut scenes and action-packed gameplay! Players
will explore twisted fairy tale lands and complete over 50 missions in order
to rescue Princess Fiona. Scheduled to release fall, 2002.

Shrek Treasure Hunt(TM): Tons of Shrek fun on PlayStation One! In this
third-person activity based video game, kids can play as Shrek through a
series of mini-games. It all starts in Shrek's swamp, where he and Princess
Fiona are planning a picnic. It seems that Three Blind Mice have borrowed
Shrek's materials and, well, misplaced them. Players will play as Shrek and
complete 10 mini-games. Only when all the pieces are collected, will Shrek
and Princess Fiona be able to enjoy their lovely picnic. The hunt is
scheduled to begin this summer.

Shrek Hassle at the Castle(TM): A third-person action/adventure game with a
Japanese-flavored character design. The game loosely follows the storyline of
the Academy Award(R) winning major motion picture. Shrek embarks on a journey
to save his swamp that has been overrun by fairy tale characters. In order to
regain his rightful land, Shrek must rescue Princess Fiona(TM) from the evil
Dragon's castle and return her safely to Lord Farquaad(TM). Coming to Game
Boy Advance this fall, Shrek Hassle at the Castle features seven massive
levels and 21 packed stages.

Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis: The dynamic DC Comics super hero stars in a
spectacular underwater action/adventure brawler. Aquaman defends the deep-sea
city of Atlantis against three of his most infamous arch-enemies, including
the Lava Lord and Black Manta. Comic book and video game fans alike will jump
at the chance to wield Aquaman's legendary super powers and cybernetic
morphing hook hand against these seemingly invincible villains and their
armies. Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis is scheduled to come to Xbox and
GameCube this fall.

Dinotopia(TM): The Timestone Pirates(TM): Based on James Gurney's vision of a
unique civilization where dinosaurs and humans live peacefully together,
Dinotopia immerses players in a colorful action-adventure. Thrust into the
role of Clayton, the young hero, players will journey across land, sea and
air on a quest to return stolen eggs to a fierce herd of tyrannosaurs, and
ultimately claim the legendary Timestone. Dinotopia: The Timestone Pirates
has recently released to stellar reviews on Game Boy Advance. The release of
the game coincided with the premiere of Dinotopia, the eagerly anticipated
mini-series from Hallmark Entertainment, which premiered May 12 on the ABC
television network. This "mega-series" is the largest ever
made-for-television production.

Mercedes-Benz WorldRacing(TM): A challenging driving experience with a
mission based game design. At the end of each successfully completed mission,
players can unlock new and vintage Mercedes-Benz cars, prototypes and racing
models in this electrifying 3D racing game. The custom landscape engine
allows players to experience bigger and better racing environments, even
allowing them to leave the racetrack itself and drive off-road for shortcuts.
The game will feature a large spectrum of complex international scenarios.
Mercedes-Benz WorldRacing is due to release for the Xbox in fall, 2002.

Pryzm(TM): Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn(TM): In this fantasy
action/adventure, Pryzm, a young winged unicorn, and Karrock, a tenacious old
troll, seek the cause of a plague of dark magic that has corrupted the lands
and twisted the inhabitants into hideous mutants. The unlikely duo use their
spectacular magic powers to defend themselves and heal the mutant enemies
they encounter on their journey, gradually cleansing the lands of the plague
until at last they discover its perilous source. Pryzm: Chapter One: The Dark
Unicorn is scheduled to release on PlayStation 2 June 11, 2002.

Masters of the Universe(TM) He-Man: Power of Grayskull(TM): The most powerful
man on the Game Boy Advance... A hero whose courage knows no bounds and
strength has no equal. He is He-Man(TM), the most powerful man in the
universe. In an epic world of magic and mystery, there are battles to wage
and secrets that must be kept. When Skeletor(TM) and his evil minions try to
take over all of Eternia(TM), it is up to He-Man and the Masters of the
Universe to protect their land. The game features both on-foot and vehicular
combat modes. Up to four players can battle in head-to-head action with link
cables. Coming this fall to Game Boy Advance.

About TDK Mediactive, Inc.
Southern California based TDK Mediactive, Inc. is a global publisher of high
quality interactive entertainment software for the PlayStation(R)2 computer
entertainment system, PS one(TM) game console, Xbox' video game system from
Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance and the Game
Boy(R) Color systems. The Company also publishes titles for personal
computers via a co-publishing agreement with Activision Value, a subsidiary
of Activision, Inc. The company's games are based on licensed and original
content derived from major motion pictures, video franchises, popular
literature and popular culture. TDK Mediactive has exclusive technology and
content licenses with Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Microsoft
Corporation, Nintendo of America Inc., DreamWorks SKG, Vivendi Universal
Studios, Mattel, Inc., Classic Media, R & S Trading, BKN International, DC
Comics, Hallmark Entertainment Distribution LLC, BDSP Inc., The Jim Henson
Company, General Motors Corporation and others.

TDK Mediactive is 73% owned by TDK USA Corp., and is part of TDK
Corporation's (NYSE: TDK) global effort to expand its offerings to consumers
of entertainment-oriented products. More information about TDK Mediactive and
its products is available at www.tdk-mediactive.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are
subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which
reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes
no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect
subsequent events or circumstance. Readers should carefully review the risk
factors described in the documents the Company files from time to time with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Robotech(R) & (C) 1985, 2002, Harmony Gold USA, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ROBOTECH and associated trademarks and characters are owned by Harmony Gold
USA, Inc. Shrek (R), Princess Fiona(TM) and Lord Farquaad(TM) & (C) 2002
DreamWorks L.L.C. Aquaman(TM) & (C) DC Comics 2002. All Rights Reserved.
Pryzm(TM) & (C) 2002 TDK Mediactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dinotopia is a
registered trademark of BDSP, Inc. Licensed by The Beanstalk Group, Inc.
Masters of the Universe and associated trademarks are owned by and used under
license from Mattel, Inc. (C) 2002 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ACADEMY
AWARD(R) is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 41         Thu May 16, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 10:22 PDT

ACTIVISION UNVEILS BLOCKBUSTER SLATE OF GAMES AT 2002 ELECTRONIC
ENTERTAINMENT EXPO

Santa Monica, CA - May 16, 2002 -- Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) debuts its
strongest and most compelling game slate to date at this year's Electronic
Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles on May 22 - 24, 2002. >From new action
sports titles such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater(tm) 4, Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX(tm)
2, Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer*, and Shaun Murray's Pro Wakeboarder*, to
legendary game franchises like id Software's DOOM III(tm), to entertainment
inspired games including Minority Report*, Stuart Little 2*, the X-Men*,
Blade* and Star Trek*, Activision's slate demonstrates the company's ongoing
commitment to delivering the best interactive entertainment experiences to
audiences worldwide.

The company's lineup includes:

Action Sports:
As the market leader with a 63% share in the fast-growing action sports
genre, Activision has established Activision O2 as the brand of choice among
both hardcore gamers and sports gaming enthusiasts. Activision O2 personifies
the gravity defying philosophy of the action sports athletes and encompasses
industry-leading franchises like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater*, as well as all new
games, which will debut at this year's E3.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater(tm) 4 continues to build on the success of the
renowned franchise by reinventing the skateboarding genre with an all-new
career mode, levels and goals. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 has not yet been
rated by the ESRB. (PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the
Xbox(tm) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(tm), Game Boy(R)
Advance)

Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX(tm) 2 continues the tradition of the popular BMX game
by delivering an over-the-top gaming experience that lets players perform
hundreds of tricks and combos using a new trick tweaking system as they
embark on three modes of play - the immersive Road Trip, Single Session and
Free Ride and multiple two player modes. Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX 2 is rated "T"
(Teen) with blood, mild lyrics and violence and the hand-held version is
rated "E" by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox
video game system from Microsoft and Game Boy Advance)

Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer* lets players ride like six-time world champion
Kelly Slater or as one of eight of the most accomplished pro surfers of all
time as they search for the perfect wave. Featuring ultra realistic wave and
ocean conditions, real-world breaks, detailed graphics and intuitive
controls, the game delivers the adrenaline action of surfing and the rush
surfers feel when dropping in on a wave. Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer is
currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo
GameCube and Game Boy Advance)

Shaun Murray's Pro Wakeboarder* will introduce this popular water sport to
video games. Featuring two-time world champion wakeboarder, Shaun Murray and
seven other pros, the game challenges players to catch big air off the wake
as they perform acrobatic feats such as Front Flips, Whirlybirds, and
Tantrums. Shaun Murray's Pro Wakeboarder is currently rated "RP" (Rating
Pending) by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox
video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance)

Super Heroes:
Marvel Comics' Super Heroes* -- Spider-Man*, the X-Men(R) and Blade(R) -- are
among the most widely recognized brands in entertainment. With a 59% market
share, Activision is the leader in the super heroes category and is poised to
further cement its market position with three new super heroes games that
will be unveiled at E3.

X-Men*: Next Dimension* is the only fighting game for the next-generation
consoles that recreates the epic super heroes battles from comic books and
films. Players expand their combat beyond the traditional arena and battle
across expansive 3D levels using advanced fighting combos, aerial combat and
dynamic interactive environments to wreak havoc on foes. X-Men: Next
Dimension has been rated "T" (Teen) with violence and suggestive themes by
the ESRB.

X-Men(R): Wolverine's Revenge(tm) is the only action-adventure game that lets
players take on the persona of Wolverine as they explore the mysterious past
and deadly future of the most popular X-Men character. X-Men: Wolverine's
Revenge is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2
computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft,
Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance)

Blade* 2 is the only game that lets players take on the role of the baddest
of the vampire slayers. Players must make maximum use of Blade's special
abilities, weapons and martial arts moves to stop the vampire nation's quest
to create an all-new form of super-vampires known as Reapers. Blade 2 has
been rated "M" (Mature) with violence, blood and gore, strong language by the
ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game
system from Microsoft)

Driving:
Earlier this year, Activision established its presence in the driving genre
with WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions*, a top selling title for the Xbox video
game system from Microsoft. Activision is continuing to broaden its reach in
the genre with three new driving titles that focus on mission-based driving
and off-road racing.

WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions* is a mission-based driving game set in the
streets of Hong Kong that lets players choose one of two roles -- an elite
anti-Yakuza squad member taking on the vicious mafia or a high-level secret
agent trying to uncover corrupt ties between the mafia and the police.
WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by
the ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system)

True Crime: Streets of L.A.* blends high-speed mission-based driving action,
full impact martial arts fighting, and daring shootouts in a world that puts
players in the role of a rogue cop in L.A. who must take down the mafia. True
Crime: Streets of L.A. has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2
computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft)

Rally Fusion: Race of Champions* is a visually explosive, all action racing
game set across 20 interactive environments. Players must compete in a series
of races against the top drivers in 20 of the hottest licensed cars with the
ultimate goal of becoming the "champion of champions." Rally Fusion: Race of
Champions has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo
GameCube)

Mass Market:
Activision is the #2 independent U.S. game publisher and one of two U.S.
publishers with worldwide revenues in excess of $500 million. The company
recently posted revenues of $786 million for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2002. As a result of its market position, Activision has been able to bring
some of the most recognized entertainment brands to audiences of all ages. At
this year's E3, the company will showcase six games with broad-reaching,
mass-market appeal.

Based on Steven Spielberg's highly anticipated sci-fi thriller, Minority
Report(tm) lets players assume the role of the movie's hero, pre-crime
officer John Anderton, the head of an elite police squad that predicts and
apprehends murderers before the crimes can be committed. When Anderton is
accused of a pre-crime murder, he's forced to elude the law to prove his
innocence, while attempting to uncover an insidious conspiracy. Minority
Report has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo
GameCube and Game Boy Advance)

After the triumphant return of Voyager to the alpha quadrant, the Hazard Team
is assigned its deadliest mission yet - duty onboard the Federation's
renowned flagship, the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC 1701-E in Star Trek* Elite Force
II*. As returning character Ensign Monro, players will travel to the far
reaches of the universe to unravel the mystery behind two new alien races and
a lost civilization. Star Trek Elite Force II has not yet been rated by the
ESRB. (PC)

A starship tactical simulator, Star Trek(R) Starfleet Command III(tm) is the
first game in the series to take place in The Next Generation timeline. The
game surrounds the events of a new Federation/Klingon space station and a
Romulan conspiracy designed to drive a wedge between the two great empires.
Star Trek Starfleet Command III has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PC)

Following the storyline from one of this summer's most anticipated films,
Stuart Little 2* puts players in the role of the loveable can-do star,
Stuart, and challenges them to run, dodge, jump, drive, skateboard and fly as
they solve the disappearances of Stuart's new best friend, Margalo, and Mrs.
Little's wedding ring. Stuart Little 2* has been rated "E" (Everyone) by the
ESRB. (Game Boy Advance)

Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic tale, Disney's Tarzan?: Return to the
Jungle for the Game Boy Advance is the action-adventure sequel to the wildly
successful Tarzan? Game Boy(R) Color game. Once again, players take on the
role of Tarzan as both a young boy and an adult, adapting to the ways of the
jungle and overcoming its most dangerous perils. Tarzan: Return to the Jungle
is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. (Game Boy Advance)

Enthusiast Games:
A 20-year reputation for quality and value has established Activision as a
brand of choice among gaming audiences. The company's research has shown that
it ranks as one of the most recognized names among interactive entertainment
companies. Activision's product portfolio is balanced between licensed
content and original game properties. Licensed products provide the company
with a predictable revenue stream, while original game properties offer
additional financial upside.

id Software's DOOM III(tm) is the latest installment in one of the most
successful franchises in PC gaming history. Built on id's revolutionary new
3D graphics engine, DOOM III draws players into the most frightening and
gripping 3D gaming experience ever created. DOOM III is currently in
development by id Software(tm) and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PC)

Set against the backdrop of WWII, id Software's Return to Castle
Wolfenstein(tm) plunges console players into a maelstrom of action, espionage
and covert operations, as an American soldier tasked with infiltrating the
heart of Nazi Germany and stopping the darkest plans of the Third Reich.
Return to Castle Wolfenstein is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the
ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system)

Tenchu 3*: Wrath of Heaven is the first sequel to the original Tenchu* video
game. Set in the shadowy world of feudal Japan, the game immerses players in
the role of a ninja warrior seeking to serve justice against an evil
overlord. Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending)
by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system)

Street Hoops* is a gritty, "in your face" street-style basketball game that
encompasses the look, speed, energy and attitude of park/playground blacktop
competition. Street Hoops has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2
computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft)

As the sequel to the highly acclaimed Shogun: Total War, Medieval: Total War*
challenges players to reshape the history of the Middle Ages through a
combination of epic real-time 3D battles and turn based empire building.
Medieval: Total War has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PC)

About id Software
id - Freud's primal part of the human psyche and one of the hottest game
shops on Earth - has been rocking the gaming world from Mesquite, Texas since
1991. As a renowned leader in the industry, id Software forged such frenetic
titles as Wolfenstein 3D(R), DOOM(R), DOOM II(tm), QUAKE(R) and QUAKE II(tm).
With intense graphics and mind-blowing action, id's games have helped
redefine the modern video game, continually setting industry standards for
technology and gameplay. And, in keeping with tradition, id Software has
amplified the world of adrenaline pumping 3-D gaming with the release of
their latest action titles, QUAKE III Arena,(tm) QUAKE III: Team Arena(tm),
and Return to Castle Wolfenstein(tm). id's advanced QUAKE III Arena engine is
leading the next revolution in 3-D interactive games with both single and
multiplayer technology. Check out more about id Software at
www.idsoftware.com <http://www.idsoftware.com> .

About Viacom Consumer Products, Inc.
Viacom Consumer Products, Inc. merchandises properties on behalf of Paramount
Pictures, Paramount Television, Viacom Productions, and Spelling Television,
as well as third-party properties. Viacom Consumer Products, a unit of Viacom
Entertainment Group, is a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. To learn more about
Viacom Consumer Products and our properties, please visit us at
www.viacomcp.com.

About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading
worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment
and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted revenues of $786
million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom,
France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands. More information
about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide
Web site, which is located at www.activision.com <http://www.activision.com>.

###

The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are
"forward-looking statements." The Company cautions readers of this press
release that a number of important factors could cause Activision's actual
future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such
forward-looking statements. These important factors, and other factors that
could affect Activision, are described in Activision's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, which was filed with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers of this press
release are referred to such filings. Readers of this press release are
referred to such filings.

(C) 2002 Id Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Activision
Publishing, Inc. under license. DOOM III(tm), Wolfenstein 3D(R), Return to
Castle Wolfenstein(tm), DOOM(R), QUAKE(R), QUAKE II(tm), QUAKE III Arena(tm),
QUAKE III: Team Arena(tm), and the id Software(tm) name are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Id Software, Inc. in the United States and/or
other countries. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision, Inc. and
its affiliates. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of
their respective owners.

Star Trek(tm), (R) and (C) 2002 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. Star Trek and Related Marks are Trademarks of Paramount Pictures.

Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.

TM, (R), Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo GameCube are trademarks of
Nintendo.

Activision is a registered trademark of Activision, Inc. and its affiliates.
All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective
owners.

Stuart Little 2* & *2002 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All rights
reserved.

Tarzan* Owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Used by Permission. Copyright
(c) 2002 Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights
Reserved.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 42         Thu May 16, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:20 PDT

MAD CATZ ANNOUNCES FULL LINE OF PERIPHERALS FOR FALL 2002

--Introducing new Lynx wireless controllers for PlayStation 2 and Xbox--

San Diego, CA-May 16, 2002 -- Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSE: MCZ), a
leading manufacturer of video game accessories, today announced the launch of
the Company's Fall 2002 line of peripherals for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
and Game Boy Advance.

The Company will unveil 23 new accessories at this year's E3 show in Los
Angeles at Booth #500 in South Hall from May 22-24, 2002. One of the more
notable highlights is the Company's new line of Lynx wireless controllers for
PlayStation 2 and Xbox. All upcoming products are due to launch in the U.S.
and/or Europe over the next several months.

"In keeping with our goal to create the industry's highest quality products
at competitive prices, we have developed an exciting new line of fall
accessories. We are particularly looking forward to the release of the Lynx
wireless controllers that we have designed for PlayStation 2 and Xbox. We
expect them to be extremely well received by the market as the installed base
of these new consoles continues to grow," said Darren Richardson, President
and COO of Mad Catz, Inc

Mr. Richardson continued, "Over 145 million Americans (60%) play video and
computer games and they continue to be the fastest growing entertainment
form. This is particularly good news for Mad Catz as it provides us with
additional opportunities to design and develop the creative accessories for
which Mad Catz is famous."

Lynx Wireless Controllers

Based upon the success of the 900MHz wireless controller for PlayStation 2
launched in October 2001, Mad Catz has expanded its wireless line to include
Lynx wireless controllers for Xbox and PlayStation 2 (also compatible with
PlayStation One) to be initially released in the U.S. Like the 900MHz
wireless controller for PlayStation 2, these controllers utilize radio
frequency (RF) technology comparable to high-end cordless phones. The Lynx
wireless controllers do not rely on line-of-sight, so that if the controllers
are pointed away from the console, or if the signal is blocked by a person
walking in front of it, the game will not freeze. This connectivity is
achieved via a low-profile micro antenna which plugs directly into the
appropriate console, enabling 40 feet of unblockable wireless range. The Lynx
wireless controllers require batteries whereas the 900MHz wireless controller
for PlayStation 2 uses a recharging cradle.

The Lynx wireless controllers feature fully analog pressure-sensitive action
buttons and D-pad, dual analog joysticks, and rubberized grips to increase
comfort. Programmable macro capabilities for complex moves will be featured
in the Lynx wireless for Xbox. Both Lynx wireless controllers feature two
play modes for total control in any game (analog and digital) and built-in
dual vibration motors for a more pronounced, realistic gaming experience.

"After the successful debut of the 900MHz wireless controller for PlayStation
2 at last year's E3 show, we are especially excited to introduce our next
generation of Lynx wireless controllers at this year's show," states Mr.
Richardson. "Now Xbox and PlayStation 2 gamers can maximize playing time
without being restricted by short cables. And, since the radio frequency
technology eliminates line of sight issues, the Lynx wireless controllers
provide consistent, continuous play even at a considerable distance from the
console and television."

MicroCON Controllers for All Platforms

At this year's E3 show, Mad Catz will also introduce its MicroCON controllers
for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. The MicroCON controllers are smaller
versions of Mad Catz' standard controllers, created to accommodate gamers
with smaller hands or to provide greater comfort and control for any gamer.
The MicroCON's sleek design provides superior control with rubberized grips
to reduce fatigue and improve handling. Features include dual analog
joysticks, fully analog pressure-sensitive action buttons and D-pad, intense
vibration capability, two expansion bays for memory cards or other game
enhancers (for Xbox), and macro programmability for complex moves (for Xbox
and PlayStation 2). For added comfort and durability, both the MicroCON for
PlayStation 2 (also compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation One) and
GameCube have an eight-foot braided-steel cable and the MicroCON for Xbox
features a nine-foot braided steel cable.

Universal Steering Wheel and Pedals for All Platforms

The Universal MC2 Racing Wheel, also making its debut at E3, works with
PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube consoles, and is the most realistic racing
wheel on the market. The new steering wheel is based on the MC2 award winning
design which offers vibration feedback, and the Mad Catz proprietary
Accudrive system that allows gamers to tune the wheel sensitivity to fit
individual preferences. Offering superior comfort, the Universal MC2 Racing
Wheel also features a rubber-clad wheel, retractable leg supports and pedal,
ten programmable action buttons, and three control modes (steering wheel,
analog and digital).

Other products making their debut include:

For PlayStation 2

Beat Pad - This digital controller for dance and action games features
four-way directional control and 10 high-performance action pads. The Beat
Pad works with all dance games including Konami's Dance Dance Revolution and
THQ's Britney Dance Beat. It's also compatible with PlayStation and
PlayStation One dance games.

Light Blaster - Specially designed to work with all light gun-compatible
games, the Light Blaster features vibration kickback, rapid-fire, automatic
reload capabilities, a memory card expansion bay and an LED-powered light-up
barrel. It also includes a traditional D-pad and reload button.

Dual Force 2 Skin Controller - Now different design skins featuring
lifestyle, sports and artwork can be snapped onto the controller for more
customized game play. Features of the controller include dual analog
joysticks, dual vibration motors, pressure-sensitive analog action buttons
and powerful macro capabilities for programming complex actions for execution
by a single button. With rubberized grips for superior comfort and handling
and an eight-foot extra-long reinforced cable, the Dual Force 2 Skin
Controller is also compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation One.

8 MB Memory Expander - By inserting a certified PlayStation 2 8MB memory card
into the Memory Expander, users can access an additional 8MB of memory,
allowing for more game saves.

Controller Extension Cable - Also compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation
One, this seven-foot extension cable features heavy-duty wiring, braided
steel reinforcement and an assortment of colors, to match player's
controllers.

For Xbox

Light Gun - Specially designed to work with all light gun-compatible games,
the Mad Catz Light Gun features vibration kickback, rapid-fire, automatic
reload capabilities and an LED-powered light-up barrel. It also includes a
traditional D-pad and reload button.

