Doom 3 @ E3!

ID SoftwareTM and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Activision will be the worldwide licensed distributor for DOOM III, 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 for the PC by id Software and will debut at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Activision's booth #1224 in the South Hall. "DOOM III will change what people expect to see and experience in a PC game," Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software said. "We couldn't be more psyched about DOOM III, and are thrilled to debut the title at E3 with Activision. Get ready to be terrified." "We are excited to continue our successful and long-standing relationship with id," said Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios. "I'm sure that id fans and action gamers alike share our anticipation for the latest incarnation of DOOM, which was a phenomenon in PC gaming history. There is no doubt that DOOM III will be at the top of every gamers most wanted list." First released in 1993, DOOM� became a phenomenon in PC gaming history and is widely recognized as the catalyst for the first-person action genre. Since its inception, the franchise has been one of the industry's best-selling PC series, with DOOM III already the most hotly-anticipated first person action title currently in development. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Nintendo Buys Retro!

Nintendo has become the majority owner of Retro Studios by purchasing shares from now former owner Jeff Spangenberg. Spangenberg desired to pursue other business interests and the opportunity to become the majority owner made itself available. Nintendo's belief in the talent of the companys 40-member development team and their excellent work on Metroid Prime, to be released this year, led to this decision. Nintendo looks forward to continued work with the team. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Mutants Go On A Rampage!

Activision has announced X-Men: Wolverine�s Revenge for PS2, XBox and Gamecube. The game will be a third-person action-adventure where players can take control of Wolverine as he progresses through an original storyline written exclusively for Activision by comics� industry legend Larry Hama, and featuring the voices of Mark Hamill and Patrick Stewart. �After more than 300 comic books, an animated series and most recently a blockbuster feature film featuring the X-Men, Wolverine is the one character that grips the public�s attention more than any of the other X-Men,� states Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios. �X-Men: Wolverine�s Revenge allows you to play as Wolverine, explore the enigmatic hero�s past and carve up a host of bad guys along the way.� In the game, Wolverine faces a race against time to find an antidote to the viral time bomb that�s just been discovered in his system. With only 48 hours to live, Wolverine returns to the clandestine Department H facility deep in the Canadian wilderness, to uncover the terrible secrets behind the Weapon X laboratory and the experiments that turned the mutant hero into a savage killing machine. As with all mutants, Wolverine has unique abilities that set him apart from the rest of humanity � deadly claws to hack and slash foes, animal-like super senses to assist in tracking enemies or avoiding foes, an enhanced mutant healing factor and unbreakable bones to withstand devastating amounts of punishment, and superior strength and reflexes for an added edge in a fight. In X-Men: Wolverine�s Revenge players will have to master all of these skills in order to defeat the sinister forces massing against them led by arch-villains Juggernaut, Wendigo, Magneto and Sabertooth. Luckily, players won�t have to face the onslaught alone and can expect occasional backup from fellow X-Men including Professor-X and the Beast. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Sega @ E3!

As well as a few newly released titles available to play at E3, Sega will also be showing the folloing games at E3 this year: * F355 Challenge (PS2) * Gungrave (PS2) * SEGA Bass Fishing Duel (PS2) * Shinobi (PS2) * Super Monkey Ball 2 (Nintendo GameCube) * Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II (Nintendo GameCube) * Beach Spikers (Nintendo GameCube) * SegaGT2002 (X-Box) * Panzer Dragoon Orta (X-Box) * Crazy Taxi 3 High Roller (X-Box) * THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 3 (X-Box) Expect infromation on these game as we draw closer to E3. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Dee Dee!

