Grand Theft Auto III Hits Stores On May 21

The PC version of Rockstar's incredibly popular video game gets an official release date. Take-Two Interactive's Rockstar Games division has announced that Grand Theft Auto III, the PC version of its popular video game of the same name, will arrive in stores on May 21, 2002. The game will feature a number of improvements on the console version, including enhanced sound, more detailed graphics, and a customizable player character. Grand Theft Auto III was previously released in October on the Sony PlayStation 2, and it has since won numerous awards for its innovation and groundbreaking design, including the number-one spot on GameSpot's Top 10 Games of 2001 and the Game of the Year award at the 2002 Game Developers Choice Awards. The game has also been a commercial success, selling more than 2 million copies in the US and becoming the best-selling PlayStation 2 game since the console's launch in October 2000. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Infogrames Names Designer Of Jurassic Park...

Infogrames announces the developer for its upcoming game based on the blockbuster Jurassic Park dinosaur films. Infogrames has announced that Melbourne-based Blue Tongue Software will be the development house behind the new Jurassic Park game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. The game, which was previously announced as Jurassic Park: Project Genesis, is based on the blockbuster Jurassic Park films. It will mix elements of traditional world-building games such as SimCity with mission-based elements, and players will ultimately have to create a great dinosaur park. "Universal Interactive is extremely pleased with the way Blue Tongue's next-generation AI and animation engine is bringing realistic dinosaur behavior to life," said Jim Wilson, president of Universal Interactive. "The company's instantaneous terrain-mapping technology will make it possible for Jurassic Park fans to do what they have always dreamed of--build their very own dinosaur theme park." Jurassic Park will feature full 3D jungles and dinosaurs, as well as 12 missions. It is scheduled for release near the end of 2002. For more information, take a look at our previous coverage of the game. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Infogrames Gets The Matrix...

The publisher purchases Interplay's Shiny studio and gets the rights to games based on the upcoming sequels to the popular sci-fi action film The Matrix. Interplay Entertainment has announced that it has signed an agreement with French game publisher Infogrames for the sale of Shiny Entertainment, one of Interplay's subsidiary game development studios, for approximately $47 million. Under the agreement, Infogrames gains exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish games based on sequels to the popular Warner Bros. sci-fi action film The Matrix, including The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. "We are delighted to have signed this transaction with Infogrames, a company with a proven track record and reputation," said Interplay CEO Herve Caen. "For Interplay and its investors, successful conclusion of this transaction will enhance stability and position Interplay for growth. The sale of Shiny will significantly reduce the general corporate overhead of Interplay and allow the Interplay teams to focus on the continuing development of games based on its successful TSR licenses such as Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale." In addition to Shiny Entertainment, Interplay owns game developers Black Isle Studios, which created the popular Fallout and Icewind Dale role-playing games, and Digital Mayhem, which created Giants: Citizen Kabuto for the Sony PlayStation 2. The first game based on the upcoming Matrix sequel is scheduled to ship alongside the film in May 2003. We'll post more information about Shiny's upcoming games as it becomes available. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

The Sum of All Fears announced for the PS2, GameCube...

Games based on the upcoming motion picture will be released on the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. Ubi Soft has announced that The Sum of All Fears will be released on the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. The Sum of All Fears is based on the upcoming motion picture and the Tom Clancy book of the same name, and it places players in the role of a member of an elite FBI hostage rescue team that has been ordered to track down conspirators involved in a plot against the United States. This first-person action game will take place in various locations around the world, including South Africa, the Middle East, and West Virginia. No details have been revealed as to whether or not the console versions will retain any of the multiplayer modes from the PC version of the game. The Sum of All Fears is scheduled for release on the PlayStation 2 and the GameCube in Q4 2002, to coincide with the release of The Sum of All Fears DVD. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Capcoms Project Devil...

In an update to the official Capcom site, Devil May Cry creator Shinji Mikami said that he and a new development team are working on a new project called Project Devil. Unfortunately, it wasn't revealed if this is indeed Devil May Cry 2, but Mikami mentioned that the game will not have Dante as its hero and that it will be officially unveiled soon. We'll have more as it becomes available. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

General X-Box...