Ethernet Cable - To capitalize on one of the many Xbox features, the Ethernet
Cable is designed to network multiple Xbox consoles together for head-to-head
or team playing. The Ethernet Cable comes in a sleek green cable casing.

For GameCube

Memory Cube 251 - The 4X Memory Card delivers 16Mb of data storage, allowing
for more special characters, special weapons, game positions, and high scores
to be saved. Although not available in initial shipments, later shipments
will feature game saves.

Memory Cube 1019 - The 16X Memory Card features 64Mb of data storage,
allowing for more special characters, special weapons, custom controller
settings and high scores and levels to be saved. It also features four
different game saves.

5" Color Display - The attachable 5" Color Display features an integrated
sound system and a
high-resolution screen which attaches directly to the GameCube.

Car Adapter - Powers the GameCube from a standard auto power connection with
a convenient 10-foot power cord for backseat gaming.

Controller Extension Cable - Available in many colors, this extension cable
plugs directly into the GameCube console and features heavy-duty wiring,
durable braided construction and a compact spool design giving an extra six
feet of range between the user and the television.

For Game Boy Advance

Flip Light - Great for late night gaming, the flip light automatically
illuminates the screen and provides brighter, more vivid graphics when
flipped up.

Light and Magnifier - Illuminates Game Boy Advance screen and magnifies up to
1.5X the original screen size.

TV Tuner - By inserting the TV Tuner into the game slot, the Game Boy Advance
can be used for both playing games and watching television.

Soft Case - Available in many colors, the soft case protects the Game Boy
Advance when traveling.

Water Resistant Case - This durable case will protect the Game Boy Advance
against moisture, water and dust. It is also designed with a flexible
transparent front for game-play and a water resistant membrane to resonate
game sounds while inside its protective case.

About Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.,
(www.madcatz.com), designs, develops, manufactures and markets a full range
of accessories for video game consoles and PC gaming systems. Mad Catz is a
worldwide leader of innovative peripherals in the interactive entertainment
industry. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz has offices in the
U.K. and Asia, as well as distributors in the U.S., Canada, Europe and
Australia.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 43         Sat May 18, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 21:40 PDT

Anyone expecting me to scour for any particular details while at E3?

My current itinerary calls for me to land Monday afternoon, rent a car (which
I've never done before :), and crash at a friend's that night.

Tuesday morning I'll be at the Nintendo press conference, followed by Sony's,
and then I'm in West Los Angeles in the evening for an exclusive screening of
Star Wars Episode II.  Sometime during the day I'll swing by the Convention
Center and collect the badge holder necessary to complement my badge and
grant me admittance to the show itself...

... which starts Wednesday with a press briefing/breakfast.  The show floor
opens at 9:00 for press, 10:00 for all others - a new practice.  I'll prolly
be killing my feet walking all around the many halls this day.  No evening
plans.

I may or may not go to the show on Thursday, but will definitely be at Sega's
press conference that night.

I'll be posting press conference coverage on Tuesday and general coverage on
Thursday, with other miscellaneous notes and file uploads as possible.

My return flight leaves pre-dawn Friday.  When I'm returned to my car in
Boston, I'm hitting the road for New York on a non-business matter.  I'll be
back from that either Sat night or sometime Sunday - either way, in time for
the post-E3 conference. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 44         Tue May 21, 2002
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 14:15 PDT

Well, the latest game machines are all still above $99, so I'm not looking to
buy yet.  But I'm always curious to know if Microsoft has gone down in flames
yet. :)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 45         Tue May 21, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:37 PDT

WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS SHOWCASES AN EXTENSIVE LINE-UP OF INTERACTIVE
LICENSEES PROPERTIES AT E3 2002

New Games Featuring Harry Potter, Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, Justice League,
The Powerpuff Girls and More Hit Multimedia Gaming Platforms

Burbank, Calif., May 20, 2002 - Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced
today that its interactive entertainment licensees will showcase a strong
line-up of multi-platform games based on key properties, including Harry
Potter, Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, Justice League and The Powerpuff Girls, at
the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) from May 21 through May 24 at the Los
Angeles Convention Center.

"The excitement of E3 will be compounded with Warner Bros. Consumer Products
exhibition of quality brands through our interactive licensees at the largest
entertainment software conference of the year," said Philippe Erwin, Vice
President of Interactive Entertainment for Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
"E3 is the perfect forum to showcase some of the most engaging franchises in
the interactive space, including Harry Potter, Scooby-Doo, Justice League,
The Powerpuff Girls and other key AOL/Time Warner entertainment properties."
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment licensees showcasing at E3 include:

Bay Area Multimedia (BAM!) will highlight several new games based on Cartoon
Network properties being released in Fall 2002, including Dexters Laboratory:
Chess Challenge for Game Boy Advance, The Powerpuff Girls for PlayStation 2,
The Powerpuff Girls: Gamesville for PC and Samurai Jack: The Amulet of Time
for Game Boy Advance.

Crave Entertainment will preview a Game Boy Advance title featuring the three
mischievous neighborhood friends seen each week on Cartoon Networks, Ed, Edd
n Eddy. The title will ship in Fall 2002 and will mirror Ed, Edd and Eddys
television quest to make money to buy delicious jawbreakers. E3 Booth # 946,
South Hall

Conspiracy Entertainment will showcase the following titles that will be
released in late Summer 2002: Tiny Toon Adventures: Defenders of the Universe
for PlayStation 2 and GameCube and Pinky & the Brain: The Master Plan for
Game Boy Advance. Conspiracy will also preview Animaniacs: Hollywood Hijinx
for PlayStation 2 and GameCube that will be released in Fall 2002. E3 Booth #
946, South Hall

Electronic Arts will preview Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets based on
J.K. Rowling's second book in the worldwide best-selling series, players face
a slew of new challenges and mysteries as the famous "boy who lived." EA will
be publishing games based on Chamber of Secrets this fall under the EA GAMES
brand for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, GameCube, Xbox,
PC, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation and Game Boy Color. Each game will take
advantage of the individual platform's hardware capabilities to deliver the
ultimate Harry Potter gaming experience. E3 Booth # 1000, South Hall

Infogrames will unveil plans for games based on sequels to the highly
acclaimed, Academy Award-winning action thriller, "THE MATRIX." The games
will be based on the upcoming sequels, "THE MATRIX RELOADED" and "THE MATRIX
REVOLUTIONS" from Warner Bros. Pictures. Infogrames will also showcase the
new game LOONS, with Bugs, Daffy, Taz and Sylvester as actors battling for
roles in Hollywoods next big blockbuster movie, launching on Xbox in Fall
2002. For PlayStation 2, Infogrames will show Superman: Shadow of Apokolips
and Taz: Wanted based on the wild Warner Bros. Looney TunesOE character, the
Tasmanian Devil. E3 Booth # 924, South Hall

Midway will debut Justice League: Injustice For All, which is in development
and scheduled to ship in fall 2002 for the Game Boy Advance. The popular
superhero characters will also be featured in videogames scheduled for
release on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox videogame
system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube in Summer 2003. E3 Booth # 800,
South Hall

THQ will showcase Scooby-Doo= based on the upcoming motion picture for Game
Boy<> Advance. The game, scheduled for release in conjunction with this
summers highly anticipated, live-action movie, is based on the
mystery-solving adventures of Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma. Also on
display from THQ will be Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights scheduled for
release on PlayStation 2 in Summer 2002 and GameCube in Fall 2002. The game
based on the classic Scooby-Doo cartoon, combines the characters of Mystery,
Inc. and classic villains in captivating gameplay. E3 Booth # 4001, Petree
Hall

Warner Bros. Consumer Products is a division of Warner Bros., an AOL Time
Warner Company, and is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising
organizations in the world.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 46         Tue May 21, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:43 PDT

THQ WIRELESS UNVEILS 2002 GAME LINEUP AT ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO

Games Featured on Phones by Motorola, Nokia and Other Top Manufacturers

Los Angeles, Calif. - May 20, 2002 - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ NMS: THQI) today
announced that is THQ Wireless division will unveil several new games from
its 2002 lineup at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Featured games
include Major League Baseball Homerun Derby (working title), Snood(R),
classic titles from Intellivision and a new World Wrestling Entertainment(TM)
game from THQ and JAKKS Pacific (NASDAQ NMS: JAKK). All games will be on
display across a number of wireless platforms in THQ's booth (Petree Hall,
#4001).

"With relationships including a dozen leading entertainment licensors, the
major wireless carriers worldwide and the top three handset manufacturers, we
are delighted with our position as we enter E3," stated Doug Dyer, general
manager, THQ Wireless. "Our lineup features the future of wireless gaming
such as multiplayer Java games and color games that match the visual quality
of the latest handheld systems."

The THQ Wireless site can be found at www.thqwireless.com.

THQ Wireless E3 2002 game lineup:

o

Major League Baseball Homerun Derby (working title): Fully licensed by Major
League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Player's Association, players
can recreate the excitement of America's National Pastime on mobile devices.

o

World Wrestling Entertainment(TM): THQ Wireless in conjunction with JAKKS
Pacific bring World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) Superstars to the mobile
arena. Players will be able to execute all of the authentic moves for
Superstars like The Rock(R), Stone Cold Steve Austin(TM) and more.

o

Snood: Snood is an intense puzzle game that tests players intellect rather
than their reflexes. The goal is to free trapped Snoods by launching other
Snoods at them. Gamers can set their own pace with no restrictive time limit
on each game.

o

Intellivision Sports: Sports fanatics will be able to play all of their
favorite sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey in mobile
for. Plenty of action, quick reflexes and skill required for each of these
exciting pro sports games.

o

Intellivision's AstroSmash!: Repel an attack of meteors and spinning bombs in
this Intellivision classic. The player's objective is to hit as many meteors,
bombs, missiles, and flying saucers as possible, without being destroyed.
Players can also alternate to see who can get the highest "peak score."

o

Intellivision's Nightstalker: Another Intellivsion classic, Nightstalker is
all about survival. After being trapped in a maze, players must battle a host
of enemies including spiders, bats, and relentless robots.

o

MotoGP: THQ Wireless is bringing MotoGP, the world's fastest, most advanced
form of motorcycle racing to wireless phones. In this single player game,
players become a MotoGP rider and their goal is to achieve the highest score
by competing in motorcycle grand prix competitions! There are 3 different
modes to choose from: Quick Race, Time Attack and Grand Prix.

About Intellivision

The Intellivision console, introduced in 1980, was one of the
first-generation home video game systems. Over three million Intellivisions
were sold, with 125 games published. Although their graphics were primitive
by current standards, the games for the early consoles defined the genres,
features, and conventions that are still used today. While video games have
grown more complex in the two decades since, with ever more realistic
graphics, many believe that for sheer fun, the early games have never been
surpassed. The company can be found online at www.intellivisionlives.com.

About World Wrestling Entertainment(TM)

World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) is an integrated media and entertainment
company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with sales offices in New
York City, Chicago, Toronto and London. Additional information on the company
can be found at wwe.com and wwecorpbiz.com.

About JAKKS Pacific

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: JAKK) is a multi-brand company that designs
and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products. The product
categories include: Action Figures, Arts & Crafts Activity Kits, Stationery,
Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys,
Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush and Dolls. The products are sold under
various brand names including Flying Colors(R), Road Champs(R), Remco(R),
Child Guidance(R), Pentech(R), Toymax(R), Funnoodle(R), Laser Challenge(TM)
and Go Fly a Kite(R). The Company also participates in a joint venture with
THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World
Wrestling Entertainment(TM) video games. For further information, visit
www.jakkspacific.com.

About THQ

THQ Inc. develops and publishes interactive entertainment software worldwide
for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices,
and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo
and Microsoft. The THQ Web site is located at www.thq.com.

# # #

(C)MLBPA, Official Licensee of Major League Baseball Players Association.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections
about THQ's business based, in part, on assumptions made by its management.
These statements are not guarantees of THQ's future performance and involve
risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.
Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is
expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous
factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and the
following: changes in demand for THQ's products, product mix, the timing of
customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and
pricing and difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired
businesses. In addition, such statements could be affected by growth rates
and market conditions relating to the interactive software industry and
general domestic and international economic conditions. Specific information
concerning these and other such factors is contained in THQ's Registration
Statement on Form S-3 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
January 22, 2002. A copy of this filing may be obtained by contacting THQ or
the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the
date on which they are made, and THQ does not undertake any obligation to
update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after
the date of this release.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 47         Tue May 21, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:44 PDT

LEADING GAME PUBLISHER THQ UNVEILS BLOCKBUSTER LINE UP AT 2002 ELECTRONIC
ENTERTAINMENT EXPO

From Original Games to Licensed Content, From Game Boy Advance to
Xbox-Leading Game Publisher Showcases Software for Every Audience and Every
Platform

Los Angeles, Calif. - Electronic Entertainment Expo - May 20, 2002 - THQ Inc.
(NASDAQ NMS: THQI) is set to debut its 2002 product line up, its strongest
and most diverse to date, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los
Angeles May 22-24, 2002. The company will unveil games in all genres across
multiple platforms for every type of videogame fan. From original content
like Red Faction(TM)II, Alter Echo(TM), and Tak and The Power of JuJu(TM), to
the most expansive mass-market kids product portfolio in the industry,
featuring favorite television, music and motion picture characters like
SpongeBob SquarePants, Scooby-Doo!, World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) and
Britney Spears, THQ has something for everyone. All viable game platforms
will be represented in the THQ booth (Petree Hall #4001), including the
PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(TM), Nintendo
GameCube(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance, and PC/Mac. In addition, THQ Wireless
will demonstrate several new games on the latest mobile devices.

"This year marks the beginning of the broad, mass-market adoption of
PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo's GameCube and Game Boy Advance, with more
than 35 million of these systems projected to be in U.S. households by
holiday," said Brian Farrell, president and CEO of THQ. "THQ has been
building its portfolio of brands with broad consumer appeal for the past five
years in order to take best advantage of the explosive growth of these
hardware systems in the marketplace. Our games target every segment of the
market with original titles like Red Faction II, Alter Echo, and Summoner 2,
as well as compelling licensed products such as Britney's Dance Beat, Tetris
and games based on popular Nickelodeon, Mattel, and Disney properties."

THQ's E3 2002 Line-up


o

Alter Echo(TM) - Alter Echo features innovative action gameplay and a
groundbreaking visual style based on pioneering technology. In Alter Echo,
players assume the role of Nevin, a reluctant hero with the ability to alter
time and morph his PolySuit between three unique combat forms.
TimeDilation(TM) technology allows players to manipulate time, freezing the
action in order to cue up a series of moves and attacks to unleash with an
unstoppable flurry. Developed by THQ's Outrage(R) Games, Alter Echo will be
available for PlayStation 2 and Xbox early in 2003.

BattleBots(R) - BattleBots is based on the popular, adrenaline-pumping TV
show of the same name, pitting contestant-designed, radio-controlled robots
against each other inside a high-tech arena equipped with hazardous obstacles
such as kill saws and giant sledgehammers. Available this fall for GameCube
and PlayStation 2.

o

Bob the Buildera: Bob Builds a Parka - Bob the Builder's newest videogame is
based on the preschool TV show hit phenomenon Bob the Builder, airing on Nick
Jr. and CBS. In Bob the Builder: Bob Builds a Park, players are engaged in a
brand new set of activities such as crazy golf, dinosaur discovery, and
skateboard spud. The game will be available for PC this fall.

o

Britney's Dance Beat(TM) - Britney's Dance Beat is a true convergence
product, broadening the definition of entertainment on videogame consoles. It
allows fans to interact with today's hottest pop star and her music, dance
through engaging gameplay backed by music videos, and earn access to DVD
content such as interview clips, behind-the-scenes footage and 360-degree
immersive video. Gamers go through a series of auditions to become a back-up
dancer and if they perform well, they join Britney Spears on stage. Available
now for Game Boy Advance and PlayStation 2, and coming for the PC in June.

o

Disney/Pixar's Monsters, Inc. Scream Arena (working title) - Now that the
monsters of Monstropolis have learned the power of laughter, they're ready to
have some fun in Disney/Pixar's Monsters, Inc. Players will compete as one of
their beloved monsters in a unique dodge ball-style match set in
movie-inspired stadium arenas filled with kids ready to be entertained. With
the use of special "laugh balls," each with their own unique attack, players
battle it out to be the first to fill their laugh canisters with kids
laughter. Available this fall for GameCube.

o

Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick - Developed with the full support of
creators Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert, and Bruce Campbell, Evil Dead: A Fistful
of Boomstick allows players to assume the role of Ash, the chainsaw-armed
hero from the Evil Dead movie trilogy. Players will fend off hordes of
Deadites with several weapons including the shovel, gatling gun, shotgun and
chainsaw. Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick mixes the comedy and fun of a
campy horror movie with intense combat missions on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox
early next year.

o

GT Advance 2: Rally Racing - GT Advance 2: Rally Racing is the sequel to the
GBA launch hit, GT Advance: Championship Racing. Choose from 15 of the
world's top rally cars, each with different handling, speed, and acceleration
on 42 unique tracks spanning the globe with varying weather conditions. GT
Advance 2: Rally Racing will be available this June exclusively on Game Boy
Advance.

Mattel Licensed Products:


o

Hot Wheels(TM) Velocity X - Hot Wheels Velocity X is a high speed,
mission-based racing adventure inspired by the attitude of Hot Wheels. When a
criminal gang of street racing villains overtakes Monument City, players must
put their driving skills and mean street machines to the ultimate test. Hot
Wheels Velocity X will be available on PlayStation 2, GameCube, PC and Game
Boy Advance this fall.

o

Hot Wheels(TM) Bash Arena(TM) - Hot Wheels Bash Arena for PC challenges
players to dodge and crash into opponents with performance-varied Hot Wheels
cars in a last-car-standing, interactive demolition derby-style competition.
As players advance through the Bash Arena championship, they work toward the
goal of induction into the Hot Wheels Bash Arena Hall of Fame. Hot Wheels
Bash Arena for PC will be available this fall.

o

Matchbox(TM) Cross Town Heroesa - Matchbox Cross Town Heroes takes place in a
dynamic interactive world in which players take the wheel and courageously
drive Matchbox Search and Rescue vehicles into the heart of the emergency
action. Each world will also have bonus mini games and puzzles, along with
more than 50 different characters, animals and creatures. Matchbox Cross Town
Heroes for Game Boy Advance and PC is scheduled for release in summer 2002.


o

MotoGP - MotoGP is the world's fastest, most advanced form of motorcycle
racing. With races taking place on all five continents and an average of 329
million television viewers per event, MotoGP features all of the world's
leading motorcycle manufacturers including Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. MotoGP
is available now on the Xbox and Game Boy Advance.

o

MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael - The next installment of THQ's MX
series is the most complete motocross game to date. Along with the return of
eight-time National Champion Ricky Carmichael and other pro riders, this
year's edition boasts an enhanced freestyle mode, a robust racing mode and
wide-open worlds for gamers to explore. Developed by THQ's Pacific Coast
Power & Light Co.(R) studio, MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael will be
available for GameCube and PlayStation 2 this summer followed by an Xbox
release in winter.

Nickelodeon Licensed Products:


o

Fairly OddParents(TM) (Working Title) - Timmy Turner has one thing most other
kids don't -- magical, mystical and totally messed-up Fairy Godparents that
offer wacky help to get him out of tight spots. Gamers can play as Timmy's
secret comic book identity, "Cleft, The Boy Chin Wonder," in this action
adventure side-scrolling game with five huge environments and 20 different
stages. Fairly OddParents for Game Boy Advance will be available this fall.

o

Hey Arnold! The Movie(TM) - Based on Nickelodeon Movies' and Paramount
Pictures' upcoming animated movie debuting June 28, and Nickelodeon's Hey
Arnold! animated series, players assume the role of Arnold, Gerald, Grandma,
or Grandpa as they rally friends and relatives to stop an unsavory
businessman from tearing down their neighborhood to build a Super Beeper
Emporium. Hey Arnold! The Movie for Game Boy Advance will be available this
summer.

o

Jimmy Neutron(TM) vs. Jimmy Negatron - This adventure is based on the
Nickelodeon television series debuting this fall and introduces players to
Jimmy Neutron's evil alter ego, Jimmy Negatron. During a trip to the
Retroville Museum, Jimmy is kidnapped and trapped in his alter ego's
dimension and must use his wits to escape. Available for PC and Game Boy
Advance this fall.

o

Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius(TM) - Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius is based on the
adventures of Jimmy Neutron, star of Paramount Pictures' and Nickelodeon
Movies' highly successful, digitally animated motion picture. Players will
help save the world and rescue the parents of Retroville from the evil
Yokians. Available for GameCube this summer.

o

Rocket Power(TM): Beach Bandits - The Rocket Power team must use their
extreme sports skills to battle robot minions throughout Ocean Shores, the
Lakes, the Robot Factory and Mondo Mountain in order to find out who's
stealing the sand from Ocean Shores beach. Available for PlayStation 2,
GameCube and Game Boy Advance this summer.

o Rugrats(TM): Munchin Land (working title) - Gamers join the Rugrats in the
"land of odd". Tommy and company are featured in their very own graphical
board game based on the classic story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Characters
include Kimi as "the girl from Kansas", Chuckie the "Scaredy-Cat Lion," Tommy
as "The Scarecrow" and Phil & Lil as "The Tin Twins." The first one to find
the "Whizzer of Odd" (Grandpa Lou) wins the game, but beware...there are many
obstacles standing in your way including "The Munchin' Tollbooth Keeper"
(Dil) and the "Wicked Witch of the West" (Angelica). Luckily, the "Good
Witch" (Susie) will always be around to provide you with all the help that
you may need. Available for PC this summer.

o Rugrats(TM): I Gotta Go Party - Get ready for an all-new multi-player party
game as Tommy plays hide 'n seek with all of his friends. As players help
Tommy find the other Rugrats, they unlock outrageous party games such as
Angelica's Cookies, Phil's Mud Pies and Sandbox Blues. The more Rugrats that
are found, the more party games become unlocked. Designed for multiplayer
competition, this game is also packed with hours of compelling single-player
gameplay for gamers on the go! Available this fall for Game Boy Advance.

o Rugrats(TM): Royal Ransom - The Rugrats embark on a magical adventure to
Stu Pickles' Play Palace 3000 (PP3K). As Tommy, Chuckie, Kimi, Phil and Lil
take turns climbing up to the PP3K, they find that something's amiss. Every
time they climb higher, the PP3K moves farther out of their reach. Angelica,
the self-appointed Queen of the PP3K, has dubbed the rest of the Rugrats her
loyal subjects and stolen their most treasured items. As the other Rugrats
defiantly refuse her demands, they must go on an adventure to reclaim their
treasures so they too can play in the PP3K. Available for GameCube and
PlayStation 2 this fall.
o

SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): Employee of the Month - Players will follow
SpongeBob and his regular cast of characters through a puzzling adventure
that has them serving up Krabby Patties, destroying a Weather Controlling
Thingamajig, exploring the caves of a powerful "Marlin," hanging at the local
diner and more -- just so they can have a fun packed day at Neptune's Pacific
Paradise. Available for PC this fall.

o

SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): Revenge of the Flying Dutchman - This title pits
SpongeBob against the Flying Dutchman, whom he accidentally releases from
imprisonment. SpongeBob must find lost treasures hidden throughout Bikini
Bottom to stop the Dutchman's wicked plans and save his friends from being
turned into indentured shipmates. Available for PlayStation 2, GameCube and
Game Boy Advance this fall.

o The Wild Thornberrys(TM) Movie - Based on the motion picture debuting
holiday 2002, the game stars Eliza Thornberry and her adventurous family.
After an incident in Africa puts Eliza in grave danger, she is sent off to
boarding school in London. Upon hearing about an evil plot by poachers to
capture the wild animals of the Serengeti, she escapes back to the wild and
forces her biggest challenge yet! Available for PC and Game Boy Advance this
fall.


o

Pride FC(TM) - Experience the most brutal, bitterly competitive and intense
form of fighting on the planet. Organized to incorporate all fighting styles
including wrestling, karate, judo and kickboxing, Pride FC pits the top
fighters in the world in the mostfighting d'"-per Anchor, Pride FC
will be available this August exclusively for PlayStation 2.

o

Power Rangers Wild Force(TM) - Young gamers will play as their favorite Power
Ranger, this time armed with the strength and characteristics of the Power
Animals including the Bison, Tiger, Shark, Eagle and Lion. The top-down, 3D
exploration adventure allows players to take on the Org, an ancient race of
villains who are out to destroy the balance of nature. Power Rangers Wild
Force for Game Boy Advance will be available this fall.

o

Red Faction(TM) 2 - Developed by THQ's Volition(TM), Red Faction 2 is the
sequel to one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed original game
franchises of 2001. Featuring an enhanced Geo-Mod(TM) engine that allows
players to strategically alter and destroy the game environment in real-time,
Red Faction 2 builds upon the experience and technology of the original game
with more blistering action, highly detailed graphics, new multi-player
options and an engaging storyline. Red Faction 2 will be available this
winter exclusively for PlayStation 2.

