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Atari Online News, Etc. Volume 02 Issue 42
Volume 2, Issue 42 Atari Online News, Etc. October 20, 2000
Published and Copyright (c) 2000
All Rights Reserved
Atari Online News, Etc.
A-ONE Online Magazine
Dana P. Jacobson, Publisher/Managing Editor
Joseph Mirando, Managing Editor
Atari Online News, Etc. Staff
Dana P. Jacobson -- Editor
Joe Mirando -- "People Are Talking"
Michael Burkley -- "Unabashed Atariophile"
Albert Dayes -- CC: Classic Chips
With Contributions by:
Kevin Savetz
Rob Mahlert
Mario Becroft
Petr Sumbera
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=~=~=~=
A-ONE #0242 10/20/00
~ Gearing Up For PSX2!! ~ People Are Talking! ~ New Sony VAIO!
~ Paperless Society? ~ MP3.com Reaches Deal! ~ AtarICQ 1.45
~ Taskbar 3 Alpha Out! ~ VMEbus Graphics Card! ~ New NED Player!
~ Quake III Dreamcast! ~ Web Filtering Softened ~ Alert Help Source!
-* Campus Crime Reports On Web! *-
-* Handspring Unveils Color Organizers *-
-* Massachusetts Requires Laptops For College *-
=~=~=~=
->From the Editor's Keyboard "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Very little to complain about this week! While things at work are still
utterly insane, it hasn't been personally too stressful for a change. The
financial picture is more bleak than usual, but that's not surprising.
When I was in Maine a couple of week's ago, my brother turned me on to a
couple of web auction sites. While I was familiar with eBay, he told me
about uBid also. I had never visited either, until I got back from my
visit. You see, my brother has been telling me, via e-mails from my father,
that he's been buying and selling items like crazy on eBay. Some of the
things he's bought seem idiotic, but my brother is a flea market junkie, so
a place like eBay is heaven to him! Anyway, he knew that I was considering
a laptop computer (or two) and suggested I register on both sites. Warily,
I did so. I did a search for laptops and looked at a few listings. When I
found one I liked, and the bid range was somewhere within my reach, I bid.
I probably lost out on a dozen machines after placing a single bid. Some of
these auctions can go crazy! Near the end of last week, I came upon a
listing which contained 10 machines being auctioned simultaneously. I
figured this might be a good opportunity, so I bid. Well, uBid has an
option that you can receive an e-mail notification telling you when you've
made a successful bid as well as a notification when/if you've been outbid.
I signed up for that option. Well, my mailbox has been busy!!
I'd get a message I was outbid, I upped my bid - over and over again.
Fortunately, the bids weren't going up drastically. I kept checking the bid
ranges and decided to place a bid somewhere in the middle of the 10
machines, figuring most people were bidding incrementally and I'd stand a
better chance to hold on.
The auction was supposed to end last Friday, at 9:30 EST. The auction went
on until past 10:45 because of last minute bids. Every time a new bid came
in, the clock would be extended for 10 minutes! I was going crazy!
Finally, the auction was over. I held on to the 2nd place bid; I got my
laptop! I should be receiving it any day now. Should be interesting.
Now I was addicted. The next day, I decided to look and see what new
machines were available. Lo and behold, there was another auction of the
same machine, same exact specs, but this time there were 12 machines going!
Well, I knew my wife would want a laptop, so I bid on another! I eventually
made it, a little lower on the ranking. I ended up paying the same price as
the initial machine! We plan to have some fun with them!
I have done some "hobby" bidding on eBay and won quite a number of auctions.
Nothing extreme like a laptop, but enjoyable nonetheless. However, I think
I had better not get too wrapped up in this stuff or I can end up spending a
lot of money! It's fun as long as you don't get stupid and bid beyond your
limits!
Until next time...
=~=~=~=
VMEbus Graphics Card News
Dear Atari users,
Last week I got the new boards back for the VMEbus graphics/ethernet card
and I have been working on it and testing it this week. So far, I have run
into a small problem with a chip not operating as expected, but
fortunately today I was able to find a workaround for the problem. Thus I
can now say that the card in its final form is working satisfactorily.
The drivers are not finished yet and some more work is still involved, but
the actual hardware is now ready and I will be able to ship the first
boards very soon, with driver updates being available as soon as I have
time to work on them. For now the card works only with NVDI and there is
no hardware acceleration, but this will improve as I get the fVDI driver
finished.
I refer above to the graphics part of the board, which is the main
function. I had added ethernet functionality to the board, but I do not
know how soon I will have time to properly implement this. I will have to
see how things go.
Availability will be very limited at first, and in fact because of the
difficulties associated with sourcing very small amounts of parts, it is a
bit of a juggling act to get these cards to market at all. So there could
be delays in availability when I have to get new stock etc. But they will
be available, and I hope you can appreciate the difficulties associated
with making such a complex device available for the small Atari market.
More information on pricing and availability will be announced in the next
couple of weeks.
--
Mario Becroft <mb@gem.win.co.nz> - http://gem.win.co.nz/mario/
Atari hardware products - 68HC08 support site
AtarICQ 0.145 Released
AtarICQ 0.145 is a "rather massive update, containing both a vastly
improved interface as well as native support for MiNTnet."
http://gokmase.atari.org
New Version of NED PLAYER
NED PLAYER is now the only one sound player on ATARI scene that can play
ADPCM packed files directly from disc. And more it is even possible to do
this on a slow 8Mhz STE. Standard (STE/TT/FALCON) version and FALCON only
version are available at new address: http://new-design.atari.org. Please
change your links!
Alert Help 2.2/Source Code Released
Alert Help has been updated to version 2.2: Improvements include iconify
support, a GEMScript bug fix and few cosmetic changes. The program now
uses faceVALUE3.
Source codes for Alert Help, NervBox, Equation Calculation and Lotto
have been released. Please note that only the "USERWORK" part (and the
HRD/FVC file) of the source is included so you will need faceVALUE 3 to
generate a working GFA file.
http://www.atari-web.de/users/mjaap/prg/
Taskbar 3 Alpha Release
An alpha version of Taskbar 3 is available. For more information:
http://atari.nvg.org/taskbar/
=~=~=~=
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
compiled by Joe Mirando
jmirando@portone.com
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. I don't know about you, but I've been
going nuts the past few weeks. Things are busy (absolutely insane, truth
be told) at work, both my wife and myself have had killer colds, and my
ISP has decided to start randomly dropping connections.
Just another week in paradise, I guess.
Y'know, I usually don't mention elections except to say "get out there
and vote", but I figure what the heck... I need to vent about SOMETHING!
After watching all three of the presidential debates (and after
screaming into a throw pillow throughout), I was almost completely
disappointed in the substance of the debates. After a little bit of
thought, I came up with MY version of the way the debates should have
gone. Please understand that, even though I believe in everyone's right
to their own beliefs, that does not extend to fictional exchanges such
as this. That being the case, I'd recommend that republicans
fast-forward through this. <grin> Of course, there will be some shots
to the other side as well.
The 2000 Presidential Debate. Joe-ville, USA
============================================
Moderator: Welcome to the fourth and final debate. The first question
is for Vice President Gore.
Mr. Gore. If elected, what are your plans with respect to the
internet?
Gore: I'm glad you asked that. Since I invented the internet eight
years ago, it's grown by leaps and bounds. But as I'm sure you
know, things have to keep growing or they die.
I've recently become a grandfather, and I think that the time
has come for me, as the father of the internet, to become a
grandfather again when the internet itself gives birth.
Moderator: Governor Bush, you may now reply.
Bush: I'm just an average guy. I hear all the same things the rest
of you hear about the internet... the in-fighting, the back-
stabbing, and the screaming and crying fits and the pleas for
leniency...
Oh wait, that's Friday nights at the governor's mansion.
Anyway, the internet wasn't invented in Texas, so it's got
to be bad.
Moderator: Mr. Bush. How would you handle the current stock market
problems?
Bush: That's easy. I own a couple of stock yards, so I know all
about that. Y'see, first you have to brand 'em. Then you
let 'em graze for a couple of months on government-owned
land, then you find some overseas guy who's willing to
pay through the nose for 'em.
Moderator: Mr. Gore. You may now reply.
Gore: The current stock market situation is very serious. That's why
I spear-headed legislation to stop this horrible, wasteful
misuse of the internet. That's why I want to be president.