BAM! Entertainment announced yesterday that it is releasing its first game for the PS One game console, based the hit Cartoon Network series, Dexter's Laboratory. Developed by Scotland's Red Lemon Studios, Dexter's Laboratory: Mandark's Laboratory will be available at retail beginning this week. Mandark's Laboratory is an activity-based action adventure targeted for players 8-14, and rated "E" for everyone. The game centers around the evil Mandark who has infiltrated Dexter's laboratory and is intent on its destruction. Using a combination of wits, courage and skill, players embark on a thrilling quest to regain control of Dexter's laboratory. Players must master challenging experiments and inventions as they race through four in Dexter's Laboratory: Mandark's Laboratory. Players can choose from eight unique mini-games including Dee Dee's Dance Off, Cootie Call, Up N Atom, Dexter Dodge Ball and more. The game incorporates all of the hilarity, humor and fun of Dexter's world - with players exploring Dexter's House and his enormous lab. Players can also collect blueprints throughout the game to access special inventions and can be played alone or against a friend in two-player mode. Players can battle as either Dexter or Mandark to prove who is the true scientific genius. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Fat Men Can Jump!

Activision delivers 6 shots of it�s new basketball game, Street Hoops, which showcase the game in action, as well as a rather large man attempting to float with grace. Currently in development for both XBox and PS2, Street Hoops will take players to the most notorious neighbourhood courts in 10 U.S. cities as they compete for street cred and bragging rights on the blacktop. �Street Hoops will be the most authentic street basketball game ever released,� states Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios. �The game returns basketball to its roots, when being the best meant you ruled as king of the playground court. Street Hoops will not only focus on the action and showboating of street basketball, it will include the popular culture and lifestyle that surrounds it.� 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. The game allows players to compete in a nationwide tournament representing their hometown on the most notorious street courts in the nation. Players will be able to choose from a roster of athletes and performers, including key athletes made famous by the And 1 Mix Tapes and Nike�s �Freestyle� commercial series. Realism is the rule, allowing players to bet cash on competitions, buy authentic real-world gear including Sean John, Ecko Unlimited, Southpole, Pure Playaz and more with their earnings, talk trash, shout and throw an elbow, if need be. The game features multiple modes of play including World Tournament, King of the Court, Multi Player vs. Mode and Half-court. Additionally, a large variety of real freestyle basketball moves, dunking with style and a top hip-hop music soundtrack lend to the game�s authenticity. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Summer Sunshine

School's almost out and it's time to get the ultimate summer job: playing video games and getting paid for it! Forget flipping burgers, stocking shelves or bagging groceries. Thanks to Nintendo, nearly 50 individuals will have an opportunity to beat the job market blues by becoming a part of the Nintendo Street Teams in six markets across the country. Candidates (ages 18 and over) can submit their application, along with a two-minute video explaining why they deserve the ultimate summer job, between May 13 and June 14. Job applications can be found starting May 13 on the official job web site, www.nintendostreetteam.com. Nintendo and its retail partner, Circuit City, will also conduct live casting calls on location in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Boston. Exclusive electronics partner Panasonic will provide the latest video equipment. "One of the leading past-times for individuals of all ages --playing video games -- is sure to be the best summer job ever," says Peter MacDougall, Nintendo executive vice president, sales and marketing. "The Nintendo Street Team provides a fun and challenging employment opportunity for young adults who are usually limited in their job choices and lets them explore a career in the booming video game industry." Every year, nearly 90 percent of students plan to work over the summer, most to earn spending money. Age and lack of work experience often limit students' options for employment. Most find jobs in retail (24 percent), food services (18.9 percent) or babysitting (14 percent). (a) But not this year! The Nintendo Street Teams -- eight members from each of the six markets -- will be announced in July and receive intensive on-the-job training at a 48-hour Nintendo Boot Camp that will cover every aspect of Nintendo's 100 plus-year history, key titles and beloved franchise characters. If the lucky members survive Boot Camp, the Nintendo Street Teams will hit hot spots in their hometowns to give consumers a taste of Nintendo's upcoming games. Who knows, their summer experience may lead to successful careers in the $10 billion burgeoning video game industry. From July to August, Nintendo Street Teams will earn their wages working Fridays through Sundays, visiting local hangouts -- such as concerts, malls and summer fairs -- and sporting "human interactive" NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance jumpsuits to give everyone a chance to experience the Nintendo systems and games. At the end of the summer, Nintendo will offer a surprise extension to the program to one special Nintendo Street Team member in each market. In addition, Nintendo Street Team members will track their work experience and give a peek into their lives on www.nintendostreetteam.com. The Web site will host fresh content with information, such as job diaries, popularity polls, online chats, bios, and photographs of the team members, along with the latest team news and gossip from all over the country. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Ubi Soft From E3