SEGA Game Boy Advance Titles:


o

ALTERED BEAST(TM): GUARDIAN OF THE REALMS(TM) - ALTERED BEAST: GUARDIAN OF
THE REALMS is based on the SEGA arcade classic where players morph into a
variety of beasts to battle enemies and bosses via hand-to-hand combat and
magical attacks. This Sega classic will be available this winter.

o

PHANTASY STAR COLLECTION(TM) - An RPG gamer's ultimate dream. This title
brings together the original three Phantasy Star titles in one package for
early 2003.

o

THE PINBALL OF THE DEAD(TM) - Inspired by SEGA's popular House of the Dead
franchise, THE PINBALL OF THE DEAD challenges you to shoot, tilt, and flip
your way across 3 boards in order to rescue citizens and destroy zombies.
Each board features 3-tiers packed with challenges, hidden horrors, and vile
bosses. Scheduled to ship in June.

o

SEGA SMASH PACK(TM) - SEGA SMASH PACK includes three of the greatest SEGA
games together on one cartridge, Ecco the Dolphin, Golden Axe and Sonic
Spinball. Scheduled to ship this summer.

o

SUPER MONKEY BALL(TM)(working title) - SUPER MONKEY BALL for Game Boy Advance
is based on the recent GameCube hit. Players can try their hands at
navigating a series of floor-shifting puzzles or play party games. Up to four
players can compete when SUPER MONKEY BALL ships in early 2003.

o

THE REVENGE OF SHINOBI(TM) - An action-packed side-scroller based on the SEGA
classic, THE REVENGE OF SHINOBI immerses players in a feudal Japanese world
where they must employ their Ninja skills to recapture five legendary swords.
THE REVENGE OF SHINOBI will be available this fall.

o

VIRTUA TENNIS(TM) - VIRTUA TENNIS on the Game Boy Advance follows the
easy-to-play, addictive style of its SEGA Dreamcast(TM) counterpart. The game
puts up to four players at the net in Tournament and Exhibition matches or
lets Game Boy Advance owners train their own player in World Circuit mode.
This exciting sports game will be available this fall.


o

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron(TM) - Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is a
mission-based adventure that transports players to the grandeur, wonder, and
romance of the old West. After a sudden thunderstorm scatters a herd of
majestic mustangs, the player must find and return the horses to their
homeland, one by one. Players will experience a range of action, from the
mild nurturing of the horses, to the breathtaking races against other animals
through rugged terrain and over challenging obstacles. Spirit: Stallion of
the Cimarron will be available exclusively for the Game Boy Advance this
summer.

o

Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones - Attack of the Clones for the Game
Boy Advance is the first Star Wars: Episode II game that follows the movie
storyline of the latest prequel in the Star Wars saga. With the power of the
Force, players assume the role of three different Attack of the Clones
heroes: Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi this June.

o

Star Wars: Episode II The New Droid Army (working title) - Set in the Episode
II universe, players take on the role of Anakin Skywalker as he tries to stop
Count Dooku and his new droid army. With scores of droids on his heels,
Anakin must go to battle, cultivating his power of the Force with each
conquest. Players will be able put their Jedi skills to the test in both
single and multi-player battles this winter for Game Boy Advance.

o

Summoner 2 - A role-playing fantasy epic from THQ's Volition studio, Summoner
2 carries on the unique universe seen in the original - new fascinating
characters, mystifying spells, and an engaging storyline. Exclusively for
PlayStation(R) 2, Summoner 2 will be available this fall.

o

The Ripping Friends(TM) - The evil Citrasett is challenging the world's most
manly men to a climatic final battle to decide the fate of earth! Players can
control four different characters, each with their own special moves, to
battle evil bosses and an array of minions through seven huge levels and
additional sub-levels. The Ripping Friends, based on the hit TV series, will
be available for Game Boy Advance this fall.

o

Tetris Worlds(TM) - The latest rendition of one of the most popular video
game franchises ever created, Tetris Worlds places the player in a universe
where Tetris is played in different ways on seven different planets. Players
can test their skills in classic versions of Tetris, or the latest
cutting-edge variations, such as Hot-Line Tetris, Cascade Tetris and Fusion
Tetris. The multiplayer game lets up to four players, see who can clear
levels the fastest. The franchise continues on the GameCube and Xbox this
fall.

o

Toxic Grind(TM) - This first mission-based BMX game with a storyline will
enthrall gamers as they attempt to ride for their life in a game show of
death. Traverse through dynamic, hazard-filled environments while completing
objectives such as saving prisoners and destroying helicopters. Toxic Grind
will be available for Xbox in the second half of 2002 and the GameCube
version will be released in early 2003.

Warner Bros. Licensed Products:


o

Scooby-Dooa! Night of 100 Frights - Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights combines
the classic Scooby-Doo! cartoon characters of Mystery, Inc. (Fred, Daphne,
Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby) with captivating gameplay. Only Scooby-Doo can
save his friends when a dubious Mastermind kidnaps the gang with sinister
plans for their fate. Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights is available now for
PlayStation 2, and will be available for GameCube this fall.

o

Scooby-Dooa&(C) The Motion Picture - Scooby-Doo! The Movie for Game Boy
Advance brings the big screen adventures of the mystery-solving teenagers to
gamers on the go. Players will explore exotic locations inspired by the
movie, searching for clues to complete missions and ultimately, solve Spooky
Island's big mystery. Scooby-Doo! The Movie for Game Boy Advance will be
available this June.

World Wrestling Entertainment
a Licensed Products:

o

WWEa WrestleMania(R) X8 - No other event in the history of wrestling has seen
more legendary match-ups and classic championship battles that have forever
changed the face of wrestling. Now players will relive the rich history
surrounding WrestleMania and compete for championship glory as they choose
from more than 35 Superstars in a host of venues and match types including
death-defying TLC matches or legendary Hell in a Cell match-ups. WWE
WrestleMania X8 is scheduled to ship June exclusively for GameCube.

o

WWE Road to WrestleMania(R) X8 - Amazing graphics and highly detailed
characters return to the Game Boy Advance this holiday season. Players will
be able to choose from 16 Superstars as they compete in various customizable
Pay-Per-Views match-ups.

o

WWE SmackDown!a Shut Your Mouth - The next installment in the top-selling
PlayStation 2 franchise is back this fall with a blown out career mode
featuring an all new draft feature, an updated roster, better than ever
graphics, revamped control system, in-depth Create-A-Wrestler, and a more
robust season mode. Exclusive to the PlayStation 2, WWE SmackDown! Shut Your
Mouth will be available this fall.

o

WWE Rawa 2 - Prepare for stunning graphics and insane action as WWE Raw
returns to Xbox in the first half of 2003 with an all new season mode, more
Superstars, improved gameplay, and more matches that makes WWE Raw 2 the
definitive video gaming experience for Xbox.

o

WWE Rawa PC - WWE Raw makes its debut on the PC with all the bedlam that is
World Wrestling Entertainment. It's no holds barred wrestling, looking better
than ever on the PC for holiday 2002.

o

WWE Crush Houra - The spectacle of World Wrestling Entertainment meets the
whole-knuckle action of car combat! That's what WWE Crush Hour is all about.
Choose from more than 20 personalized Superstar vehicles and compete in
multiple match types as players annihilate opponents with various weapons
customized for each vehicle. WWE Crush Hour will be available the first half
of 2003 for PlayStation 2 GameCube and Xbox.

For more information on the 2002 videogame lineup, or the rest of THQ's
offerings, visit www.thq.com.

About THQ

THQ Inc. develops and publishes interactive entertainment software worldwide
for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices and
those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Microsoft and
Nintendo. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com.

# # #

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections
about THQ's business based, in part, on assumptions made by its management.
These statements are not guarantees of THQ's future performance and involve
risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.
Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is
expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous
factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and the
following: changes in demand for THQ's products, product mix, the timing of
customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and
pricing and difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired
businesses. In addition, such statements could be affected by growth rates
and market conditions relating to the interactive software industry and
general domestic and international economic conditions. Specific information
concerning these and other such factors is contained in THQ's Registration
Statement on Form S-3 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
January 22, 2002. A copy of this filing may be obtained by contacting THQ or
the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the
date on which they are made, and THQ does not undertake any obligation to
update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after
the date of this release.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 48         Tue May 21, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:45 PDT

SEGA HIGHLIGHTS SEVEN SHOW-STOPPING GAMES AT ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO
2002

Authentic Sports Games and Blockbuster Franchises Lead Stunning
Multi-platform Lineup

LOS ANGELES - Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) - (May 21, 2002) - SEGA(R)
of America, Inc. will showcase seven show-stopping games for new
next-generation consoles as part of its lineup of more than 20 games at E3
2002. SEGA's game lineup includes the return of four blockbuster
entertainment franchises, "Shinobi(TM)," "Super Monkey Ball(TM) 2," "ToeJam
and Earl III(TM): All Funked Up" and "Panzer Dragoon(TM) ORTA," plus
breathtaking new versions of acclaimed SEGA Sports(TM) titles "SEGA
Sports(TM) NFL 2K3," "SEGA Sports(TM) NBA 2K3" and "SEGA Sports(TM) World
Series(R) Baseball."

"SEGA's lineup speaks for itself," said Peter Moore, president and COO, SEGA
of America, Inc. "As a platform-agnostic content publisher, our 11
development studios are empowered to deliver the best games to all new
consoles, and with titles like 'SEGA Sports NFL 2K3' and 'Shinobi' on the
horizon, it's clear that SEGA is poised to further solidify its position as
one of the world's most dominant publishers."

SEGA's premium lineup features titles for the PlayStation(R)2 computer
entertainment system, the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft(R) and
the Nintendo GameCube(TM).

* "Shinobi(TM)" (PlayStation 2): The legendary ninja returns, hunted by
demons, haunted by the dead and hindered by the very rage that spurs him on
in this latest installment of one of SEGA's most revered action franchises.
Players take the role of Hotsuma as he battles through the demon-filled
streets of a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, running on walls, summoning Ninja magic
and mastering an arsenal of ancient weaponry on a quest to avenge his clan.
Available this fall.

* "Super Monkey Ball(TM) 2" (Nintendo GameCube): SEGA is on a roll! Hot on
the heels of the runaway success of the original "Super Monkey Ball(TM)," the
ultimate party game is back. Jam-packed with 12 addictive Party Games, a new
story mode and more than 150 stages, "Super Monkey Ball 2" delivers the
ultimate in addictive multiplayer action. Available this fall.

* "ToeJam & Earl(TM) III: All Funked Up" (Xbox): In "ToeJam & Earl III: All
Funked Up," ToeJam, Big Earl and their hot new homegirl Latisha embark on a
mission to retrieve the 12 sacred Albums of Funk, stolen by the dysfunctional
inhabitants of the planet Earth. Gamers will explore sprawling environments
as they master the ways of Funk-Fu and battle towards the ultimate showdown
with the evil Anti-Funk. Along the way, they'll collect present power-ups of
almost endless variety, take on harrowing side quests and generally get down
with their bad selves in a massive, wickedly funny Xbox exclusive adventure.
Available this fall.

* "Panzer Dragoon(TM) ORTA" (Xbox): Years ago, a legacy was born that ruled
the skies. This fall, the Dragon will rise again. Gamers take to the skies
aboard their own dragon for intense aerial combat through massive branching
stages as they battle to save humanity from the brink of extinction. Dragons
morph in real time, allowing players to constantly change their fighting
styles as they master devastating techniques that influence both the action
and the storyline in this thrilling Xbox exclusive. Available this fall.

* "SEGA Sports(TM) NFL 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube): The
series that redefined the standards of football gaming returns for a brand
new season, with a totally revamped franchise mode, drastically improved AI
and brilliant new graphics featuring redesigned 3D stadiums, updated player
and facial models and hundreds of new animations. "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" is
the cure for gridiron fans everywhere, whether your squad happens to be the
Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, or the expansion Houston Texans.
Available this summer.

* "SEGA Sports(TM) NBA 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube): SEGA
Sports will once again establish new levels of realism and entertainment in
the basketball genre. Building on its critically acclaimed roots, the
ultimate hoops simulation, which brought uncompromisingly authentic gameplay
to basketball fans, steps onto the court for another year with hundreds of
new animations including highlight-reel quality dunks and dynamic cross-over
moves, redesigned player models and arenas and a revamped street mode.
Available this fall.

* "SEGA Sports(TM) World Series(R) Baseball" (Xbox): "SEGA Sports World
Series Baseball" delivers authentic baseball action in dazzling graphical
detail, while a deep and innovative franchise mode lets you control complete
player movement and management transactions, providing enough stats data for
the most hardcore fan of America's National Pastime. Featuring the new
Cooperstown Collection(TM) License, which lets you play as or against 25
legendary ballplayers, as well as classic uniforms for all 30 Major League
teams, "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball" provides the ultimate in baseball
simulation. Available this summer.

Other games being featured in the SEGA booth at E3 include, "SEGA Sports(TM)
NHL 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube), "SEGA Sports(TM) NCAA(R)
College Football 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube), "SEGA
Sports(TM) NCAA(R) College Basketball 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo
GameCube), "SEGA Sports(TM) Tennis" (PlayStation 2), "Crazy Taxi(TM) 3: High
Roller" (Xbox), SEGA GT(TM) 2002" (Xbox), "The House of the Dead(TM) III"
(Xbox), "Beach Spikers(TM)" (Nintendo GameCube), "Phantasy Star(TM) Online
Episode I & II"(Nintendo GameCube), "Gungrave(TM)" (PlayStation 2), "SEGA
Bass Fishing(TM) Duel" (PlayStation 2) and "Ferrari(R) F355(TM) Challenge"
(PlayStation 2).

For more information about any of the above titles, including screen shots,
please visit the SEGA FTP site: http://segapr.segaamerica.com.

About Sega
SEGA(R) of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized
as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside
the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at
www.sega.com.

(TM),(R) and the Nintendo GameCube logo are trademarks of Nintendo.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. Some titles have not yet been concept approved by
Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.

(C)2002 NFL Properties LLC. Team names and logos are trademarks of the teams
indicated. All other (NFL-related marks) are trademarks of the National
Football League. Officially Licensed product of PLAYERS INC. The PLAYERS INC
logo is a registered trademark of the NFL players. www.nflplayers.com (C)2002
PLAYERS INC.

World Series is a trademark owned by the office of the Commissioner of
Baseball and may not be reproduced
without written consent. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are
used with permission of Major
League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit the official Major League Baseball
website at MLB.com (C)MLBPA - Official
Licensee, Major League Baseball Players Association. Visit the Players
Choice on the web at www.bigleaguers.com
(C)SEGA CORPORATION, 2002 (C)MLBP 2002 / MLBPA 2002.

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey
League. All NHL logos and marks and
team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the
respective teams and may not be
reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P.
(C)2002. All rights reserved. Officially
Licensed Product of the National Hockey League. (C)NHLPA. NHL 2K3 is an
Officially Licensed Product of the
NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players' Association and the NHLPA logo
are trademarks of the
NHLPA and are used under license by Sega of America, Inc.

The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this
product are trademarks, copyrighted
designs and other forms of intellectual property of NBA Properties, Inc. and
the respective NBA member teams and
may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of
NBA Properties, Inc. (C)2002 NBA
Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.

The "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label is the exclusive
property of The Collegiate Licensing Company.
The "Collegiate Licensed Product" label is the property of the Independent
Labeling Group. NCAA, the NCAA
logo, and NCAA Basketball are trademarks or registered trademarks of
National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The NCAA Football logo is a registered trademark of the NCAA licensed to
NCAA Football USA, Inc. All names,
logos, team icons, and mascots associated with the NCAA, universities,
bowls, and conference are the exclusive
property of the respective institutions. Heisman Memorial Trophy and
likeness of the actual trophy are registered
service marks owned by the Downtown Athletic Club under registration numbers
936,853 and 935,852 respectively.
Heisman and Heisman Trophy Award are service marks owned by the Downtown
Athletic Club of New York City,
Inc.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 49         Wed May 22, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:10 PDT

Dolby Headphone is a Mind Scrambler for SEGA Gamers at E3 Dolby Provides
Mind-Blowing Surround Sound Experience for Gamers in SEGA Booth

Los Angeles, May 22, 2002--Perhaps one of Dolby Laboratories' best-kept
secrets for gamers is now out of the bag through demonstrations of its
Dolby(R) Headphone technology offered in the SEGA(R) booth (West Hall #2216)
during this week's E3.

Dolby Headphone is a processing technology that models the effect of
listening to speakers in a room. It can be used on both stereo and
multichannel sources and is found today in many home theater systems and
laptop DVD players. Visitors to the SEGA booth will experience the newest
SEGA titles, including Panzer Dragoon(TM) ORTA; ToeJam & Earl(TM) III: All
Funked Up; SEGA GT(TM) 2002; Crazy Taxi(TM) 3: High Roller; SEGA Sports(TM)
NFL 2K3; SEGA Sports NBA 2K3; SEGA Sports NHL(R) 2K3; and SEGA Sports NCAA(R)
College Football NBA 2K3, with the latest Dolby Headphone processor on Denon
decoders provided by Dolby.

"Working together with Dolby, SEGA is pleased to display its
highly-anticipated Xbox content with Dolby Headphone technology at this
year's Electronic Entertainment Expo," said Kathleen Joyce, Director of
Corporate Affairs, SEGA of America, Inc. "We believe that offering Dolby
Headphone on the show floor will enhance the SEGA gaming experience."
Developed by Lake Technologies and Dolby Laboratories, Dolby Headphone is a
signal processing system that can take up to five channels of audio from any
source and make it sound like it's coming from that many speakers in a real
listening room. The "in your head" effect of regular headphone listening is
replaced by a spacious, natural soundfield.

About Dolby in Games

Dolby technology allows gamers to experience cinematic-quality surround
sound, and has become the standard for audio in next generation games. Dolby
works closely with the game development community to raise the bar in game
audio quality. Dolby has also developed the groundbreaking Interactive
Content Encoder that enables real-time Dolby Digital encoding in game
consoles. Today, Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro Logic(R) II are
incorporated in hundreds of game titles on every major game platform.

About Sega

SEGA of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a
$3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized as a worldwide
leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The
company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive entertainment
software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless
devices, and game consoles manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's website is located at
www.sega.com.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories is the developer of signal processing systems used
worldwide in applications that include motion picture sound, consumer
entertainment products, and media, broadcasting, and music recording. Based
in San Francisco with European headquarters in England, the privately held
company also has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Shanghai,
Beijing, and Tokyo. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby
Technologies, please visit www.dolby.com.

Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories. (C) 2002 Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 50         Wed May 22, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:10 PDT

Dolby Drives Nintendo Audio Technology at E3 Top Titles from Nintendo Offer
Dolby Pro Logic II with Full Five-Channel Surround Sound

Los Angeles--Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)--May 22, 2002--Dolby(R)
Laboratories, Inc. will give this year's E3 show attendees the full
five-channel surround sound experience using Dolby Pro Logic(R) II for hot
new Nintendo GameCube' titles. Nintendo GameCube audio encoded with Pro Logic
II carries five channels of sound in a traditional two-channel stereo audio
signal, which is then decoded back to five speakers by using a Dolby Surround
Pro Logic II decoder. Demonstrations of Dolby's Pro Logic II will be
available in the Nintendo booth (West Hall #2816) throughout the show on
Kenwood HTB-505 home theater systems provided by Dolby.

"Providing the full Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound experience is the best
way for us to really show off our new titles for Nintendo GameCube," said
Perrin Kaplan, vice president, marketing and corporate affairs for Nintendo.
"When visitors come to our booth during the show, we want them to be engulfed
and totally blown away by what they hear, illustrating our commitment to
giving consumers that ultimate audio experience that is only possible through
Dolby technology."

Dolby recently announced that Pro Logic II is now available for all Nintendo
GameCube developers through the Musyx development tool, provided by Factor 5.
This advancement allows Nintendo game developers to now offer immersive,
near-cinematic sound quality during gameplay.


About Dolby in Games

Dolby technology allows gamers to experience cinematic-quality surround
sound, and has become the standard for audio in next generation games. Dolby
works closely with the game development community to raise the bar in game
audio quality. Dolby has also developed the groundbreaking Interactive
Content Encoder that enables real-time Dolby Digital encoding in game
consoles. Today, Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro Logic II are
incorporated in hundreds of major game titles on every major game platform.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories is the developer of signal processing systems used
worldwide in applications that include motion picture sound, consumer
entertainment products, and media, broadcasting, and music recording. Based
in San Francisco with European headquarters in England, the privately held
company also has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Shanghai,
Beijing, and Tokyo. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby
Technologies, please visit www.dolby.com.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 51         Wed May 22, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:37 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2002
SCEA Press Conference Coverage
by Ken Gagne

Forget "continental breakfast". Without offering a single hot selection, Sony
fed the vast throngs of the electronic entertainment industry to their
complete and utter satisfaction. Three cheers for free food!

I almost wish it was my stomach that would do the rest of the typing from
here, and not my brain, as I wonder if Sony really knows how to give a press
conference. I was unimpressed with their performance last year; this year's
proved to have better presentation, but remained of little substance.

Kaz Hirai started the show from a business perspective, demonstrating that
Sony is a consumer products company, not a gaming company. He focused heavily
on numbers, and though it's good that U.S. sales for the entire industry were
up 43% in 2001 to $9.4 billion, it's not as important as him informing us
that "the console wars are over." Last year, Hirai asked, "Who's going to be
number two?", demonstrating the arrogance with which Sony's PlayStation 2
platform had claimed the lead; this year, Hirai stepped back and said the
question is moot: only number one matters.