The Gear! 63 Games Now In stores! For a full list, to see every game that is available to you just Click Here! The games include 'Halo', 'Spiderman', 'James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire' & many more! Think Inside The Box We had hoop dreams a while back while we were playing basketball, we love that basketball, but then between cross-court crotch-rocketin� and double-skipping the hoop-bucket, we found ourself skilf the flarndingle. Now, with Xbox unleashing Inside Drive 2003 we�re once again excited to brazen dribbledrie like no one�s business. See these screenshots and see why we�re so nutty. America's Pastime Since Sega�s been let off the chain, they�ve been pumping out great games for all systems but none have shined as bright as their Xbox titles. Now, they�re bringing their next-generation baseball game, World Series Baseball 2k2, to the Xbox and we�ve got the screens to prove it. A Dark & Stormy Knight Yeah, it was a silly question; of course Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is okay. It�s in the ever-capable hands of the BioWare team, a group that doesn�t seem to do anything wrong. Sure, they take forever delivering anxiously awaited games, but who cares if they took a page from Blizzard and offered up quality every time? The Hawkman Cometh It�d be easy to chalk up the sequels to Tony Hawk�s Pro Skater as me-too products, but each one has been a pretty significant upgrade from its predecessor. Now, with Tony Hawk�s Pro Skater 3, Xbox gamers can play the latest and greatest skateboarding game. The Xbox is the only system that will allow you to pump in your own musical tracks to play along with and for that, we salute it. 1 Cop, 2 Cop Billed as a cross between the action of Die Hard and the sophistication of Heat, Good Cop, Bad Cop on the surface looks like just another Max Payne clone. On closer inspection, the game looks to be trying something different, with the player making �good� or �bad� decisions about the outcome of the suspects he has to hunt down. We�d naturally be �good,� letting our serial murderers or child pornographers go...into a lake of fire, mucus and pus!!! Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

General Gamecube...

The Xbox may have had the limelight in recent months, but soon it will be the GameCube's turn; we find out what you can expect to see on the May 3rd. Gleaming The Cube Due to Microsoft�s overpriced and sales lagging efforts in Europe, they slashed the Xbox price to put it more in a competitive bracket with the PlayStation 2. Now, Nintendo follows suit with a price reduction before the Gamecube even hits the streets. Head over to SuperCheats for the full deal, but keep in mind that Sony must be preparing its own retaliatory strike so in the end, all of us will benefit. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

General PS2...

Lost To The World Not to be confused with the Jurassic Park light gun game, Dino Stalker is from the Dino Crisis family, where some sort of strange time bubble opens up and brings dinosaurs from the past into the present day. The twist here is that the present day is 1943 and these dinosaurs aren�t just happy little creatures, but voracious violent monsters. Break out the GunCon, it�s time to make dinos dance. Check out the screenshots of this upcoming shooter. The Evolution Of PS2 The PlayStation 2 doesn�t have a built-in hard drive. The network adapter/modem costs extra. There are few games that will run on it. Those are just some of the arguments PS2 naysayers are throwing around in regards to the online strategy of Sony. We didn�t just sit and accept it though; we spoke with the experts at PSXNation and asked them to share with us their interpretation of what�s gonna happen. Prepare to be delighted as we introduce the debut column from PSXNation, PS2 Frontline, a monthly edition dedicated to core issues concerning Sony�s system. Disk Armor 2.0 Despite the theme song sounding strangely reminiscent of �Rock A Bye Baby,� Rygar on the NES was a great game. It was a typical platformer, but it even came with its own poster which we promptly placed on our wall to woo women. The wooing of women didn�t work out as planned, but we still love Rygar, so we�re glad to hear a next-generation version is in the works. Let�s hope it ships with a newer, sexier poster. Ensnared Entertainment It�s no surprise to us that the Spider-Man: The Movie videogame is a smash hit. Launching a little over two weeks before the soon-to-be blockbuster movie, it could have been crap in a box and still sold well. But what�s really surprising is that it�s a stellar game, a game worthy of a blockbuster movie, and PSXNation has the first PS2 review. Carjacked Say what you will about Wreckless, but it definitely helped put the Xbox on the next-generation map with its incredible visuals. Now, the title�s headed for the PlayStation 2 and we have to wonder, is it going to be able to preserve one-tenth of its shine on a lesser system? Check out these screenshots to see the work-in-progress. Return Of Raider Pardon us if we view Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness with a somewhat negative eye. The last few versions did nothing for us and after the lackluster movie, we could have done without another Tomb Raider. Still, there�s something alluring about this new version: a revamped Lara, some new design decisions in the game play and of course, the fact that it�s on next-generation systems. Now if Sid Meier had designed this game, it could be a title more off-putting than Star Trek: Voyager: Elite Force � Expansion Pack, but we digress. Fight For Your Rights Nothing says party more than a good old-fashioned fighting game. Street Fighter 2 Turbo or Mortal Kombat II on the SNES were two of the best, and now Sega�s trying it�s hand with its venerable Virtua Fighter series on the PS2. Be sure to read this perfect review from PSXNation as they put this arcade translation through the paces. Does it unseat Tekken Tag Tournament? Read on! Here There Not Be Dragons Ever since we heard of Reign of Fire, we�ve been jumping for joy. A post-apocalyptic world that�s not been nuked or fallen to some disastrous plague, but instead is under siege by real-life fire-breathing dragons. While we�ll have to wait this summer for the movie, the videogame is already in the works. Check out these early screenshots of the game and vehicles that will be hunting down the wyrm brethren. Black In Black We love aliens and better yet, we love games that let us shoot aliens and that�s what Men In Black 2: Alien Escape is promising to deliver. We�ve got screenshots of this game in action, so join the adventure with the MIB team in catching and eliminating the nastiest alien gangs. Please be aware, you will be Neuralyzed after witnessing these screenshots. It�s perfectly harmless; just look into this light for a second. The State Of State OF Emergency! While GOD Games nabbed attention with its collection of midgets and strippers at their E3 backlot, Rockstar Games was doing the same by putting the hooks, bells and whistles where they belong: In the game. Now GOD�s defunct and Rockstar�s booming off the success of Grand Theft Auto 3, and next in line is State of Emergency, a mission-based action game amidst hundreds of rioters. Indulge in your own quiet riot with these exclusive screenshots, character art and preview. Now... put down that monitor! Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Finaly: A DVD Standard