Moderator: You each now have one minute to tell people about your
qualifications. Mr Gore, you're up first.
Gore: I've been in public service for more than twenty years.
That's where I invented the internet.
Under my opponent's plan we'd all still be counting on
calculators and using ATM machines and buying airline tickets
at the counter.
These are very trying times, and what we need now is someone
who knows how to get things done. I've never actually been
president, but I've been watching closely for the past eight
years and, except for the "intern" stuff, I think I can do it.
Moderator: Mr. Bush?
Bush: My father used to be president. Y'know, in some european
countries it's still the custom for sons to take over for
their fathers when they stop being leaders. So I don't know
why we even have to have elections. I'm the kind of person who
brings people together. I've always been able to make people's
lives easier. Take health care, for instance. That's easy to
simplify. If you can't afford health care, you don't have to
worry about what it's going to cover.
I've always been able to get along with people. Not like my
opponent over there... that boring geek....
Gore: Hey George! (Puts finger to one nostril and inhales sharply)
Bush: That's it, computer boy! (Pulls jacket off and steps toward
Gore).
Moderator: Ladies and gentlemen...
LET'S GET READY TO RUMMMMMBBBBLLLLLEEEE!
The scene takes on a Doom-esque quality as both Gore and Bush suddenly find
high-tech laser rifles on their arms. A feral growl is heard in the distance
and both candidates jockey for cover and a good firing position.
Meanwhile, a diminutive figure emerges from the behind the stage and looks
furtively from side to side as he approaches the podium.
Newcomer: Hi there. Now that there's some free air time, let me
re-introduce myself. I'm Ross Perot and here's the deal...
Okay, enough silliness. Let's get to the REAL news from the UseNet.
From the comp.sys.atari.st NewsGroup
====================================
Jared Falvo asks about his newly acquired 1040:
"I have the opportunity to buy a 1040ST for $5.50 (US dollars). It doesn't
have a monitor or mouse. What I need to know is, are there mods available
to make the 1040ST usable (in color modes) with an SVGA monitor, like my 15"
Sony E100. As well, is there a way to reroute the wiring in a two-button PC
serial mouse to make it work with the 1040ST?
I know that they say that the monitor has to be able to do 15Hz Horizontal
in order to do color modes (the lowest mine goes is 30Hz), but is there any
way to accelerate the horizontal signal from the 1040ST so that it can
display color modes at 30Hz?
As well, I'm debating as to a system design challenge... attempt to build an
ST that is 100% optimized (maximum RAM, maximum video output hardware, etc.)
I want to see if we can't build a system that can do the Internet smoothly,
based less on a fast CPU and mainly on an awesome video and motherboard
subsystem. Of course, the OS (TOS/GEM) might get in the way of that, but...
surely it must be possible if someone tries hard enough.
Milan II may be dead, but why not have fun reinventing the old 8MHz 68000
ST's into a maximized system for the loyal masses! Hmm?"
"Hellraiser" tells Jared:
"As far as I am aware, it is possible to use a conventional serial mouse with
an ST, so long as you have the requisite software. As for hooking it up to
your monitor, there is no way u can connect it directly to a VGA monitor
that I know of, but if u have a TV card in your PC, you could construct a
lead to go from the monitor out on the ST and connecting the composite video
out to the video in on the TV card. As for sound, just route that from the
monitor port to the sound input on your PC - voila, instant ST on PC
monitor."
Jared replies to Hellraiser:
"Which is why I was saying, is there a way of *accelerating* the signal
(frequency) from the ST video out so that it CAN do color on an SVGA
monitor. Sort of like translating the signal so that the ST is still
outputting 15Hz, but the monitor is getting 30Hz. Or maybe it can be done
the other way around... or something."
David Wade jumps in and adds another possibility:
"Yes its quite simple. All you do is take one common or garden IBM clone.
I usually use a AMD K6 based machine, with Windows98. Into this
machine insert common or garden WIn TV card or similar. Our local
computer fair usually has 2nd user cards for 15 UK Pounds, or about 10
dollars.
Install card in PC and connect composite out from Atari into PC card.
Bingo, you can now use ST on PC monitor. Computer card digitizes
Atari Output, and then speeds it up into a form suitable for display on PC
monitor.
....... Or perhaps that's not what the person had in mind.
It does work, but its really only good for low res."
Claes Holmerup adds:
"You can't make it work other than in monochrome mode on an SVGA, since
the frequency's wrong. With an old Multisync going down to 15kHz - or an
old Amiga monitor, it would have worked. A SCART cable to your TV could
also be an option...
There is possibility to connect a PC mouse to the serial port, using a
program to make the adaption - but some programs don't accept that
solution, so they won't work. Mario Becroft's mouse interface works
perfectly and is always compatible since the PC mouse plugs into the
original mouse port via the interface."
Jared asks Claes:
"I just thought of something, but I need someone with technical know-how to
confirm if it's possible...
The 1040ST monitor out has a Composite Video pin as well as R G and B (plus
syncs of H and V), etc. My brother seems to think that you could easily
connect the Atari ST to a A/V-capable TV (you know, the TV's that sport the
Yellow (Video), Red and White (left and right audio) RCA plugs) by just
using the Composite Video pin, plus Ground.
Is it that simple? If so, how good (or bad) does low res look on a TV?
Is there an way to simply "hardwire" (tying the pins together) a series of
pins together on the port to get different kinds of video output? If so,
what kinds of video output is possible with the 1040ST?
I'm hoping for a reply before 4pm tomorrow (Saturday), so I can decide
whether or not I should get the 1040ST."
Steve Sweet tells Jared:
"It's that simple, ready made cables are available for this.
You'll get ST-low amd ST-Mid resolutions."
Ken MacDonald asks about an internal drive for a TT:
"I am helping out a friend (Aage Nielsen, exec member at large of TAF)
install an extra SCSI drive on his TT.
Rather than go to the effort and extra expense of using the external SCSI
port, I thought of just adding the second drive to his internal SCSI
cable. We can take out the existing cable and replace it with one that
can accept two drives, the cable is long enough to go out the back to the
second drive, and provide power to the second drive.
My question is can we have 2 SCSI drives on the internal SCSI bus?
Can they be separate SCSI ids (i.e. 0 and 1) or can they have the same
SCSI id, but different LUNs (i.e. LUN 0 and LUN 1)"
Dr. Uwe Seimet tells Ken:
"Yes, sure. The internal bus is not really different from the external
bus. It's just on the opposite side of the cabled, that's all.
You have to use different SCSI IDs, just like with external drives. You
can't use different LUNs with hard disk drives except with hard disk
drives where one controller on the drive controls more than one drive. I
don't know any SCSI hard disk drive where this is the case."
Well folks, that's it for this time around. I'm going to start telling you now
so that you don't forget... REGISTER TO VOTE... and then VOTE! It's not just a
privilege, it's a responsibility. Tune in again next week, same time, same
station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
=~=~=~=
->In This Week's Gaming Section - Game Developers Line Up For PSX2!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Quake III! Test Drive!
Alien Resurrection!
And much, much more!
=~=~=~=
->A-ONE's Game Console Industry News - The Latest Gaming News!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
A Fleeting Chance to Bid For an Xbox
Although gamers are already bidding up this year's hard-to-find holiday
gift, Sony's PlayStation 2, there is a brief chance to snag what could be
next year's hot item: Microsoft's Xbox.
The Redmond, Wash.-based software giant has donated a half-dozen of the
units to a video-game industry charity auction on Amazon.com.
Winners won't get the game console until it starts shipping next fall. But
in the meantime, they will have a hand-signed certificate from Bill Gates
assuring that they will be one of the first with the console.
Several auctions are under way, with bids ranging from about $400 to more
than $600. One unit already sold for $2,550, although that included the
leather Xbox jacket that Bill Gates wore when he announced the console.
The auctions run through Friday.
Microsoft has not announced pricing for the Xbox but has said the console
will be competitive with other game machines on the market.
Nintendo donated to the charity auction a Game Cube and a tour of its
studios. Sony chipped in two PlayStation 2 units to the auction, which
benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is sponsored by the
Interactive Digital Software Association.
Meanwhile, in unrelated auctions on eBay, bids for PlayStation 2 units are
already topping $550. The console is set to go on sale Oct. 26 for a
suggested price of $299. However, Sony has chopped in half the number of
units it expects to ship at launch, adding fuel to already strong demand.