Ubi Soft Entertainment today revealed its plans for this years E3. Ubi Soft will be showcasing two never before seen Tom Clancy games � Tom Clancy�s Rainbow Six Raven Shield and Splinter Cell. They will also unveil further details on Rayman 3 Hoodlum Havoc. Also, Ubi Soft plan to reveal a new game from Rayman creator Michel Ancel, as well as debut the cell-shaded FPS XIII. This E3, the company will also be throwing its weight behind on-line gaming � both on console and PC. Ubi Soft�s booth features Shadowbane, a Massively Multiplayer Online game for P.C and console titles such as Tom Clancy�s Ghost Recon� . We will also be seeing licensed games such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Sum of all Fears and Sabrina The Teenage Witch: Potion Commotion as well. �This year Ubi Soft is offering new twists to its established brands, creating new franchises and bringing powerful licenses to the market. This is a brand focused business,� said Laurent Detoc, president Ubi Soft Entertainment Inc. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

The Force Is With The UK

It�s official! UK gamers are crazy about Star Wars. On May 3, 2002 LucasArts releases the highly anticipated Star Wars� Rogue Squadron� II: Rogue Leader� as a day one GameCube launch title. Already a number one selling third party smash hit in the US, retailers have confirmed that Star Wars� Rogue Squadron� II: Rogue Leader� is the No.1 pre-order* on the GameCube here in the UK. To celebrate, classic full-size Star Wars replica figures including Darth Vader, Boba Fett, C3PO and R2D2 will be making an appearance at HMV�s Oxford Street, London store. The store will be opening at midnight on Thursday 2nd May to cope with unprecedented public demand for the latest computer games console to be launched. Keely Brenner, Senior Brand Manager LucasArts says, �Star Wars� Rogue Squadron� II: Rogue Leader� is a fantastic game and really demonstrates the capabilities of the new console. I�m not surprised that anticipation is so high, you are literally �playing the movie�. We fully expect that Rogue Leader will be the �must-have� title when GameCube launches on May 3.� Simon Winter, HMV Spokesman at HMV says � Star WarsTM is a hugely successful brand at HMV and demand for Star Wars� Rogue Squadron� II: Rogue Leader� has been huge � it looks set to be the Number One game for the Gamecube. Having the replica characters in our Oxford Street store will no doubt be a bonus for the crowds down there to buy their new console.� Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Dragon Empire

Wrapped in mystery and mythology, the lands of Dragon Empires, Codemasters� forthcoming epic fantasy MMORPG*, are protected by grand empire dragons. Dragon Empires� development team is currently breathing life into these magnificent beasts, one for each of the land�s five empires. Revealed today are the first images of two empire dragons. Says Ted Carron, the producer of Dragon Empires: �The dragons are proving a really exciting talking point within the growing community. The empire dragons will be fantastical beasts; hybrids of traditional dragons and creatures that stem from the mythology of their particular empire; these first ones taking the form of a bird dragon and a Mandrill dragon.� In a world developed with the help of leading author Piers Anthony, dragons form much of the heritage. Long before the time when the game is set, the world descended into chaos only to survive thanks to these great dragons. In the game, they are a guarding force across the five empires and players may discover more about the empire dragons� origins through their adventures. Dragon Empires will receive a stunning unveiling at E3, the interactive entertainment expo running in Los Angeles from May 22nd to the 24th, at Codemasters� booth (#1168, South Hall). The game�s Beta Test programme is scheduled to begin this summer and Codemasters is eager to sign up further Beta Testers. To be one of first to sample life in the game world and help shape Dragon Empires, gamers can sign up for the Beta Test at: www.codemasters.com/dragonempires/beta_form.php The English language version of Dragon Empires is scheduled to be available this autumn for PC gamers. The game will be launched as a boxed product with players subscribing on a monthly basis to play. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Burnout Shipped