A joint Press Release issued by nine of the industy's leaders, have finally agreed to a standard for mkaing DVD's at home. The DVD-RW/DVD+RW/DVD-RAM war can be said to be now over. The release adopts a tech called 'Blue Ray', which will use bluse lasers to record up to 27gig on each side of a DVD. On another note: what does this do for Mac users that have the super-driver on their new Macs? Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

PC News...

PcWorld has posted an article about how to upgrade to Windows XP. It might be useful for you. Do you have any idea what a password manager is? Read Here. CNET has posted a review of Another Digital Camera, the Nikon Coolpix 5000. A very positive review. It is a 5.24 megapixel camera, and might not suitable to people with thin pocket! Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

PS2 In The Lead...

According to a report from C|Net's News.com, the Sony PS2 is leading in sales this holiday season. As expected, Sony's PlayStation 2 is leading holiday sales of video game consoles, despite strong competition from Microsoft's Xbox, according to sales figures from research firm NPD Intelect. Sony sold 1.4 million units of the PlayStation 2 in the United States in the fourth quarter through Dec. 8, according to sales figures tallied by NPD and compiled in a report released by Credit Suisse First Boston. Microsoft trailed slightly, selling 934,000 copies of its Xbox through Dec. 8. Nintendo came in a more distant third with 615,000 units of its GameCube console. The Xbox went on sale Nov. 15; the GameCube debuted Nov. 18. (American Dates!) Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

GTA3 Banned Rumors...

Rumors have been spreading all over that Grand Theft Auto 3 for the PS2 has been banned or recalled. But, they're NOT TRUE. But they have been banned in Australia due to it's graphic violence. Gamers who had already bought the title were instructed to return the game. A revision is expected to go on sale early this year. the American version of the game has not been affected and is still one of the PS2's strongest sellers. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

GTA3...On The PC?!

Yes that's right. Rockstar Games has decided to bring the great family game to the PC for us non-console people to enjoy. Slated to be realeased "sometime in may", GTA3 will feature the same awsome gameplay that has made it a topseller since it came out on the PS2. One of the new features to look forward to is a higher resoltion and a higher colour depth. So you folks out there with GForce 3's & 4's are sure to get an eyefull. "It is an honor to work on the Grand Theft Auto games," The PlayStation 2 version was a terrific achievement for us and now, we're looking forward to maximizing the game's potential for the PC. We know that there is an enormous, avid fan base out there that has waited patiently for the PC version of Grand Theft Auto 3. The final product will blow them away." So says Les Benzies, development director for Rockstar Studios. Once ported GTA3 will have two controls schemes. For those of you folks that have a gamepad for you computer will be able to use the same control setup that's on the PS2. But for those of us without a gamepad and are stuck using the keyboard and mouse, there will be another control setup just for that. Some other new features are the ablitiy to change how many cars and pedestrians are on the street and sidewalks. So folks, I'll leave you with one final qoute to tide you over, "We look forward to building on the astronomical success of Grand Theft Auto 3," said Sam Houser, president of Rockstar Games. "We are extremely proud of what we have achieved with Grand Theft Auto 3 and now we are pleased to bring it back home to the PC where this franchise began." Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

More Bad News For X-Box

Seamus Blackley, the co-creator of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox video game console and basically the main man, left Microsoft; Microsoft and a spokeswoman said on Monday. "He has left Microsoft to pursue other opportunities," said James Bernard, an Xbox spokesman at Microsoft. "We value his contributions." After hearing about X-Box missing sales by over 40%, having little to no support in and/or from Japan, this is rather bad to hear for all X-Box fans. It's also unknown as to what he'll be doing after having left Microsoft. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Gamecube Release Price Dropped! :)

Well the consoles not even out until May 3rd but it seems that Nintendo have taken a leaf out of Microsoft�s book and decided to slash down the price of their new GameCube. The console is now expected to cost �199 in much of mainland Europe and �129 in the UK, this will make it the cheapest ever console release in Europe. It seems like everyone�s gone price-cutting mad and it�s a great thing for gaming in Europe where it's notmally far more expensive. Are companies starting to take the European market seriously? Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Bad News For X-Box!