Although no consumers or retailers have the U.S. version of the consoles
in their hands yet, those who claim they'll have them on launch day are
putting the PlayStation 2 units up for auction.
An auction on Amazon in July for the first New Internet Computers, with a
certificate signed by company chief executive Larry Ellison, fetched
$1,850 apiece for machines that normally sell for $199 plus the cost of a
monitor.
Fox Interactive Unleashes Alien Resurrection
to Stores Nationwide
Gamers looking to test their nerve this Halloween can find spine-tingling
terror in Fox Interactive's new game Alien Resurrection for PlayStation.
This action/adventure title combines advanced first-person gameplay
technology and translates the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the film
with swarming Aliens, movie-quality sound and advanced special effects.
``Alien Resurrection utilizes unique camera angles and Dolby Surround Sound
creating one of our most technologically innovative PlayStation games to
date," said Karly Young, Director of Marketing, Fox Interactive. ``With
the movie, you watch the action; in the game, you live it. We've taken the
terror and excitement of the Alien franchise to a new level."
Inspired by the feature film, Alien Resurrection is a fast-paced game that
combines a variety of problem solving, strategy and hard-core action
elements creating a challenging action/adventure experience. Players
explore 10 colossal levels featuring multiple walkways, galleries, rooms
and underwater areas. As Ripley, Call, DiStephano and Christie, players
utilize all of the memorable weapons from the Alien world including the
Pulse Rifle, Flamethrower, Electric Gun and Grenade Launcher.
Like its film counterpart, Alien Resurrection utilizes sophisticated
artificial intelligence allowing Aliens to move fluidly between floors,
walls and ceilings and communicate telepathically in order to stalk, swarm
and decimate their prey using multiple attacks. The game also mimics actual
elements from the film. For example, Alien Queens lay eggs that hatch
facehuggers. Facehuggers enter human chests and chest-bursters grow into
Alien Warriors, who collect human hosts.
The game features a full 360-degree, first-person 3D polygonal engine with
real-time lighting, stunning visual effects and a destructible, interactive
environment. The film's Oscar-nominated design team created the title's
digital sound effects and ambient background audio.
Alien Resurrection was developed by Argonaut Games and has an ESRB rating
of ``M" - Mature. The game is available nationwide at a suggested retail
price of $29.99.
Sega Unleashes Quake III Arena On Dreamcast
for Its Console Debut
For the First Time Ever, Dreamcast and PC Users
Will be Able to Compete Against Each Other in
Legendary Online Multiplayer Game
Gamers will be quaking in their boots now that id Software's QUAKE III
Arena is making its console debut! Sega of America, Inc. unleashed
QUAKE III Arena for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcastvideogame
console. Taking the legendary QUAKE franchise to the next level of
first-person action, QUAKE III Arena allows Dreamcast and PC gamers to test
their mettle against each other via SegaNet, the only high-speed online
console gaming network. QUAKE III Arena for Dreamcast includes all new
arenas, an exciting new quad-screen mode and advanced artificial
intelligence (AI) that will challenge even the most experienced QUAKE fans
with opponents so smart they are almost human! QUAKE III Arena was
developed, under id Software's supervision and direction, by Raster
Productions for Dreamcast and published by Sega of America under license
from Activision.
In QUAKE III Arena, players prowl through 30 deadly arenas, including 14
designed exclusively for Dreamcast. Using a first person perspective,
gamers set out on a search-and-destroy mission to establish which warrior
has the ultimate survivor skills. This fight to the death competition
between gladiators transpires in settings so real, it is sure to harvest a
new generation of QUAKE fans. Gamers are challenged to compete in multiple
game types including Capture the Flag, 1-on-1 Tournament, Team Deathmatch,
and the ultimate free-for-all fight for ``frag" points, Deathmatch.
``QUAKE III Arena marks a first in videogame history -- console and PC
gamers have never been given the opportunity to battle over the Internet in
real-time, a feature which is now made possible only in QUAKE III Arena via
SegaNet," said Scott Hawkins, senior producer, Sega of America. ``QUAKE
III Arena combines all the heart-pounding action that fans have come to
expect from the QUAKE series and brings exciting new features and intense
environments to Dreamcast."
``With the release of QUAKE III Arena for the Dreamcast, console gamers can
now experience the same frenetic, in-your-face gameplay of the legendary PC
version," said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software. ``Look for Internet
competition to heat up this fall as a new generation of QUAKE III Arena
fans join the fray online."
QUAKE III Arena comes armed with multiple weapons, tons of characters and
an exciting array of gameplay options. Gamers can compete against
computer-controlled gladiators in the single-player mode, or test their
valor against human opponents either across the country or in the same
room. QUAKE III Arena features exclusive multiplayer modes, where up to
four players can battle on the same Dreamcast via split screen, or from
four different corners of the country over the Internet.
QUAKE III Arena supports the standard Dreamcast controller and is
completely customizable. Players can save their progress, awards and game
configurations to the Visual Memory Unit (VMU), to use with any Dreamcast
unit. For old school QUAKE fans, the game also supports a Dreamcast
keyboard and mouse as well as the Jump Pack for force feedback effects.
Players with broadband access can be fragging faster than ever with full
support for the Dreamcast Broadband Adapter (sold separately.)
To play QUAKE III Arena online, gamers simply place the game in their
Dreamcast, select Internet Game on the title screen, and hit dial. The
Dreamcast will then provide a list of available QUAKE III Arena games to
join. Players without an Internet Service Provider (ISP) will receive 50
free hours when they simply plug a phone line into their Dreamcast and sign
up with Sega.net through the QUAKE III Arena interface. QUAKE III Arena is
rated ``M" for Mature and is available for $49.95 at retailers nationwide
and at www.sega.com.
Interplay Ships Wild Wild Racing for PlayStation2
Interplay Entertainment Corp. announced that the company's first
PlayStation2 title, Wild Wild Racing, will begin shipping to retail.
Developed exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system,
Wild Wild Racing allows players to compete in all-terrain vehicle races in
various countries around the globe. Developed by Rage Software, Wild Wild
Racing will be available at retail for the North American PlayStation 2
launch on October 26.
``We are very excited to have Wild Wild Racing shipping at the PlayStation
2 launch," said Brian Fargo, CEO of Interplay Entertainment. ``Wild Wild
Racing takes advantage of the advanced capabilities of the PlayStation 2
and furthers our commitment to develop and publish great console product."
Wild Wild Racing will feature five race locations: USA, India, Iceland,
Mexico and Australia and utilizes the advanced PlayStation 2 graphic
technology which allows for varied weather conditions, as well as, day and
evening racing. Players will ``strap into" one of nine specially designed
off-road vehicles, with multiple upgrades and a total of 22 different
handling models. PlayStation 2 owners will scramble up steep mountain
passes, ``kick up dust" in hot desert sands, while experiencing one of the
most exciting off road games ever produced.
In addition to the main off-road race circuit, Wild Wild Racing includes a
series of special challenge features that allow the player to upgrade and
access new vehicles. The game also features exhibition races and time trial
modes, along with exciting new challenge modes including ``Quest,"
``Skill" and the highflying ``Stunt" mode which is the ultimate test as
players launch into death-defying maneuvers.
Midway Defies Gravity With Rollcage Stage 2 for
the Playstation Game Console
Midway Games Inc. announced that Rollcage Stage 2 for the PlayStation game
console has shipped to retail.
Building on the popularity of the original game, Rollcage Stage 2 allows
players to race indestructible cars in a destructible world while battling
opponents by taking shortcuts off walls, on ceilings and through tunnels.
In a 360-degree world of go-anywhere racing, Rollcage Stage 2 unleashes
thrilling tracks at breakneck speeds.
``Rollcage Stage 2 is a racing game for core fans of speed and
destruction," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway.
``The new additions and features make this version of Rollcage the ultimate
combat racing videogame."
With 65 tracks, 20 cars, 16 different game modes, five multi-player games,
12 weapons and added enticements, Rollcage Stage 2 features 60 percent more
content and 15 more game modes than the original Rollcage. New dynamics
ensure against annoying spin-outs and improve overall handling of vehicles.
Rollcage Stage 2 Key Features
-- Sixty-five racing tracks
-- Twenty different cars
-- Twelve weapons with added enticements
-- New handling - no annoying spin-outs
-- 60 percent bigger game with 15 new game modes
Infogrames, Inc. Puts Gamers Behind the Wheel of
the World's Top Licensed Rally Cars With Test
Drive V-Rally for Sega Dreamcast--In Stores This
Week
Infogrames, Inc. announced that Test Drive V-Rally for Sega Dreamcast is
shipping to stores this week. Developed by Eden Studios, the game features
16 licensed cars racing on 84 tracks in 12 countries.