Once again taking to the streets with a next-generation adrenaline rush of fast moving steel, Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKLM) today announced that it has shipped its award-winning arcade driving game Burnout(TM) for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube(TM). Created by Criterion Games Limited, Burnout(TM) was one the most heralded games this past fall for the PlayStation�2 computer entertainment system, and offers stunning graphics and white-knuckle, foot-to-the-floor gameplay. "Burnout(TM) set new benchmarks in the genre with its incredible realism, heart-pounding driving action and unprecedented crash effects, and has quickly become one of our top performing brands," said Evan Stein, vice president of Brand. "We're thrilled to bring this celebrated gaming experience to Xbox(TM) and GameCube(TM) owners, and are confident that they will enjoy getting behind the wheel and experiencing the rush of driving at dangerously high speeds from the safety of their couch." Burnout was inspired by some of the most memorable car chase scenes from the greatest action films of all time, and won IGN.com's Editors' Choice Award on the PlayStation�2 computer entertainment system. The game features an incredibly sophisticated and intelligent traffic system, challenging players to race to the finish line at breakneck speeds through a myriad of trucks, cars and buses. With dramatic crashes possible with every turn of the wheel, competing drivers are rewarded for pushing the envelope and their skills to the extreme. Burnout(TM) also includes a simulated in-game heart monitor, rewarding the player with incredible bursts of speed as their pulse increases with every risk they take. Burnout(TM) offers a broad array of features, including several new items that are exclusive to the Xbox(TM) and GameCube(TM) versions: All-new high-resolution visuals, including HDTV and Progressive Scan support, delivering incredibly crisp and clear action up to 480p (GameCube(TM)) and 720p (Xbox(TM)); Improved deformation models, allowing for more realistic car crashes; All-new tri-linear filtering and anti-aliasing, creating smoother textures and images; Improved lighting, enhancing the game's realism, including the way light reflects on the cars and tracks; Bump mapping (exclusive to the Xbox(TM)), provides greater detail on road surfaces; Dolby surround sound technology, including 5.1 channel Dolby Digital audio support (Xbox(TM) version only); Improved real-time vehicle crashes, highlighted by multiple-camera instant replays; 16 exciting courses, each filled with unique challenges and obstacles, spanning the United States and Europe; Multiplayer split-screen action for head-to-head competition; More than 300 vehicles to collide with on each course; Intelligent traffic system, featuring three distinct types of driver behaviors; Vibration enabled controller compatibility, letting players feel every turn and crunch of the car. Burnout(TM) is currently available for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube(TM) at a suggested retail price of $49.99. In addition, the game is also available for the PlayStation�2 computer entertainment system at a suggested retail price of $49.99. For more information regarding this title, please visit http://www.acclaim.com. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Counter - Terrorists Special Forces

You are a part of the CTSF unit, the elite Counter-Terrorist Special Forces commando and have all the necessary means for putting an end to the threat of terrorism. Your team is made up of experts, men who are highly trained, heavily armed and ready to intervene in all the world�s hot spots. The first member of the team specializes in urban interventions and is a parachutist. With an ultra-modern arsenal and sophisticated equipment, the second team member has perfect self-control in all situations, can survive extreme climates dressed in �jungle� camouflage, and meets all the demands of CTSF infiltration missions. Last, an attack helicopter pilot will accompany you to offer support in the most perilous missions. His specialty: surgical strikes� They will know how to win this unforgiving battle! CT Special Forces offers players a set of moves that have never before been seen on Game Boy Advance! In platform-action mode (ground missions) and shoot�em-up mode aboard an Apache Helicopter, you will plunge into the fascinating world of counter-terrorism by moving through up to 12 different levels. You will be sent to the ends of the earth on top secret missions, from the disquieting humidity of the equatorial jungle to a city in siege, through treacherous, snow-covered mountains and the heart of the desert. You are equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art weapons, from your assault rifle with laser scope to a rocket launcher that can pass through the strongest armor plating (tanks, etc.). Don�t hesitate to use your laser scope to improve your marksmanship in high-risk areas and use your compressed air grappling hook to hoist yourself to safety in an ambush. Finally, throw yourself into the void in freefall, then open your parachute to arrive in other battle zones. But be careful, the terrorists and their leaders are equally well equipped: they have a state-of-the-art arsenal and perfectly adapted vehicles (tanks, jeeps, helicopters) to bring your mission to an untimely end and endanger the future of the world. You can capture and handcuff the leaders of these organizations and let justice reign! Multiplayer mode lets 2 players play as a team in real-time for even more action. Do you feel ready to defeat the largest terrorist networks in the world? Key Points; *Platform-action and shoot'em-up modes together in the same game for the first time! *Discover the explosive world of counter-terrorism on GBA and play the role of the most elite commandos. *Sniper scope mode for the first time on GBA: feel what it�s like to be a sniper lying in ambush! *An assault rifle with laser scope: optimize your marksmanship using the latest military technology. *3 characters available depending on the missions: 2 shock troop counter-terrorists and an Apache helicopter pilot. *Pilot the heavily armed Apache helicopter: capable of hitting the most diverse targets, on the ground as well as in the air. *A profusion of realistic weaponry and equipment: shotgun, assault rifle, rocket launcher, flame thrower, grenades, grappling hook and parachute. All the state-of-the-art weapons of the best military units in the world! * Travel to the world�s hot spots through twelve game levels divided into 4 different geographical zones (desert, mountains, cities, tropics). *A cooperative mode lets you play two-player missions using the Link Cable. Even two of you may not be enough to face the terrorist hordes! *Heavily equipped warlords (Big Bosses) to take on at the end of each battle zone. *Password system for saving your game. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Sim City 4