Sony, we're very happy for your success - but we are gamers, not
stockholders. If you are #1, it is because we have put you there with our
dollars. Could you please whet our appetite for games and remind us why you
are #1?

Well, they certainly tried. Just as Sony last year delivered Jak & Daxter,
this year's conference brought us Ratchet & Clank, a 3D platformer from
Insomniac Games, the people who created Spyro the Dragon. In R&C, players can
equip over 35 different weapons and gadgets to assail the enemy and obstacles
they'll encounter. That could be fun, but it's not terribly innovative. Will
Sony every year unveil a different Banjo-Kazooie clone as its secret project?

The next presentation was given by Brendan McNamara of SCEE, who demonstrated
The Getaway. This title combines action and driving across 46 simulated
square kilometers of London. A large cast of actors and an involved storyline
are intended to give this game a movie-like feel and development, justifying
Sony's tagline, "When is a movie more than a movie?" Unfortunately, they got
a bit carried away with this cinematic presentation in a several-minute
trailer which, unbelievably, demonstrated no gameplay footage. None. Just bad
actors in silly situations. Look forward to listening to an hour of narrative
dialogue across a hundred-page script in this game, coming fourth quarter
2002.

If Sony is innovating anywhere, it's in the online arena. The PlayStation 2
will go online this year, courtesy a $40 broadband/narrowband adaptor to be
released on August 27th. Players can use their own ISPs, including AOL and
MSN, to connect with such games as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, Twisted Metal
Black Online, and a variety of Sega Sports. Hirai admitted that getting the
PS2 connected is happening more slowly than expected, but even the lack of
widespread broadband access has not dampened their enthusiasm for the online
model.

We saw a live demonstration of SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals, Sony's first online
game which was presented at their conference last year as well, and does not
appear to have changed much since then. This team-based game, scheduled for
simultaneous launch with the network adaptor, allows 16 players to compete
and cooperate in authentic military action. The $60 price tag includes a USB
headset for voice communication. Due to the amount of data involved in such
transmissions, this game will be online through broadband only.

In the highlight of Sony's conference, pro athletes Dante Culpepper and Jevon
Kearse engaged in an online game of Madden 2003, with Culpepper on-site and
Kearse operating from Orlando. Live commentary was provided by John Madden
himself, who was hilarious in his explanations of the two players' strengths
and weaknesses. The final score was 7-6, Culpepper.

Hirai closed by listing other games we can look expect to enjoy online,
including Final Fantasy XI, Everquest Online Adventures, Star Wars Galaxies,
and Resident Evil Online.

The online dimension will give the PlayStation 2 a new depth, but all current
consoles are headed to this arena as well. What will ultimately distinguish
one from the other is the unique gameplay experiences each platform can
deliver. Does Sony grasp this concept? Or will they be too wrapped up in the
goal of stealing dollars from Nintendo and Microsoft that they'll overlook
the means to that end? Time will tell.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Gamebits, 22-May-02

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 52         Wed May 22, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 18:38 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2002
Nintendo Press Conference Coverage
by Ken Gagne

Sony may have our dollars, but Nintendo has our hearts, as demonstrated by
the polite applause at SCEA's conference and the heartfelt cheers and
whistles at the latter's.

Perhaps that's because no other console manufacturer has the history of
software icons that Nintendo does. In the next nine months, Nintendo will
launch more franchise titles than they have in any other period in their
storied history.

Nintendo opened their press conference with Metroid Prime, a game that
demonstrates the company's ability to expand beyond the "kiddie" market and
attract older demographics. Step inside the gravity suit this fall as Samus
Aran returns to fight the energy-draining Metroid organism. As has been
well-publicized, developer Retro Studios has made this game into a
first-person perspective adventure title. Though the camera did occasionally
move to the third person when the bounty hunter used certain items or
techniques, the amount of shooting in the first person has not alleviated my
concerns that Metroid has become a shooting game, akin to Quake or Goldeneye.
Of course, the press conference was not the time for us to experience the
game firsthand, so the playable demo at E3 will be a better judge of the
game's nature.

Eternal Darkness - another second-party project, this one by Silicon Knights
- provides another opportunity for Nintendo to capture a more mature
audience. This Resident Evil look-alike spans millennia as players control a
cast of a dozen character through the ages. Not everything is as it seems,
blurring the line between reality and illusion. Watch for this title on June
24th.

The engine used in the GameCube adaptation of Resident Evil will also be seen
in this fall's release of the original title, Resident Evil Zero, which tells
the story of the disappearance of the Bravo Team the day before the Alpha
Team was sent to look for them in the first Resident Evil.

Of course, Nintendo's flagship character has always been, and continues to
be, Mario, who will make his GameCube debut in Super Mario Sunshine this
August 26th. Just as his brother had a vacuum strapped to his back, Mario
comes with a pack of his own, which he'll use primarily to shoot water and
clean the mess that's plaguing the island of Shine. Super Mario 64 showed how
3D platformers should be done, and though Sunshine is unlikely to redefine
the genre, it is sure to be a more fulfilling expression of Miyamoto's
imagination.

Speaking of flagships, the GameCube's Legend of Zelda game surprised many
last year when Nintendo introduced a cartoonish look to Link and his world of
Hyrule, abolishing the darker look originally shown in tech demos. Some
people think the new art style looks fantastic, and Nintendo says it is "both
unique in look and realistically expressive in nature." I remain dubious of
this combination of Saturday morning cartoon and Escape from Monkey Island.
Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto has never failed us, though, so I will keep
the faith.

The delay of Legend of Zelda has been confirmed, knocking it from Nintendo's
Christmas 2002 lineup and into February of next year. Those who wondered how
Nintendo could let its Metroid and Zelda games compete for the same shelf
space this holiday now have their answer.

Other titles that were briefly shown include Mario Party 4, 1080 Whitestorm,
Wario World, and Magical Mirror Starring Mickey Mouse. Expect at least 150
titles by Christmas.

Though Nintendo does not consider the online model profitable, it will not be
standing on the sidelines watching its competitors's forays. Separate
broadband and dial-up adaptors will be available this fall for $35 each,
coinciding with the availability of Sega's Phantasy Star Online Episode I &
II. No online-enabled first-party titles were announced at the conference.

While Nintendo fights for console market, they remain the undisputed champ of
the handheld platform. The Game Boy Advance's library will expand to over 300
titles by the end of this year, including a new game by the name of Metroid
Fusion. An adaptation of the Super NES classic The Legend of Zelda: A Link to
the Past is also on the way, with a new four-player mode - as Miyamoto-san
demonstrated with representatives from Sega, Namco, and Capcom. Expect these
titles in November and December, respectively.

The GameCube game Animal Crossing will demonstrate the connectivity possible
between the console and the Game Boy Advance. Players can create their own
animal town and use the handheld to exchange data and create new clothes,
among other details.

This game will also debut the e-Reader accessory, which allows gamers to
swipe data cards through their GBA. This technology will also be employed in
adaptations of Pokemon, fusing the collectibility of the card game with the
maniac obsessiveness the video game engenders.

I would be hard-pressed to show where Nintendo is innovating and Sony isn't,
but it's hard to be as excited about new, no-name titles as it is for new
Mario, Zelda, and Metroid games. Nintendo may not release as many titles as
other companies, but their hit ratio is much higher. Though I highly value
innovation, it's only a means to an end: fun. Nintendo's track record offers
a greater assurance than Sony's that their games will be fun. And that's what
I find exciting.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Gamebits, 22-May-02

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 53         Wed Jun 19, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:23 PDT

SEGA GAMES WIN GAME CRITICS AWARDS: BEST OF E3 2002 AND RECEIVE INDUSTRY
ACCOLADES

"SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" wins Best Sports Game "Super Monkey Ball 2" wins Best
Puzzle/Trivia/Parlor Game

SAN FRANCISCO - (June 19, 2002) - Building upon its reputation for creating
the best video game content, SEGA(R) of America, Inc. today announced "SEGA
Sports(TM) NFL 2K3" won Best Sports Game and "Super Monkey Ball(TM) 2" won
Best Puzzle/Trivia/Parlor Game in the "Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2002,"
the independent E3 awards committee recognizing excellence at the Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3). Additionally, SEGA's 2002 lineup continues to
receive industry accolades following E3 with Associate Chairman of the Game
Critics Awards, Geoff Keighley, calling SEGA "without a doubt one of the most
important third-party publishers" and the Dallas Morning News stating that
"SEGA had the best showing among the publishers" at E3 2002.

SEGA games have also received awards from leading video game industry Web
sites and publications. "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" was also voted the Best Sports
Game on PlayStation(R)2 and Xbox(TM) by IGN.com. "Panzer Dragoon(TM) ORTA"
was voted among the top 10 games at E3 2002 by Electronic Gaming Monthly and
voted among the top five Xbox games of E3 2002 by GameSpot.com.

"The awards and accolades that SEGA has received following E3 2002 is
testament to the strength of SEGA's lineup across all new next generation
consoles," said Peter Moore, president and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "With
'SEGA Sports NFL 2K3' winning multiple industry awards for Best Sports Game,
SEGA Sports is ready to take on the competition toe-to-toe this fall."

"SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" will be released starting in August 2002 for the
PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(TM) video game system
and Nintendo GameCube(TM). "Super Monkey Ball 2" will be released this fall
on Nintendo GameCube. "Panzer Dragoon ORTA" will be released this fall
exclusively on Xbox. Artwork of SEGA games is available at
<http://segapr.segaamerica.com>.

About Sega
SEGA(R) of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized
as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside
the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at
www.sega.com.

About the Game Critics Awards
The Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2002 is an independent committee
comprising the judges from leading print and online publications, as well as
mainstream media. It is in no way associated with the IDSA or E3 Expo
management.

(TM), (R) and the Nintendo GameCube logo are trademarks of Nintendo.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. Some titles have not yet been concept approved by
Sony Computer Entertainment America.

Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

(C) 2002 NFL Properties LLC. Team names and logos are trademarks of the teams
indicated. All other (NFL-related marks) are trademarks of the National
Football League. Officially Licensed product of PLAYERS INC. The PLAYERS INC
logo is a registered trademark of the NFL players. www.nflplayers.com (C)
2002 PLAYERS INC.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 54         Sun Jun 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:52 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2002:
General Coverage & Highlights
by Ken Gagne

The console wars are raging, and the ultimate victors will be the gamers.

The combatants took their places on the field in the last two years: the Sony
PlayStation 2, the Microsoft Xbox, and the Nintendo GameCube. They stood
silently, sizing each of the other behemoths... then the first shots were
fired, a sneak attack launched earlier this month, as each console dropped in
price: the PlayStation 2 and Xbox from $300 to $200, the GameCube from $200
to $150.

Amid the deafening roars and booms of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or
E3, held last week in Los Angeles, the battle continued as publishers
presented the software that will make or break their lineup for the rest of
the year. Retailers, developers, and members of the press were invited where
the general public was not: to view works-in-progress, bear witness to
unveilings, and take away impressions of the future of an industry large
enough to rival most other entertainment forms.

"When you distill it, this remains a very simple business," insisted Peter
MacDougall, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Nintendo of
America. "This is a business about games."

The newest comer to the gaming industry, Microsoft, is allowing third parties
to attend to that business. The company best known for Windows has the
best-defined plans for bringing their console to the online frontier. Xbox
gamers will be able to access Internet gaming for a flat rate of $49.95 a
year, which includes a microphone headset for voice communications. Online
features will be available only through broadband - Internet across DSL,
cable modem, or other high-speed means. The vast majority of America without
access to these technologies will be stranded offline.

Though Microsoft failed to complement their hardware with any stand-out games
at E3, Sega, now producing software for all consoles, will provide several
powerful and exclusive titles to the Xbox, including Crazy Taxi, Panzer
Dragoon, and Toe Jam & Earl.

One company that needn't rely so heavily on outside publishers is Nintendo of
America. This Redmond, Washington, neighbor to Microsoft has more experience
in the gaming industry than any of its competitors, and has used that storied
history to establish a lineup of strong franchises. Though the company may be
recycling the same characters they've used for years, Nintendo has developed
new styles of gameplay in which for players to experience familiar heroes.

Metroid Prime, a futuristic adventure game for the GameCube, uses a
first-person perspective, capturing the current popularity of shooting games
while retaining the classic Metroid gameplay. The Legend of Zelda also
continues on the Nintendo GameCube, drawn with an art style reminiscent of
Saturday morning cartoons. And Starfox Adventures, based on a series of
popular flying games, is now more of a 3D adventure game, similar to Zelda.

Other popular titles, such as Super Mario Sunshine and Mario Party 4, also
capitalize on these popular icons, rounding out a game lineup that will
appeal to all ages.

These series will also appear on the Game Boy Advance, with which Nintendo
has cornered the handheld gaming market. Metroid Fusion, Super Mario Advance
3: Yoshi's Island, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past will play
portable counterparts to the GameCube's flagship titles.

Nintendo is the least-focused company for putting their console on the
Internet. This fall, for $34.95, gamers can choose a broadband adaptor or
modem, allowing access across both high- and low-speed methods. Sega's
Phantasy Star Online will be the first title to use this connectivity, but
until the online model proves profitable, Nintendo itself is noncommittal
regarding their own online software plans.

In both software and hardware, Nintendo and Microsoft have an uphill battle
against the firmly-entrenched PlayStation 2 console. Sony's system launched a
year earlier than its competitors, and has used that time to build a
comprehensive software library and large installed user base.

The PlayStation 2 will be joining the online community this August when a
combination broadband adaptor and modem device launches for $39.95. Sony's
own SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals, a team-based military action game, will be
released that same day, warranting a $59.95 price tag by including a headset
players can use to vocally communicate with their team members. Despite
Sony's willingness to accommodate the lowest common denominator of Internet
access, only broadband users will be able to play SOCOM online.

Sony is not ready to demand additional fees for online gaming, but they are
making the Internet enticing by adding online support to many of its popular
games. Twisted Metal Black Online, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, and a variety of
Sega Sports will all provide online gameplay options to players.

In the more distant future, the long-awaited promise of massively-multiplayer
online role-playing games (MMORPGs) will finally reach a console. Popular
computer games Everquest and Star Wars Galaxies will both make their way to
the PlayStation 2, offering gamers the opportunity to participate in virtual
universes where every character they meet is controlled by another online
gamer. The diversity of action games, sports, and RPGs playable online will
make the PlayStation 2 a strong contender in this new market.

Sony will have its share of offline titles as well. The Getaway is set in a
realistically-simulated London, where an involving storyline develops amid
driving and shooting sequences. Hardcore gamers have often complained that
they want to play games, not watch movies; Sony's delivery of a game that
features a 100-page script and sixty minutes of spoken dialogue stubbornly
insists that the two experiences can be satisfactorily melded.

Traditionally, the video game industry has supported only two companies'
platforms at any given time. Nintendo and Sega held the limelight in the
early Nineties before newcomer Sony knocked Sega from the running. This year,
gamers have three well-supported consoles from which to choose, each with its
own unique strengths in hardware and software. Though much hype currently
surrounds the effort to make these game machines into the center of family
entertainment, especially where Internet access is concerned, they are still
game machines, and games are meant to be fun. Not all publishers will
experience success in their endeavors to capture gamers' hearts and dollars,
but all gamers will have an unprecedented opportunity to experience fun
across a variety of consoles and game genres.

To the victor go the spoils - or, in this case, the games.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 27-May-02

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 55         Sun Jun 30, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 08:52 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2002:
Top Ten Things We Could Do Without
by Ken Gagne

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) for video gamers is a mecca, but not a
heaven. The very nature of thousands of gamers presented with just as many
new toys for them to try creates a hectic atmosphere. Several years of E3s
have made me more aware and critical of these irritants. Now that I've had
time to recover from and reflect on my annual sojourn, I present in no
particular order my top ten things E3 doesn't need:

Contest lines

       Tens of thousands of people pay airfare to travel to Los
       Angeles and stay in hotels., then wait in line for hours to
       compete for a Nintendo WaveBird wireless controller. Value:
       $35. Did all their money go to travel expenses, that they can
       no longer afford this additional expense? I'd rather wait in
       line at my local retailer for five minutes than spend all that
       travelling money to wait in Los Angeles for five hours.

Unorganized masses

       There was no semblance of order to enter the Sony press
       convention as hordes of reporters attempted to register at the
       main gates. In this case, lines would've been appreciated.

Unorganized parking

       The Convention Center garage offers parking for a very
       accommodating price, but finding an available spot requires
       winding through the many twists, turns, and one-way avenues.
       Parking in an overpriced outdoor lot is less hassle.

Overpriced food

       Maybe those potential WaveBird owners are strapped for cash
       after paying the exorbitant prices demanded by Convention
       Center food vendors. Is packing a lunch considered
       unprofessional?

Continental breakfasts

       The press is spared the outrage of commercial food by receiving
       free meals from our host, the IDSA - but how about some hot
       food to boot? A few flapjacks would go a long way.

Lack of seating

       Again, the IDSA goes above and beyond to feed the press, and
       this year's lunches were the best they'd ever had. But why do
       they offer food to feed hundreds of press corps members, and
       enough chairs to seat only dozens? It's diametric to lavish the
       reporters with fine food, only to ask them to eat off the floor
       next to the garbage can.

Volume

       With every booth competing to be heard, it becomes nearly
       impossible to pick out any single sound source. Even these
       efforts are sometimes wasted, such as with Konami, who
       presented videos with dialogue drowned out by the video's own
       music. The volume isn't deafening, just indistinguishable.

Geeks

       Video games are about fun, yet E3 is also a business affair.
       While a suit and tie may be overkill, the opposite extreme of
       fanboys wearing their favorite game cartridges like necklaces
       is unnecessary as well.

Oblivious people

       E3 isn't an RPG where you can kill those who annoy you, so
       please be considerate of them instead. If someone is sitting or
       kneeling to watch a demonstration, please do not stand in front
       of her. If a photo is being taken, please do not cross in front
       of the photographer. Pretend it's a survival horror game, and
       be aware of your surroundings; anything could be a threat.

Booth babes

       Except possibly for Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball,
       there is little relevance between the exhibiting women,
       scantily clad or not, and the games they're demonstrating. This
       showcasing demeans these women, and produces little additional
       press for the company's software. The only real result I've
       seen are web sites boasting a plethora of testosterone-dripping
       photos of their staffers enjoying the bounties of E3.

See you next year!
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2002 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Sentinel & Enterprise, 24-Jun-02

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gamebits.net

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 56         Tue Dec 10, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:55 PDT

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY VETERANS LINE UP FOR "VIDEO GAMES LIVE AT THE
HOLLYWOOD BOWL"

Leading Agencies Partner With Mystical Stone Entertainment, LLC, To Promote
First Of Its Kind Event

HOLLYWOOD, CA - December 10, 2002 - Entertainment industry powerhouses are
lining up to support the highly anticipated "Video Games Live At The
Hollywood Bowl" concert taking place in spring 2003. Mystical Stone
Entertainment, LLC, has bolstered its industry's presence through
partnerships with the entertainment uber-agency Endeavor and leading
entertainment public relations firm Bender/Helper Impact. Endeavor will
spearhead several business and development initiatives for Mystical Stone
Entertainment, LLC, including broadcast rights, cross-promotional
partnerships and other strategic alliances. Bender/Helper Impact will oversee
Mystical Stone's PR machine and drive "Video Games At The Hollywood Bowl" to
the cutting edge of pop-culture awareness through its vast network of media
relations.

"These new partnerships will enable us to hit every sector within the
entertainment industry," said Tommy Tallarico, executive producer of Mystical
Stone Entertainment, LLC. "Our hopes are to change history with this upcoming
music and games festival. The entertainment and videogame expertise of both
Endeavor and Bender/Helper Impact are a big part of the effort."

This spring's "Video Games Live At The Hollywood Bowl" extravaganza is a
first of its kind concert festival celebrating the integral role of music in
video games. Recognized for being one of the industry's high-powered
dealmakers, Endeavor is best known for representing major entertainment
talent such as Ben Affleck, John Woo and David E. Kelly. Bender/Helper Impact
has created a name for itself within both the entertainment and videogames
worlds, orchestrating successful PR campaigns for Fox Home Video, Marvel
Comics, Konami of America, Codemasters and TDK Mediactive, among many others.

Drawing from a multitude of entertainment experiences and business
proficiencies, both Endeavor and Bender/Helper Impact will serve to position
Mystical Stone Entertainment, LLC, as an innovative company striving to bring
music in videogames to the forefront of the entertainment industry.

###

About Mystical Stone Entertainment, LLC.
Established in 2002 by leading game industry professionals, Mystical Stone
Entertainment, LLC, is an innovative company dedicated to promote excellence
in interactive music and sound.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 57         Wed Dec 11, 2002
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:28 PDT

ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS FOR ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO 2003

WHAT:
General and media registration for the ninth annual E3Expo, the world's most
important trade event for the interactive    entertainment industry, is
available at http://www.e3expo.com www.e3expo.com. E3Expo 2003, "Where
Business Gets Fun," returns to Los Angeles as the launching pad for the
hottest never-before-seen entertainment and educational software, products
and technologies.

WHEN:
Online General Attendee Registration: Now until April 4, 2003
Online Media Registration: Dec. 16, 2002 - April 4, 2003
Conference Dates: May 13 - 15, 2003 (Tuesday - Thursday)
Exhibit Dates: May 14 - 16, 2003 (Wednesday - Friday)

WHO ATTENDS:
* Leading interactive entertainment professionals from around the world
including developers, software publishers, retailers, distributors, industry
executives, hardware and accessories manufacturers.
* Members of the international financial community including investment
bankers, analysts and venture capitalists.
* Worldwide electronic, print and broadcast media.

Please note:
E3Expo 2003 is a trade event, and is not open to the general public. No one
under 18 will be admitted, including infants. This policy is strictly
enforced.

WHERE:        Los Angeles Convention Center

HOW TO
REGISTER:
Industry professionals: Visit http://www.e3expo.com/ or call 1-877-216-6263.
Media: Working journalists may visit the online media center at
http://www.e3expo.com to submit a registration request. Required credentials,
as outlined on the Web site, must be emailed, faxed or mailed to complete the
registration process. Qualified media who attended E3Expo 2002 are NOT
automatically guaranteed a media badge for E3Expo 2003 and are required to
submit new credentials each year.

WHO OWNS
E3EXPO:
E3Expo, now in its ninth year, is owned by the Interactive Digital Software
Association

(IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public
affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game
consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. IDSA
members collectively accounted for more than 85 percent of the $6.35 billion
in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2001, and billions more in
export sales of American-made entertainment software. For more information
about the IDSA, please visit http://www.idsa.com .

CONTACT:
Ashley Kim, mailto:ashley_kim@cohnwolfe.com
Christine Mosby, mailto:christine_mosby@cohnwolfe.com
Douglas*Cohn & Wolfe (310) 967-2900

###

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 58         Thu Jan 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 05:32 PDT

This morning I mailed the necessary credentials to register for E3, which is
being held from May 14th to 16th in Los Angeles.