``Test Drive V-Rally is a rally racing fan's dream come true,'' said Laddie
Ervin, director of marketing for sports and racing at Infogrames, Inc.
``With its outstanding graphics at 60 frames per second, life-like physics,
and a top of the line track editor, Test Drive V-Rally blows the
competition away.'' The renowned V-Rally formula is a welcome addition to
the multimillion unit selling Test Drive franchise. Test Drive V-Rally
offers the exciting racing tempo and variety of dream cars that stay true
to the Test Drive series, while also providing a superior rally racing game
with outstanding graphics and gameplay.
Test Drive V-Rally offers more than 16 officially licensed 1999 World Rally
Cars and 10 classic rallying cars, including Subaru Impreza, Skoda Octavia,
Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and the Mitsubishi Lancer.
The game captures the essence of rally racing by recreating the car physics
and environments that real rally drivers encounter. With more than 200
miles of road in twelve different countries, players will find themselves
negotiating short cuts, double road super stages and cross roads throughout
the game, while cars will suffer progressive car damage and accumulate
dirt. Test Drive V-Rally offers in-car pilot animations and the game can be
played from a dashboard view with driver shifting and steering animation.
In addition to the game's 84 existing tracks, Test Drive V-Rally's dynamic
track editor/generator lets players design their own tracks and change them
on the fly, giving them virtually endless possibilities to customize the
game. Track editing options allow players to create or edit turns,
inclines, terrain and weather conditions, while also letting them choose a
point to point or closed loop track. The track editor allows the player to
fine tune different aspects of the track, and, after creating a track, the
player may go back and make turns sharper or straighter in very fine
increments.
In addition to designing tracks, Test Drive V-Rally also gives the player
control of several mechanical aspects of their car to improve performance
in certain environments. The player must choose strategically from the
options in the Car Settings mode:
* Suspension: hard suspension is better for asphalt while soft is better
for rough terrain.
* Car Height: if it's going to be uneasy terrain, raise that car up!
* Over/Understeer: a track with gentle bends requires an understeering
car while tight turns require an oversteering car.
* Brakes: brakes can be made harder or softer and can be adjusted front
to back. There is also a brake assist option.
Test Drive V-Rally features two, three and four-player split screen modes
and will be available at most major retail outlets for an estimated retail
price of $29.99. For more information visit the Test Drive V-Rally Web site
at http://www.us.infogrames.com.
Infogrames, Inc. Stretches the Boundaries With Test Drive Off-Road-Wide
Open for the PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System
The Illustrious Off-Road Racing Franchise Turns Over A New Leaf With A New
Developer And Sprawling ``Go Anywhere" Environments
Infogrames, Inc. announced that the newest installment in the Test Drive
Off-Road series, Test Drive Off-Road-Wide Open, is in development for the
PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Angel Studios, the
game takes off-road racing to a new level with 16 licensed off-roading
vehicles and more than 30 wide open tracks. The game will be available in
summer 2001.
``With the technical advancements allowed by the PlayStation 2, this new
addition to the Test Drive Off-Road family will go beyond what any off-road
game has accomplished before," said Chris Downend, director of product
development for racing titles at Infogrames, Inc. ``Players will have room
to roam in the "go anywhere`` environment. Racing freely through expansive
real-world locations that are graphically magnificent and true-to-life in
some of the world's most desirable off-road vehicles will make this one of
the first must-have racing games for PlayStation 2."
Responsible for such hits as Midtown Madness and Resident Evil 2, Angel
Studios is recognized as one of the top game developers in the industry. As
one of the pioneers of pre-rendered computer graphics for films, TV
commercials and cinematics for games, Angel Studios strives to give
gameplay fewer limitations and more options by developing the most advanced
technology in the industry.
``We are excited about using our technology to work on a franchise with
such a great pedigree," said Clinton Keith, director of product
development at Angel Studios. ``Test Drive Off-Road-Wide Open incorporates
amazing graphics and superior driving physics with the concept of creating
wide open, sprawling environments that won't limit gameplay to a
track-which, after all, is the appeal of off-roading."
Setting the stage as the three real-world locations in Test Drive
Off-Road-Wide Open are Moab, Utah; Yosemite, California and the Big Island
of Hawaii. Chosen for their diversity in textures and environments as well
as their reputations for extreme off-road racing, these three locations
will be the backdrop for an intensely expansive racing experience.
Within each of the games' three locations, there will be eight to ten
tracks including circuit courses and A to B races. All tracks will be
styled in a ``go-anywhere" environment with variations in track sizes and
styles. The player will have the freedom to choose the path that is best
suited to their truck while attempting to complete the course in the
fastest time possible.
Test Drive Off-Road-Wide Open offers a variety of licensed off-road
vehicles that are completely customizable, with each offering its own
unique handling. Some of the licensed vehicles include AM General Humvee
and AM General Hummer, Jeep Wrangler, Ford F150, Ford Bronco, DodgeRAM
2500, Dodge and Shelby Durango. Vehicles are completely customizable with
a paint job option and upgrades (including tires, wheels, light bars, brush
guards, lift kits and more). Each vehicle upgrade produces a visual change
in the appearance and performance of the vehicle and all upgrades emphasize
fun gameplay.
Test Drive Off-Road Wide Open for PlayStation 2 will feature a licensed
soundtrack and will reach most major retail stores in summer 2001.
Take a Ride on the Wild Side With Midway's
Cruis'n Exotica for Nintendo 64 and Game Boy
Color
Midway Games Inc. announced that Cruis'n Exotica for Nintendo 64 ships to
retail and Cruis'n Exotica for Game Boy Color will ship to retail on
Oct. 31.
Cruis'n Exotica for the arcade was successfully released this spring. An
international and intergalactic racing adventure, the Cruis'n franchise has
sold 1.9 million units to date on the Nintendo 64.
Cruis'n Exotica takes players through exotic locales in a variety of
venues. The game features three different modes, all new cars and 14 tracks
set in ``out-of-this world" locations. Players can visit the primitive
jungles of the Amazon, the busy streets of Hong Kong, lush Irish
landscapes, the lost ocean city of Atlantis and the planet Mars.
``The Cruis'n franchise has been extremely successful and continues to
bring the excitement of its arcade games to home console systems," said
Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway. ``The Cruis'n Exotica
designers traveled the globe collecting video footage of exotic locales,
which they turned into incredibly sharp 3D images using Midway's
state-of-the-art reality mapping technology."
Nintendo 64 Key Features
* Thirty exotic vehicles including 12 default and 18 secret
* Twelve new tracks with a total of 48 variations
* Amazingly vibrant graphics with incredible lighting and environmental
mapping
* Tracks ranging from Korea, Atlantis, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Alaska,
India, Holland, Ireland, The Amazon, Tibet and Mars
* Multiple game modes -- Cruis'n Exotica (arcade), Cruis'n Freestyle
(practice) and new Cruis'n Challenge
* Extras -- game enhancement, shortcuts, secret vehicles, turbo boost,
fancy driving stunts, drag-race mode, nitros and more
* Utilizes all supported peripherals such as the Rumble Pak and the
ability to save the game to a Battery Pack
Game Boy Color Key Features
* Thirteen new vehicles
* Multiple game modes -- Cruis'n Exotica (arcade), Cruis'n Freestyle
(practice) and new Cruis'n Challenge
* Amazingly vibrant graphics use lighting effects and environmental
mapping
* Tracks ranging from Korea, Atlantis, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Alaska,
India, Holland, Ireland, Amazon, Tibet and Mars
EA Ships Madden NFL 2001 for the PlayStation 2
Early to Satisfy Public Demand
In response to consumer outcry, Electronic Arts shipped Madden NFL 2001 for
the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system one week prior to the launch
date of the actual hardware units. With anticipation for the game running
at a fever pitch, Electronic Arts made the decision to get the game on
store shelves now to satisfy customer demand. Madden NFL 2001 is already
available for the PlayStation, PC and Nintendo 64, and will be out next
month on the Game Boy Color.