Electronic Arts revealed today that its' Maxis studio is currently developing the next title in the SimCity franchise. Sim City 4 will make its debut at next months E3 Expo, and once again will let wanna-be city planners get a taste of building and managing a city. This time around though, unlike previous Sim City games, transportation hubs will connect all cities created in the game, allowing gamers to manage multiple municipalities once. Also new to this version is the ability to personalize and monitor individual Sims. The Sims can be pout into any area and watched first hand how they experience life. The original Sim City title launched in 1989. Combined with its offspring, the series gone on to sell almost five million units worldwide. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

GBA Isnt Funny Enough?

3 of the stupidest people to hit T.V are back and this time they are starring in their very own Gameboy Advance adventure. Join Curly, Moe and Larry on a hilarious slapstick adventure as only these knuckleheads can do. It doesn�t matter if you�re 6 or 66 �The Stooges� will �Soitenly� have you in stitches. They are on a quest to save an old Lady�s orphanage and her three b-e-a-utiful daughters from the cruel clutches of an evil banker. With only 30 days to collect $5000 smackers, the Stooges prove that when it comes to fun, three heads are better than one. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk. Key Features Include; * Hours of non-stop slapstick comady for all the family. * Classic Stooge voices, scanes and animations. * Funny and frantic action, including pie throwing, prize fighting and hospital hi-jinx! Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Handheld Pinball, Oh Joy!

Set for a June 2002, Pinball Advance will be brought to Game Boy Advance by developers Rebellion and is set to feature: * Gameplay with bonuses, multi-balls, kickers, jet buffers, spinners and tilt * Three fully rendered 3D tables * Six Levels of difficulty * Over 40 different music tracks * Over 300 different pinball sound effects * Thousands of dotmations * Top High Scores Saves Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Wrestlemania X8

Set for release in June, THQ�s newest grappler is set to take over on the Gamecube. Staticplay has screenshots, information and a roster of who�s made it into this larger-than-life game. Promised to feature more than 35 WWF Superstars, an all-new game engine, enhanced graphics and realism, Create A Superstar Mode, 40 match types and 6 arenas, WWF Wrestlemania X8 could be the wrestling game fans have been craving for so long. Developed by Yukes, the people responsible for WWF No Mercy on N64, WWF Wrestlemania X8 will allow players to take a superstar into Champion Road where they will start from the beginning as a rookie jobber and work up through the ranks in quest for the Heavyweight Championship Belt. The finalised roster for WWF Wrestlemania X8 will be: Albert Big Show Booker T Bubba Ray Dudley Bradshaw Chris Jericho Christian D-Von Dudley Edge Faarooq Hulk Hogan Jackie Jeff Hardy Kane Kurt Angle Kevin Nash Lita Lance Storm Matt Hardy Molly Holly Rikishi RVD Scotty2Hotty Scott Hall Stone Cold Steve Austin Tajiri Tazz Test The Hurricane The Rock Triple H Trish Stratus Undertaker William Regal Other Non-Playable Characters: Earl Hebner Jerry the King Lawler Jim Ross Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Final Fantasy X: On PAL...