I don't know if I'm actually going to the show.  In all likelihood I am, but
it gets less fun each year.  Last year I saved money by staying at a friend's
and renting a car, but it wasn't worth the time wasted on L.A.'s freeways.
Maybe this year I can resume my tradition of getting a hotel room within
walking distance of the show, so I can come and go as I please.

Anyone want to split a room with me? :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 59         Tue Mar 11, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:29 PDT

LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2003 - The Interactive Digital Software Association
(IDSA) today unveiled a new comprehensive lineup of conferences and
workshops, panel discussions and special interviews which will take place at
E3Expo 2003, the world's pre-eminent interactive entertainment trade event.
The power-packed sessions will feature more than 100 industry leaders
including John Carmack, Peter Molyneux and Will Wright to name a few.

With the world of interactive entertainment rapidly evolving and expanding,
staying abreast of the latest trends and issues has become increasingly
important to all those involved in the industry. E3Expo conference
participants can pursue their individual educational objectives by
registering for one of the four themed conference tracks. Thirty-three
conference and workshop sessions will bring the best minds in the industry
together with conference participants, creating a hands-on learning
environment which is unique to E3Expo. This year, the program also will
feature new luncheon sessions, a first for the show.

"The E3Expo conference program has always been the premiere forum for
industry professionals to explore the very latest opportunities and
challenges that face our business, and the E3Expo '03 program is no
exception," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the IDSA, the trade
association that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers and owns
E3Expo.  "Whether it be business strategies, content delivery options,
development issues, or global trends, E3Expo's conference and workshop
program offers an unparalleled opportunity for industry professionals to
learn from the leaders and sharpen their skills."

The following conference sessions will be held May 13-15, 2003, at the Los
Angeles Convention Center.

Conference Sessions
The Online & Wireless (r)Evolution
* Persistent Worlds: Toward What Future?
Moderator: Jessica Mulligan, President, The Themis Group; Panelists: Jeff
Anderson, CEO, Turbine Entertainment Software; Mark Jacobs, President, Mythic
Entertainment; Philip Rosedale,  Linden Labs

* Design Secrets: Online - USA And Asia
Panelists: Richard Garriott, Executive Producer, NCsoft; Raph Koster, Sony
Online Entertainment

* Consoles Go Online: First Semester Grades
To be determined

* Take Your Game Online: Four Case Studies
Panelists: Matt Firor, Mythic Entertainment ("Dark Age of Camelot"); Brian
Soderberg, Zipper Interactive ("SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals"); Patrick Soderlund,
Digital Illusions ("Battlefield 1942")

* Survive The Platform Shakeout In Mobile Gaming
Moderator: Dan Scherlis, EtherPlay; Panelists: Vesa-Pekka Kirsi, Senior
Manager Games
Applications, Nokia

* Charting Change In Mobile Entertainment: For Survival And Success
Moderator: Eric Goldberg, President, Crossover Technologies; Panelists: Paul
Goode, Motorola; Mitch Lasky, CEO, JAMDAT Mobile, Inc.; Elizabeth Schimel,
AT&T Wireless

Games Go Global: The New Reality
* Big Money: How Big Ideas And Global Corporations Are Changing The Face Of
Gaming
Moderator: Amy Bernstein, Senior Editor, Business 2.0; Panelists: Philippe
Erwin, Vice President, Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros.; Charles
Hirschhorn, CEO & Founder, G4; David Mandelbrot, General Manager/Vice
President, Media and Entertainment, Yahoo! Inc.; Ilkka Raiskinen, Senior Vice
President, Entertainment and Media, Nokia

* A Global Tour Of Top Games, Genres And Trends
Panelists: Dejian Liu, NetDragon; Starr Long, Producer, NCsoft

* John Carmack: Out of the Shadows
Moderator: N'Gai Croal, General Editor, Newsweek; Speaker: John Carmack,
Co-owner, Technical Director, id Software

* Game Gems From Asia: More Influential Than You Think
Moderator: Justin Hall, Game Culture Correspondent, Links.net; Panelists:
Joon S. Oh, Global Business Manager, CCR, Inc

* Hot Shots: Learning From The Next Generation Of Game Designers
Moderator: Greg Kasavin, GameSpot; Panelists: Mathieu Ferland, Senior
Producer, Ubi Soft/Montreal; Ted Price, President & CEO, Insomniac Games;
Harvey Smith, Project Director, ION Storm

* New Approaches To PR: The Modern Rules Of Engagement
Moderator: Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Bureau Chief, PRWeek Magazine;
Panelists: Marc Saltzman, Freelance Journalist; Tina Vennegaard, Senior Vice
President, Golin/Harris International

Effective Business Strategies for Today's Marketplace
* Reaching The New Gamer
Moderator: Jason Rubin, President and Co-founder, Naughty Dog, Inc.;
Panelists: Vince Broady, Senior Vice President, GameSpot

* Marketing Solutions For Every Budget
Moderator: Brian Baglow, Founder and CEO, Indoctrimat PR; Panelists: Liz
Allen, LucasArts Entertainment; Brent Stafford, Development Director,
Entertainment, Alliance

* Analyst Roundtable: How They Work, What They Know
Moderator: Alex Pham, Technology Reporter, Los Angeles Times; Panelists:
Alison Locke, Executive Vice President of North American Publishing, THQ;
Richard Ow, Senior Account Manager, Video Games, NPD/Funworld; Michael
Pachter, Vice President, Research Entertainment, Wedbush Morgan Securities;
Simon Price, International Data Group; Edward Williams, Gerard Klauer
Mattison

* Start-Up Summit: How To Market Your Talent And Focus Your Business Strategy
Moderator: Aaron Loeb, Producer, Planet Moon Studios; Panelists: Jeff Butler,
Vice President, Sigil Games Online; Tim Morten, CEO, Savage Entertainment;
James Schmalz, Founder and Creative Director, Digital Extremes

* Taking A Lesson From The Boom In Sports Games
Panelists: John Schappert, Vice President & General Manager, Electronic Arts;
Greg Thomas, Vice President, Product Development, Sega of America/Visual
Concepts

* Grow Your Career In The Game Industry
Moderator: Jason Della Rocca, Program Director, IGDA; Panelists: Karthik
Bala, Vicarious Visions

Game Development: What Works
* Hired Guns: The New Talent Pool And How To Fit In
Moderator: Noah Falstein, President, The Inspiracy; Panelists: Nick deSemov,
Art Director, A-Wake Productions; Ken Goldstein, Executive Vice President and
Managing Director, Disney Online; American McGee, Chief Creative Officer,
Carbon6 Entertainment

* Music Matters
Moderator: Joe D'Angelo, MTV News; Panelists: Germaine Gioia, Vice President
Licensing, THQ, Inc.; Rob Gordon, Capital/EMI; Courtney Holt, Executive Vice
President-Marketing, Interscope Geffen A&M Records; Steve Schnur, WW
Executive of Music, Creative Vice President,
Electronic Arts

* Sneak Peeks: Taking The Wraps Off The Hottest New Titles
Moderator: Geoff Keighley, Editor, GameSlice.com; Panelists: Neil Young, Vice
President & Executive in Charge of Production, Electronic Arts

* Game AI Update: New Ways Of Engaging the Player
Moderator: Richard Rouse III, Lead Designer, Surreal Software; Panelists:
Doug Church, Game Designer, IONStorm/Austin; Richard Evans, Lionhead Studios;
Brian Reynolds, President, Big Huge Games

* Tap the High-Tech Pulse Of Gaming
Panelists: Kim Pallister, Intel; Fred Swan, Director, Marketing, Logitech

* New Hooks In Gaming
Moderator: David Kushner, Journalist; Panelists: David Jones, Real Time
Worlds; Peter Molyneux, Managing Director, Lionhead Studios; Will Wright,
Designer, Maxis/EA

In addition to conferences, the following nine in-depth workshops will be
offered.

Workshop Sessions

* Read The Marketplace For Added Profit
Moderator: Michael Gartenberg, Vice President and Research Director, Jupiter
Media Metrix;
Panelists: Carolyn Feinstein, Vice President of Marketing Communications,
Electronic Arts;
Bill Fulton, User Testing Manager, Microsoft; Scott McDaniel, Vice President
Marketing & Public Relations, Sony Online Entertainment; Tobi Saulnier, Vice
President, Product Development, Vicarious Visions

* The Design Document: Necessary, Necessary Evil Or Not Needed
Moderator: Randy Angle, President/Creative Director, Pronto Games; Panelists:
Haden Blackman, LucasArts Entertainment; Marc LeBlanc, Sega of America/Visual
Concepts;
Carly Staehlin, Design Manager, Ncsoft

* Smart Games Break Out
Panelists: Barbara Hayes-Roth, CEO, Extempo Systems; Randy Hinrichs,
Microsoft; Michael Macedonia, CTO, U.S. Army; Jesse Schell, Professor
Entertainment Technology, Carnegie Mellon University

* Working Smart: Understanding The Decision-Making Process At The Highest
Levels
Moderator: Dean Takahashi, Staff Writer, San Jose Mercury News; Panelists:
Paul Baldwin, Eidos Interactive; Frank Gibeau, Senior Vice President North
America Marketing, Electronic Arts; Lorne Lanning, President and Creative
Director, Oddworld Inhabitants; Ray Muzyka, Joint CEO/Co-Executive Producer,
BioWare Corp.

* Use The Web To Publish, Market And Protect Your Game
Moderator: Chris Kantrowitz, CEO, The Groove Alliance; Panelists: Alex St.
John, CEO & Co-founder, WildTangent; Jeff Tunnell, Garage Games

* Pitching Your Game Idea Or Studio's Expertise: The New Rules
Moderator: Trent Ward, Senior Producer, Digital Eclipse; Panelists: Seamus
Blackley, Capital Entertainment Group, Inc.; Tom Frisina, Vice President &
General Manager, Electronic Arts; Alex Garden, Chief Executive Officer, Relic
Entertainment; James Regan, Director - Business Development, Ubi Soft

* Persistent World Overview: Where The Bar Is Now
Moderator: Rob Levine, Wired Magazine; Panelists: David Cohen Corval,
President, Producer, Editorial Director, NEVRAX; Brad McQuaid, President &
CEO, Sigil Games Online; Richard Vogel, Sony Online Entertainment

* Funding Tip Sheet: Strategies For Tapping Into Today's Money Stream
Moderator: Donald Karl, Partner, Perkins Coie LLP; Panelists: Mark Long,
Co-founder & Co-CEO, Zombie Studios; Gene Mauro, CEO, Capital Entertainment
Group, Inc.; Bruce McMillan, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Studios,
Electronic Arts

* Mobile Game Hit List: What Makes Them So Good
Moderator: Matthew Bellows, President, Wireless Gaming Review; Panelists:
Stephane Vergneres, Games Product Manager, In-Fusio

Registration Information
Attendees can register for these workshops and conferences by logging on to
http:\\www.e3expo.com , where daily schedules and additional information
about the conferences are posted. The Web site also contains general
registration information for the show, which takes place May 14-16.

E3Expo, now in its ninth year, is owned by the Interactive Digital Software
Association (IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business
and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for
video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet.
IDSA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $6.9
billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2002, and billions
more in export sales of American-made entertainment software. The IDSA offers
services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global
anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show,
business and consumer research, government relations and First Amendment and
intellectual property protection efforts.

E3Expo is a trade event, not open to the general public. Only working
journalists with qualified media outlets will be eligible to register for
media badges. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted, including infants.
This policy is strictly enforced.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 60         Thu Apr 17, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:42 PDT

                 E3Expo 2003 Surpasses Key Milestones
   World's Leading Computer and Video Game Trade Event Sees Growth

LOS ANGELES--April 17, 2003--Reflecting the Electronic Entertainment Expo's
(E3Expo) position as the world's leading venue for interactive entertainment
products, E3Expo show management today announced that the event is on track
to surpass key exhibit space and registration milestones from the prior year.

To date, E3Expo 2003 has sold approximately 515,000 net square feet of
exhibit space, the largest amount of space sold since 2000. This year's show
is on track to host more than 400 exhibitors, including 163 new exhibiting
companies, and has also seen growth in the number of qualified pre-registered
general attendees, with pre-registration numbers exceeding those seen at the
same time in 2002. The show, now in its ninth year, is scheduled May 14-16 at
the Los Angeles Convention Center.

"Given a global environment in which concerns about war, disease, and the
economy are affecting just about everything, it is striking that the current
outlook for E3Expo 2003 is so robust," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of
the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), the trade association
that represents U.S. computer and video game publishers and owns E3Expo. "In
my view, this reflects the fact that interest in the computer and video game
industry and its future remains exceptionally high, and the recognition that
attendance at E3Expo is essential for anyone with a stake in this growing
business."

An invaluable forum for industry professionals seeking to learn more about
the business, E3Expo 2003 will offer an unparalleled panel of 100 industry
leaders who will share their knowledge during 33 educational conference
sessions and workshops.

E3Expo is owned by the Interactive Digital Software Association
(IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public
affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game
consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. IDSA
members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $6.9 billion in
entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2002, and billions more in export
sales of American-made entertainment software. The IDSA offers services to
interactive entertainment software publishers, including a global anti-piracy
program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show, business and
consumer research, government relations, and First Amendment and intellectual
property protection efforts.

E3Expo is a trade event, not open to the general public. Only working
journalists with qualified media outlets will be eligible to register for
media badges. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted, including infants.
This policy is strictly enforced.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 61         Thu Apr 17, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 11:36 PDT

POWERFUL E3 LINEUP TO INCLUDE SIX NEW BLOCKBUSTER TITLES

San Francisco, CA - April 17, 2003 - Ubi Soft Entertainment, one of the
world's leading video game publishers, today announced that its 2003
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) lineup will feature an outstanding
selection of diverse titles for all platforms. Particularly in the spotlight
this year, six blockbuster games are expected to wow fans and rack up record
sales:

        Beyond Good & Evil(tm): Based on an original idea by Michel Ancel and
developed by Ubi Soft's in-house studios, this title blends an ambitious,
fluid new gaming experience with an epic storyline. Its Jade engine ensures
that players benefit from the most advanced technologies available in the
industry today.

        Far Cry(tm): This cunningly detailed action shooter - which boasts a
meticulously designed, next-generation Far Cry engine - pushes the boundaries
of virtual combat to shocking new levels.

        Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: Developed in-house, the latest,
highly anticipated title in the world-renowned Prince of Persia series is a
technological breakthrough that promises to change the entire concept of
action-adventure gaming.

        Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3(tm): Developed by Ubi Soft's Montreal
studio, this Xbox(tm) title immerses the player like never before with its
squad-based gameplay and voice-activated commands. Gamers will be able to
play together thanks to advanced online multiplayer capabilities.

        Uru(tm): Ages Beyond MYST(R): Ubi Soft's forward-looking strategy for
its Myst(R)  franchise will be visible with this game, a single-player
experience that can be enriched with online content.

        XIII: Based on the comic license of the same name, this first-person
shooter's original, graphic novel style, action-packed gameplay and
intriguing storyline all come together seamlessly thanks to the combined
talents of Ubi Soft's in-house production teams.

"We've poured a lot of creative energy into each of these titles and can't
wait to show them off at E3," says Yves Guillemot, Ubi Soft's president and
CEO. "There is no doubt that 2002 was a fantastic year for Ubi Soft. Now,
with our new E3 lineup, it's clear that 2003 is going to be even better! Each
of the games that we'll be showcasing this year demonstrates our ongoing
commitment to bring players the best in interactive entertainment."

Ubi Soft's E3 booth will be located at #1046, South Hall in the Los Angeles
Convention Center. For more information, visit our special E3 Web site at
http://e3-2003.ubisoft.com/ <http://e3-2003.ubisoft.com/>

(C) 2003 Ubi Soft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Beyond Good & Evil, Ubi
Soft and the Ubi Soft logo are trademarks of Ubi Soft Entertainment in the US
and/or other countries.

(C) 2003 Crytek Studios. All Rights Reserved. Published by Ubi Soft
Entertainment. Far Cry, is a trademarks of Ubi Soft Entertainment in the US
and/or other countries.

Prince of Persia is a trademark of Jordan Mechner.
(C) 2003 Red Storm Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Rainbow Six Red Storm
and Red Storm Entertainment are trademarks of Red Storm Entertainment in the
US and/or other countries. Red Storm Entertainment, Inc. is a Ubi Soft
Entertainment company.

(C) 2003 Cyan Worlds, Inc. Published by Ubi Soft Entertainment, S.A. All
rights reserved. Uru (TM), Cyan(R), and Myst(R) are trademarks of Cyan, Inc.
and Cyan Worlds, Inc. under license to Ubi Soft Entertainment.

(C) 2002 VANCE-VAN HAMME-DARGAUD BENELUX (Dargaud-Lombard s.a.)  All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Ubi Soft(R) Entertainment
Ubi Soft Entertainment is a global producer, publisher and international
distributor of interactive entertainment products. A leading company in the
industry, Ubi Soft's strong and diversified line-up has grown considerably.
As well as developing original properties, Ubi Soft has also steadfastly
partnered with several high-profile companies and is dedicated to delivering
consumers with quality videogame titles while offering blockbuster
franchises.  Founded in 1986, the company has offices in 22 countries
including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Finland and China and
sells its products in over 50 countries. For more information about Ubi Soft,
visit http://www.ubi.com <http://www.ubi.com>.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 62         Thu Apr 24, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:26 PDT

            OVER 1,300 NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN INTERACTIVE GAMES
                 AND PRODUCTS TO LAUNCH AT E3EXPO 2003

         New Exhibitor Survey Provides Preview of Computer and
                        Video Games Being Shown

LOS ANGELES - April 24, 2003 - Leading interactive entertainment companies
from around the globe will converge at the 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo
(E3Expo) next month to unveil more than 1,350 never-before-seen computer and
video games and related products, according to data from the E3Expo 2003
Exhibitor Survey. Survey data, which was released today by the show's owner,
the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), indicates that 83
percent of all products being shown at this year's E3Expo will be in stores
in time for consumers to purchase during the 2003 holiday season.

"Interactive entertainment continues to flourish and captivate people of all
ages and interests, and E3Expo provides an important preview of what they
will be playing this holiday season and beyond," said Douglas Lowenstein,
president of the IDSA, the trade association representing U.S. entertainment
software publishers. "The fact that E3Expo is the preferred product launch
venue for the global computer and video game industry, with over 1,300 new
products being introduced this year, demonstrates that industry professionals
know that the show is not only `where business gets fun,' but also `where
business gets done.'"

Ninety-three percent of all exhibitors responded to the survey, which asked
participants to provide details on ten products they will be showing at
E3Expo 2003. The survey found that the products to be showcased reflect the
popularity of platforms such as video game consoles and computers, as well as
interest in other platforms such as handheld game devices and cellular
phones. Specifically, of the never-before-seen game titles surveyed:

-- 57.3 percent will be for video game consoles;
-- 26.7 percent will be for personal computers;
-- 8.6 percent will be for handheld game devices;
-- 4.7 percent will be for PDAs, wireless phones and other;
-- 2.6 percent will be online/Internet games.

Exhibitors also reported that they will be showing products that are targeted
at avid game players, as well as offering a broad range of products that are
aimed at a mass market audience. Continuing trends of the last several years,
games on display will appeal to men and women and young and old alike.
According to survey respondents, reported never-before-seen game titles shown
at E3Expo will cover game categories such as:

-- Action games (20.3 percent);
-- Sports and Driving games (15.5 percent);
-- Role Playing games (11.7 percent);
-- Strategy games (8.3 percent);
-- Adventure games (8 percent);
-- Child and Family games (5.1 percent);
-- Educational/ Edutainment games (4.8 percent);
-- Simulation games (2.9 percent).

Interactive products making their debut at E3Expo 2003, scheduled for May 14
- 16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will be spotlighted in the "First
Looks" program. Participating First Looks exhibitors will be designated in
the E3Expo exhibit guide, the E3Expo Show Daily, www.e3expo.com and on the
exhibit floor beginning May 14.

E3Expo, now in its ninth year, is owned by the Interactive Digital Software
Association (IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business
and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for
video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet.
IDSA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $6.9
billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in 2002, and billions
more in export sales of American-made entertainment software. The IDSA offers
services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global
anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show,
business and consumer research, government relations and First Amendment and
intellectual property protection efforts.

E3Expo is a trade event, not open to the general public. Only working
journalists with qualified media outlets will be eligible to register for
media badges. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted, including infants.
This policy is strictly enforced.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 63         Sun Apr 27, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:24 PDT

The musical event outlined in message 56 in this topic has been delayed until
2004.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 64         Mon Apr 28, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:34 PDT

Booth #2216/West Hall

SEGA ANNOUNCES STELLAR VIDEO GAME LINEUP TO BE FEATURED AT ELECTRONIC
ENTERTAINMENT EXPO 2003

Sonic The Hedgehog's Multi-platform Debut and All-New 2K4 Sports Titles Lead
Blockbuster Lineup

SAN FRANCISCO - (April 28, 2003) - Illustrating its power as an independent
content publisher, SEGA(R) today announced its fall and winter lineup of
nearly 20 entertainment and sports games to be featured at the Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3) 2003. SEGA's E3 2003 lineup features a bold and
diverse array of titles for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment
system,
the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(tm) and the
Game Boy(R) Advance.

The SEGA entertainment lineup features a thrilling blend of action,
adventure and platform games, including the historic multi-platform debut of
Sonic The Hedgehog(R) in "Sonic Heroes(tm)," the return of several classic
SEGA franchises such as "Altered Beast(tm)" and "Vectorman(tm)," and the
first new platform game and character from Sonic's legendary creator, Yuji
Naka, since the SEGA Saturn(tm) era -- "Billy Hatcher and the Giant
Egg(tm)."

SEGA's 2K4 sports series is back with an all-new look and feel ready to
compete for top honors. Packed with gameplay and visual enhancements, the
2K4 series has been completely redesigned including a new interface and
enhanced integration with ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Sports. SEGA's 2K4
lineup includes new gameplay mechanics and revolutionary features that will
continue to raise the bar for traditional sports video games by delivering
an unprecedented level of immersive gameplay further blurring the boundaries
between realism and entertainment.

"With an impressive lineup of world-class entertainment and sports titles,
SEGA's E3 2003 showing is testament to our legendary properties and
franchises and the strength of our world-renowned development talent," said
Tetsu Kayama, president and CEO, SEGA of America, Inc. "With an enormous
catalog of iconic character-driven franchises and a completely redesigned
2K4 sports series, SEGA is committed to delivering industry leading content
across all platforms in 2003 and beyond."

SEGA's lineup of entertainment games to be featured at E3 includes but is
not limited to:

* "Sonic Heroes(tm)" (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox): SEGA's
legendary mascot Sonic The Hedgehog makes his historic PlayStation 2 and Xbox
debut! In "Sonic Heroes," Sonic embarks on his biggest adventure ever, with
his trademark blazing speed and a new gameplay twist. Sonic and his friends
have evolved, adopting a configuration feature that allows gamers to control
three playable characters simultaneously, using Sonic's speed, Knuckles'
power, and Tails' ability to fly, to conquer massive worlds. This team-based
gameplay marks the next evolution in Sonic's gaming career, taking platform
gaming to a completely new level. Using the three formations and the powerful
moves that each team member has, Sonic and his friends combine forces to
battle the ultimate evil.