The PlayStation 2 console game provides a look that is so advanced many
people confuse it with television. ``I see myself run in Madden NFL 2001
and it looks so real that it seems like I'm watching actual game tapes from
Sunday afternoon," said All-Pro running back for the Tennessee Titans,
Eddie George. ``With the new body and face mapping technology that EA
SPORTS is using, you can look through my facemask and see that it's
actually me under the helmet. It's incredible!"
In addition to recreating the players in the game in amazing detail, for
the first time ever in a video football game Madden NFL 2001 incorporates
coaches into the mix with the NFL Coaches Club license. Now NFL coaches
such as the Denver Broncos' Mike Shanahan, Miami Dolphins' Dave Wannstedt,
Pittsburgh Steelers' Bill Cowher, and Washington Redskins' Norv Turner, are
seen pacing the sidelines and encouraging players. The Madden producers
scanned the faces of the coaches and recorded their voices to ensure that
they were portrayed in the game as realistically as the players were. EA
also worked with the coaches to create unique signature plays for each
team.
New in this year's game are player models that show a whole new level of
detail. Wristbands, visors, facemasks, turf tape and elbow pads all exist
in the game, and are player specific so that each player has the same
equipment in the game that they use in the real NFL.
Always a leader in the area of realistic gameplay, the weight and height of
each player is now factored into collisions to help determine how much
ground a ball carrier gains as the tackle is made. A small defensive back
will have a tough time knocking down a big, bruising fullback. On the flip
side, the lighter and quicker wide receivers will be able to shake a
linebacker during a pass route if the linebacker is forced to cover the
receiver. If the offense floods a zone and sends more receivers into an
area on the field than the defense has defensive backs to cover them, big
gains can occur.
``Madden on the PlayStation 2 represents the pinnacle of video game
football," said Steven Chiang, executive producer for the Madden
franchise. ``EA has been making Madden football since 1989, so when you
combine all the gameplay experience we've gained over that time with the
incredible new graphics capabilities of the PlayStation 2 it's a dream come
true for video football fans."
As opposed to having to search for secret codes that will unlock parts of
the game, Madden players will now be able to enjoy the satisfaction of
actually working to gain these special perks. In Madden NFL 2001, EA brings
the concept of interactive trading cards to a video game. It is now
possible to collect ``Madden Cards" in the game by performing certain
tasks, and to trade or risk Madden Cards with friends via memory card.
Cards unlock legendary teams, players, stadiums, and can boost player
ratings.
In the past, Madden games have only contained players currently active in
the league, but now Madden NFL 2001 has hundreds of the greatest NFL
players from the past. Also included are all the All-Madden teams that John
has picked since 1984, as well as the All-Super Bowl and Millennium teams.
Madden NFL 2001 for the PlayStation 2 console is rated ``E" (Everyone) by
the ESRB. It is analog controller compatible and supports up to eight
players.
EA Games ``Shakes, Not Stirs" the Delivery of
The World Is Not Enough, the Highly Anticipated
First Person James Bond Action Game
Fans of the world's most renowned top secret agent rejoice... Bond is back!
Armchair espionage is taken to new heights with the highly anticipated
release from Electronic Arts of The World is Not Enough for the Nintendo 64.
Shortly following will be the PlayStation game console version in early
November. This first person action title, based on the Eon Productions &
MGM blockbuster 007 film of the same name, provides players the opportunity
to once again moonlight as the super-spy. Both titles will be released
under the new EA GAMES brand.
The World is Not Enough for the N64 and the PlayStation stays true to the
Bond legacy by delivering all the action, stealth, state-of-the art gadgets
and sophisticated spy-craft that Bond fans expect. Building upon the
intense movie storyline, players assume the role of James Bond and must
progress through a series of challenging mission-based levels, while
confronting treacherous movie villains like Electra and Renard. In the
game, Bond also encounters recognizable allies such as Christmas Jones and
is helped by Q's new assistant R, played in the film by John Cleese, who
also lends his voice to the game.
Each game is designed to take advantage of the strengths of the platform
for which it was developed. For example, the PlayStation version of The
World is Not Enough, with its streaming video capability, uses actual
action footage from the film to help drive the story. The Nintendo 64
version offers a deep multiplayer capability along with massive amounts of
storage space for added graphics and visual effects.
About the Nintendo 64 Version
The World is Not Enough carries the unique distinction of being the
official next Bond-licensed game for the N64 system. The title features a
completely new, robust game engine that can maintain crisp graphics at a
constantly high frame rate for fast, fluid gameplay as well as contain
hundreds of lines of spoken dialogue. This feature-packed version offers a
total of 28 single and multiplayer levels, more than 40 Q-lab weapons and
gadgets - some of which are N64 exclusive. In addition, there are several
N64-only missions, multiplayer arenas, and modes. The World is Not Enough
for the N64 supports up to four players and four artificially intelligent
(AI) bots on fast split-screen action in multiplayer mode. The game
supports but does not require the Expansion Pak for added graphic
enhancements.
The World is Not Enough for the N64 was developed by Eurocom Entertainment
Software.
About the PlayStation Version
The World is Not Enough for the PlayStation will debut an improved graphics
engine from the previous third-person perspective 007 game, the wildly
successful Tomorrow Never Dies, that can render the most rich, highly
detailed environment possible for the system. The game features 11
challenging single player levels - including a unique Casino level in which
players must use their skills, or quickly learn, the game of BlackJack in
order to acquire winnings and complete the mission objectives. Overall, the
game features more than 30-Q lab weapons and gadgets, including a
PlayStation exclusive video camera that doubles as a missile launcher. Also
included is a revamped precision targeting system for pinpoint accuracy
when using a weapon and/or gadget, and over 300 new motion-captured
animations.
The World is Not Enough for the PlayStation was developed by veteran game
developer Black Ops Entertainment
Both versions of The World is Not Enough carry an ESRB rating of ``T"
(Teen). The N64 game will carry a MSRP of $49.95 while the PlayStation will
be $44.95. Consumers may purchase the game directly at the EA Store SM
(http://www.eastore.ea.com) or by calling EA Direct Sales at
1.877.324.2637. EA GAMES plans to release The World is Not Enough for the
PlayStation 2 and PC in 2001. More information on the James Bond games can
be found on the Electronic Arts product web site at: http://007.ea.com.
The games based on The World is Not Enough will mark the first projects to
come out of an exclusive licensing deal EA secured with MGM Interactive,
Danjaq LLC and Eon Productions for the highly coveted Bond franchise. Under
the agreement, as previously announced, EA has secured the worldwide,
multi-year rights to develop, publish and distribute worldwide a series of
interactive titles on multiple platforms based on the James Bond character.
James Bond was first introduced to movie audiences in 1962 when Danjaq, LLC
and United Artists, released Dr. No. The Bond films are one of the most
valuable franchises in film history. More information about the films can
be found on the official James Bond web site from MGM at:
www.jamesbond.com, or at the Danjaq site at: www.007.com.
EA Ships Critically Acclaimed New Snowboarding
Game SSX for the PlayStation 2
Electronic Arts shipped what many in the industry consider the ``must have"
game of the year for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. SSX, a
new snowboarding game, creates a new genre of video game based on the
extreme sport Boardercross. It combines high-speed snowboard racing with
insane big air tricks on what is best described as an exaggerated snow
covered motocross track. This new gameplay formula is winning over some of
the harshest videogame critics in the business.
In the September 15 issue of Game Business magazine, eight of the top
editor-in-chiefs from video game magazines and websites were polled on what
they thought the top game, or games, would be for the PlayStation 2 console
launch. SSX was the only game picked by all eight editors as a ``must
have" game. The editors included Chris Slate from PSM, Doug Perry from
IGNPS2.com, Chris Charla from Total Games, Joe Funk from EGM, Tom Russo
from Next Generation, John Davison from OPM, Dave Halverson from Gamers'
Republic and Frank O'Connor from DailyRadar.com. High praise such as ``a
fresh look at snowboarding," ``glorious-looking" and ``amazing gameplay"
were prevalent throughout the editors' comments.
Three different gameplay modes will allow riders to test their skills in a
variety of exciting boarding events. Feel like brushing up on some tricks
and generally goofing off? Freeride is the way to go. Does a quick
competition sound good? Single Event is the answer. World Circuit is a
season long fight for glory. Riders must progress through an array of
different events, ultimately leading up to the Championship Invitational
Event.