I have long awaited the news of Final Fantasy X being released on PAL and finally i have received word of the official release date: 31st May 2002. Reserve your copy now because it will sell fast! Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

PS2: Games That Are Coming In April, May & June...

Below is a list of all PS2 Games that are coming in April, May & June! We will put in July, August, September, October, November & December after the period of April, May & June! Sorry that the theme changes halfway through but it was a lot quicker the second way! :) April Savage Skies ~ 1st Spider Man: The Movie ~ 16th The Operative: No-one Lives Forever ~ 17th Red Card Soccer 2003 ~ 17th 2002 FIFA World Cup ~ 20th Shifters ~ 29th Iron Eagle Max ~ To Be Confirmed Galerians: Ash ~ To Be Confirmed May Transworld Surf ~ 1st Britneys Dance Beat ~ 7th Headhunter ~ 14th Global Touring Challenge: Africa ~ 15th Way Of The Samurai ~ 15th Mike Tyson Heavyweight Boxing ~ 15th Wipeout Fusion ~ 16th Battlebots ~ 19th Downforce ~ 21st Scooby-Doo: Night Of 100 Frights ~ 21st Test Drive ~ 28th Barbarians ~ 28th Looney Tunes: Space Race ~ 28th Aggressive Inline ~ 28th Monster Jam Maximum Destruction ~ 28th Disney Golf Classic ~ 30th Hidden Invasion ~ 31st June Medal Of Honour: Frontline Release Date:- 06/04/02 Ultimate Fighting Championship: Throwdown Release Date: 06/04/2002 PRYZM Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn Release Date: 06/11/2002 Commandos 2 Release Date: 06/12/2002 Riding Spirits Release Date: 06/15/2002 Gun Survivor 3: Dino Crisis Release Date: June 2002 (Japan) World Fantasista Release Date:- 06/15/2002 Dropship: United Peace Force Release Date:- 06/16/2002 Lethal Skies Release Date:- 06/16/2002 Prisoner of War (Working Title) Release Date:- 06/18/2002 Lilo and Stitch Release Date:- 06/18/2002 Freekstyle Release Date:- 06/18/2002 MX Super Fly Release Date:- 06/18/2002 Gravity Games BIKE: Street Vert Dirt Release Date:- 06/19/2002 Stuntman Release Date:- 06/25/2002 Terminator: Dawn of Fate Release Date:- 06/25/2002 Legion: Legend of Excalibur Release Date:- 06/26/2002 MLB Slugfest 2003 Release Date:- 06/26/2002 Mobile Suit Gundam: Gihren's Ambition Release Date:- 06/29/2002 Release Date:- Final Fantasy XII Release Date:- Q2 2002 EXO Release Date:- Q2 2002 Hitman 2:- Silent Assassin Release Date:- Q2 2002 Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Previews Of The Edge: Gamecube, X-Box & The PS2

Below is a list of the best games coming out on the biggest, baddest consoles on the face of the earth! 1:- Project Ego (X-Box) Release:- 2002 2:- Daredevil (PS2) Release:- 2003 3:- Gun Metal (X-Box) Release:- 2002 4:- Prisoner Of War (X-Box) Release:- 18/06/2002 5:- World Series Baseball (X-Box) Release:- 21/05/2002 6:- Dragons Layer 3D (Gamecube) Release:- 2002 7:- Tekken 4 (PS2) Release:- 15/09/2002 8:- Resident Evil (Gamecube) Release:- 30/04/2002 9:- Terminator: Dawn Of Fate (PS2) Release:- 25/06/2002 10:- Spiderman: The Movie (PS2) Release:- OUT NOW! We Rate It 7/10! Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Hands On: Mega Man Zero