The X-Box after having very bad sales in it's first 5 weeks of sale has cut it's price by �100! No official reason has been given, but it is almost certainly to do with the console not selling as well as expected. However, there is a darker side to this; Gamecube is launching in 15 days. One of the main things it had going for it was it�s completive pricing. Now, this will have less impact. The official UK Retail prices are now; Playstation 2:- �199 Xbox:- �199 Gamecube:- �150 (but most retailers are planning to sell for �170) It is an interesting move from Microsoft, if nothing else. However, the consumer is the real winner; People who are going to buy an Xbox have an extra �100 to play with, and for people who bought it at the higher price, Microsoft are giving them a free control pad, and two games, worth �115. Nice. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

GBA Gets Ghoulish!

That rock hard Super Nintendo classic will be rising from it's grave to possess the Game Boy Advance. Japanese publication Minaduki has reported that Capcom have announced plans to port the Super Nintendo classic, Super Ghouls N' Ghosts, to the Game Boy Advance. So far we know that the game will include the original game and a remixed version. Currently scheduled for release on July 19 in Japan, we'll bring more information on this title as we get it. Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

FFXI Credit Cards?

In the run up to the release of Final Fantasy XI, FFXI credit cards have been announced in Japan. The cards are available in both VISA and Mastercard varieties. Square have offered Japanese gamers the oppurtunity to shop with panache with the announcement of Final Fantasy XI Credit Cards. Available in both VISA and MasterCard flavours, the cards will offer bonuses such as points towards free Final Fantasy merchandise, and the removal of the yearly credit card fee if the user charges his/her Playonline fees to the credit card. Unfortunately, it looks as if these cards are a Japan-only thing, so i'll be sticking to my Barclays VISA for a while longer yet :( Submitted by Team PowerGamerz!

Senators: Thumbs Down

Each year, Senators Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn,. and Herb Kohl, D-Wis., release a list of video games to avoid, compiled by National Institute on Media and the Family. All the listing of the 2001 listings are rated mature except for "Time Crisis 2," which is rated teen. The current list is: 1. "Grand Theft Auto III" 2. "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" 3. "Max Payne" 4. "Metal Gear Solid 2" 5. "Silent Hill 2" 6. "Twisted Metal Black" 7. "Time Crisis 2" 8. "Conkers Bad Fur Day" 9. "Devil May Cry" 10. "Soldier of Fortune Gold" 11. "Serious Same" Enen though We love all games, cept kid ones, We dont recommend many people to play them. But remember, VIDEO GAMES DO NOT CREATE VIOLENCE! ITS THE KIDS THAT DO IT!! NOT GAMES!!! Submitted by Gamerz X-tacy!

Final Fantasy XI - Yet Another Dose...But This Time It's Online!

Squaresoft has decided has decided to try something new with Final Fantasy XI: it goes online. Basically, the game, in many ways, is going to be a typical online RPG; we�ll be able to chat, battle, and play with friends, as we would expect. However, unlike other online games such as Phantasy Star Online, Final Fantasy XI will allow players to interact with many other users at one time; on a single server we might see thousands of different gamers. Final Fantasy XI is also expected to the PC (and possibly even other consoles.) PlayOnline should release a PlayStation 2 keyboard by the time of Final Fantasy XI�s US release. The planet Final Fantasy XI�s story is structured around is known as 'Vana�Diel.' Vana�Diel has a medieval civilization, with a mix of magic, and useful tools. Previously, the area was sanctified with the all-powerful fuel source for everything, the Crystals. Using this power, the inhabitants of Vana�Diel fought against horrid monsters, guided by pure evil. These monsters have been slowly but surely destroying Vana�Diel; the land was dying, and the water was becoming too hazardous for anybody to use. Eventually, all the monsters were destroyed and the planet was saved�for a while, anyway. After 20 years of peace, the forgotten memories of the previous horrors and the evil they brought with them has returned; the monsters are returning; this time, even stronger and meaner. Can the Crystals again save Vana�Diel? Submitted by Team PowerGamerz