Matching the fast paced action of SSX is the game's soundtrack. Mix Master
Mike of the Beastie Boys and Rahzel of the Roots recorded the game's theme
song in their first joint recording at Electronic Arts' state-of-the-art
recording studio in Vancouver, B.C. One key element of the soundtrack is
variety as the soundtrack in SSX is totally interactive with the gameplay.
As a rider pulls off one big trick after another, the pace of the music
will keep up, providing an original musical score every time.
``What's exciting about SSX is it has no rules, no boundaries, and no limit
on the fun," said executive producer, Steve Rechtschaffner. ``If you want
to go off the course then you can. If you want to try a shortcut, you can.
If you want to create your own stunts and tricks, you can. The amount of
freedom this game provides is amazing and the feedback we've gotten is it's
exactly what the gaming public has been looking for in a PlayStation 2
game."
Eight different SSX courses stretch the barriers of reality and provide a
wide-array of challenges for the beginner to expert boarder. Want to burn
down an iceberg in the South Pacific? SSX offers the ``Aloha Ice Jam"
venue, which is an iceberg towed into an island port for the purpose of
being carved up by snowboards. What about tearing it up on a virtual
pinball machine-type mountain? SSX has that too in the ``Tokyo Megaplex,"
where boarders must maneuver through moving ramps, flippers, opening and
closing doors, all set in an exaggerated version of Japan's indoor
snowboard parks. In ``Merqury City Meltdown" boarders race through a big
city after a monster snowstorm, crashing through office windows only to
exit on the other side of the building, as well as dodging taxicabs and
leaping entire buildings during tricks and stunts.
In order to participate in any of this mind-boggling action the player must
first choose one of the eight International racers to strap onto the board
and do their bidding down the mountain. Each character is completely
unique, with its own specialties. Pull tricks and big air to fill your
Adrenaline Bar, but be careful not to let it run out, or you will likely be
found facedown in the snow and out of the race.
SSX for the PlayStation 2 console is rated ``E" (Everyone) by the ESRB. It
is analog controller compatible and supports up to eight players.
EA Jumps to an Early Lead On PlayStation 2
Six Games Available in Stores On October 26
Electronic Arts announced that six EA PlayStation2 titles have rolled off
the manufacturing line and are en route to retail stores nationwide. EA
will have the largest number of PlayStation 2 games at the launch of Sony's
next generation system on October 26, 2000. The company expects to have an
additional 4-6 titles on store shelves in time for the holiday season.
``It's the software that will define the success of PlayStation 2," said
Don Mattrick, president of EA Worldwide Studios. ``Madden football and SSX
snowboarding are the games that will show consumers what PlayStation 2 can
do. Our studios have been working for over a year to ensure that consumers
have the very best software when they buy a PlayStation 2. This is the
strongest launch in EA's history - no other developer has this many AAA
titles ready for PlayStation 2."
The following PlayStation 2 titles will be available at retail on October
26:
Madden NFL 2001 - Madden NFL 2001 has all the current teams and players, as
well as hundreds of the greatest NFL warriors from the past.
Three-dimensional digital face mapping technology is utilized for players
and coaches alike to create an incredibly good looking and authentic game.
SSX - Based on the new extreme Boardercross sport, SSX combines high-speed
snowboard racing with insane big-air tricks. SSX, which is drawing rave
reviews from the game industry press, is predicted to be the first
worldwide hit on PlayStation 2.
NHL2001 - NHL 2001 brings fans out of the stands and onto the ice with
incredibly realistic graphics and amazingly smooth gameplay. NHL 2001
features all the current NHL players and teams, including the Minnesota
Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets as well as 20 International teams.
Kessen - This game is the first DVD title for the PlayStation 2. Kessen,
which means ``strategic battle," is a real-time strategy game based on the
Warring States period of seventeenth century Japan.
XSquad - The first squad-based 3-D action shooter. Set in the year is
2037, the XSquad is ordered to investigate a terrorist attack at one of the
government's secret military complexes and recover any and all secret
material they seized.
Swing Away Golf - A role-playing golf game that isn't just about whether
you can make par; it's a full-fledged fun golf experience. Players choose
from seven distinct characters with varying golf skill levels, and a
specific golf caddie loaded with different strategies depending on the
caddie's personality and expertise.
EA Will Deliver a Wide Array of PlayStation 2 Titles Through March 2001
EA expects to ship an incredible lineup of games by March of 2001.
Some of those titles include:
FIFA 2001 - Another EA title that's expected to be a top-seller worldwide.
FIFA 2001 Major League Soccer will include more than 50 National teams
and 17 different leagues. The sights and sounds of the soccer environment
come to life in FIFA 2001 Major League Soccer and define the interactive
on-field soccer experience.
NBA® Live 2001 - This hoops game allows the player to control the post or
fly high above the rim with many new moves and features. With all-new
player reactions and bench sequences, redesigned commentary, and crowd
animations, the stadium comes alive.
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2001 - Will be the most realistic and graphically
compelling interactive golf title on any console. Players don't just play
golf, they live the experience in six competitive modes. Through a visually
stunning 3-D game engine, authentic golf ball physics and real-time analog
swing, game players can fully experience golf with all of its thrills and
challenges. Players can compete as or against top PGA TOUR pros including
Tiger Woods, Justin Leonard, Brad Faxon, Robert Damron, Stewart Cink and
Mark Calcavecchia on the exclusively licensed Pebble Beach Golf Links®.
Triple Play 2002 - Whether you step to the plate and face the
computer-generated Artificial Intelligence or go head-to-head against your
best friend, Triple Play 2002 will challenge and entertain from the first
pitch to the final out. Major League Baseball (MLB) and MLBPA licenses give
game players all the teams and players in the major leagues. Baseball's
storied history comes alive with legendary players such as Babe Ruth,
Willie Mays, and Ted Williams.
NASCAR2001 - Dominate at Daytona in the toughest, most compelling racing
game on PlayStation 2. Compete for the NASCAR championship against 34
NASCAR drivers who model real-life tendencies and abilities. Hit the track
with full car damage, big wrecks, and fender-to-fender excitement.
Knockout Kings 2001- Go toe-to-toe with legendary champions including
Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya, and Sugar Ray Leonard in the
only real boxing game on PlayStation 2. Full body scanning replicates each
boxer in unprecedented detail. Knockout Kings 2001 also features some of
the best female boxers in the world along with current stars and legendary
fighters.
F1 Championship Season 2000 - Experience the passion and pressure of
Formula One competition with all the real drivers and tracks of the
world's leading open wheel motorsport. F1 Championship Season 2000 features
stunning graphics including uniquely modeled cars from the 2000 season and
distinct driver helmets. Every detail is authentic, from car physics and
suspension to the actual grid lineups of the 2000 season. The excitement
intensifies as cars now flip, spin, and crash making the damage look so
real even the paintwork is stripped from the car.
Theme Park Roller Coaster - Build your own theme park from the ground
up and manage everything from salting the fries to determining the height
of rides. Build a blood-curdling five-loop roller coaster and dare your
customers to climb aboard, or risk your own neck and go for a ride. Take a
stroll through your park and explore your creation from the visitor's
perspective. Then, visit the sideshows and play the mini-games.
EA's PlayStation 2 games releasing this month carry an ESRB rating of ``E"
(Everyone) except Kessen and XSquad, which carry a ``T" (Teen).
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. to Launch
Four Games for Sony's Highly Anticipated
PlayStation2 by October 31
Smuggler's Run, Midnight Club, Q-Ball: Billiards
Master, and Surfing H30 to Ship During
PlayStation2 Launch Week
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is proud to announce that it will ship
4 new products for Sony Computer Entertainment America's highly anticipated
PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, which is scheduled to hit
retail shelves in the United States on October 26, within a week of the
systems launch.
``Our software has the opportunity to aid in defining the success of
PlayStation 2," said Sam Houser, President of Take-Two's Rockstar Games.
``Smuggler's Run and Midnight Club: Street Racing are games that will show
consumers what PlayStation 2 can technically achieve. Our development teams
have been working for over a year to ensure that our Company is well
represented at the launch of PlayStation 2, and we are very pleased with
what is most certainly the strongest publishing launch in Take-Two and
Rockstar's history."
Smuggler's Run (which appears on the cover of this months PSM magazine and
is amongst many trade press editor's ``Must Buy" PlayStation 2 launch
titles) as well as Midnight Club: Street Racing have been manufactured and
will be on retail shelves on October 26. Shortly thereafter, the Company
will ship Surfing H3O and Q-Ball: Billiards Master, both of which the
Company expects will be the first titles available to consumers
representing their respective genres.