The next Mega Man doesn't actually feature Mega Man at all. Get the latest on Capcom's new Mega Man game for the Game Boy Advance. Capcom has finally released Mega Man Zero in Japan, and we've had a chance to play through a small portion of the game. The first thing you'll notice about Mega Man Zero--which takes place 100 years after the other Mega Man X games--is that it actually doesn't actually feature Mega Man as its hero. Instead, you'll play as Mega Man's longtime rival and occasional ally Zero, because Mega Man has apparently turned evil and enslaved the world. A young scientist and her crew of soldiers are driven deep into a junkyard area by a group of large robots when they discover Zero and try to reactivate him. After the soldiers are demolished, the scientist tries one last time to reactivate Zero and is successful. From there, you start playing as Mega Man's crimson counterpart. After escorting the scientist through a portion of the first level, you'll stumble upon one of the large robots seen earlier. Since Zero only has a pistol weapon, you have to take shots at the boss from a distance while avoiding the powerful lasers that he shoots out of his mouth toward the ground and the ceiling. When you get his energy level down to a certain point, a matrix-like object--which has been associated with Mega Man in images on Capcom's site--appears on a monitor in the background, and all of a sudden, Zero's sword flies onto the screen and pierces the ground next to him, allowing him to grab it. With one quick slash, the giant level boss robot is cut in two, and Zero and the scientist then head back to what appears to be the resistance base. From that point on, you have access to two weapons, the pistol and the energy sword. In the character menu screen, you'll be able to select which is the primary weapon and which is the secondary weapon. The primary can be used simply by pressing the B button, but to use the secondary weapon, you have to press the R shoulder button along with the B button, which can be a little awkward at times. You may find yourself switching the primary and secondary settings in the menu as opposed to just sticking with that control scheme. This same menu will let you mess around with the support character system, which Capcom has called the "cyber elf system." As you progress through the game, you'll occasionally come across floating balls of light--these are the cyber elves, which essentially function like the familiars in Symphony of the Night. Some will give you health, some will stop enemies from moving, and others will fire projectiles as you run. You can use them just once over the course of the level, and you'll only be able to carry three different types of cyber elves at a time. To switch cyber elves, you have to return to the resistance base to equip the three that you want to take with you on your next mission. The core gameplay mechanics in Mega Man Zero are essentially the same as those found in previous Mega Man games. Zero can run, shoot, jump, climb walls, and dash. Much like in previous games in the series, the levels themselves are linear, but some major changes have been made to the overall game structure for this installment. Instead of having a screen where you select from several different bosses, Mega Man Zero uses a central hub system that uses the aforementioned resistance base as its hub. You'll be able to move around the rather large base and speak with various members of the resistance. When you want to take on a mission, you simply go talk to the scientist and have a brief conversation in which you can select from one of three or four missions. Interestingly, it seems that the mission selection changes depending on the conversation, but either way, it's a distinctly different approach to the typical Mega Man interface. There's also a little more variety in the levels. Though most of the game is just straight run-and-gun action, there are portions where you'll have to slow down. In one level, there is a room that's completely wired with security cameras searching for intruders, so you'll have to evade detection. This isn't really all that difficult because you'll see targets appear on the screen to indicate where the cameras are focused, but if you happen to get caught, a series of flying spiderlike robots will be sent your way, and if you can't fend them off, you'll be captured and the game will end. The Mega Man series has almost always represented the pinnacle of 2D action gaming when it comes to graphics, and it looks like that tradition will continue on the Game Boy Advance. Zero is detailed and animates fluidly, as do his resistance cohorts. The enemies are also quite detailed--especially the boss characters, which are made up of enormous sprites--and have multiple death animations depending on the weapon you use to kill them. It's easily one of the best-looking Game Boy Advance games to date. But even more surprising than the graphics is the game's sound. From the remixed Mega Man X theme in the early portions of the game to the completely original tracks, Mega Man Zero sounds great, with almost Super Nintendo-quality sound without that weird background fuzz effect that can be heard in so many other Game Boy Advance games. While we've only scratched the surface of the game, Mega Man Zero is already shaping up to be a worthy installment in the 2D Mega Man line. It's scheduled for release in this territory in Q4 2002. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!