* "Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg(tm)" (Nintendo GameCube): Sonic The
Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka and SONICTEAM return with their first all-new
platform game since the SEGA Saturn era! Darkness has fallen upon a
once-magical land. An evil King who seeks to rule with an everlasting night
has captured the creatures that inhabit this realm. Now, a young boy must use
the powers of a legendary suit to control special eggs in order to restore
light to the land. Gamers will collect special eggs, use them to solve
puzzles and nurture them with items found by exploring the world. Gamers will
be able to hatch the eggs and discover magical creatures with a variety of
skills, introducing a strategic planning element to the combat and puzzles.
It's up to Billy Hatcher to return light to the land!

* "Vectorman(tm)" (PlayStation 2): Gamers become Vectorman, a veritable
walking arsenal, on an epic campaign to free his land from an oppressive
robotic dictator, Volt, bent on galactic conquest. The game's dark storyline
is packed with explosive combat and vast opportunities for exploration.
Vectorman has all the resources he needs to take on Volt's evil minions
including an arsenal of powerful weapons and upgrades. With a focus on player
freedom, "Vectorman's" game design encourages players to explore the world at
large and utilize any number of different combat strategies. Whether they
prefer the direct approach of guns-blazing action, or a more cerebral type of
combat composed of sniping and full use of the environment, "Vectorman" will
not disappoint. [This title is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer
Entertainment America]

* "Headhunter(tm): Redemption" (PlayStation 2): "Headhunter: Redemption" is
the gripping story of Jack Wade, a veteran Headhunter keeping order in a
futuristic world overrun with unchecked consumerism, vicious organized crime
and mind-controlling mass media. When Jack and his protege, the sassy,
streetwise Leeza X, stumble upon an arms smuggling operation that threatens
the status quo, they must work together to deliver an oblivious world from
impending catastrophe, confronting their darkest fears beneath a chilling
shroud of evil that blankets the city. [This title is not yet concept
approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America]

* "Otogi(tm) - Myth of Demons" (Xbox): Set in ancient Japan and steeped in
real-life folklore and mysticism, "Otogi - Myth of Demons" is the story of
Raiko, an undead warrior who must stop a ferocious demonic army that has been
unleashed upon the Earth. As a long-forgotten doomsday myth materializes,
Raiko must quickly master more than 30 weapons and 12 varieties of magic to
dispatch endless hoards of demon warriors, massive boss characters and
everything else that gets in his way.

* "Sega GT Online(tm) (Xbox): Bringing all the thrills of the most realistic
driving game for Xbox online via Xbox(tm) Live, "Sega GT Online" will allow
up to six gamers to put their cars - and their skills - to the ultimate test
against thousands of gamers from around the country. A blend of deep
simulation detail and high-octane arcade action, "Sega GT Online" challenges
gamers to qualify for licenses, compete in a series of increasingly
competitive races and earn money to soup up their rides and buy newer, more
powerful cars. Players can then fine-tune nearly every aspect of their car's
performance - from the muffler and brakes to the suspension, body weight and
tires, before hitting the online racing circuit.

* "Altered Beast(tm)" (PlayStation 2): As a special military operative, you
are sent to investigate a deadly genetic outbreak in a small West Coast town.
Hunted by unspeakable horrors and haunted by your past, you soon discover
that in order to overcome evil, you must become more than evil. The only
thing that can save you is your darkest power, the ability to transform into
a variety of powerful beasts. As you defeat wave after wave of failed genetic
experiments, the line between human restraint and primal instinct will blur,
until nothing is left but the savage desire to uncover the true nature of the
beast. Explore your inner demons. Unleash your fury. Alter your reality.
[This title is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment
America]

* "Virtua Fighter(tm) 4 Evolution Greatest Hits" (PlayStation 2): More than
500,000 beatings can't be wrong ...SEGA's best-selling fighting game gets a
major graphical and gameplay upgrade in "Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution." But as
any Darwinist will tell you, Evolution is not about looks - it's about the
survival of the fittest. Stakes are raised as players throw-down against
aggressive, highly-tuned A.I. opponents modeled after the top players from
the arcades of Japan, with new exceptionally detailed arenas, more than 1,500
new costume items and two all-new characters hungry for their place at the
top.

* "Phantasy Star Online(tm) Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution"
(Nintendo GameCube): "Phantasy Star Online Episode III: C.A.R.D. Revolution"
expands the "Phantasy Star Online" (PSO) universe, offering a new style of
strategic combat. Combining the excitement of card collection and deck
settings with team-based battle tactics, PSO Episode III allows users to chat
in the lobby about status upgrades and tactics, and then journey to the
planet surface to engage in strategic combat using a turn-based Card system.
The game continues the story arc of the previous PSO games, as players once
again become Hunters and explore the mysteries of the planet Ragol. Featuring
both online and offline play, as well as multiplayer modes, PSO Episode III
adds new content and players to the ever-growing PSO community.

* "Virtual On Marz(tm) (PlayStation 2): Mech combat meets street brawling in
this lightning-fast weapon-intensive arena-based Battle Royal. As a member of
"Marz," a Robotic Special Forces unit, players are thrust into the pilot's
seat of a giant mech known as a Virtuaroid (VR), an immensely capable machine
built specifically for combat. Through a variety of missions on various
planets, players set out to defeat enemy VRs, locate new areas, attack enemy
locations, defend allied bases, attack enemy convoys, and fight alongside
other VRs in explosive two-on-two battles.

* "Dororo (working title)" (PlayStation 2): "Dororo" is a modern day action
epic adapted from the classic manga by Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy). Like the
original manga the game follows the adventures of Hyakkimaru, a samurai
haunted by a shocking secret, who is on a quest to uncover his past and
regain his humanity. Players can choose to battle with various weapons such
as blades embedded inside Hyakkimaru's arms, a bazooka hidden inside his leg,
or weapons that are found during the course of the adventure. "Dororo"
delivers the ultimate Samurai fighting experience with intense 3D action from
one of Japan's most famous storytellers. [This title is not yet concept
approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America]

* "Kunoichi (working title)" (PlayStation 2): A rift to the demon realm has
placed Tokyo in great peril. As Kunoichi, a deadly female ninja, you are
charged with the task of collecting the scattered pieces of a legendary
weapon while dispatching a relentless army of powerful demonic foes. [This
title is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America]

* "Sonic Adventure(tm) DX Director's Cut" (Nintendo GameCube): Sonic The
Hedgehog returns in one of his most popular blockbusters in a special
"Director's Cut" edition for the Nintendo GameCube! The original "Sonic
Adventure(tm)" returns with enhanced graphics and more than five hours of new
gameplay for the Nintendo GameCube. "Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut"
includes an all-new Mission Mode featuring more than 50 missions for gamers
to discover. Sonic fans will be able to explore new hidden areas throughout
the game - adding a whole new twist to the original.

* "Sonic Pinball Party(tm)" (Game Boy Advance): It's time to get the party
started right with "Sonic Pinball Party" for the Game Boy Advance. Sonic The
Hedgehog returns to the Game Boy Advance, with the ultimate handheld pinball
experience, delivering fresh pinball boards filled with SONICTEAM characters
and a huge assortment of multiplayer party games. With SONICTEAM characters
from "Sonic The Hedgehog(R)," "Samba de Amigo(tm)" and "Nights(tm)," "Sonic
Pinball Party" challenges players to shoot, tilt, and flip their way through
a slew of pinball boards, lightning fast mini-games and party games that
promise to give gamers the pinball fix they've been craving!

* "Sonic Battle(tm)" (Game Boy Advance): "Sonic Battle" brings furious combat
action to the Game Boy Advance, as Sonic and his friends set out to determine
which one of them is really the best fighter! Choose from eight characters
such as Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, each with their own strengths and
weaknesses. Choose the arena, set the rules, customize your special attacks,
and then engage in non-stop battles. Up to four friends can link their
systems together using the Game Boy Advance Game Link(R) cable for team
battles, and then combine special attacks into devastating combos! If you
prefer to battle solo, work through the Story Mode to develop your own AI
fighting partner. Either way, "Sonic Battle" is the ultimate showdown between
Sonic and his friends.

SEGA's 2K4 sports lineup to be featured at E3 includes but is not limited to:

* "NFL 2K4" (PlayStation 2, Xbox): "NFL 2K4" hits the line hard, challenging
the conventions of football video gaming once again, with a fresh new
experience that will put gamers right into the action. Enter a new world of
ESPN integration, bringing you behind the scenes and into a captivating
environment of new presentation schemes. A new play calling system makes it
easy for gamers to navigate through menus, while more than 1,000 new
animations and enhanced moves give "NFL 2K4" a new level of realism that is
unmatched. Playable online and ready for the season to begin, "NFL 2K4" is
destined for greatness.

* "NBA 2K4" (PlayStation 2, Xbox): "NBA 2K4" advances to the next level of
the game with a blowout of new and innovative gameplay improvements.
Replicating the quickness and athleticism of the NBA like no other basketball
video game, "NBA 2K4" rises to the top with online play, an all-new franchise
mode, redesigned player models and arenas and hundreds of new animations
including highlight-reel dunks. An unrivaled telecast presentation brings
this all to life with a more dynamic production that only ESPN can deliver.

* "NHL 2K4" (PlayStation 2, Xbox): "NHL 2K4" emerges with new levels of
realism and detail, not yet seen before in hockey video games. Experience the
complete NHL environment from the real-time reflections of the arenas on ice
to the lifelike appearances of the NHL pros -- no detail has been spared. Add
to this a polished gameplay engine with adaptive AI and a variety of new
modes, including online play for both the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. A
remarkably authentic ESPN presentation system completes this package, making
"NHL 2K4" the enforcer this season.

* "NCAA College Basketball 2K4" (PlayStation 2, Xbox): "NCAA College
Basketball 2K4" truly embodies the tradition, pageantry, and purity of
college hoops. This year, the game features dramatic enhancements including
all-new player models, redesigned school-specific arenas, an expanded Legacy
mode, more than 100 fight songs and mascots, the ability to create teams and
players and customizable gameplay sliders to adjust the game to your
preferred style of play. Along with an all-new ESPN presentation format and
online play for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, "NCAA College Basketball 2K4"
delivers the complete college hoops experience.

Information and screen shots for the above titles are available for download
at http://segapr.segaamerica.com.

About SEGA
SEGA(R) of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA
Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and
outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at
www.sega.com.

About Visual Concepts Entertainment and SEGA's 2K4 series SEGA's 2K4 series
will debut from Visual Concepts Entertainment, SEGA's sports center, which
has taken on an expanded role including full development and marketing
responsibilities for all of SEGA's sports titles. In doing so, Visual
Concepts Entertainment has also formed key alliances with other leading
development houses, Kush Games and Blue Shift, Inc.

About ESPN
ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is a multinational, multimedia
sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia
assets in sports marketing with over 40 business entities. The company is
comprised of seven domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic,
ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes (launching the end of 2003), ESPN Now, ESPN Today),
ESPN HD (a high-definition simulcast service of ESPN), ESPN Regional
Television, ESPN International (25 international networks and syndication),
ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, SportsTicker, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN
Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including
ESPN Broadband, ESPN Wireless, ESPN Video-on-Demand and ESPN Interactive.
Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc, which is an
indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds
a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

NBA, NFL, NCAA, and NHL are trademarks of their respective owners and used
with permission. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a registered trademark
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. (tm),
(R), Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo GameCube are trademarks of Nintendo.
ESPN is a registered trademark of ESPN, Inc. ESPN branded elements (C)
Disney. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

###

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 65         Tue Apr 29, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 04:39 PDT

HOLY @*#$  -Ken!

May 14 - Buena Vista Games, 2:00-4:00p.m. -- Don't miss the TRON Reunion
celebrity autograph signing at the Buena Vista Games booth (South Hall 924).
Bruce Boxleitner, Cindy Morgan, Steven Lisberger and Richard Taylor, talent
from the original TRON film, reunite for a signing session at E3Expo. All are
available before the event for one-on-one interviews.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 66         Wed Apr 30, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 12:28 PDT

SQUARE ENIX U.S.A., INC. TO UNVEIL EPIC NEW ROLE PLAYING GAMES
AT THE ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO, MAY 14 - 16

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 30, 2003 - Square Enix U.S.A., Inc. ("Square Enix
U.S.A."), publisher of Square EnixT products in North America, today
announced its Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) lineup of new video game
releases for multiple gaming platforms. All of the games will be on display
at the Square Enix U.S.A. booth (#624) in the South Hall of the Los Angeles
Convention Center.

Making its first E3 appearance since the recent merger between Square and
Enix, Square Enix U.S.A. is poised to take role-playing games (RPGs) to the
next level with a variety of innovative titles. The new company will continue
its efforts to elevate the popularity of RPGs worldwide. The highly
anticipated FINAL FANTASY(R)XI, the company's first venture into online
gaming, will make its North American debut for the PlayStation(R)2 computer
entertainment system and the PC. The company will bring several high caliber
role-playing games to the North American market - UNLIMITED SagaT, FINAL
FANTASY(R)X-2, STAR OCEANT Till the End of Time and DrakengardT - all for the
PlayStation 2. In addition, Square Enix U.S.A. will showcase FINAL FANTASY(R)
CRYSTAL CHRONICLEST for the Nintendo GameCubeT, and FINAL FANTASY TACTICST
ADVANCE and SWORD of MANAT for the Game Boy(R) Advance.

Online Entertainment for the PlayStation 2 and Windows(R)
FINAL FANTASY XI
FINAL FANTASY XI is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game
(MMORPG) and latest installment for the world-renowned series. FINAL FANTASY
XI is a cross-platform, cross-continent MMORPG, allowing players to connect
to the same exact world whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or a PC.

The title showcases the same award-winning visual content, innovative game
play and emotional storyline that has made the FINAL FANTASY series one of
the most popular video game series in the world, selling over 44 million
units worldwide to date. FINAL FANTASY XI incorporates the features the
franchise has become known for and has those elements constantly evolve in
its ongoing adventure. Players will be able to unite in the world of
"Vana'diel" where they can create characters choosing from a variety of
races, facial features, size, hair styles and colors, play at their own pace,
form parties with other players and embark on multiple adventures through
vast environments.

In FINAL FANTASY XI, players become immersed in an expansive, original story
that includes quests and boss battles. They can participate in missions
either alone or with other party members and acquire skills such as alchemy,
leatherworking, jewel crafting, fishing and many more. Various communications
tools have been incorporated into FINAL FANTASY XI to assist communication
between players, including easy-to-learn chat and messaging systems. Whether
it be cross platform or cross continental, players can communicate and
interact with each together simultaneously to create a new history for the
world of Vana'diel.

Square Enix U.S.A. recently announced the public beta test program for FINAL
FANTASY XI. The beta program is scheduled to begin in June for the
PlayStation 2 and July for Windows. Selected testers will have a chance to
explore the world of Vana'diel in FINAL FANTASY XI prior to its release. This
title is rated "T" (Teen).

PlayStation 2 Titles
UNLIMITED Saga
UNLIMITED Saga, the first title in the legendary series for the PlayStation
2, elevates the genre to new heights with eclectic art styles, sophisticated
game play structure and fuses traditional animation and advanced computer
technology into one game.

The story is uniquely told and played through the eyes of seven different
protagonists, each with their own motivations for seeking the seven grand
menaces. Each protagonist follows their enemy to the Seven Wonders, a group
of structures shrouded in mystery. However, they are not aware that the
antagonists are seeking to obtain the power of the Seven Wonders for their
own incentives. Legends say long absent Gods lie within them and their
release will trigger a rebirth of the Golden Age. Fates cross in a town
during the hustle and bustle of a festival.

Advanced game play features in UNLIMITED Saga include the "Free Scenario" and
"Map Movement" systems, providing for the most open-ended adventure possible
and allowing players to focus on the core of the RPG experience: Discovery
and Growth. Also included are a unique character development system,
breathtaking hand-illustrated visuals, as well as a new form of animation
named "Sketch Motion." UNLIMITED Saga completely supports 5-channel sound
through out the entire game, using Dolby Laboratories' latest technology,
Dolby Pro Logic(R)II. UNLIMITED Saga will be released June 2003. This title
is rated "T" (Teen).

FINAL FANTASY X-2
FINAL FANTASY X-2 is the first sequel in the long respected series. This
sequel keeps the familiar environment fresh with the inclusion of a newly
created battle system. The first female-led FINAL FANTASY, it combines an
experience that is both light-hearted and melancholy fueled by a tragic story
of unrequited love and dark secrets.

Two years after Yuna's fateful journey to defeat Sin in FINAL FANTASY X, the
once chaotic world of Spira has gone through a massive transformation,
entering a period of "Eternal Calm." Despite the Calm, Yuna's heart is empty
and longs for her lost friends. When she obtains a mystical sphere that
contains imagery of what might be the Blitzball player she thought was gone
forever, Yuna is driven to seek the truth behind what she has seen.

Incorporating a completely revamped battle system, new job classes, diverse
looks for the leading female characters, renovated maps and enhanced
character development systems, FINAL FANTASY X-2 promises to deliver a fresh
new look. FINAL FANTASY X-2 will be released this fall. This title is rated
"T" (Teen).

STAR OCEAN Till the End of Time
STAR OCEAN Till the End of Time is the first title in the science-fiction RPG
series for the PlayStation 2. Building on the first-rate concepts of its
prequels, STAR OCEAN fully utilizes the technological capabilities of the
PlayStation 2, incorporating gorgeous cinematic sequences and an unparalleled
real-time battle system.

Set in 772 (space calendar), four hundred years after the battle with the
"Ten Wise Men," players follow protagonist Fate Linegod in his quest to find
his loved ones after a sudden attack on the resort planet of Hida by an
unknown space military.

The advanced real-time battle system allows for players to move freely around
the 3D field as well as choose which of the three party members they want to
control. Fully polygonal graphics create a spectacular, detailed world that
can now be explored in detail. Dolby Pro Logic(R)II will allow players to
hear nuances such as the approaching footsteps of an enemy. STAR OCEAN Till
the End of Time will be released spring 2004. This title is not yet rated.

Drakengard
Cast in a chaotic world of dragon pacts and warfare, Drakengard combines
unique action RPG elements into a profoundly tragic saga. Developed by team
members from blockbuster titles such as Resident Evil(R) Code: Veronica, the
Bust-a-Groove(R) series and Ace Combat(R), Drakengard seeks to immerse the
player in an all-new gameplay experience, combining reality and
interactivity.

Drakengard tells the tale of love, lore, sacrifice and obligation focusing on
the main character Kyme, his sister Friae, and her fiance and Kyme's
childhood friend, Yuvalt. Players will be in for a thrilling ride as they
battle on land and in the skies. Not only will the player's attributes evolve
throughout the game, his contracted dragon will also mature as the game
progresses, changing in appearance and abilities.
Drakengard will be released spring 2004. This title is not yet rated.

Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance Titles
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES
Exclusively developed for the Nintendo GameCube, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL
CHRONICLES is the first title in the popular franchise for the platform.
Elements of the traditional single-player RPG have been adapted for the
Nintendo GameCube, allowing for up to four-player simultaneous play.

In an innovative new interface, the Game Boy Advance acts as each player's
controller, displaying his or her personal information and hiding it from
other players. Players advance through the adventure by communicating
directly with each other, cooperating and making deals. Since there are
obstacles that only certain party members can clear, cooperative play becomes
crucial. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES will be released in 2003. This game
is not yet rated. Nintendo of America Inc. will publish this game.

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE is the first FINAL FANTASY title for the Game
Boy Advance in North America. Gamers can look forward to an open-ended job
class creation system, the intense strategic battle and an exhilarating
storyline which made the original PlayStation(R) game, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS,
one of the most critically acclaimed titles ever.

Players are thrust into the world of Ivalice, where they meet protagonist
Marche and his friend, Mewt, who is struggling with family tragedies. After a
snowball fight with school bullies, Mewt finds the book - Final Fantasy - and
shares it with his friends. Looking to escape their dismal lives, they read
it. However, something goes wrong and Ivalice is transformed into the world
within the book. Thus Marche and friends begin their journey through the
world of FINAL FANTASY.

Players can also unite with other players and form a party using the Game Boy
Advance Game Link(R) cable. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS ADVANCE will be released in
2003. This game is rated "E" (Everyone). Nintendo of America Inc. will
publish this game.

SWORD of MANA
SWORD of MANA is the latest installment in the celebrated Mana series, which
includes FINAL FANTASY ADVENTURE (Game Boy), SECRET of MANA (Super Nintendo
Entertainment System) and LEGEND of MANA for the PlayStation game console.
SWORD of MANA is the first game in the series to appear on the Game Boy
Advance.

Based on the storyline of FINAL FANTASY ADVENTURE, SWORD of MANA allows
players to choose the role of hero or heroine. The player's choice changes
his or her understanding of the story and relation to characters based on who
is selected at the start of the game. With multiple possible experiences,
replay value is high.

In addition to the visual upgrade and moving story, strategic elements have
been added to the adventure, including a diverse selection of weapons.
Players can select the best weapon for particular enemies, or choose from new
attacks and magic spells. The popular "Ring Command System" returns, allowing
players to easily choose items, weapons or abilities in battles. SWORD of
MANA will be released in 2003. This game is not yet rated. Nintendo of
America Inc. will publish this game.

About Square Enix Co. Ltd. and Square Enix U.S.A., Inc.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops,
publishes and distributes entertainment contents including interactive
entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and
Asia. The recent merger between Square and Enix brought two of Japan's
best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY(R), sold over 44 million units
worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR(R) in North America), sold over
30 million units worldwide - under one roof. Both known to be pioneers in the
role-playing game (RPG) genre, the unification of Square and Enix has created
one of the most influential providers of entertainment content in the world.

Square Enix U.S.A. Inc., located in Los Angeles, Calif., handles operations
in North America including localization, marketing and publishing of Square
Enix titles. More information on Square Enix U.S.A. can be found on the
Internet at http://www.square-enix-usa.com.

(C) 2003 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. FINAL FANTASY and FINAL
FANTASY TACTICS are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. The SQUARE
ENIX logo, UNLIMITED SAGA, STAR OCEAN, DRAKENGARD, SWORD OF MANA are
trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. CRYSTAL CHRONICLES is a trademark of THE
GAME DESIGNERS STUDIO, INC. PlayStation and the "PS" Family logo are
registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. Dolby, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories. Nintendo, the Nintendo GameCube logo and the Game Boy
Advance logo are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 67         Sun May 04, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 12:04 PDT


Ken,
  Have you planned out your E3 attack plan?  Do you get to go to any of the Big
Three's news conferences?   I wonder if any Next Gen plans will be leaked.
It's only 2003, but it always seems like there is some of this kind of talk at
E3.
I'm kind of looking forward to what Namco can do with Star Fox and What
Amusement Vision has done with F-Zero.  There has been lots of rumors of things
like Factor-5 working on Pilotwings for Gamecube along side there Star Wars
game.

Regardless of what is there, it should be some serious fun.

Dain

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 68         Sun May 04, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:10 PDT

Dain,

I'm finding myself on the offense in order to get into most press conferences
this year, except for Nokia, whose N-GAGE unveiling I'll be attending.  I'm
also registered for Sony and, for the first time ever, Microsoft.  I *think*
I'm registered for Nintendo, though I've received no confirmation.  There is
no Sega event this year, and I'm inquiring about one from Konami (a possible
unveiling at Universal Studios of Metal Gear Solid 3?).