Looking forward the Company's significant investment in PlayStation 2
development is expected to yield at least a further ten original
PlayStation 2 titles within the next twelve months. The highly anticipated
Oni is expected to ship in January, followed by an additional nine games by
October 31, 2001, including an addition to the Company's best-selling Grand
Theft Auto series, and games featuring the renowned Duke Nukem and Austin
Powers characters.
Paul Eibeler, President, stated, ``We believe that Take-Two and its
Rockstar Games subsidiary will enjoy one of the most significant
positions
amongst third party software publishers at the launch of PlayStation 2 in
the United States. Our PlayStation 2 line-up from system launch through
Christmas 2001 will define our Company and is a mark of the tremendous
strides our video game publishing program has made in the past twelve
months. We are thrilled to be in such a roll for what promises to be one of
the most exciting consumer electronics launches of modern times."
The Company expects an identical publishing schedule for the launch week of
PlayStation 2 in Europe, which commences on November 23.
=~=~=~=
A-ONE's Headline News
The Latest in Computer Technology News
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
MP3.com Agrees to Licensing Deal
The National Music Publishers' Association Inc. and MP3.com Inc. have
reached a preliminary settlement that will make more than 1 million musical
compositions available on the popular My.MP3.com.
The three-year agreement calls for MP3.com to pay up to $30 million to the
association's licensing unit, Harry Fox Agency Inc., MP3.com said
Wednesday.
The publishing association had sued MP3.com in March over the use of its
members' songs through My.MP3.com, an Internet service allowing users to
listen to music from CDs they already own or which they purchase from
MP3.com's retail partners.
If the settlement is approved by individual HFA music publisher-principals,
NMPA will drop the lawsuit.
``The Internet has certainly posed many difficult music publishing issues
and this agreement ... is a giant step for all consumers who want to simply
be able to listen to music they already own," Robin Richards, president of
MP3.com, said in a statement.
Edward P. Murphy, president and chief executive of NMPA, called the
agreement a win for music creators, Internet music service providers and
consumers.
``We believe that our negotiations with MP3.com have yielded a landmark
proposal that NMPA can refer to the music publishing and songwriting
community with confidence and enthusiasm," Murphy said.
The NMPA, which has more than 700 members, works to protect and advance the
interests of the music publishing industry.
Sony Unveils New-Look VAIO Laptop PCs
Sony Corp on Monday unveiled a new series of its VAIO personal computers --
the latest effort by the electronics giant to integrate its consumer
electronics, PC, and media empire.
Sony's two new notebook computers, formally launched on Monday, mark a
clear departure from its current line of PCs.
One is a new VAIO laptop with a radically new translucent design that sets
itself apart from the purple-gray VAIO PCs.
The other blurs the line between digital handheld camcorders and mini PCs,
and is designed specifically to record and broadcast video clips. It also
uses a new type of processor.
Previously, Sony had only released preliminary prototypes of the PCs, which
will be sold in Japan from mid-November.
``We've designed a new series of VAIOs to better reflect customer
preferences for design," said Keiko Iijima of Sony's marketing division
for information technology products.
The newly designed VAIO QR (PCG-QR1/BP) sheds the magnesium-gray outer
shell seen on its conventional line of laptops and adopts a blue-black
translucent plastic surface that is so dark it is almost opaque.
And with a light gray aluminium pipe surrounding the outer edges connecting
into fold-out handle, it is reminiscent of Apple Computer's iBook laptop.
The aim is the same -- to make laptops a fashion statement as much as
portable personal and business information tools.
Japan's PC manufacturers have been working hard at increasing their appeal
to a wider audience. Hitachi Ltd has a series of desktops with a
milky-white translucent shell.
Inside, the VAIO QR is pretty much the same as its predecessors. It is
equipped with a 13.3 inch flat-panel screen, CD-ROM, and the usual array of
ports for peripherals.
The new VAIO is expected to retail for around $1,850, the lower end of its
price range for notebook PCs. No plans are in place yet for a wider choice
of colors, Sony said.
Sales are to begin in the latter half of November.
The VAIO GT (PCG-GT1), on the other hand, could be mistaken for a video
camcorder, with a large video lens unit attached to its side. Both the
video lens unit and the display can be rotated 180 degrees.
Inside, the VAIO GT uses Transmeta Corp's Crusoe chip, which conserves
laptop battery life by using software to perform many functions previously
reserved for hardware.
The new lens-equipped laptop will have a battery life of up to 17 hours,
depending on battery size and usage.
The VAIO GT is expected to retail for around $2,785, and will come with
software that will allow users to make live "personal broadcasts" through
an Internet connection and a designated Web-site.
Handspring Unveils Color Organizers
Recognizing the world is not just shades of gray, Handspring Inc. is
rolling out Visor Prism, a color-screen model that extends its popular
electronic organizer line.
While acknowledging arriving late to the game with a color model against
such competitors as the Palm IIIc and the iPac Pocket PC from Compaq
Computer, Handspring executives contended the 16-bit, $449 Visor Prism will
be the best on the market, capable of producing more than 65,000 colors.
That's more than sixteen times better than its closest competitor and
likely will drive new development of software applications for the Visor's
Springboard add-on slot, capable of turning the organizer into an
Internet-access device, gaming console or electronic book.
``This is the most advanced display on the market, in a handheld
computer," said Ed Colligan, a Handspring senior vice president. ``We
think that not only with the display, but with Springboard ... this will
bring new color applications to the table and make for a very nice user
experience."
Analysts say providing a color option to consumers will be essential in
coming months as competing companies position their personal digital
assistants, or PDAs, as something more than storage devices for names,
addresses and calendar functions.
Visor, which licenses the Palm operating system, has become a popular
alternative because of the Springboard expansion slot. Add-on slots now
coming to market can turn it into everything from a digital camera to a
cellular phone to a MP3 player.
The Prism is 1.5 ounces heavier than its Visor monochrome counterparts, at
6.9 ounces but comes with a faster, 33 megahertz processor. The Prism also
includes a built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery, a requirement because
color screens drain batteries faster. The battery lasts about six hours in
continuous use, or two weeks for occasional use before needing a charge in
the docking cradle.
Images from a short video clip, a cartoon and a game running on the new
Visor Prism all were crisp, showing remarkable detail. The device also
remained cool to the touch, giving off none of the heat common to some
Pocket PC models.
Still, competition in the market is increasing.
Sony is expected to release a color handheld sometime next year. And, to
remind consumers its product is still out there, Palm announced that
effective Monday it is dropping the price of the Palm IIIc to $329 from
$399.
A Palm promotion scheduled to run through Jan. 8 also tosses in free
goodies, including three color styli, a luggage tag and a software CD
containing games, an electronic book reader, drawing program and reminder
functions.
Palm's IIIc has been panned by some analysts because it can show only a
meager 256 different colors at a time, which makes some photographs look a
bit grainy. The 12-bit iPac and other Pocket PC products support slightly
more than 4,000 colors.
Pocket PC products have the advantage of providing greater processing
power, a voice recorder and built-in MP3 player functions.
Handspring also began selling Visor Platinum, a $299 silver model that also
boosts the processing power to 33 megahertz and slightly boosts the
monochrome picture quality.
Officials Soften on Web Filtering
The White House is pressing Congress to soften an initative that would
require schools and libraries to use filtering software to keep children
from seeing objectionable Internet sites. It suggests that such decisions
be left to local authorities.
Polls show Americans want children protected from Web smut, however, and
Republicans in Congress are leaving little room for change. They note the
legislation has bipartisan support.
``Everyone in the House supports this," said John Albaugh, chief of staff
for Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Okla., one of the measure's sponsors. ``I don't
believe that this is an item that anyone's going to move on in the House."
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a co-sponsor of the effort, also was defiant.
``I will fight any effort by the Clinton-Gore White House to defeat or
weaken this legislation designed to protect the innocence of our
children," McCain said in a statement Friday.
The legislation is attached to a federal spending bill Congress must pass
before adjourning.
The White House is pressing to change the language that mandates filters in
public libraries and schools and to let communities choose the best way to
protect their children. Vice President Al Gore supports the White House
position.
``We would favor requiring schools and libraries to develop their own
plans," White House spokesman Elliot Diringer said. ``We think it should
be left to the community's discretion."
As an example, Diringer said communities could use either parental
volunteers or technology to monitor children's online activity.
White House officials said, however, if the bill arrives on Clinton's desk
with the filter requirement unchanged, the president probably would sign it
because it includes money for other education priorities.
If signed, the law would require communities to install Internet filtering
software in schools and libraries to block out World Wide Web sites with
explicit images, hate speech or other objectionable content. If they failed
to do so, the institutions would get no federal money for Internet access.
A congressional advisory commission on preventing child pornography also
weighed in Friday, declining to endorse or advise against such filters
although it expressed some reservations about the technology.
``This technology raises First Amendment concerns because of its potential
to be overinclusive in blocking content," said the report by the Child
Online Protection Act commission. ``Concerns are increased because the
extent of blocking is often unclear and not disclosed, and may not be based
on parental choices."
The commission advocated an alternative education campaign to tell parents
about online dangers and how to protect their children including by
personal use of filters. It also urged more money for law enforcement
agencies to prosecute online obscenity and child pornography.
The issue of protecting children from objectionable content has emerged in
the campaign.
In Tuesday's final presidential debate, Gov. George W. Bush backed
mandatory filtering while Gore said he preferred simpler ways for parents
to monitor children's online visits.
A survey released this week from the Digital Media Forum indicated 92
percent of 1,900 Americans believe pornography should be blocked on school
computers and 79 percent say hate speech should be filtered.
The American Civil Liberties Union said Friday it would file a legal
challenge against the filtering requirement if it passes Congress in its
current form.
Web Site To Offer Campus Crime Stats
A new federal Web site will offer crime statistics from 6,700 colleges and
universities - as soon as half the schools submit the figures.
The Tuesday deadline for schools to report campus crime statistics to the
Department of Education Web site was extended by a week after the site
crashed. Most schools tried to send the data in at the last minute.
As of Thursday, figures for 3,380 schools were posted.
While many colleges and universities already include crime statistics on
their own Web sites, the federal site allows comparisons in three dozen
categories through the end of 1999.
The Web site is the product of a law passed after the 1986 murder of
19-year-old Jeanne Clery, a student at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.
Fellow student Joseph M. Henry, who entered the dorm through security doors
propped open by pizza boxes, was convicted and sentenced to death.
Clery's parents later learned that 38 violent crimes had not been made
public in the three years before her death.
The original law required campuses to compile annual reports of campus
crimes, but the rules were toughened and each unreported crime now can draw
a fine of $25,000.
Campus police leaders supported the original law but say the amendments
have bogged down their departments in data reporting.
``These unfunded mandates divert money and time away from our primary
purpose of fighting crime," said Jim Fadenrecht, police chief at the
University of Colorado at Boulder.
Fadenrecht also complained that the Education Department doesn't present
crime statistics in a per-capita format, making comparisons difficult.
Massachusetts Takes Step for Laptops
Education leaders endorsed a plan Tuesday that would make Massachusetts the
first state to require full-time public college students to own a laptop
computer.
The Board of Higher Education approved the policy as part of a $123 million
program aimed at wedding high-tech skills to higher education and giving
the poor better access to technology.
The proposal still requires legislative approval, which may prove difficult
amid concern over whether other programs will be ignored.
``It doesn't do any good to have laptops if you have buildings leaking -
which we do," said Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers
Foundation.
Several schools in the country already require computer ownership,
including the University of Florida, Ohio University and the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But Massachusetts would be the first state
to make laptop ownership a systemwide requirement.
There are 176,000 students in the state's university system, full and part
time. About 70 percent of students at four-year colleges now have their own
computers, board vice chancellor Jack Warner said.
The plan would provide $54 million for laptop purchases, vouchers for
low-income students and loans, plus $69 million for faculty training,
facilities, equipment and academic programs.
The plan comes as the state's need for high-tech workers is growing.
Between 1989 and 2000, the number of high-tech jobs has grown from 46,000
to 164,000.
Dan Santella, 21, a senior at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst,
praised the plan's goals but has no desire to own a laptop.
``I think laptops are great," he said. ``But I'd rather have a TA
(teacher's assistant) in some of my classes than a laptop."
Grace Carolyn-Brown, president of Roxbury Community College, said the plan
will give the poor greater access to high-tech tools. She said the school's
computer facilities are always packed, reflecting the students' restricted
access to computers. The school is located in one of Boston's poorest
neighborhoods.
``It's a great, great opportunity," she said.
The Paperless Office, Take Six
Sure, you've heard it before. But the successor to paper just might be
lurking in a downloaded e-book.
One of the few expectations not fulfilled by PCs is that of the paperless
office. In fact, the use of paper has proliferated, as fax machines,
copiers, and inkjet and laser printers crank out replications of seemingly
every article, memo, or image ever created.
Though there's plenty of content produced only as Web pages (no paper),
many users still print copies of the pages! Paperless diehards can take
comfort in the latest craze: e-books. Here's a phenomenon so oversold in
the media that I'm beginning to think there might be something to it.
Note, too, what Amazon.com's Jeff Bezos said of e-books recently: "It's
possible to invest too early in industries and have it be a disaster."
This from the guy whose promise to sell books on the Web so dazzled
investors that Amazon's market value went to the moon. When you hear
yesterday's innovators bad-mouth the new kid on the block, take note.
E-books could make Amazon a dinosaur. On the other hand, also consider
that Amazon is implementing its own e-book store.
Before you toss that antique print library into the bonfire, though,
remember the caveats: copyrights, encryption, display technology, and
convenience.
Looming behind the e-book phenomenon is the specter of MP3 audio and
Napster music sharing. Napster may well be shut down by the time you read
this, but similar efforts without a central coordinating site could be
harder to defeat.
Precedents established with tape recorders and VCRs held that you could
record copyrighted material for your personal use (and that of friends).
But suppose your friends are the hundreds of millions of souls with access
to the Internet. Can you still share? Every new technology requires new
rules, and electronic media is no exception. We'll see a struggle between
expectations that Web content is free (consider Britannica.com) and the
need for content creators to be paid.
Microsoft jumped into the e-book arena with a vengeance, pushing a
consumer-friendly media format that can also be encrypted. Still, it's
hard to imagine a format that can't be broken, especially for text. Heck,
you could print the book, scan it into a computer, then post it online.
For e-books to prosper, legal and technological protections must gain
support by users. A level of piracy can be tolerated, as long as it
doesn't undercut commercial viability.
But for any of this to matter, people must want electronic books. For now,
comparing the best display on a notebook or e-reader to a printed page is
a joke. But just as digital imaging has improved to the point where it is
about to render film obsolete, display technology will also continue to
advance. Steps toward better displays include the recent software
announcements of Microsoft's Reader (with ClearType technology) and
Adobe's Glassbook reader (capable of rotating text, annotating it, and
displaying two pages side by side). Better hardware will help, too, such
as Franklin's upcoming release of the eBookMan, a PDA-like device that
displays text using Microsoft Reader, reads the text aloud, and plays MP3
files. Even better devices will surely follow.
Publishers McGraw-Hill, Simon & Schuster, and Houghton Mifflin are
converting some titles to digital format. Booksellers Amazon.com and
Barnes & Noble are cutting deals with publishers and producers of
e-readers. In the near future, a wide range of e-books will be available
to the public for display on PCs, notebooks, PDAs, and dedicated readers.
As the e-book market grows, sellers must recognize that digital content is
cheaper. While a press run of only 10,000 books costs plenty, publishing
on the Web costs little. Yet, currently, you get only a couple of dollars'
discount on a $15 or $20 book bought online.
A postscript on the e-book trend: Developments are underway on electronic
paper, which can be folded like a magazine but rewritten, as on a computer
screen. Xerox and 3M Corp. announced collaboration last year on
mass-produced electronic paper, though at present they can display only
white and one other color.
If e-books do take off, an intriguing next step would be magazines made of
electronic paper and incorporating Bluetooth technology. Then, you could
carry a magazine into your doctor's office, and have it updated instantly
through Bluetooth's low-power transmitters. Instead of dragging through
2-year-old copies of Field and Stream, you'd be reading the current issue
of your favorite magazine.
The paperless office? Sadly, printing articles, memos, and Web pages will
flourish for years to come-though the better search capability of e-books
and e-zines should reduce demand for paper. The electronic counterpart to
books and magazines will remain less elegant for some time, but the day
will come when paper books are a nostalgia item, not for serious reading.
=~=~=~=
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