All these events occur in the two days before the show opens on Wednesday the
14th, on which day I have an appointment at LucasArts' by-invitation-only
booth.  I'm intrigued by the diversity of their lineup this year: Jedi
Academy, Gladius, RTX, Full Throttle, et al.

There's a Nokia party on Wednesday night, but I'll not be attending.  I have
a cousin in Los Angeles, and also some former classmates from grade and high
school, with whom I stayed when I attended E3 last year.  I'd like to have
dinner with them while I'm there.

Thursday night I hope to catch the new Matrix film.

I'll not be attending the show's final day, Friday, as I'll be commuting back
to New England in order for an event back home on Saturday.

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 69         Mon May 05, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 13:26 PDT

Concourse Hall Room #151

MAJESCO UNVEILS EXCITING VIDEO GAME LINE-UP
FOR 2003 ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO

Two Impressive New Intellectual Properties
Drive Company's Expanding Portfolio of Titles

EDISON, NJ, May 5, 2003 - Committed to publishing a diversified product
lineup and developing its own intellectual properties, Majesco, one of the
fastest-growing publishers of interactive entertainment, today announced its
game line-up for this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), to be held
in Los Angeles, May 14-16. Included among the titles on display are two
impressive new intellectual properties, Black9(tm) and Advent Rising, both of
which will be publicly unveiled for the first time at the show.

"Majesco has focused its resources on presenting a collection of first-rate
titles, and we believe this year's line-up is our strongest to date," said
Jesse Sutton, President of Majesco. "Each game reflects our vision and
commitment to producing exciting, high-quality games, while continuing to
reinforce our position as a growing powerhouse of interactive entertainment."

Headlining Majesco's E3 2003 line-up is Black9, an exciting new action/RPG
that weaves intense game play through a captivating story, with streamlined
RPG-style character development. In Black9, players encounter rival
mercenaries, assassins, spies and soldiers as they battle through fascinating
environments on Earth, the moon and Mars. Developed by Taldren, Black9 will
be released this fall for play on the console and personal computer.

Unveiled for the first time at E3 will be Advent Rising, is an intergalactic
action/adventure of truly epic proportions and the first in a trilogy of
games and novels. Advent Rising is akin to a fast-paced action movie where
the player is swept up in an ever-evolving series of sequences and events.
Award-winning science fiction author Orson Scott Card has embellished the
gripping storyline that will thrust gamers and readers alike into an
intergalactic quest. Advent Rising is being developed by GlyphX Games for
Xbox and PC, and is scheduled for release in 2004.


Majesco will also be showcasing BlowOut, a run and gun, side-scrolling action
combat shooter, developed by Pipe Dream Interactive for console and PC.
BlowOut features 3D character models and allows players to create their own
levels with the built-in level editor and distribute them via BlowOut's
interactive website.

Rounding out Majesco's next-generation offerings is Drake, a third-person,
story-driven action-shooter visualized in a vibrant "neon-gothic" comic
book-style. Developed by Idol FX for Xbox and PC and scheduled for release
this fall, Drake offers double-fisted pistol action, supernatural enemies and
an unexpected twist to the storyline that will leave players shocked.

Majesco will also introduce two new games for Game Boy Advance, both due for
release this fall. Cartoon Network Speedway is a kart-style racing game in
which players race to the finish line as their favorite Cartoon Network
characters from: Courage the Cowardly Dog; Cow and Chicken; Ed, Edd n Eddy;
Johnny Bravo and Sheep in the Big City. Gamers are challenged to race with
speed and skill to obtain the highest popularity rating from the crowd.

Cartoon Network Block Party allows up to four players to compete "party
style" to earn money for a new game room at Cartoon Network. Players must
master each of the game's four colorful boards themed to a specific Cartoon
Network show, including Johnny Bravo, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Courage the Cowardly
Dog and Cow and Chicken. Boards feature 21 unique mini-games to challenge a
player's skills in a variety of disciplines from racing to targeting to
skateboarding.

Additional information about Majesco's exciting E3 2003 video game line-up
can be found at www.majescogames.com <http://www.majescogames.com/> .

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 82.5 million U.S. homes and 145 countries
around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported
cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the
world's largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network also showcases unique
original ventures such as The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai
Jack, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons.
Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported
cable's highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network's Web site is located at
http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network).

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., an AOL Time Warner company, is a major
producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading
provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

About Majesco
Headquartered in Edison, NJ, with offices in the United Kingdom, Majesco was
founded in 1986 and is a leading international developer, publisher and
distributor of interactive entertainment products for the Xbox(r),
PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo GameCube(tm) and Game
Boy(r) Advance systems, as well as the personal computer. Included among
these are Majesco's multi-platform, supernatural action/thriller, BloodRayne,
released in October 2002, and Black9, an original action/RPG for console and
PC, scheduled for release this fall. Majesco can be found on the World Wide
Web at <http://www.majescosales.com/> http://www.majescogames.com/.

CARTOON NETWORK and logo are trademarks of and (c) Cartoon Network.
(s03)
# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 70         Mon May 05, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 15:22 PDT


I'll be interested in knowing what you think of that Nokia thing, and all of
the rest you plan on seeing.  Any chance of a scheduled Chat after you get
back?
It should be interesting.  I'll be digging through web sites that week to learn
what I can.  Usually there is just a huge flood of info on the internet.

Dain

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 72         Tue May 06, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:23 PDT

Dain,

I just found out that Nokia and Konami are holding their press conferences at
the same time.  That's a tough choice: handheld, cellular gaming, or Silent
Hill, Metal Gear Solid, and Ninja Turtles...

According to Syndicommotion, there will be a Gamebits conference on Sunday,
May 18th.  Try not to get kicked off by a thunderstorm this year. :)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 73         Tue May 06, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 09:56 PDT

          E3EXPO 2003 LAUNCHES WEB SITE OFFERING CONSUMERS AN
            INSIDE LOOK AT THE WORLD'S LARGEST COMPUTER AND
                           VIDEO GAME EVENT;

    E3Insider.com Provides First-Ever Virtual Look at Event, Offers
                           Daily Sweepstakes

   LOS ANGELES - May 6, 2003 - For the first time ever, consumers and
game enthusiasts will get a first-hand virtual look inside the
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo), the world's preeminent
interactive entertainment trade show, the Interactive Digital Software
Association (IDSA) announced today. The Web site, E3Insider
(www.e3insider.com), will launch on May 14th at 10am when E3Expo's
doors open to thousands of industry professionals at the Los Angeles
Convention Center.

   "With the launch of E3Insider, we've opened E3Expo's `virtual
doors' so that consumers and game enthusiasts from around the globe
can experience the excitement of E3Expo," said Douglas Lowenstein,
president of the IDSA, the trade association that represents U.S.
computer and video game publishers and the owner of E3Expo. "E3Expo is
a trade-only event, established specifically as a venue for the
worldwide interactive entertainment community to showcase new products
and take care of business. With that said, we felt it was important to
be able to offer the millions of gamers out there who support this
industry a way to see what's going on at the show, and E3Insider will
do just that."

   E3Insider will give consumers the ability to experience the
excitement of this exclusive trade-only event and get a feel for the
trends being seen and the products being showcased. The new site will
capture the show's action and excitement through interactive coverage,
news from exhibitor booths, interviews with industry professionals,
video clips, photo galleries and stories about the show. In addition,
E3Insider will feature daily sweepstakes, giving site visitors a
chance to win prizes including game consoles. Visitors to the Web site
will be given a look at some of the more than 1,350 never-before-seen
computer and video game titles and related products that will debut
during the show's three days.

   E3Expo, now in its ninth year, is owned by the Interactive Digital
Software Association (IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving
the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing
interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal
computers, and the Internet. IDSA members collectively account for
more than 90 percent of the $6.9 billion in entertainment software
sales in the U.S. in 2002, and billions more in export sales of
American-made entertainment software. The IDSA offers services to
interactive entertainment software publishers including a global
anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo trade
show, business and consumer research, government relations and First
Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts.

   E3Expo is a trade event, not open to the general public. Only
working journalists with qualified media outlets will be eligible to
register for media badges. No one under the age of 18 will be
admitted, including infants. This policy is strictly enforced.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 74         Wed May 07, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 05:08 PDT


Okay, I am planning on being at the post-E3 chat.  Regardless of weather:)

Dain
 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 75         Thu May 08, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 15:37 PDT

KEMCO U.S.A. HEADS INTO E3 2003
WITH AN AMBITIOUS AGENDA

Hot Licenses and Original Game Properties, Expansion of Worldwide Operations
and New Developer Opportunities Make Kemco
A "Must See" Publisher at E3

Bellevue, WA - May 08, 2003 - Taking dramatic steps to become a major player
in the global games publishing industry, Kemco will disclose some of the
company's major developments at the upcoming 2003 Electronic Entertainment
Expo (E3), May 14-16, in Los Angeles (West Hall, Booth 2808). Kemco will
unveil its hot new original property, Rogue Ops(TM) and provide a sneak peak
at Lobo(TM), an edgy new title based on the DC Comics character. Other titles
that will be showcased include Top Gear(R) Rally and Woody Woodpecker in
Crazy Castte 5. Kemco is also on the acquisition hunt for new game properties
that will strengthen its portfolio for the future.

"This is an exciting time for Kemco U.S.A. as we have been charged by our
parent company to not only lead the development and publishing efforts in the
U.S, but in other territories around the world," said Glenn Halseth, Kemco's
vice president of sales and marketing. "We have secured some excellent new
game properties that we are confident will put Kemco on the map in a big way
for years to come. We are looking forward to unveiling some of those
properties at E3, and also acquiring some new titles at the show."

At E3, Kemco will unveil its hot new original property, Rogue Ops(TM) an
intense, action/adventure game that exposes the dangerous world of
anti-terrorist operatives. The game features leading lady, ex-Green Beret,
Nikki Connors whose world is rocked from normality by an explosion that
claimed her daughter and husband. The game follows her exploits as she
furthers her personal quest for vengeance. Rogue Ops is scheduled to release
this fall on the Nintendo GameCube(TM), the PlayStation(R)2 computer
entertainment system and the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft.

Kemco is proud to announce that the company is furthering its relationship
with DC Comics and has secured the license for Lobo. Kemco is developing a
third person action/adventure title, called Lobo, that provides a host of
extreme action thrills and over-the-top combat.

Other exciting additions to the Kemco portfolio are Top Gear(R) Rally and
Woody Woodpecker in Crazy Castle 5, both for the Nintendo GameBoy(R) Advance.
Top Gear(R) Rally is an adrenaline-pumping racing adventure that puts players
behind the wheel of a tricked-out rally car. Woody Woodpecker in Crazy Castle
5 is the fifth installment of the action-adventure Crazy Castle series, where
players step into the shoes of the loveable cartoon character Woody
Woodpecker in his quest to aid Mother Nature in freeing the Fairy World from
Demons.

About Kemco
Since 1984, Kemco has produced over 100 titles including the popular Top
Gear(R) racing games and the Crazy Castle series for a wide variety of video
game platforms. An original Nintendo licensee, Kemco works closely with DC
Comics, Warner Bros. and Universal Studios on ongoing video game projects.
Currently Kemco's development teams are creating games for Nintendo
GameCubeTM and Game Boy(R) Advance, as well as Sony PlayStation(R)2 and
Microsoft's XboxTM.

LOBO and all related characters, names, and elements are trademarks of DC
Comics. (s03)

Woody Woodpecker and Friends and related characters are trademarks and
copyrights of Walter Lantz Productions, Inc. Licensed by Universal Studios
Licensing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

# # #

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 76         Fri May 09, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 14:47 PDT

NAMCO TO UNVEIL SLATE OF BLOCKBUSTER GAMES AT E3

Line-up features best-selling franchises and new original content including
the much-anticipated SOULCALIBUR(R)II

San Jose, Calif., May 9, 2003 - Leading video games publisher,  Namco Hometek
Inc. announced today the company's stellar line up of video games to be
unveiled during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) at the Los Angeles
Convention Center, May 14-16, 2003.  At booth #946 in the South Hall, Namco
will be showcasing the following new titles: SOULCALIBUR(R)II, R: Racing
Evolution(TM), Spawn(R) (tentative title), Breakdown(TM), kill.switch(TM),
Time Crisis(R) 3, I-Ninja(TM), Tales of Symphonia(TM), and Extreme Force(TM):
Grant City Anti-Crime.

SOULCALIBUR(R)II is the ultimate sequel to one of the most revered
weapons-based fighters of all time.  Set for release in August 2003, the game
will be available on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the
Nintendo GameCube(TM) and the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft.  More
than 15 warriors, both familiar and new will battle each other in search of
Soul Edge -- including a character named Necrid, created by Todd McFarlane
exclusively for the home console versions.  Also, each console will have
special guest characters exclusive to that platform, such as Tekken's
Heihachi for PlayStation 2, The Legend of Zelda's Link for the Nintendo
GameCube, and Todd McFarlane's Spawn for Xbox.  The game will feature over
ten exciting game modes: the all-new Weapon Master Mode, Time Attack Mode,
Survival Mode, VS. Mode and Team Battle Mode.  In the Weapon Master Mode
players can collect and utilize over 200 different weapons, thus adding a
deeper level of strategy to every new battle.

New for Namco in the racing genre is R: Racing Evolution(TM), which is being
created by the same team that developed the critically-acclaimed Ridge Racer
and MotoGP franchises.  The game will be available on all three console
platforms and will ship in Q4 2003.  Featuring licensed cars, 11 real-world
and fantasy tracks, and 8 different race types (Circuit, Rally, Drag,
etc...), R will showcase 4 game modes: the Racing Life Mode, Time Attack
Mode, Arcade Mode and Vs.  The Racing Life Mode focuses on the human-natured
competitiveness of racing and gives players a cinematic story of two female
racers and their rivalry.  Also featured in R is the "New Interactive Driver
AI System" that enhances realistic racing situations.

The system is indicative of the pressures that drivers feel during real
races.  Races can be won or lost depending on how a driver reacts to pressure
from other racers.  In-game communications allow for incoming transmissions
from crew members and even in-race trash talk from rival drivers!

Spawn(R) (tentative title), based on Todd McFarlane's best-selling comic book
character, will make its debut at E3.  Scheduled for release on all three
consoles in Q3 2003, Spawn is a 3D action/adventure game that will give
players access to all of his distinctive abilities - his superhuman strength,
hand-to-hand combat techniques, his arsenal of weaponry, his Hell Powers and,
of course, his living symbiotic costume.  Caught between the battle of Good
vs. Evil, he struggles to break free from the controlling influences of
Heaven and Hell.

Breakdown(TM), exclusive to Xbox, is a sci-fi thriller that combines the best
elements of shooters and fighters in a first-person action/adventure game.
The game's intense storyline is told through high-quality real time rendered
graphics that bring an unprecedented level of realism to the player.  The
game features fierce weapon-based first-person shooter combat, challenging
puzzles to solve, surreal dream sequences, advanced AI, and massive detailed
environments for exploration.

kill.switch(TM) is Namco Hometek Inc.'s new internal development project for
the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.  This 3rd person action/adventure game is
scheduled for release in Q4 2003 and features a unique Offensive Cover
System, allowing the player to engage the enemy from various cover positions.
The game also utilizes Blindfire, enabling the player to launch a frontal
assault technique against the enemy without being exposed to counter-fire.
This feature encourages the use of warfare tactics, forcing players to
strategically plan their moves and quickly adjust on-the-fly through each
intense and challenging mission.  Enemies work together in teams and not only
seek out and engage the player, but also thrive in team-based tactics and
attacks.  Six war-themed missions are spread out across 18 different levels
and feature environments from Middle Eastern deserts to an underground
submarine base.

Time Crisis(R) 3, scheduled for the PlayStation 2 in Q4 2003, marks the
return of Namco's premier light-gun shooting franchise.  Compatible with the
GUNCON(TM)2 light-gun, this fast-paced shooter delivers superior shooting
action and supreme excitement.  A new weapon select system enables players to
chose from 4 weapons (machine gun, hand gun, shotgun and grenade) and
optimize their game play strategy.  Time Crisis 3 includes the original
arcade game as well as console-exclusive game modes.  Sniper combat provides
intense and lethal sharp-shooting action, sure to be a winning combination
for this popular franchise.

I-Ninja(TM), scheduled for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube in Q4
2003, is an adrenaline-charged adventure game.  An ultra-cool ninja with
major attitude meets extreme sports game play, I-Ninja is the consummate
warrior who has spent years mastering his weapons and honing his skills. In
true gravity defying game play, I-Ninja can scale buildings, "shred" on
extreme rails, hover great distances with a "sword copter", ride drifting
roller spheres and utilize specialized manga-style ninja moves to navigate
through each dynamic environment.

A multiple weapon control system allows the player to throw lethal shurikens,
use deadly chain-whips, blowguns, rocket launchers and more. I-Ninja's quest
includes a variety of comical missions that span across five expansive
environments, each uniquely designed to incite I-Ninja's special abilities.
The game features challenging enemies and ruthless bosses that must be
defeated, ranging from foot soldiers of the Ranx Army to a menacing 150 foot
giant robot.  I-Ninja is graceful in honor, but deadly in combat.

Tales of Symphonia(TM), exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube with a release
date yet to be determined, is Namco's latest chapter in the Tales universe.
A fully immersive 3D experience comes to life as an adventure unfolds that
will place the existence of two worlds in the balance.  Featuring
high-quality Anime cutscenes and character designs by renowned artist, Kosuke
Fujishima, the real-time 3D battles, formation attacks and combos, and
customization of character abilities round out a fabulous epic.

Extreme Force(TM): Grant City Anti-Crime, scheduled for the PlayStation 2,
Xbox and Nintendo GameCube in Q4 2003, is a 3rd person action/adventure game
that takes place on the deadly streets of Grant City - a well-known setting
from Namco's blockbuster, Dead to Rights'.  As a member of Grant City's elite
GAC Squad, the player will be submerged into the crime-fighting world of
special weapons and covert tactics.  A diverse arsenal of weapons and
equipment including night vision goggles, grenades and door charges can be
utilized by the player to battle criminals. The player can also silently
neutralize his opponents through stealth maneuvers and  "target rich"
run-and-gun combat.

About Namco Hometek Inc.
Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a
Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Committed
to providing the ultimate entertainment experience, Namco uses cutting-edge
technology and advanced electronics to take their theme parks, arcades, and
home video games far beyond traditional entertainment.

###
The Legend of Zelda: (C) 1986-2003 Nintendo. (TM), (R) and Nintendo GameCube
are
trademarks of Nintendo. " 2001 Nintendo.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc.
GUNCON(TM)2 & (C) 2000 Namco Ltd., All Rights Reserved.
Spawn(R), and its logo are registered trademarks of Todd McFarlane
Productions, Inc., as are many of its characters and symbols.
Comic Spawn (C)2003 Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Video Game Spawn is developed by Namco Limited under license from Todd
McFarlane Productions, Inc.
Video Game Spawn (C) 2003 Namco Limited. All Rights Reserved.
The Character named "Necrid" is created and designed by NAMCO as the
derivative work of the Illustration drawn by Todd McFarlane Productions,
Inc.  The Character: (C) 2003 by Namco Limited. All rights reserved.
Illustration: (C)  2003 by Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc. All rights
reserved.
SOULCALIBUR(R)II & (C) 1995 1998 2002 2003 Namco Ltd., All Rights Reserved.
R: RACING EVOLUTION(TM) & (C)2003 NAMCO LTD., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All
trademarks
and copyrights associated with the manufacturers, cars, models, trade names,
brands and visual images depicted in this game are the property of their
respective owners.  All rights reserved.
BREAKDOWN(TM) & (C) 2003 NAMCO LTD., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TIMECRISIS(R) 3 & (C) 1995 1997 2001 2002 2003 NAMCO LTD., ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED.
I-Ninja(TM) & (C) 2003 Argonaut Games PLC.  Licensed exclusively to Namco
Hometek
Inc.
kill.switch(TM) & (C) 2003 Namco Hometek Inc., All rights reserved.
EXTREME FORCE(TM): Grant City Anti-Crime & (C) 2003 NAMCO HOMETEK INC., ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED.
(C) Kosuke Fujishima
(C) NAMCO LTD.
Dead to Rights(TM) & (C) 2002 NAMCO HOMETEK INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 77         Tue May 13, 2003
A2.DAIN [Dain]               at 04:57 PDT


Electronic Entertainment Expo 2003
Microsoft Press Conference Coverage
by Ken Gagne

The Grand Olympic Stadium was the site of this year's Microsoft press
conference, the first which I'd had the opportunity to attend. Unlike last
year, when attendees received free Xbox controllers, this year's public was
treated to only stadium-style concessions: cheese steak subs, vegetable
paninas, beer and soda, and popcorn and peanuts. Laden with sufficient snacks
to occupy the one-hour wait before the show began, my friends (Joe Talladira,
Will White, Ian Johnston, and Chris Bonilla) and I crossed the threshold manned
by green-clad, impossibly thin "booth babes" and assumed central seats.

The conference was hosted by Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer; Ed Fries, VP of
Xbox game publishing; and J Allard, VP of the Xbox platform. In sharp contrast
to Sony's traditional, numbers-oriented approach, Microsoft's team did not
offer sales or membership numbers for its products and services, instead
displaying game after game that we can expect to see this year.

Heading the pack were two Xbox Live games, making their debut this evening:
Project Gotham Racing 2, and a new LucasArts title, Republic Commando. This
latter game presented two Imperial storm troopers following a pair of
insect-like creatures deep into a ruins, only to stumble upon a veritable nest
which quickly swarmed over the humans. Perhaps this game will be a first-person
shooter. LucasArts is the one company with whom I have a booth appointment this
year (since they are by invitation only), so Gamebits will have more details on
this title later in the week.

Two other games which have previously received little coverage were also
presented tonight. True Fantasy Live Online looks comparable to Phantasy Star
Online, though less action-oriented. Breakdown,. from Namco, is a first-person
shooter that includes hand-to-hand combat. The game appears to borrow elements
(in presentation, if not gameplay) from sources such as Metal Gear Solid, The
Matrix, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Resident Evil, and ONE, with a story
featuring mad scientists making the impossible real.

These games are four of 100 that Microsoft hopes to release with Xbox Live
compatibility by May 2004.

Though Microsoft Games Studio has released many first-party titles, chances are
you are not as familiar with them as other well-known brands. To add strength
to its in-house development teams, Microsoft last year purchased Rare from
Nintendo. The company known for Goldeneye 007, Perfect Dark, and Banjo-Kazooie
tonight premiered Grabbed by the Ghoulies, a fun and friendly romp through a
magical, haunted mansion, in the vein of Harry Potter.

Another rare game, Conker: Live and Uncut (as in Xbox Live), was also demoed in
a stream of brief clips that most notably included Star Wars: Jedi Academy,
Soul Calibur 2, Pitfall, Legacy of Kain: Defiance, Sonic Heroes, Star Wars:
Knights of the Old Republic, The Simpsons: Hit & Run, Ghost Recon: Island
Thunder, Crash Nitro Kart, Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup, StarCraft Ghost,
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (a 3D brawler with plenty of cartoon art), James
Bond: Everything or Nothing, Counter-Strike, Ninja Gaiden (finally!), Buffy the
Vampire Slayer: Chaos Bleeds, XIII (a cel-shaded first-person shooter with
inspiration from comic books), Dino Crisis 3, Sega GT Online, Kameo: Elements
of Power (Rare's cancelled GameCube game), and Fable (formerly Project Ego).

Of course, Xbox being a console from a company that likes to have its hands in
everything, there are other developments planned for the system. Xbox Music
Maker will release this year with a microphone peripheral, bringing to the
system music and video editing capabilities, karaoke, and more. Details on this
product were scant, and led to a like amount of applause.

Xbox Live, the broadband-only online portion of the system, will receive an
upgrade later this year, formerly called Live 2.0 but officially known as Live
Now. Exactly what new features this upgrade will entail were not disclosed.
Live Web offers users at web-capable machines a means of checking Live events
and standings without accessing their Xbox, while Live Alerts can inform gamers
of such affairs and changes on their PC, PocketPC, cell phone, or wristwatch.
Expect many events to be occurring on this network, especially after the
introduction of XSN Sports, an online brand for competition and fantasy sports.

Fortunately, Microsoft wasn't about to end the evening without a live
(not Live), in-game demo of their most highly-anticipated shooter, Halo 2.
Marking the return of Master Chief, Halo 2 opened to a CG sequence that put our
protagonist in the middle of a warzone, whereupon he sniped some Covenant
creeps. A soldier handed Chief a second weapon, making for some double-fisted
action that brought cheers from the crowd (though why something Goldeneye did
six years ago is now innovative mystifies me). We also briefly saw Chief in
third-person view as a manned a turret, then again as he operated a minigun
from the rear of a jeep. A Covenant fiend leapt atop the vehicle and overturned
it, putting the Chief back in first-person view and on foot. When an alien
hovercraft attempted to ram him, I was surprised that the hero instead grabbed
the hood of the flying vehicle and punched out the pilot, claiming the controls
for himself! This sequence then became automated, leading to another CG
sequence which ended the demo of a game we shan't see in full until February
2004 at the earliest.

This evening's conference was a fine kickoff to the 2003 Electronic
Entertainment Expo. With both Sony and Nintendo not having anything to share
until their press conferences tomorrow, Microsoft left us with nothing but the
Xbox to think about for the next 12 hours. The Seattle giant has announced
neither a price cut on their system, nor a streamlined version of their current
model, both of which have been rumored for months and the former which Nintendo
and Sony have indicated they would not initiate, but pundits expected them to
follow should Microsoft move first. Perhaps this year will truly focus on
software, not hardware - a field in which Microsoft has so far put on a fine
show. What Microsoft was lacking in surprises, it made up for with a steady
stream of what gamers want: hot titles from well-known publishers in a variety
of genres.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2003 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 78         Tue May 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:21 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2003
Nintendo Press Conference Coverage
by Ken Gagne

Anything can go at E3. After the surprises of this morning's Sony conference,
I was ready for anything when Nintendo got their 15 minutes. Though their
lineup consisted of the many quality franchises that had the audience, myself
included, bursting into wild applause, there was little that was unexpected.

George Harrison, senior vice president of marketing and corporate
communications, offered some optimistic numbers, indicating growing sales for
the GameCube platform and a strong future for the Game Boy, which has an
existing library of 1,000 games and will include 20 games that feature
GameCube connectivity by the end of the year. In video form, we were briefly
exposed to GameCube games Mario Kart Double Dash; Pikmin 2; Pokemon
Colosseum; Billy Hatcher & the Giant Egg; Wario World; and Star Fox; and Game
Boy Advance games Pokemon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire; Wario Ware Inc.; Super
Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3; and Donkey Kong Country. Sega's Billy
Hatcher was the only third-party game shown, and Wario Ware received a
surprising amount of applause, though many of its 200 mini-games apparently
borrow from Nintendo's strong heritage, making it familiar to old-school
gamers.

Despite Harrison's upbeat mood, Saturo Iwata, president of Nintendo Co. Ltd.
since last May, was a bit more pessimistic - or perhaps simply more
realistic. He acknowledged many problems the GameCube has faced:
lower-than-expected sales of not only the console, but leading titles such as
Super Mario Sunshine and Metroid Prime; an unfortunate reputation with some
gamers; and worry from some retailers and licensees. Though Nintendo has
increased internal development in Kyoto and opened their first office in
Tokyo, I did not feel the rest of the presentation addressed the issues which
Iwata had chosen to admit. Regardless, videos of some impressive third-party
titles then rolled.

Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike, developed by Factor 5 and
published by LucasArts, is another Star Wars flying game, though now includes
third-person, foot-based missions, such as Luke Skywalker infiltrating an
Imperial base to save Princess Leia. On the moon of Endor, he will ride a
speeder bike and perhaps pilot an AT-ST, and when we return to Hoth, he can
ride a tauntaun and toss thermal detonators into the bellies of AT-ATs.
Missions from Rogue Leader will be revisited in two-player, split-screen
mode.

Another important publisher, Capcom, surfaced with video of Resident Evil 4,
which appears to take a turn to the occult. The biological zombies are this
time accompanied by less corporeal spirits, one which menaces Leon Kennedy
with a scythe. Shinji Makami suggests, "Don't pee your pants."

Will Wright, inventor of The Sims, was present to announce that the
best-selling PC game of all time will be adapted to the GameCube and Game Boy
and will feature connectivity, though neither version was shown in any
formats.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, originally a GBA title, will now become a
four-player GameCube game. As four Links compete for rupees, they can
disappear from the television and reappear on a player's Game Boy when they
move off-screen, such as into a cave or house. The GBA Four Swords cartridge
is not needed.

Another connectivity-enabled title, this one developed by Shigeru Miyamoto
himself but licensed by Namco, will be a GameCube Pac-Man game in which
players alternate being Pac-Man and evading the other three gamers, who
control the ghosts. Both this title and Four Swords look like fun multiplayer
games, but appear rather simplistic in nature and require much hardware to
get the most fun. If priced appropriately, they may be successes.

For details on the Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes video that was shown, see
the Gamebits report on the Konami conference.

Other titles were shown: Soul Calibur II; Viewtiful Joe; P.N. 03; The Hobbit;
1080 Avalanche (no longer called White Storm); and F-Zero GX, all for
GameCube. Most surprising was a very brief video of an immaterial alien
nearly impaling a well-known bounty hunter and thrashing her to the ground.
Metroid Prime 2 is official!

Mentioned in the press releases but nowhere else were other mysterious
titles: Metroid Mission Zero for Game Boy Advance and The Legend of Zelda:
Tetra's Trackers, presumably for GameCube. Also documented was Mario & Luigi,
a comic adventure for the two brothers on GBA. Why omit these big-name titles
from the conference?

It's the unexpected it seems in which Nintendo must engage. Harrison had
assured us that "Donkey Kong will remain a lovable ape; Link will never lose
hope; and Mario will never start shooting hookers." But if these games aren't
selling, why is Nintendo making sequels to them? What must change? I am happy
with the quality and substance of Nintendo's games, but it's more than just
Vice City that Sony holds over them. Can Nintendo remain a major player in
the hardware market?
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2003 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Gamebits, 13-May-03

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gameb its.net

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 79         Tue May 13, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 22:22 PDT

Electronic Entertainment Expo 2003
Konami Press Conference Coverage
by Ken Gagne

Though it is often first parties such as Nintendo and Sony who host press
conferences, when you're a powerhouse like Konami, sometimes your lineup
necessitates your own event. Such was the case with Konami's conference at
the Los Angeles Public Library in downtown L.A. this afternoon. The amount of
food was inversely proportionate to the length of the conference, which went
into detail on many games, with three in particular.

First up was Botkai: The Sun is In Your Hands, a Game Boy Advance game and
the first game to be sunlight-sensitive. A sensor in the cartridge makes the
game aware of the amount of light in which it is being played, so whether you
are indoors or outdoors, in a shadow or the open, facing east or west will
affect the game, in which you play a vampire hunter. Django, the hero, uses a
solar-powered gun which needs constant recharging to face the undead hordes
that are weak against both this weapon and natural light. When playing in the
dark, vampires are unlikely to be caught asleep in their coffins, and windows
will shed no light by which Django may recharge his weapon, though "sun
banks" can store energy for nighttime play (or, if you live in Sweden, for
those six months of dreary weather). Some trappings of Metal Gear made their
way into Botkai, allowing Django to sneak along walls and tap them to draw
undead lords from their prescribed patrols. This demonstration was a bit
excessive, featuring not only a trailer but also a play-through of the entire
first level. I'm unsure if this game's exclusive feature will enhance its fun
factor, or prompt gamers into getting a tan, but it is definitely unique.

The second game was Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes, the GameCube remake of the
original MGS. This update is a collaboration between Hideo Kojima and Silicon
Knights, the development team behind Eternal Darkness. Konami's Twin Snakes
trailer was the same as the one shown at Nintendo's conference, only with
better contrast. Little to no gameplay was shown, only cinematic sequences.
The story will remain largely untouched, suggesting only the graphics and
some gameplay elements will be updated to the MGS2 engine.

Of course, the third and final game for which we'd all waited outshone Twin
Snakes by far. A 12-minute trailer of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater showed
us a good deal of gameplay, and very little story. Since Kojima is a master
of crafting twisting tales, it is unlikely more will be revealed regarding
the plot or its connection with other Metal Gears, prior to the game's 2004
release. This installment returns Snake to the jungle, a setting he's not
experienced since the original 8-bit Metal Gear. Though he will occasionally
enter buildings, Snake's primary setting is organic, where he can climb
trees, swing from branches, hide in and behind logs, and snipe soldiers. A
new game engine is being developed to adapt to this new setting - an engine
which will be shared by a possible, separate Metal Gear Online game. (online
elements in MGS3 as as of yet undetermined) This time around, Snake must hunt
and eat to survive, developing tastes for certain beasts the more he eats
them - including kinds of fish and, yes, snakes. Harry Gregson-Williams,
composer of the soundtrack for the movie "The Rock", returns to provide music
for this title.

After a brief intermission, the conference continued with more titles. A
stream of brief videos showcased Yu-Gi-Oh; Silent Hill 3; MacFarlane's Evil
Prophecy (PS2) which pits players against classic monsters like Dracula and
Frankenstein's monster; Cy Girls, based on the action figures; Firefighter
F.D. 18 (PS2); Bloody Roar Extreme (Xbox) and Bloody Roar 4 (PS2); Air Force
Delta Strike (PS2); K-1 World Grand Prix; Silent Scope Complete (Xbox), a
light gun-compatible bundle of the entire trilogy; Gradius V (PS2), which
boasts 3D graphics, 2D gameplay, and a new control scheme; and Dance Dance
Revolution Ultra Mix (Xbox), which will be Live-compatible, and DDR Max 2
(PS2), which has songs' accompanying music videos.

A deeper examination of the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game was
then unveiled. This 3D brawler will be released for all systems in Fall 2003
with one- and two-player modes, both cooperative and versus. It closely
resembles the arcade games of yesteryear in which players can choose to be
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael, each with unique strengths and
abilities. The voice actors from the new cartoon will be present in the
game's cast, while the art style of the cartoon will be preserved and
accentuated with Batman-style visual sound effects ("Bam! Pow!"). The control
scheme will consist simply of small and large attack and jump buttons, but
will allow the turtles to damage enemies with 20- and 30-hit combos. I love
the license, but 3D games are all starting to look alike. Will Konami use
more than the license to distinguish this title from other beat-em-ups?

Koji Igarashi, producer of Castlevania: Lament of Innocence, then presented
us with footage of the PlayStation 2's first entry in Konami's classic
series. This 3D title is set in the 11th century, in the time of the
Crusades, and stars Baron Leon Belmont, a knight of the church and the first
to take up arms against the dread Count Dracula. This game appears to be
story-driven but with much freedom for exploration. Leon will have
sub-weapons which can be powered up in a manner similar to Harmony of
Dissonance, but will not gain experience points as in Symphony of the Night.
When I asked Igarashi-san what will distinguish Lament from Castlevania 64,
he gave the right answer: "Everything."

A celebrity guest was then introduced to unveil a surprise title from Konami.
Jennifer Love Hewitt took the stage to sing along with Karaoke Revolution, a
PS2 game being released in November. Using the SOCOM headset, Karaoke
Revolution detects a player's pitch and timing to give scores, and offers a
four-player alternating mode for sing-offs. Thirty-five licensed songs from
top artists are included, though hard drive support may make available more.
Several of my compatriots could not imagine why anyone would want to play
this game, which surprised me; I have a singing background and imagine this
title will be a hit among many of my friends. Time will tell. Jennifer then
went on to perform singles from her latest album, "Bare Naked". (Does this
mean I can tell her, "I know what you did last E3"?)

An impressive lineup, to be sure, but how did Konami close without a thorough
dissection of Silent Hill 3? This unnatural series is extremely good at what
it does, and of all the titles Konami has at this year's show, will be coming
out sooner than most others, which makes me more eager for it than some
far-off 2004 game.

Konami's portfolio this year speaks well of innovation. Castlevania
3D, Metal Gear Solid 3, and Karaoke Revolution will all be trying new formats
for established franchises. These experiments will soon bear fruit which I
predict will be a bumper crop.
_________________________________________________________________

This article is copyright (c) 2003 by Ken Gagne. All rights reserved.
Not to be distributed without permission.

Original Publication: Gamebits, 13-May-03

Other reviews, FAQs, etc. by Ken Gagne can be found at
http://www.gamebits.net

Email: kgagne@gameb its.net

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 80         Thu May 15, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 19:08 PDT

A preliminary E3 photo gallery is available. The existing 20 images will be
reduced in resolution and joined by 40 others after the show.

http://www.gamebits.net/images/E303/

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 81         Thu May 15, 2003
SYNDICOMM [Sheppy]           at 23:52 PDT

Hm... serious action.  Not enough pictures of booth babes though. ;)

--
Eric "Sheppy" Shepherd                                    sheppy@syndicomm.com
Owner, Syndicomm                                      http://www.syndicomm.com
                       Building communities, bit by bit.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 82         Fri May 16, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 20:52 PDT

Sheppy,

I have some shots of the L.A. Lakers cheerleaders - they were at Nintendo's
booth - though I wasn't going to put them up.

I also have a shot of the woman I asked out. 8-)

-Ken

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 83         Mon May 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:35 PDT

      E3EXPO 2003 DRAWS MORE THAN 62,000 INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

       Exhibitors Launch Thousands of Computer and Video Games
        at Most Important Interactive Entertainment Trade Show

    LOS ANGELES--May 16, 2003--More than 62,000 industry professionals
from more than 80 countries gathered at the Los Angeles Convention
Center for the ninth annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo),
the world's premier interactive entertainment trade show. According to
the show's owner, the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA),
approximately 400 exhibitors showcased thousands of software titles,
including more than 1,350 never-before-seen computer and video game
related products, occupying 520,000 net square feet of exhibit space.
Exhibitors reported 83 percent of these products will be found on
store shelves this holiday season.
    "The 62,000 industry insiders who attended this year's E3Expo were
treated to a preview of thousands of new products that are part of the
amazing revolution that is games -- products that continually push the
boundaries of entertainment and will provide millions of consumers
with countless hours of enjoyment in the coming months," said Douglas
Lowenstein, president of the IDSA, the trade association that
represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. "We are pleased
that E3Expo was once again able to provide the worldwide interactive
entertainment community with the premier venue at which to do
business, learn about the latest products, and make new contacts, and
we are already looking forward to the show's tenth anniversary next
year."
    For the first time ever, the IDSA provided consumers an
opportunity to experience the exclusive trade-only event through
E3Insider, a new web site (www.e3insider.com). The site offered the
public an insider's look at the newest game titles and related
peripherals through exclusive booth photos, video clips, interviews
and stories. E3Insider logged in more than 98,000 unique users over
its three-day debut.
    This year's show included an educational conference and workshop
program featuring a faculty of more than 100 of the industry's most
accomplished leaders. E3Expo 2004 is scheduled for the week of May 12,
2004, in Los Angeles.
    E3Expo is owned by the Interactive Digital Software Association
(IDSA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and
public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for
video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the
Internet. IDSA members collectively account for more than 90 percent
of the $6.9 billion in entertainment software sales in the U.S. in
2002, and billions more in export sales of American-made entertainment
software. The IDSA offers services to interactive entertainment
software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the
Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show, business and consumer
research, government relations and First Amendment and intellectual
property protection efforts.

    Editor's Note: For a media briefing transcript, show photos and
additional E3Expo news, please visit the online Media Center at
www.e3expo.com or contact E3Expo Media Relations at
e3expo@cohnwolfe.com.

 ------------
Category 7,  Topic 5
Message 84         Mon May 19, 2003
KGAGNE [Ken]                 at 06:46 PDT

KONAMI REVEALS BLOCKBUSTER PRODUCT LINE-UP
AT ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO 2003

Konami Continues its 30-Year Legacy of Innovation and Quality for Gamers of
All Ages

Electronic Entertainment Expo Booth #900 - May 14, 2003 - Los Angeles, CA -
Konami of America, Inc., a subsidiary of Konami Corporation (NYSE: KNM),
today unveiled its 2003/2004 product line-up at Electronic Entertainment Expo
(E3). Building on its 30-year history of delivering top-quality
entertainment, the company revealed a line-up that is rich in all-new
intellectual properties, classic franchises and groundbreaking technology. In
all, the company showcased 22 titles covering all genres and platforms.

Konami is the only videogame company to get gamers singing, dancing and
playing in the sun with Karaoke Revolution, Dance Dance Revolution and
Boktai: The Sun is in Your Hand, respectively. In addition to these
innovative titles, Konami will release all new versions of its hit
franchises, including Castlevania(R), Teenage Muntant Ninja TurtlesT,
Gradius(R), Silent Hill(R) and Metal Gear Solid(R).

"For 30 years, gamers have looked to Konami for the best in interactive
entertainment," said Geoff Mulligan, Chief Operating Officer, Konami of
America, Inc. "This year is no exception. In 2003, in addition to our
top-notch action games, we will once again break new ground by transforming
the PlayStation(R) 2 into a karaoke machine, and by creating the world's
first game that incorporates natural sunlight into gameplay. We are very
proud that, in celebration of our 30th anniversary, Konami's impressive 2003
game library is unmatched."

To learn more about the 2003/2004 line-up, please visit the Konami booth #900
in the Los Angeles Convention Center between May 14 - May 16 or go online to:
http://www.konami.com/usa.

A brief synopsis of each title follows (listed alphabetically):

AirForce Delta Strike

Release date: November 2003

Genre: Action

Platform: Sony PlayStation(R) 2

Konami's popular aerial combat franchise returns with the release of AirForce
Delta StrikeT, the third installment in the hit series. Soaring into action
for the first time on PlayStation 2, AirForce Delta StrikeT will redefine the
genre with over 20 unique pilots, an immersive storyline and intense
arcade-style aerial combat.

Apocalyptica

Release date: September 2003

Genre: Action

Platform: PC CD-ROM

Apocalyptica makes its North American debut on PC CD-ROM with intense 3rd
person action that will keep players glued to their seats. Set in a desolate
post-apocalyptic world, players will help save the human race from the rule
of the Dark Prince, reborn as Neo-Satan.

Bloody Roar(R) 4

Release date: November 2003

Genre: Fighting

Platform: Sony PlayStation(R) 2

The most ferocious fighting game franchise returns to Sony PlayStation(R) 2
with new characters, intriguing storylines and fierce new play modes. Bloody
Roar(R) 4 unleashes more power, speed and style than any other iteration in
the series. With 17 fighters to choose from and a new character customizable
mode, gamers can transform into "hyper-beasts" for the ultimate animalistic
brawl.

BoktaiT: The Sun Is In Your Hand

Release date: September 2003

Genre: Action/RPG

Platform: Nintendo Game Boy(R) Advance

Konami pushes game technology and innovation to the next level with the
release of BoktaiT: The Sun Is In Your Hand. Created by world-renowned
developer, Hideo Kojima, BoktaiT is the first videogame to integrate sunlight
into gameplay using a built-in solar sensor on the Game Boy(R) Advance
cartridge. Players assume the role of a boy vampire hunter on a mission to
rid the world of evil demons. Depending on when gamers play BoktaiT, sunlight
will affect the power of their character as well as their blood-sucking
enemies. Konami gives new meaning to the phrase, "Fun in the sun!"

Castlevania(R): Lament of Innocence

Release date: November 2003

Genre: Action

Platform: Sony PlayStation(R) 2

The long-awaited next generation console debut of one of Konami's classic
franchises, Castlevania(R): Lament of InnocenceT is the series prequel that
takes players back to the 11th Century. As Leon Belmont, the forefather of
the legendary Belmont Clan, players must rescue Leon's love from the grips of
Dracula and his evil minions. Signature Castlevania(R) gameplay is brought to
life in stunning 3D as players embark on an adventure of blood-sucking
proportions.

Cy Girls

Release date: November 2003

Genre: Action

Platform: Sony PlayStation(R) 2

Law enforcement has a new face; two new beautiful faces to be exact. Join
sexy new heroines, Ice and Aska, as they lay down the law with explosive
firepower and deadly martial arts skills. Players will be immersed in a
futuristic world of crime and punishment, Cy Girls style. Dive into a virtual
world to access additional information and enhance fighting abilities to
battle the evil syndicate. Remember it's not the size of your gun that
counts, it's how you use it!

Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix

Release date: October 2003

Genre: Music

Platform: Microsoft Xbox

It's time for a whole new audience of gamers to get up, and get down! The
gaming phenomenon Dance Dance RevolutionT will make its debut on the Xbox in
October 2003. Featuring new heart-thumping, rear-shaking tunes including some
of the hottest songs on the charts, exclusive music for the North American
market and robust in-game dance modes, Xbox owners will now have reason to
put the game controllers down and get up on their feet! Plus, through the use
of Xbox LIVE online service, players can now download new songs and dance
steps as well as compete with other players online and participate in
Internet rankings.

DDRMAX2 Dance Dance Revolution

Release date: September 2003

Genre: Music

Platform: Sony PlayStation(R) 2

The dance revolution rolls on with DDRMAX2T for Sony PlayStation(R) 2, packed
with the ultimate mix of hit American songs. Gamers will be up on their feet
and dancing all night long with new game modes and the return of past
favorites including "Work Out" mode and "Edit" mode where gamers can count
calories and customize dance moves and routines.

Firefighter F.D. 18

Release date: February 2004

Genre: Action

Platform: Sony PlayStation(R) 2

Firefighter F.D.18T captures all of the heart-stopping action and
gut-wrenching drama experienced by our nation's firefighters. Set in a large
urban city, firefighter Dean McGregor and news reporter Emilie Arquette find
themselves embroiled in a complex mystery that involves the random eruption
of fires in the sprawling metropolis. Searching for the perpetrator brings
them closer together while putting their lives in grave danger. Firefighter
F.D. 18T turns up the heat in 2004!

Frogger's Adventures: The Rescue

Release date: November 2003

Genre: Platformer

Platform: Sony PlayStation