Today's Special Archives: May 2004

News Archives Index The Next Generation is on its Way [ Nintendo ] Nintendo's next console has its official codename. You may remember that the N64 was originally Project Reality, and the GameCube was Project Dolphin. Now, the N5, as we've been calling it, has a new name: Project Revolution. This name was hinted at during Nintendo's pre-E3 Media Briefing, and now it's for real. There's a twist, though. Some officials at Nintendo have made some interesting comments, saying that the company is not viewing the device as a successor to the GameCube. “This won't be a continuation, but rather something entirely different,” stated senior managing director Yoshiro Mori at a recent analyst’s meeting. At the Media Briefing, president Satoru Iwata said that "The time when horsepower alone made a difference is over," and that, "Simply beefing up graphics is not enough." To that end, Nintendo has raised research and development spending in its current fiscal year to 20 billion yen (approximately $180 million), an increase of more than 25 percent from the previous year. Will you be ready when the Revolution comes? Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Saturday, May 29 2004 4:46 AM [Top] GameCube Café is MOVING!!! [ GameCube Café ] Thanks to all of your wonderful support, GameCube Café has grown big enough that it is time for us to switch to a new server. As you read this, I am configuring GameCube Café's new home. The transition to the new system should go seemlessly as far as you all are concerned, however there is a possibility that www.gamecubecafe.com could go down for a while. In the event that this happens, the site is still up, you simply must use our main link, www.gccafe.com. Thanks for all your support. See you on the other side. AJ Henderson -- Posted on Saturday, May 29 2004 0:18 AM [Top] Pokémon Fever Still Alive [ Nintendo of Europe ] Adding to the catalogue of Pokémon successes over the years, the launch of Pokémon Colosseum has lifted GameCube hardware sales by over 80% across the UK in its first seven days of release, more than doubling its UK market share to take a quarter of the UK home console market. With the total number of Pokémon games sold in Europe exceeding 25 million and the hugely successful Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire for Game Boy Advance having sold over 3 million in Europe last year, the Pokémon phenomenon looks set to continue. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Friday, May 28 2004 15:29 PM [Top] Nintendo Financial Outlook [ Nintendo ] Nintendo expects net income in its current fiscal year, ending March 31, 2005, to double, anticipating both a weak yen and high demand for the DS. The company is targeting shipments of 3.5 million DS units, along with 15 million software units, before the end of the fiscal year, around the globe. Nintendo expects full year profit to be 70.0 billion yen (approximately $631.4 million), up from the previous fiscal year’s tally of 33.2 billion yen (approximately $299.5 million). The company also hinted that the successor to its GameCube could make an appearance at next year’s E3Expo. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Friday, May 28 2004 15:26 PM [Top] Crystal Chronicles 2? [ Square-Enix ] Some good rumors are going around that there is a sequel in the works for Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. These rumors, which originated at E3 a couple of weeks ago look like they could actually be true. Although nothing has been confirmed and Square-Enix refuses to comment, it is believed that they will show off this sequel next month at a private conference. Even though the first game did not have a big following and sold considerably less copies than Square-Enix expected, it seems very probable that a sequel will be developed. Add this to the already amazing lineup Nintendo has planned and E3 next year will be the best ever. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 28 2004 9:40 AM [Top] Call It What It Is [ CNN ] In a CNN Money Report Chris Morris revealed some of Microsoft's future plans in the videogame industry. Of course we all know that Microsoft won't go away anymore, they appear to be here to stay. The codename for their next system apparently now seems to be officialy, Xbox Next. Oh but it gets much better than just that. Mr. Morris went on in the report to describe the system as a "video game console with a hard drive and a built-in, fully functional PC." Naturally it would be backwards compatible but it would also include some new features like built in Live, capable of playing PC games, and have a fully functional CD burner. The retail price, if the system were to come out tomorrow, would be around six hundred Dollars. Well well. It appears that Microsoft IS getting out of the home console business. Let's face it folks, what they're planning to build is a damned computer. For six hundred Dollars and all that extra crap thrown in it it leaves the realm of console and enters the market of home computer system. I for one honestly hope they make that beast, it will certainly mean Microsoft won't be in the market of videogames in around 2012 when the next NEXT generation rolls around. I for one could wait that long, the years are sure to be full of laughs. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 28 2004 9:23 AM [Top] Japanese Sales Figures (5/23) [ Media Create ] I'm really not so sure what everyone is so worried about? I mean, it's like a bunch of church wives lately with all the gossip going around that Nintendo is on the rocks and sales figures are down. Well it looks to me like they dominated software sales last week. I think Nintendo is doing just fine. Software 1. Grand Theft Auto Vice City - PS2 - 245,597 - 245,597 2. Famicom Mini: Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Douchuu - GBA - 29,528 - 29,528 3. Pikmin 2 - GC - 26,762 - 262,662 4. Ultra-Man - PS2 - 25,775 - 25,775 5. Pachi Slot Tokondensho Inoki Matsuri - PS2 - 22,173 - 103,173 6. Famicom Mini: Twinbee - GBA - 21,283 - 21,283 7. Crayon Shin-Chan - GBA - 19,098 - 19,098 8. Famicom Mini: Dr. Mario - GBA - 18,335 - 18,335 9. Famicom Mini: Adventure Island - GBA - 17,580 - 17,580 10. Famicom Mini: Wrecking Crew - GBA - 17,138 - 17,138 Hardware 1. PlayStation 2 - 30,081 - (1,249,881) 2. Game Boy Advance SP - 29,091 - (1,250,591) 3. GameCube - 4,959 - (367,659) 4. Game Boy Advance - 2,647 - (143,447) 5. Xbox - 238 - (19,138) 6. PSone - 218 - (10,518) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 28 2004 9:02 AM [Top] Shrek 2 [ Taste-Test ] Kevin gets down with Shrek and company with his brand new taste test. Beware of annoying talking donkeys....and onions. Kevin McGinnis -- Posted on Friday, May 28 2004 2:54 AM [Top] Tales of Symphonia [ Taste-Test ] An impression for Tales of Symphonia, brought to you by Eric Jones. Enjoy the symphonian tales. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 27 2004 17:46 PM [Top] Metroid Prime: Echoes [ Taste-Test ] Mike travels to Aether with a brand new Taste-Test for Prime: Echoes. Mike Twomey -- Posted on Thursday, May 27 2004 17:26 PM [Top] StarCraft: Ghost [ Taste-Test ] Twomey shoots more things in StarCraft: Ghost. Watch out for flying elbows. Mike Twomey -- Posted on Thursday, May 27 2004 17:01 PM [Top] Odama [ Taste-Test ] Eric plays pinball Odama style with his army crushin taste test. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 27 2004 16:28 PM [Top] The Big N Doesn't Mess Around [ Nintendo ] Taiwan's Pan-Chiao District Court has rendered a judgment against Taiwan's Yudian Company, a major manufacturer and distributor of counterfeit Nintendo Game Boy video game cartridges. Hwei-chu Chen, one of the principals of Yudian, was sentenced to six years in prison, while six other employees of Yudian received sentences of up to three years in prison. The prosecution resulted from a raid on Yudian that was conducted by the Taipei County station of the Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice (IB) on May 21, 2001. Yudian Company was owned by Chen-chi Kuo and Hwei-chu Chen, and has been suspected of manufacturing and distributing Nintendo counterfeits for years. The IB seized from Yudian more than 1.5 million pieces of counterfeit Nintendo goods, including components used to assemble those counterfeit products. The case was one of the largest counterfeit cases in Taiwan in years and the goods were destined for global distribution. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 26 2004 14:05 PM [Top] Source Our Media Appropriately [ GameCube Café ] This is not a news article but an announcement to those coming to the Café who plan to put our media up on your website. If you wish to put our media up on your site then you must source GameCube Café appropriately. You must provide at the bottom or top of the news article our name and it must be linked back to either our main index page or our E3-2K4 Media page. If you would like to host our media on your site, that is acceptable. You must, however, provide the appropriate source link like stated above. Furthermore, if you decide to host our media you must e-mail Matthew Silver or AJ Henderson telling us that you did so. I have sent out dozens of e-mails already to numerous sites stating these exact words. From now on if you do not source us accordingly and it comes to our attention then you will be asked to remove the media immediately and not be allowed to use our media ever again. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 26 2004 6:46 AM [Top] Famitsu's Most Wanted [ Famitsu ] An updated list of Famitsu's magazine reader's most wanted games. We haven't been posting this all that much lately because frankly it wasn't changing and there really were no Nintendo games on the list. However, there are now, so read away. 1. Dragon Quest VIII (PS2, SquareEnix) 2. Final Fantasy XII (PS2, SquareEnix) 3. Biohazard 4 (GC, Capcom) 4. Metal GEAR Solid 3 (PS2, Konami) 5. AWG: Vice City (PS2, Capcom) 6. Super Robot Wars MX (PS2, Banpresto) 7. Pikmin 2 (GC, Nintendo) 8. Gran Turismo 4 (PS, PolyphonyD) 9. Mother 3 (GBA, Nintendo) 10.Silent Hill 4: The Room (PS2, Konami) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 26 2004 6:15 AM [Top] Microsoft Denies DS Support Rumors [ Gamespot ] Rumors surfaced in recent weeks that Microsoft would in fact be developing games for the DS. Earlier today in an official statement they have struck down all rumors. The following quote is a from a Microsoft representive: "Microsoft and its studios are focusing all efforts on developing quality games for the Windows and Xbox platforms. Neither Microsoft Game Studios nor any of its developers are involved in developing games for DS at this time. Rare has developed, and is continuing to develop, Game Boy Advance games. At this time, there are no plans to support the DS." Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 26 2004 3:24 AM [Top] Metal Gear Snubbed for DS Support [ Konami ] Legendary Konami producer Hideo Kojima slapped down all the recent rumors that there would be a Metal Gear game on the DS. Specifically he stated that no current Metal Gear projects would appear on Nintendo's new dream machine. This sounds like there is hope but it is very doubtful at this time. The choice to put a Metal Gear game on the DS would be Acid (which is for PSP), however that is Sony exclusive. If thought about it logically the DS is an ideal system for a Metal Gear game with its dual screens. You could play the game on one screen and monitor surrounding areas with the other. Perhaps in the future someone at Konami will wake up and realize Nintendo fans like Metal Gear too. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 25 2004 19:59 PM [Top] Miyamoto Speaks About Zelda [ SPOnG ] Shigeru Miyamoto has been heard saying the following things. Pay attention because there is a lot of good new information in theres quotes. Remember that Miyamoto primarly speaks Japanese so these are translations into english of what he said. "Link as a character will be taller with longer limbs, so we're going to have a lot more sword fighting and action elements like we saw in a game like Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. And then of course, we'll have a lot of cool items that we can have Link using in different poses." He continues on with, "I don't necessarily think so [that it will be darker]. We haven't finished the game completely, but kind of like what we did with Ocarina of Time. We really want to create the feeling that the player is in the real world of Hyrule...and the feelings of going to very unique places. We've spent a lot of time focusing on that." I like the fact that true sword fighting will play a major role in the game but the mere mention of Avdenture of Link makes cold shivers run down the back of my spine. I will of course put faith in the creative minds at Nintendo and trust they know what they're doing. Look at how well cel-shading turned out in Wind Waker. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 25 2004 19:50 PM [Top] Get Your X On [ X-Men Legends Mutant Vault ] The Mutant Vault has released a new Fan Site Kit for download. As of now, there is art, logos, screenshots, and information on the X-Men game. You can use this to check out the game, or if you just really have to, build a fan site. A production update from the producer Blaine Christine and E3 2004 media is also up. Check it out for your X-Men fill. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Tuesday, May 25 2004 17:09 PM [Top] Advance Wars: Under Fire Gameplay Trailer [ GameCube Café ] This is yet another gameplay trailer from the E3 show floor. We just keep pounding them out one by one. This gameplay trailer is of Advance Wars: Under Fire, which is for GameCube. Why they didn't change the name to GameCube Wars is anyone's guess. Hopefully we will have a whole slew of gameplay trailers up this weekend. We're pretty busy here with trying to move over to the new server and preparing the new layout of the site so just be patient, there are a lot more videos to come. To play the video you can right click and save the source link, click it and stream it, or you can go to the E3-2K4 Media page and view all the awesome E3 videos. My favorite part of this trailer is Marlow shooting down the retreating troops, it is very funny. Enjoy, and remember, there are tons more exclusive gameplay trailers of the games on the E3 show floor to come. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 25 2004 6:49 AM [Top] New Barista In Town [ GameCube Café ] You asked for someone you've never heard of to start writing for your favorite site, and you got him! Thanks, GCCaférs! Mr. Show references aside, my name is Paul Tabachneck, also known as ectohitch. I am the latest addition here at the Café, and stoked doesn't begin to describe how I feel about it! Most of the boilerplate stuff you would want to know about me you'll see in my profile tomorrow -- look for my first opinion piece, coming soon exclusively to the Café! But enough of my exclamations... back to the E3 Awesomefest! Paul Tabachneck -- Posted on Monday, May 24 2004 22:27 PM [Top] Microsoft to Develop DS Games? [ GameFront ] According to ITPro of the Nikkei Business Daily, Microsoft is interested in developing game for the Nintendo DS. As of right now this is pure speculation but with Sony entering the market of the handheld it leaves Microsoft in the dust. It seems what they are going to attempt to do is make third party games for both the DS and the PSP. That seems pretty smart on Microsoft's part. They know they can't compete so rather than try and fail they will just make software for the two. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, May 24 2004 17:47 PM [Top] Paper Mario 2 Japan Release Date [ Nintendo of Japan ] It has been confirmed that Paper Mario 2 will be released on July 22nd. The tentitive release date for it in North America is October 18th, but that could possibly change from now until then. This time around, more emphasis is placed on the paper abilities of Mario and his friends. He can turn sideways to slip through cracks, fold into a paper airplane to fly, roll into a tube, and much more. He can also use tons of items like hammers and thunderbolts. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, May 24 2004 17:41 PM [Top] Harvest Moon Takes a Twist [ Harvest Moon Otaku ] The front page of Harvest Moon Otaku has a gaggle of information concerning Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life For Girls. The female versions of A Wonderful Life and Friends of Mineral Town will connect with each other like their male counterparts. AWLFG is scheduled currently to release this winter in the U.S. Eligible husbands for the game are the guys already in there, no new ones will be put in. The female lead will also be able to change her outfits. Plenty of screenshots to go around on the main page. Enjoy, ladies. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Monday, May 24 2004 17:09 PM [Top] We Really Don't Know Either [ GameCube Café ] Your guesses are as good as ours. We went down around 10AM eastern time yesterday and we just finally got back. We did reach our bandwidth limit because you guys have been downloading like a crazy (which we like). Our host however made a blunder trying to move us to our new server. Anyway, we are finally back up and we will have more E3 video goodness for you soon enough. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, May 24 2004 16:50 PM [Top] RE4 Gameplay Trailer Up [ GameCube Café ] Like we promised last night we finally have another video uploaded to the site. This time it is the gameplay for the Resident Evil 4 demo that was playable on the show floor at E3. The trailer is about five minutes long and shows just about everything that is important. Much bloodlove and Leon kicking serious ass is demonstrated in this trailer. If anyone cares, it is actually me who is playing when this was filmed. I should have lived a little longer but I totally missed the chainsaw guy at the end from about a foot away with a shotgun. Yeah, needless to say, I was a little pissed. However I did eventually beat the demo on several seperate occasions. I'm sure you guys didn't want to see me beat it anyway. A gruesome death makes for much better eyecandy. Hit the source link to go directly to the video or you can click on our E3-2K4 Media page to view all the E3 video goodness. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Saturday, May 22 2004 6:06 AM [Top] We Promised More Videos [ GameCube Café ] Later today we will have another batch of E3 videos up for you guys. Another section to the E3-2k4 Media page will be added called, "Post E3 Videos." These videos will be stuff that we didnt actually film ourselves but that we got from developers and publishers websites. Needless to say, they are still some pretty cool videos and you need to check them out. Also we will have several more gameplay trailers up as well. Since the editing process is quite lengthy, we might not be able to get all the gameplay videos up today but we will try our hardest. If they aren't all up today they will be on the weekend or early next week. Furthermore, since we have been getting hammered with traffic we are being moved over to a new server next week. What exactly does this mean for you guys? Well you may have noticed the lack of pictures of the staff at E3 and the lack of screenshots of all the hot new games. Once we get on our new server we will be able to put all those goodies up for you. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 21 2004 4:52 AM [Top] Japanese Sales Figures (5/16) [ Media Create ] Software 1. Pachi Slot Tokondensho Inoki Matsuri - PS2 - 81,000 - 81,000 2. Gundam Seed - GBA - 48,600 - 48,600 3. Pikmin 2 - GC - 43,500 - 235,900 4. Derby Stallion 04 - PS2 - 25,200 - 480,700 5. Kirby Magic Mirror - GBA - 17,200 - 362,600 6. Black/Matrix 00 - PS1 - 12,300 - 12,300 7. Famicom Mini: Super Maio Bros. - GBA - 11,400 - 530,800 8. Naruto 2 - GBA - 11,000 - 118,800 9. Dragon Quest V - PS2 - 10,700 - 1,632,200 10. Kinnikuman Generations - PS2 - 10,000 - 147,200 Hardware 1. PlayStation 2 - 31,300 - (1,219,800) 2. Game Boy Advance SP - 20,400 - (1,221,500) 3. GameCube - 4,700 - (362,700) 4. Game Boy Advance - 2,900 - (140,800) 5. PSone - 370 - (10,300) 6. Xbox - 240 - (18,900) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 21 2004 4:30 AM [Top] Details on new Legend of Zelda [ IGN Cube ] IGN Cube managed to get some inside info on the game that made all of you cream your pants, the new Zelda adventure shown off at E3. Here's what they found out: -The new game does in fact run on a modified version of the Wind Waker engine, so you can expect similar gameplay mechanics to the game's predecessor. -The game is 100% original in the storyline and is not a remake of any past series outing. -The game will feature the same eye-tracking system used in Wind Waker, and he'll be able to knock all types of enemies off their horses and send them crashing to the ground. -A new dynamic camera system will shoot some dungeons from new perspectives, i.e. when Link explores some dungeons the camera will pan back and shoot the action from a top-down angle (shades of the original game and Link to the Past?). Players will be able to see parts of the 3D maze that lies in wait, but when the player encounters an enemy the camera will seamlessly sweep in again to shoot the battle from the normal behind-the-back perspective. Sounds cool. -There will be a new director for the project. Shigeru Miyamoto and Eiji Aonuma (Wind Waker director) will be overseeing production and offering advice to the new helmer, who remains unknown. 2005 can't come soon enough, can it? Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Monday, May 17 2004 22:19 PM [Top] Resident Evil: Apocalypse [ Sony Pictures ] Sony Pictures has updated the site for the upcoming sequel to Resident Evil, subtitled Apocalypse. If you checked out this site before than you know it was pretty bare. Now they have a whole slew of new stuff for you guys to check out. This movie comes out in September and it's one you don't want to miss. Keep watching the site for more news on everything Resident Evil. RE4 gameplay footage from E3 will be up by the end of the week. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, May 17 2004 18:53 PM [Top] Odama's Monkey Business [ Nintendo ] Well, it's been going around since the unveiling that Odama, Nintendo's quirky military pinball game, would in some way use the DK Bongo controller--just no one's really been sure how. Funny enough, it's been in front of everyone in the whole time. Under Odama on Nintendo's Media site: How to progress through the game: Use the flippers to send a giant pinball called the Odama to destroy the enemy's barracks and turrets. Hit enemy soldiers with the ball to make them join your ranks, and as your army liberates more of the screen, you'll be able to assault the gate and move on to the next level. Depending on the orders you give, your soldiers can become tired or even lose confidence in your leadership skills and become complacent. Player 2 can use the DK Bongo controllers, hitting them to get the soldiers' attention and get them moving faster than before. If Player 2 does that, however, the soldiers' confidence in Player 1 declines. Guess that answers the question, huh? Joe McCollum -- Posted on Monday, May 17 2004 2:35 AM [Top] We're Baaaaaack [ GameCube Café ] We're all back home from five days in Los Angeles, and boy are our gaming thumbs tired. But don't think that our E3 coverage is even close to finished. Make sure you keep yourselves tuned into the Café for continuing coverage of E3 2004, including tons of impressions, a hell of a lot of photos and screens, and a metric asston of videos of the greatest and coolest games from the show floor. The coming weeks will be seeing a media blitz from all of us here, all for you. Now send us a dollar. Or just shit yourselves at the awesome stuff that's to come...either way, we'll be happy. E3 is far from over at the Café, and we'll be working our butts off to bring you the best coverage from around the globe and into your homes. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Sunday, May 16 2004 21:45 PM [Top] Hot New Gameplay Footage [ GameCube Café ] Just as we promised you guys we now have the first batch of gameplay videos up live on the site now. The videos are awesome quality and totally free to download. We also put up the Nintendo B-Roll DVD footage for you guys to see as well. All these videos are amazing and you need to download them immediately. We still however have more to come believe it or not. Videos to look forward to include, Resident Evil 4, Advance Wars: Under Fire, Paper Mario 2, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes multiplayer, Donkey Konga, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, T3: Redemption, Odama, Geist, Viewtiful Joe 2, and of course we have almost a half an hour of DS footage. Stay tuned because you don't want to miss out on this. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Saturday, May 15 2004 0:09 AM [Top] Retro Studios Senior Producer Talks With the Café [ Retro Studios ] What would happen if a planet was struck by a Phazon asteroid? It would be divided into light and dark sides, of course. According to Bryan Walker, Senior Producer of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, this is precisely what happened to Aether. In the latest installment of the popular epic, the two divided sides of the planet war against each other with the evil Ing practically wiping out the Luminoth. During Samus' journey, she encounters the remnants of this race, who assist her in her mission to defeat the Ing and restore balance to the planet. Also in the game, which is expected to be about the same length as Metroid Prime, Samus encounters the typical Space Pirates, as well as new forms, such as the Commando Pirate. Various features that have been added are light zones that protect you in the dark side of the planet. Creative players may find interesting ways to kill dark beings with these devices. When asked if there would be a "Dark Suit" to protect Samus in the abscence of light zones, Mr. Walker said "That would be a good idea, wouldn't it?" The most badass enemy that we encountered was Dark Samus, a mixture of Phazon and Samus' DNA which is a virtual clone of the protaganist. When asked about the possibility of encountering Mother Brain or Metroid Prime, Mr. Walker said simply, "No comment." Matt Marlow -- Posted on Friday, May 14 2004 16:40 PM [Top] Yet More E3 Video Goodness!! [ Nintendo ] Like we said before we were wondering why so many people had videos up before us but then realized we actually had totally different videos. These next set of videos are the ones that seem to be floating around out there everywhere. We have noticed that some sites are getting hammered and the downloading process may be slow there. That is why we uploaded them to our site, to give you an alternate site that downloads quickly. Just click the source link and you can see the new videos direct feed. Please right click and download them to your computer to view them. You can click and view them in the browser if you want but the video won't show up until it is completely loaded. AJ Henderson -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 4:18 AM [Top] Media Briefing Videos! [ GameCube Café ] The videos we have been promising you guys for months are now finally up! We have everything that you want to see in high quality and low size. You can stream them from the site or if you want you can download them to share with others. Just make sure you mention where you got them. Also, if you choose to put them up on your site make sure you link us accordingly. We will also have the Media Briefing up in full later in the month, so stick around for that. Click the source link and the fun begins, and make sure to keep checking out the new E3-2K4 Media page as it will be uploaded with more videos and new screens later this week. UPDATE: At first we were wondering how everyone got videos up before us, but then we realized that they didn't actually have the videos from the media briefing. We are proud to announce that we have videos not currently appearing on Nintendo's site and will be bringing you the Nintendo videos shortly. AJ Henderson -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 3:06 AM [Top] Stay Tuned for a Media Frenzie [ GameCube Café ] We just put up a ton of news from Nintendo but we are far from done this week or even this day. Screenshots from every game we reported on will be put up in an E3 2K4 Media section on the left column of the site. We we also have videos of several games that they showed off at the Media Briefing earlier in the day. Best of all are Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and the new Legend of Zelda GC. All the videos will be in .wmv and be streamable and for download. These videos are of high quality but no bigger than 5 MB. Thank our awesome IT Director AJ Henderson for the unreal videos. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:38 AM [Top] The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: When Link discovers a magical hat called The Minish Cap, he gains the power to shrink down to the size of the Minish people, who are in grave danger. As he travels back and forth between their world and his, he'll solve puzzles, fight through dungeons and slowly uncover the evil behind their plight and vanquish it. Characters: Link, the Minish people. How to progress through the game: Explore the world, find new items that help you progress and fuse Kinstones with townsfolk to get hints. In the dungeons, you'll have to fight enemies and solve puzzles as you hunt each dungeon's massive boss. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Link has his trusty sword and shield, and the Minish Cap will help him shrink down to micro-size. He'll also find a wealth of items to aid him on his quest, including the boomerang, bow and others that have never been seen before. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:26 AM [Top] The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Key Information [ Nintendo ] Link returns in an all-new Game Boy Advance adventure! As he searches an unfamiliar land for fragmented relics called Kinstones, Link will have to take a closer look at the ground beneath his feet. Using the power of a mystical hat called The Minish Cap, the Hylian hero will shrink down for a massive quest ... on a microscopic scale! --Fuse the Kinstone pieces! The magical relics called Kinstones have been cracked into fragments and spread across the world, and by fusing them together can you solve puzzles and unlock secrets. Talk to everyone you meet, or link with friends and fuse Kinstones with them! --Small Link ... huge adventure! Link will have his work cut out for him as he fights evil in his own land then shrinks to help the Minish people, a miniature race in dire need of a hero. --Draw your sword! As you wander a vast overworld, slash your way through hordes of enemies, explore puzzling dungeons and use new items like a suction device that can fire out what it absorbs! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:25 AM [Top] Donkey Kong Country 2 Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: The merciless Kaptain K. Rool™ has kidnapped Donkey Kong! Now Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong must rush to the rescue and save their favorite ape, but they won't have to go it alone -- in addition to their old friends, they'll be joined by all-new animal pals Rattly the rattlesnake, Squitter the spider, Clapper the seal and Glimmer the angler fish. To succeed, the two swinging simians will have to team up to fight across Kaptain K. Rool's gargantuan galleon and trounce the Kaptain's roughest and rowdiest Kremlings! How to win/advance to next level: Switch between controlling Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong, and use their unique talents to crush Kremlings and reach the goal. Run, roll, hop and swing across enemy-infested stages, or catch a ride on new and familiar animal pals! Characters: Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Kaptain K. Rool, Swanky Kong, Wrinkly Kong, Cranky Kong™, Funky Kong™, Klubba, Rambi™, Enguarde™, Squawks, Rattly, Squitter, Clapper, Glimmer, Expresso™. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Attack enemies with a cartwheel or helicopter spin attack, throw objects, ride animal pals, swap characters to take advantage of each ape's talents or team up piggyback style and attack! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:23 AM [Top] Donkey Kong Country 2 Key Information [ Nintendo ] Return to Donkey Kong Country on the Game Boy Advance in the Kremling-crushin' sequel featuring the pony-tail whippin' Dixie Kong! The fiendish Kaptain K. Rool has kidnapped Donkey Kong, and it's up to Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong to rescue him! --The beloved side-scrollin' sequel to the original Donkey Kong Country blockbuster is now in the palm of your hands! Play Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong and use unique abilities like the cartwheel roll and helicopter spin to go ape on the baddies. --Take to the sky in the Funky's Flights four-player minigame, or beat your friends in Expresso's Racing. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:21 AM [Top] Mario Party Advance [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: Mario Party Advance comes to the Game Boy Advance, making this game the perfect portable party! Play single player to collect 60 mini-games hidden in each board map in Adventure mode. Once you've found them, you can play these mini-games whenever you want. You can also battle against the Koopa Kids or link up with a friend to test your skills in one of the two-player battle mini-games. The coins you earn in the mini-games can buy you Professor E. Gadd's wonderful Gaddgets, unique trinkets like the Finger X-Ray, the intriguing Lip Disguise-o-matic and much more, including a variety of detectors, compatibility meters and other strange and fascinating devices. Characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, the Koopa Kids, Professor E. Gadd and more. How to progress through the game: Play through the Board Maps in Adventure mode to discover more mini-games, which can be played at any time after they've been found. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Link up with friends to play the multiplayer battle games and trade mini-games, Gaddgets and coins. Improved focus on the single-player party-game experience. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:20 AM [Top] Mario Party Advance Key Information [ Nintendo ] It's a portable party on your Game Boy Advance! Mario Party Advance takes all the fun of the home console game and puts it in your hands. All-new mini-games and a host of Professor E. Gadd's incredible Gaddgets -- unique trinkets, toys, detectors and tricks like the Lip Disguise-o-matic that let you play tricks on your friends, test your compatibility and much more. --Discover the 60 mini-games as you play through the single-player game boards. Earn coins as you play the mini-games, and use those coins to unlock Gaddgets you can use with your friends. --Use your Gaddgets to take the game into the real world. Place your finger on the Finger X-Ray to see what's hidden inside, or use the Compatibility Meter to see how well you and your friends match up. --Link up with your friends and duke it out in a two-player battle game, or trade Gaddgets, mini-games and coins to share the party fun. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:18 AM [Top] DK: King of Swing Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: The normally quiet jungle is abuzz with excitement today, because it's time for the ceremony to choose the king of the jungle! Or at least it would be if King K. Rool™ hadn't stolen the special medallion meant for the winner. Donkey Kong and his friends must swing their way through the jungle to get the medallion back and, along the way, rescue Diddy Kong®, Dixie Kong™ and Funky Kong™ from King K. Rool's minions! Characters: Donkey Kong and other members of the DK family. How to progress through the game: Players guide Donkey Kong through a number of puzzling stages, grabbing bananas along the way on their quest to reach the goal. Using just the L and R buttons to grab with Donkey Kong's left and right hands, players spin on the pegs and let go to launch up into the air to reach another peg. The game features many elements that take advantage of this unique game mechanic: Spinning left or right on a crank opens or closes doors, and spinning on bolts slowly loosens them until they pop out, making Donkey Kong lose his grip. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Using the L and R buttons, players swing from peg to peg and spin in the direction of the hand they're using to build up momentum for higher jumps. Donkey Kong also has a "charge tackle" (temporary name) that allows him to attack enemies by leaping and charging into them. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:16 AM [Top] DK: King of Swing Key Information [ Nintendo ] There's trouble in the jungle, but Donkey Kong® is there to put a good spin on things. Take control of Donkey Kong and leap through the jungle, grabbing branches to swing around and fling yourself into the air! --A unique control system lets you swing through the trees and spin to build up momentum for a mighty leap! Use the L and R buttons to control each of Donkey Kong's hands, and lunge from branch to branch! --Innovative level design combines elements of platform and puzzle games: Grab onto gears and spin to crank doors open. Watch out for bolts that loosen as you spin, or you might find yourself falling flat. You'll need steady hands to make the leap of faith that takes you the treetops! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:14 AM [Top] Mario Pinball Announced for GBA [ Nintendo ] Mario has been turned into a ball and drawn into another dimension, and now pinball will never be the same! Whether you're ricocheting after stars, bouncing off Goombas and Monty Moles or battling big bosses, you'll flip over this rolling adventure! --Get rolling! As you play through the varied worlds of the Mushroom Kingdom areas, you'll have to bounce Mario through all sorts of challenges to move on! Collect Star Keys, defeat enemies, buy special items and rack up the points as you rebound through dangerous locales full of familiar enemies! --Enjoy the view! Unlike typical pinball games, which employ a scrolling screen, all the worlds of Mario Pinball are single-screen, 3-D isometric view. The graphics are wonderfully animated and call to mind Mario's adventures in Super Mario Sunshine. Game Storyline: When Bowser kidnaps Peach and escapes to another dimension, a scientist uses his Spherifier to transform Mario into a ball and fires him after the fiend with his Super Cannon! Characters: Mario, Bowser, Toad, tons of Mushroom Kingdom characters. How to progress through the game: Using flippers, you'll bounce Mario in ball form around various environments. In each world, you'll have to do specific things to proceed, like collecting coins, entering specific areas or beating bosses for Star Keys. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: You can buy a slew of items with your coins, such as the destructive Thunderbolt. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:13 AM [Top] F-Zero GP Legend Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: The year is 2201. The human race has ventured out into the universe, and the development of a civilization based on science is flourishing. However, the gap between the rich and the poor is larger than ever before, and evil -- as well as corruption -- is ever present. Amidst all of this, one thing still has the power to excite one and all: the ultra-high-speed F-Zero Grand Prix races, which take place on specially constructed circuit tracks located all over the universe. Pilots manning the futuristic race machines -- which sprint at mind-numbing speeds -- come from all over the universe hoping to claim honor and gigantic sums of prize money. Among these pilots, there are two that have recently been gaining in popularity. They are Rick Wheeler, a new face on the F-Zero circuit, and Captain Falcon, the man behind the mysterious mask. Many have heard of Falcon's exploits, but few know Rick Wheeler's background. Soon, on the racetracks of the F-Zero circuit, these two will become embroiled in a sinister plot... Characters: Captain Falcon, Rick Wheeler, Black Shadow, Zoda, Jody Summer, Samurai Goroh, Dr. Stewart, Jack Levin and many others. How to progress through the game: Defeat increasingly difficult Grand Prix circuits to open others, or play through Story mode to watch the plot unfold. As you overcome the racing challenges of each character in Story mode, other characters' plot lines will become available. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: As with all F-Zero games, you can use a speed boost after the first lap of a race at the expense of your Energy Meter, which you can replenish by driving over Pit Areas. You can also ride over Jump Plates to launch into the air and double-tap the L or R Button to bash into opposing racers. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:11 AM [Top] F-Zero GP Legend Key Information [ Nintendo ] The F-Zero Legend grows with intense new racing circuits and a gripping storyline that unfolds through the eyes of Captain Falcon, Samurai Goroh and six other characters! --Speed into adventure! Take control of eight different characters -- including new racing star Rick Wheeler and evil lord Black Shadow -- as you race through an action-packed story that spans multiple planets. --Defeat all comers! Compete in the four Grand Prix cups, set records in time trials, master specific challenges in Zero Test mode or take on up to three friends as you battle and race to be first! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:09 AM [Top] Kirby & The Amazing Mirror Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: High above Dream Land, there is a great mirror that leads to the Mirror Kingdom. One day, an evil presence called Dark Mind invaded the Mirror Kingdom, and the great mirror began to reflect only the darkness in people's hearts. To prevent the evil from seeping into Dream Land, Meta Knight flew to the rescue. Later, as Kirby was out for a walk, Meta Knight appeared and cut him with his sword into four Kirbys, each of a different color! Meta Knight flew off into the sky, leaving the surprised Kirbys behind. They hopped on a Warp Star together and flew off to the Kingdom of Mirrors to find out what had happened. Characters: Four differently colored Kirby characters, Meta Knight, many other enemies, both familiar and new. How to progress through the game: By floating over dangerous obstacles, inhaling and spitting objects and copying enemies' powers to do battle, players must guide Kirby through a series of specially themed worlds, each of which ends in a boss battle against a larger enemy. Once the boss battle ends, the player earns another mirror shard in order to unlock the path to the final world. There are a number of secret paths along the way, and players will want to explore in order to find them all. Kirby can call on the other three Kirbys using his cell phone -- they can provide the edge you need to finish a level or the extra manpower you need to solve a puzzle. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Kirby has the ability to inhale his enemies and copy their special abilities. With their powers, he can turn into a fireball, become a UFO or a flying missile, wield a sword and shoot fire arrows, to name just a few powers. This game features a host of all-new Kirby Copy Abilities, including ones based on his attacks in Super Smash Brothers® Melee. Four players can play simultaneously in the main game as well as in the three sub-games, Speed Eaters, Crackity Hack, and Kirby Wave Ride. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:07 AM [Top] Kirby & The Amazing Mirror Key Information [ Nintendo ] It's an adventure so big, you'll need four times the Kirby! The Kingdom of Mirrors has been invaded by a dark shadow, and Kirby's going to need to call in for some backup this time. He's been split into four Kirbys of different colors, and with his trusty cell phone, he can call up his colorful alter egos for a little help. --All new Copy Abilities! In addition to old favorites, try out all-new abilities, from the arrow-shooting Cupid to the melee moves of the Smash ability. --Call your friends! Using Kirby's cell phone, call in some friends to help you find your way through the Kingdom of Mirrors. Play single player, or link up with your friends for a totally different experience! --Lightning challenges! Play lightning-fast sub-games like Crackity Hack and Speed Eaters single player, or grab up to three friends for some frenzied fun. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:05 AM [Top] The Legend of Zelda GC Information [ Nintendo ] Set to release in 2005 this new Zelda is what we have all been waiting for; the Spaceworld 2000 tech demo version. It will feature a more grown up Link. New challenging puzzles with vast lands filled of treasure and enemies. We will have the media briefing video up on the site later under our brand new E3 2K4 Media section that you will be able to find in on the right of the site. We will also have screens of the game as well. You want to stick around the Café to see these, trust me. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 12 2004 0:04 AM [Top] Fire Emblem GC Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: Near a mercenary stronghold in Crimea, a kingdom on the continent of Tellius, a soldier named Ike rescues a woman he discovers to be the princess of Crimea. She reveals to him that the neighboring Daein kingdom has invaded, and she must travel to Gallia, home to the half-man/half-beast demihumans. War spreads across the continent as Ike and his swords-for-hire fight to protect the princess and confront headlong the racial tensions and prejudices that have torn a rift between humans and demihumans. As they fight, they learn the true reason for the war, as well as the mystery behind the very creation of their divided world. Characters: Ike and fellow mercenary Tiamat. New units include "skinshifters" who can transform into beasts, and "taliesins" (temporary name), winged humans who attack from the air. How to progress through the game: Players command individual units such as knights, cavaliers, lords and Pegasus knights across a 3-D battlefield in a turn-based war simulation. Each battle has a specific objective, from defeating all enemies to taking control of key locations. Each battle is linked by extensive, story-heavy sequences that provide character and plot background and details. As always with Fire Emblem, characters are unique individuals, and if they fall in battle, they are lost to the player forever. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Some characters possess magic abilities they can use in battle. Others can equip a range of weapons, using the strengths of that weapon to balance the enemy's weapon selection. In addition, characters who discover their "hidden purpose" can develop unique abilities. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:57 PM [Top] Fire Emblem GC Key Information [ Nintendo ] Unfurl the banners and lead the charge! All of Tellius is torn in a bloody war, and only you have the means to put it to an end. Take command of a band of mercenaries loyal only to you, and guide them to victory against the forces of the Daein kingdom! Turn-based strategy gives you maximum control of your army. As your characters gain experience, shape their abilities by giving them special skill sets, and develop your army into a unique fighting force. --Master a world of strategy! Test your tactical prowess against mages, monsters and madmen as you command your knights, pikemen and mounted cavaliers in man-to-man, turn-based combat. --War takes on new depth! Three-dimensional battlefields present all-new tactical challenges, and graphically stunning battle sequences put you right on the battlefield! --Bring peace to the land! Take winged soldiers high into the air, or send your furious skinshifters and unleash their feral might on your enemies. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:56 PM [Top] Donkey Kong Jungle Beat Announced [ Nintendo ] Feel the beat of a completely new gaming experience as you drum through an incredible jungle adventure with Donkey Kong! --A game like no other! Grab a set of DK Bongo controllers and use them to guide Donkey Kong through wild jungle environments brimming with ravenous enemies and challenging obstacles. The control is in the bongos! Tap the bongos, do a drum roll or clap to control Donkey Kong on the screen! This jungle's gone wild! Battle enormous beasts, collect bananas, get in boxing matches with rivals and even ride animals and vehicles! Game Storyline: Donkey Kong has to brave the dangers of the jungle to rescue his simian pals! Characters: Donkey Kong, other apes. How to progress through the game: Run, jump, battle, swing on vines and collect bananas and baby apes as you explore beautiful side-scrolling environments. You'll also have to hitch rides on parrots and bounce off pinball-like obstacles. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Create sound waves that can stun enemies, jump off walls and even spar with other apes. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:55 PM [Top] Advanced Wars: Under Fire Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: Advance Wars makes its way from the Game Boy Advance to Nintendo GameCube, where the turn-based strategy favorite transforms into a fast-paced, 3-D, real-time combat action game. Players take to the battlefield with dozens of soldiers, breaking them into small squads and directing them into the fray. While you can only command a small number of soldiers at a time, the ones not under your direct control don't just stand at ease -- they'll respond to enemy attacks and protect any areas to which they've been deployed. Give the orders, and your soldiers will follow behind you wherever you lead or attack the targets you select. Characters: "Betty," who gives you mission briefings, information and objective updates as you are playing. Flamethrower units, heavy gunners, infantry and other specialized soldiers. Other characters are still in development. How to progress through the game: Each mission will be built around a series of goals the player must fight to complete. There will also be sub-objectives in each mission. Players take command of different soldiers within their forces and use those soldiers to lead squads into action. Players can change the unit they control whenever they want in order to deploy separate squads or race into the fray alone. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Players can command various vehicles, including tanks, helicopters and gunships. Soldiers who survive a mission gain experience and can be promoted over time, learning new abilities in the process. Promoted units might be stronger, more durable or more heavily armed than the standard units. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:53 PM [Top] Advanced Wars: Under Fire Key Information [ Nintendo ] Advance Wars hits Nintendo GameCube, where the award-winning turn-based masterpiece transforms into a real-time, 3-D strategic-action game! Take command of the field of war, breaking your forces into fast-moving squads and charging into battle. Lead the charge atop an armored tank, or race into battle with your best soldiers at your side! --Military strategy makes the move to real time! Command your forces in the heat of battle, but remember, your enemy won't wait to make his move! --Take command of a squad of soldiers who follow your every move. Guide them into the action and direct them to attack on your command! As your soldiers gain combat experience, they'll receive promotions, increasing their abilities on the battlefield! --Lead your soldiers well -- take your heavy gunners against armor units or guide your infantry into a firefight. You can even lead your men into battle riding tall in a tank or flying over the battlefield in your own gunship! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:51 PM [Top] Mario Tennis Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: The stars of the Mushroom Kingdom are gathering for a tennis tournament, and the competition is going to be fierce! Characters: Mario™, Luigi, Wario™, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, Bowser, Peach, Yoshi®, Shy Guy, Koopa Troopa, and other Mushroom Kingdom characters. How to progress through the game: Play multiplayer games with your friends or progress through tougher and tougher tournaments in singles and doubles play. As you win tournaments, you'll unlock new characters, courts, and challenges. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: With simple button combos, players can hit topspin, backspin and smashes, and by building up skill points and charging up, they can hit with varying degrees of power or perform other character-specific moves that make even crazier things happen on the court. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:48 PM [Top] Mario Tennis Key Information [ Nintendo ] The Mushroom Kingdom has hosted tennis tournaments before, but never one as explosive as this one. The wild multiplayer action of the smash Nintendo® 64 hit, Mario Tennis, returns with even more powerful shots and new, character-specific power-ups guaranteed to make for the craziest matches ever! --Choose your friends wisely. Power characters like Donkey Kong and Bowser can hit insanely powerful Megaton Balls, finesse players like Shy Guy can use instant Tornado Returns and defensive masters like Luigi have all kinds of tricks in their bags! --With one- to four-player modes available, players of all ages can pick up the game and instantly start whacking tennis balls around, and yet a deep level of skill awaits those willing to master it. Build up more and more skill points as you play to use stronger and stronger shots with all kinds of spin! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:47 PM [Top] Geist Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: You are John Raimi, a disease-control agent with the federal government, on loan to an elite counterterrorism unit. Your team is sent to investigate the shadowy Volks Corporation. When the operation goes horribly wrong, you are captured and subjected to a ghastly experiment that rips your spirit from your physical body. You now roam the halls of the Volks Corporation compound as a spectral phantom, using your powers to scare and possess any human or animal that crosses your path. If you're going to have any hope of finding your own body, you must employ your hair-raising power of possession to control humans, animals and objects, using the unique abilities of each to explore the compound, solve puzzles and strike at your enemies. Along the way, you must discover the secret of the Volks Corporation to unravel the mystery of your condition and find a way to recover your human form. Characters: John Raimi How to progress through the game: As a powerful specter, you can deviously manipulate objects in the environment to scare humans and animals. Once you have struck terror in the heart of your prey, you can possess and control their physical bodies and use them to accomplish your objectives. Possess more than a dozen unique character types, and use their unique skills, equipment and even memories to complete your goals. Possession targets range from heavily-armed soldiers to dogs and mice that can reach out-of-the-way areas. Different characters react to the world from different perspectives: As an engineer, you may have access to restricted areas and computers, while as a mouse you may find yourself inexplicitly drawn to mouse traps baited with cheese. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: As a ghost, you are invisible to humans and move so fast that everything around you appears in slow motion. While in this phantom form, you can effortlessly pass through chain-link fences or through small cracks in walls. Most importantly, you can possess everyday objects like lights, computers and fire extinguishers and manipulate them to terrify nearby humans or animals. Once a living creature has been frightened, you can possess and control its body. As you play, you'll need to face challenges from two unique angles -- as a lurking spirit and as a possessed human or animal. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:45 PM [Top] Geist Key Information [ Nintendo ] An unseen supernatural power prowls the hallways, laboratories and chambers of a shadowy corporate compound, terrorizing living beings wherever it lurks. That unseen power is YOU! Prepare for a hauntingly innovative first-person adventure with a supernatural twist! --Haunt and horrify humans and animals as a ghost, possess their physical bodies and assume their identities! Possess a dog and scamper around the compound, bypassing security. Possess a guard and use his own assault rifle against your enemies! Inhabit a camera or computer and use the technology to your benefit. Exploit the unique abilities and equipment of your victims to access and explore new areas of the compound, solve puzzles and unravel your own ghostly fate! --Inventive multiplayer modes combine fierce first-person combat with unique character possession game play. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:43 PM [Top] Star Fox 2 Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: Several years after disaster was narrowly averted on Dinosaur Planet, Lylat Central Command detects a new threat spreading throughout the galaxy. The Star Fox team is sent in to eradicate this growing menace, but what begins as a standard combat mission quickly takes a dramatic turn. Legendary team members Fox McCloud, Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare and Falco Lombardi join forces to form the most formidable team in the history of this celebrated series: the Star Fox armada! Characters: Fox McCloud, Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi and General Pepper. How to progress through the game: Switch between flying an Arwing, driving a Landmaster Tank or engaging the enemy on foot as you battle through areas swarming with merciless enemies. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: You can play through missions solo or join the fight with up to three other players. Co-op missions can be played split-screen with players commanding their own vehicles, or with a "wingman," where one player rides on the wing of the Arwing (or side of the Landmaster Tank) and blasts enemies while the pilot controls the vehicle. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:41 PM [Top] Star Fox 2 Key Information [ Nintendo ] Fox McCloud and the Star Fox team return to engage a grave new threat in the air and on the ground! --Soar through space and gun down an armada of strike fighters in your Arwing, roll over hostile terrain in a heavily-armored Landmaster Tank or bring the hurt to the enemy on foot! --Wage war with your friends in four-player split-screen battles featuring intense vehicle and head-to-head combat. Hop in an Arwing and duel over the skies, punish your opponents with the powerful Landmaster Tank or duke it out on foot with automatic blasters, sniper rifles and shoulder-launched rockets! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:39 PM [Top] Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: When Samus investigates an abandoned Federation ship on a planet named Aether, her ship is incapacitated by a freak electrical aberration in the atmosphere. Crash-landing on the planet's surface, she finds the scene of a slaughter. A group of creatures borne of darkness, known as the Ing Horde, attack her and steal a number of her Power Suit's abilities, leaving her for dead. As she soon comes to realize, the planet has been dimensionally doubled: One exists in darkness, the other in light. The peaceful people of Light Aether, called the Luminoth, are slowly being destroyed by the Ing Horde, and the loss of their generators will mean the permanent eclipse of the planet by Dark Aether. Not only that, but Samus soon finds that something more dangerous than the Ing stalks the planet surface: A dark creature is on the loose, and growing more lethal by the minute. Characters: Samus, Space Pirates, the Ing Horde, the Luminoth, Federation soldiers. How to progress through the game: Explore the dual worlds of Dark and Light Aether, battling enemies and gaining power-ups. Every power-up you find will help you access new areas, so study your environment carefully and always remain on guard. In multiplayer, use power-ups like the Grapple Beam and Morph Ball to take on up to three friends in classic death matches. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: There are many new power-ups and missile combos, including the Dark and Light Beams and many more. Many of the hallmarks of the Metroid series return as well, like the Charge Beam, Missiles, Morph Ball, Boost Ball, Grapple Beam and Scan Visor. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:38 PM [Top] Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Key Information [ Nintendo ] In this first-person adventure, become the bounty hunter behind the visor once more and travel to a planet torn into light and darkness. Hunted by a mysterious entity and a warring race called the Ing, Samus Aran must explore the light and dark worlds of this doomed planet to discover secrets and augment her suit's weapons and abilities. --Immerse yourself in Light and Dark Aether as you explore massive, dangerous alien environments teeming with intelligent enemies. Using an array of high-tech --interfaces, analyze clues in the environment and even pinpoint secrets. Your Scan Visor will be integral, helping you explore every nook and cranny and scan creatures for vulnerabilities. --Tons of new power-ups await, including the Dark and Light Beams, which make use of an all-new ammo system! Plenty of beam weapons, visors, bombs, missile and suit upgrades, and power-ups like the Space Jump and Grapple Beam return as well. --Bounty hunter...or hunted? For the first time in the history of the celebrated Metroid® franchise, up to four players can battle one another as they search for weapons, grapple across ceilings and turn into Morph Balls to make their escapes. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:35 PM [Top] Paper Mario 2 Storyline and Extras [ Nintendo ] Game Storyline: Peach is enjoying a vacation with her loyal servant, Toadsworth, when a mysterious creature captures her. The one clue is a treasure map she had sent to Mario earlier. When our hero hears news of her capture, he follows the map's clues to the Star Crystals, strange artifacts of unknown power. Complicating the matter are three veiled figures plotting the return of the great shadow witch, an army of strange new enemies and one angry Bowser, who embarks on an adventure of his own to find out who's cutting into his villain business. Characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toadsworth, Bowser, Kammy Koopa, Toads, Koopas, Goombas, Yoshis, a wealth of new and established characters. How to progress through the game: Explore the towns and locales of a massive world as Mario follows clues in his hunt for the Star Crystals. Many characters will join his party and aid him along the way, so talk to everyone. When Mario enters a battle, he'll hit the stage, where well-timed button presses will help him dodge danger and inflict extra damage. Winning battles gains Mario experience points, and as he levels up, he grows more and more powerful. Badges and items will also augment his strength. Special powers/weapons/moves/features: This time around, much more emphasis is placed on the paper abilities of Mario and his friends. He can turn sideways to slip through cracks, fold into a paper airplane to fly, roll into a tube and much more. He can also use tons of items like hammers and thunderbolts. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:32 PM [Top] Paper Mario 2 Key Information [ Nintendo ] Time passes, the pages turn...and a new chapter unfolds in an unfamiliar land! Get ready for a two-dimensional role-playing adventure for the ages, as Mario™ returns to paper form in pursuit of a threat unlike any he's ever faced. --Take to the stage! Paper Mario 2 builds on the action-packed battle system of the original RPG with the addition of audience participation. Not only will timing Action Commands help you dodge or inflict damage, but impressing the crowd will help you build power for super attacks! Try not to disappoint the audience, though, or you'll pay! --Don't fold under pressure! This time, Mario will have to make full use of his papery qualities to survive. Fold into a paper airplane and take to the air, turn sideways to slip through narrow passages and roll into a tube to bounce to safety. --No need to go it alone! Many strange friends will join your party, and you'll have to rely on their skills to survive. Even former enemies may bail you out, so keep an open mind! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:30 PM [Top] Third Party DS Titles announced [ Nintendo ] In Nintendo's press kit that was handed out after the Media Briefing there is a ton of third party games announced for the DS. These games include Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, Bomberman, Yu-Gi-Oh! : Nightmare Troubadour, Pac-Mix, Pac'n Roll, Untitled Sonic game, Egg Monster Heroes, Spider-Man 2, Dragonball Z, Mega Man Battle Network, Viewtiful Joe, Need for Speed, Dynasty Warriors, Frogger 2005, a new Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles game, a new Dragon Quest game, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Rayman. Nintendo is obviously working hard with the 3rd party developers to bring the best games to the DS. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:28 PM [Top] Nintendo DS Revealed in Full [ Nintendo ] Today at the Nintendo press conference, information on the long-awaited Dual-Screen, or DS was released. With an opening introduction of interviews of game store clerks, Nintendo ran down the laundry list of items that we’ve been wondering about. Interviews of various heads of developers gave us some idea of the excitement in the industry that surrounds this now-revealed enigma. The vice president of Activision, Will Kassoy, said: “When Nintendo came down and presented the DS platform to us,…I think everyone was in shock. It was amazing…our technical and central technology guys were kind of drooling at the abilities and wanting so much to program and dive into programming for the system…Nintendo DS, I believe, is a revolution in change for hand-held gaming.” Other corporations quoted included Square Enix, EA, Sega, Ubisoft, THQ, Capcom and Atari. It is assumed that these companies will assume developing contracts with Nintendo. Along with a partial list of developers, Nintendo unveiled the specs on the new hand-held. The most obvious feature is the twin screens. The two LCD screens enable a split or they can be used in conjunction with each other, giving the player a taller screen. Each 3 dimensional screen has better graphics then the Nintendo 64. Both 3 inch screens are backlit for viewer comfort in any lighting condition. In a move to emulate the PDA market, each screen is going to be touch-sensitive, with either a stylus or your finger. A software based keyboard could later be added to act as an input for games. In a flashback to Hey You! Pikachu, voice recognition technology will be incorporated so that players could talk to the game. With echoes of our April Fool’s prank, the new DS will be able to connect to a local wireless network with up to 16 users. The guaranteed range is 30 feet, but conditions could expand that. Along with the wireless capability, the DS will also be able to act as an instant messaging client, allowing you to chat with those 16 people. The greatest part of the wireless capability is the ability for the DS to go online and connect to a central gaming hub, allowing gamers from around the world to compete. With a more compact design, the game cards allow for lower costs as well as a shorter manufacturing time, but still retaining more than a gigabit of information. Also included is another game port, accommodating Game Boy Advance games or even new hardware, expanding the functional ability of the DS. Kevin Ray, the chief technology officer of Majesco said “DS is deceptively amazing…Touch screen is a very blank canvas for a game designer to be able to design their own input features…DS really could be a killer to PSP…I really think the Nintendo DS could kick the crap out of Sony PSP.” Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:20 PM [Top] New Games Announced for DS [ Nintendo ] Although the plots for the following games have not been revealed and we really have no information on them, their existance alone is worthy of being news. Super Mario Bros. DS, Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing DS, and Nintendogs are just among a few games that are slated to be released later this year and throughout next year. We will have a ton of screens of these games and others up later today. We also hope to have videos of many DS games later in the week. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:18 PM [Top] WarioWare Inc. DS Announced [ Nintendo ] One screen isn't big enough to contain Wario's greed and ego. He appears on the top screen and drops boxes to the bottom one, where they open an assortment of wild mini-games. Use the stylus and touch screen to drag a net and catch some fish, or to cut a rope to drop a cage around a duck. Players might have to erase or draw pictures, or slice at food that gets thrown at them. Finish as many mini-games in 35 seconds as possible. The game features the same good humor and fast pace that are hallmarks of the WarioWare franchise. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:13 PM [Top] PictoChat Announced for DS [ Nintendo ] Up to 16 players (two in the E3 demo version) can use the wireless functions to link together and exchange instant messages or drawings. The bottom screen shows a standard keyboard, while instant messages from other users appear in the top screen. Players can type text messages using the keyboard, use the stylus to send messages in their own handwriting or simply draw and transmit a picture. If another user sends a picture, the recipient can modify it and send it back. Play a game of wireless virtual hangman or send covert messages to other users. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:12 PM [Top] Super Mario 64X4 Announced for DS [ Nintendo ] The landscape and the characters all look familiar. This is the opening castle area of Super Mario 64, only with a few DS twists thrown in. Up to four players can link up using the wireless capabilities. Players move familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Wario™ around the 3-D landscape, exploring and looking for stars. While one screen shows the player's character position, the other provides an overall map of the area. Touch a spot on the screen to pop the camera over to another player's position, or to take a close-up look at the castle. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:09 PM [Top] Metroid Prime: Hunters Announced for DS [ Nintendo ] This amazing first-person battle game uses wireless technology to connect up to four players simultaneously (in the E3 demo version). Each player gets a Metroid suit of a different color, and then tries to destroy the three opponents. Touch the stylus to the bottom screen to rotate the camera, aim and fire, or to transform into a Morph Ball. The game features the same artwork, sound, graphics, architecture and ambience found in the huge hit Metroid Prime. We will have full video of this game tomorrow live from the show floor. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 23:07 PM [Top] Zelda Gets Real [ GameCube Café ] During the Nintendo Media Briefing early this morning Nintendo had a lot of goodies to hand out. We have all these goodies and we intend to pass them along to you guys. We will have video of all games shown off at the briefing. Resident Evil 4, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Star Fox 2, Killer 7, Advance Wars GC, a bunch of Donkey Kong games, lots and lots of DS stuff, and the biggest of all, The Legend of Zelda GC. NOT cel-shaded but the infamous graphical style of Spaceworld 2000. Trust us, you want to stick around! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 19:45 PM [Top] USA Today Reveals DS Details [ USA Today ] In the morning edition of the USA Today, an article by Steven Kent revealed some new information we have all been craving concerning the DS, just hours before Nintendo’s Media Briefing. The official name was one of the few things that were omitted from the article. Still under its codename “Duel Screen” we now know that it will feature two three inch screens and that the bottom screen will be touch-sensitive. A stylus comes with the DS to control the action in some games. In a demo for one game, the USA Today stated, “Players guide a toddler-age Mario as he falls from the sky by drawing clouds. Other games give multiple views of the action.” The DS will use Bluetooth technology which will allow players to link up wirelessly as long as they are in range. It will also feature slots for GBA games and new smaller slots for the DS games. Shigeru Miyamoto’s response to all this was, “I have not seen the PSP. The screen I believe is bigger than the DS and I am sure it will have excellent graphic quality.” He adds, “The PSP will not be able to display anything that you cannot display on a current system. … We want to do things you cannot do before. We are looking at the creative view. The DS has slightly more processing power than the N64. This more than likely means that we will be getting N64 ports onto the DS. Sony’s PSP will have slightly less processing power than PS2 and it will have a higher resolution screen and better graphics than the DS but will cost almost one hundred and fifty dollars more. The DS will be priced around 100-150 dollars and the PSP will be priced around 250-300 dollars. Images: First Ever NDS Image Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 11 2004 15:07 PM [Top] If There Was Any Doubt [ EBGames ] On many E3 game lists, there has been the appearance of a game called Cube Wars, a GameCube version of the popular GBA games, Advance Wars. If there was any doubt about the game, EB now has the game listed on their site for a retail price or $49.99 and a (possibly tentative) release date of of September 27, 2004. Stay tuned for coverage on Cube Wars and the rest of Nintendo's E3 visit. It's finally here. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Monday, May 10 2004 20:14 PM [Top] Anyone else think this is going a little far? [ Red Sky Mobile ] Wow, we've seen trying to make a cellphone in to a handheld gaming system fail. Wonder what will happen with someone trying to make a GBA in to a GPS reciever. Maybe the cellphone add-on will be available next, but I hope not. AJ Henderson -- Posted on Sunday, May 9 2004 3:11 AM [Top] The New Victim of the Madden Curse Revealed [ Electronic Arts ] EA has revealed the new boxart for arguably the most anticipated sports game of the year, Madden NFL 2005. This year's coverboy will be Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, arguably one of the most dominating defensive players of our time. It is now time for the speculation to begin of how the infamous "Madden Curse" will affect him. My money is on that he'll have only 3 tackles in his first 4 weeks, and then go down with a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 5. Images: Madden NFL 2005 Boxart Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, May 8 2004 17:30 PM [Top] First Images of Second Sight [ GameCube Café ] Listed below for you are fourteen new screenshots of the game. More screens and video will be available on the site next week. This game doesn't seem to be well known by many people but with Codemasters signed on this morning to publish the game it looks like that will all change quickly. You can go to the article below and read up on it. Second Sight is being developed by Free Radical Design. The guys that brought us the TimeSplitters series and the guys who are responsible for Goldeneye on N64. The screens are for the PS2 version but Codemasters and Free Radical have said the games will be identical across all platforms. Images: Second Sight Screenshot 1 Second Sight Screenshot 2 Second Sight Screenshot 3 Second Sight Screenshot 4 Second Sight Screenshot 5 Second Sight Screenshot 6 Second Sight Screenshot 7 Second Sight Screenshot 8 Second Sight Screenshot 9 Second Sight Screenshot 10 Second Sight Screenshot 11 Second Sight Screenshot 12 Second Sight Screenshot 13 Second Sight Screenshot 14 Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 7 2004 13:20 PM [Top] Codemasters Gets Second Sight [ Codemaster ] Codemasters has secured the global publishing rights to Second Sight, the new project from respected developers Free Radical Design, the creative force behind the acclaimed TimeSplitters series. Due later this year for PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube, Second Sight is an original property that redefines the standards for stealth action gameplay. The game will be revealed at next week’s E3 Expo (May 12-14, Los Angeles) on Codemasters’ booth, 646 in the South Hall. Combining an atmospheric, psychological thriller narrative with paranormal psychic abilities, stealthy exploration and intense shooter action, the game has already received acclaim from games press with PSM2 calling it “one of the best-looking and original action adventures of the year.” Hit the source link to read the full description of the game. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 7 2004 13:01 PM [Top] Double Your Matrix Fun [ Atari ] Early this morning Atari stated in a phone conference that they would very much like to develop games for the DS. The first of hopefully many titles to come would be a Matrix game based on the movie trilogy. More than likely they will have some more news on this at E3, maybe even a short teaser trailer of how they plan to use all of the DS's functions. Keep an eye out for more Atari news up to and including E3 next week. Hopefully later today or sometime this weekend we will get an official list of all of Atari's games being presented next week. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 7 2004 12:49 PM [Top] Donkey Konga Tagged for US Release [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has announced that Donkey Konga, the hit drum-beating monkey music game, would finally be seeing a US release this September. Click here to read up on the game with a preview courtesy of Mr. Twomey. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Friday, May 7 2004 11:48 AM [Top] Catwoman Screens [ Electronic Arts ] Gamers will control Catwoman as they play the movie, utilizing her unique catlike skills, senses and cunning to defeat her enemies. Boasting incredible acrobatic skills, Catwoman can leap across roofs, run up walls, pounce on prey, utilize inimitable "cat senses," and avoid enemy bullets with feline grace. In addition, she can use her whip to swing through the air, and utilize the fully interactive environments to trap or knock her foes unconscious. The game will take players through numerous levels set in seven different locations from the movie. We will have more on this next week during E3. For right now why don't you just enjoy Halle Berry's likeness. Images: Catwoman Screenshot 1 Catwoman Screenshot 2 Catwoman Screenshot 3 Catwoman Screenshot 4 Catwoman Screenshot 5 Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 7 2004 5:59 AM [Top] First Ever TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screens [ GameCube Café ] It’s a race through time in TimeSplitters Future Perfect, the sequel to the critically acclaimed first person shooter franchise, from the developers of GoldenEye. Battle across through the centuries to change the past and alter the future with a massive arsenal of period firearms. Along the way, you’ll get help from your past and future selves as you travel through the ages to infiltrate historic castles, annihilate evil robots, and more. In addition to the improved story mode the depth of gameplay will be endless with a co-op, arcade and online multi-player mode, which will give gamers hundreds of hours of exciting gameplay. We will definitely have video of this game at E3 next week. Images: TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screenshot 1 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screenshot 2 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screenshot 3 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screenshot 4 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screenshot 5 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screenshot 6 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screenshot 7 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect Screenshot 8 Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, May 7 2004 5:53 AM [Top] EA Has Dominating E3 Lineup [ Electronic Arts ] When I looked at Nintendo's and a few others E3 lineups I was very impressed but when I look at what EA has to offer I am just stunned. They have so many good looking titles to show off at E3 this year that I might actually spend a fair amount of time away from the Nintendo booth because of it. We will have videos and impressions of almost all the Nintendo related games below. Games on GameCube or Gameboy Advance are bolded. Doesn't it warm your heart to see EA giving Nintendo some love? Madden NFL 2005 (Xbox, PS2, PS, GC, GBA - August 2004) FIFA Soccer 2005 (PS, PS2, Xbox, GC, GBA - Fall 2004) NBA LIVE 2005 (PS2, Xbox, GC - Fall 2004) NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup (PS2, Xbox, GC - Fall 2004) NCAA Football 2005 (PS2, Xbox, GC - July 2004) NCAA March Madness 2005 (PS2, Xbox - Fall 2004) NHL 2005 (PS2, Xbox, GC - Fall 2004) Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005 (TBA) GoldenEye: Rogue Agent (PS2, Xbox, GC - Fall 2004) Battlefield: Modern Combat (PS2 - Fall 2004) Catwoman (PS2, Xbox, GC, GBA - Summer 2004) Def Jam Fight For NY (PS2, Xbox, GC - September 2004) Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban (PS2, Xbox, GC, GBA - June 2004) The Lord of the Rings, The Third Age (PS2, Xbox, GC, GBA - Fall 2004) The URBZ: Sims in the City (PS2, Xbox, GC, GBA - Fall 2004) Burnout 3 (PS2, Xbox - Fall 2004) TimeSplitters Future Perfect (PS2, Xbox, GC - Fall 2004) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Thursday, May 6 2004 21:31 PM [Top] Prince of Persia 2 Info and Screens [ Ubisoft ] Ubisoft today released the first info and screens of Prince of Persia 2. The main base story is that the prince must stop his predetermined death. In the game you will travel to all sorts of extreme locations including a fortress island where the most hellacious creatures dwell. Prince of Persia 2 will also feature a new free form fighting system that lets each player develop their own unique style. Prince of Persia 2 should be debuted at E3 next week so keep an eye out on the Café for our impressions and video coverage. The two screens are listed below. Images: Prince of Persia 2 Screen 1 Prince of Persia 2 Screen 2 Matthew Silver -- Posted on Thursday, May 6 2004 21:15 PM [Top] Street, Yo [ Nintendo ] Summer is upon us, so Nintendo is once again looking for their yearly Street Team, and 48 is the magic number of people over 18 they want, selecting eight people from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle on July 5. On July 7 and 8, there will be a Nintendo Boot Camp to cram information on upcoming games, the systems, company history, and the works. The 48 members will earn $100 a day in a three-day work week, competing against other teams as well for a $40,000 team bonus ($5000 per member). Live auditions will be held at the GameStops in each city, or a two-minute VHS tape explaining why you should be a member can also be submitted. Lastly, you can also find the forms at the Official Nintendo Steet Team website. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Thursday, May 6 2004 20:00 PM [Top] DS Attracts Worldwide Developer Interest [ Nintendo ] Nintendo is pulling out all the stops when it comes to pushing the new Nintendo DS, as they announced today that software development kits have been sent out to over 100 companies. Not only that, but the following is the list of companies that are, according to Nintendo, currently developing games for the new handheld. The companies already on board are as follows: Activision, Atari, Bandai, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Hudson Soft, Koei, Konami, Majesco, Namco, Sega, Square Enix, THQ, and Ubisoft. This is apparently only a small percentage of the companies that are making games for the DS. The DS hardware itself will be unveiled at Nintendo's E3 Press Conference on Tuesday, May 11th. GameCube Café will be there, and we will be sure to bring you photos of the new console as well as the first videos of the gameplay, 100% free of charge. Get ready folks - the Café is going to rock your world E3 week. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 6 2004 17:08 PM [Top] Sega E3 Lineup [ Sega ] Sega's E3 lineup is out, and here it is. Amazing Island (GCN) Puyo Pop Fever (GCN) Virtua Quest (GCN) Astro Boy (PS2) Blood Will Tell (PS2) ESPN College Hoops 2005 (PS2) ESPN NBA 2005 (PS2) ESPN NFL 2005 (PS2) ESPN NHL 2005 (PS2) Headhunter: Redemption (PS2) Sega SuperStars (PS2) Virtua Quest (PS2) Astro Boy: Omega Factor (GBA) ESPN College Hoops 2005 (XBox) ESPN NBA 2005 (XBox) ESPN NFL 2005 (XBox) ESPN NHL 2005 (XBox) Headhunter: Redemption (XBox) Otogi 2 (XBox) SpikeOut Battle Street (XBox) Good news for GameCube fans, as Puyo Pop Fever, a game released for all three consoles in Japan, will only be for the Cube upon its stateside release. Also, surprisingly, there are no games on this list starring Sega's star property, Sonic the Hedgehog. Could a new Sonic game be the "explosive blockbuster announcement" Sega is touting? Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 6 2004 16:55 PM [Top] Square-Enix E3 Lineup [ Square-Enix ] Here's a look at what Square-Enix will have on tap for E3. Final Fantasy VII Advent Children (DVD Movie) Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (GBA) Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia (PS2) Final Fantasy XII (PS2) Front Mission 4 (PS2) Fullmetal Alchemist (PS2) Kingdom Hearts II (PS2) Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2) Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia (PC) Beyond Crisis -- Final Fantasy VII (Mobile) Brave Shot (Mobile) Dragon Quest (Mobile) Final Fantasy (Mobile) No GameCube games on the list, but Square could pull out a surprise at E3 (Guilty Wing, anyone?). Good to see Advent Children on the list, as this pretty much guarantees a U.S. release. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, May 6 2004 16:43 PM [Top] Konami Releases E3 Lineup [ Konami ] Konami has released their E3 lineup today and it is quite stacked. Listed below are not only the Nintendo games they plan to show but everything else as well. Surprisingly, Konami plans on showing no GameCube titles. It is however rumored that they will show a new Castlevania game which will be on all platforms. Make sure to stay tuned to the Café to find out more about this. Yes, you read right, they are showing off three different Yu-Gi-Oh! games. Gameboy Advance Boktai 2 : Solar Boy Django Rave Master Special Attack! Now! Shaman King Master of Spirits Yu-Gi-Oh! Reshef of Destruction Yu-Gi-Oh! Destiny Board Traveler PlayStation 2 Dance Dance Revolution Extreme Gradius V Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater Nanobreaker Neo Contra Rave Master International (tentative name) Rumble Roses Shaman King : Power of Spirit Silent Hill 4: The Room Suikoden IV Yu-Gi-Oh! Capsule Monster Coliseum Xbox Silent Hill 4: The Room Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 23:49 PM [Top] Tales of Symphonia Gameplay Movies [ GameCube Café ] A new role-playing game in Namco's Tales series is in development exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube. Be still your thundering heart! You will follow Lloyd as he sets out to restore prosperity to his planet. What Lloyd soon discovers is that his planet is mysteriously linked to another planet whose fortunes are the exact opposite of his own. So to restore his world, he must destroy another. Check out Nintendo's full description of the game or you can read up on Eric's preview. Right click the links below and save them to your computer or you can just click them and stream them in your browser. Video: Tales of Symphonia Gameplay Trailer 1 (2.40 MB) Tales of Symphonia Gameplay Trailer 2 (2.79 MB) Tales of Symphonia Gameplay Trailer (2.30 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 23:39 PM [Top] Free Link Cable with Four Swords [ Gamestop ] One of our awesome readers came to me today and notified me that Gamestop will be running a promotion to give away a free GCN-GBA link cable with the purchase of The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords for GameCube. Right now it is just Gamestop promoting this but it is likely that Four Swords will be packaged with a link cable so you can get this awesome deal anywhere. Four Swords comes out on June 7th. We WILL have video of this game on the site during E3 week. Hit the link below and you can check out the boxart (just a little reminder as to how cool it is). Images: Four Swords Boxart Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 23:18 PM [Top] No Symphony For PS2 [ The Magic Box ] Many should remember a while back that while Tales of Symphonia was released on PS2 after GCN in Japan, Magic Box is reporting that Symphonia will not be ported over to PS2 here in the US. So it looks like the game may very well remain US exclusive. It does make sense, given only a GCN version of the game is giong to be shown at E3. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 18:29 PM [Top] Shark Attack [ Activision ] DreamWorks’ Shark Tale – Players experience the fun and adventure of the DreamWorks movie by assuming the role of Oscar, a fast-talking little fish working his way up the food chain, who becomes an unlikely hero as he searches for an easy path to fame and fortune. Players undertake more than 25 adventure-packed missions set in their favorite film locations and new environments exclusive to the game. With a blend of original and film-inspired gameplay, players immerse themselves in a hip, underwater urban culture featuring the gritty environments of Reef City and funky tunes inspired by the film. DreamWorks’ Shark Tale is being developed by Edge of Reality for the console versions, Vicarious Visions for the Game Boy Advance and Amaze Entertainment for the PC and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and PC). Images: Bustin' a Move Groovin' Beware of Shark Oscar's Neighborhood Reef City Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 18:16 PM [Top] X-Men in Action [ Activision ] X-Men Legends -- The first 3D action-RPG based on the popular Marvel characters, the X-Men, X-Men Legends challenges players to master the attributes of their favorite X-Men by creating, customizing and controlling teams of four mutants in real time. Assuming the role of more than a dozen popular Super Heroes, each with individual mutant powers and fighting skills, including Wolverine, Gambit, and Storm, players lead teams of mutants as they battle the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and other Marvel villains on a quest to stop the extinction of mankind and determine the fate of the world. X-Men Legends is being developed by Raven Software and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube) Images: Nightcrawler and Phoenix Phoenix in Battle Cyclops and Phoenix Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 18:14 PM [Top] I Taste Lemon [ Activision ] Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events -- Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is based on the book series and upcoming Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies film starring Jim Carrey, Jude Law and Meryl Streep. It is the only game that lets players experience first-hand the misadventures of the savvy and resilient Baudelaire orphans as they narrowly escape from the clutches of the villainous Count Olaf who is after their inheritance. In the game, players switch between the three orphans, mastering each one’s unique skills to solve puzzles and collect various items to build ingenious inventions. By combining their talents, the Baudelaire orphans work together to outsmart Olaf’s troupe of creepy cohorts and overcome sticky situations. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is being developed by Amaze Entertainment and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and PC). Images: Gondolas in the Mansion Mansion's Courtyard Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 18:13 PM [Top] Spider!!! [ Activision ] Spider-Man 2 – Based upon the biggest movie event of the summer from Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios, and including other world famous Marvel comic book characters, players experience what it’s like to be the world’s most celebrated Super Hero, Spider-Man. Players can swing, sling, dive, jump and scale the heights of Manhattan to protect the innocent, in a living city with Super Villains, common criminals, vehicles, trains and helicopters. Players re-capture the movie experience by following the main storyline or choosing to embark on missions that challenge them to perform good deeds, deter random crimes, and face classic Marvel comic book villains such as Mysterio, using innovative new combat moves in locations from the film and environments exclusive to the game. Spider-Man 2 is being developed by Treyarch and has been rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. (PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and PC). Images: Spider-Man 2 Screenshot 1 Spider-Man 2 Screenshot 2 Spider-Man 2 Screenshot 3 Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 18:08 PM [Top] Monkey Bang Drum. Monkey Want Banana. [ Nintendo of Japan ] Nintendo of Japan has announced that it will be releasing an expansion disc to Donkey Konga, which will be entitled, hold your breath for this one...Donkey Konga 2. Two versions of DK2 will be released, a stand-alone add-on disc, and a full package containing a set of drums, in Japan. Now we just need it in the US. C'mon, Nintendo, give us the monkey goods. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 13:43 PM [Top] New Something From Nintendo? [ Multiple Sources ] There appears to be a bit of pre-E3 scrambling going on across the Internet this morning. An interesting report from Nintendo says that they will be unveiling a brand new...thing this year. Whatever it is, it is to take "pride of place" at E3 this year, and more than likely the press conference, though any specifics are as yet unknown. The IP (Intellectual Property), as it's being called, could be anything from a new game franchise to new hardware of some kind, to who-knows-what. Various US media outlets have already had access to information, though under strict terms of non-disclosure. Watch the Café for up-to-the-minute coverage, live from Los Angeles, where we'll be sure to bring you the press conference news first-hand, early, and, of course, 100% free. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 13:39 PM [Top] Official Info on GoldenEye Sequel [ EA ] Going where no previous James Bond game has dared to tread, the upcoming GoldenEye: Rogue Agent first-person shooter from Electronic Arts breaks all the rules by transporting players to the dark side of the Bond universe to experience life as a high-rolling, cold-hearted villain. As an aspiring 00 agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality, the player is hired by Auric Goldfinger. Goldfinger is locked in a ruthless war against his archenemy Dr. No. The prize is control of the world's greatest criminal organization. A brutal encounter with Dr. No costs the player an eye, but Goldfinger's technicians replace it with a gold-hued, synthetic eye, earning the player the name 'GoldenEye'. Players have the ability to customize and upgrade their villain persona and wreak havoc as they make their unrelenting rise through the ranks. GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is the ultimate thrill ride through the 007 underworld. Players will cross paths with such legendary allies and enemies as Oddjob, Scaramanga, Xenia Onatopp, and, of course, Pussy Galore on globe-spanning missions of vengeance and demolition. Players will travel to famous and original Bond locations from the mountains of Switzerland to the streets of Hong Kong and from Fort Knox to Dr. No's Crab Key lair in the Caribbean. Enemies will react intelligently in combat situations and use the environment to their advantage for intense and unpredictable shootouts. Featured modes include story-driven campaign missions, deathmatch style simulator trials, and objective-based war games. Interestingly no mention of whether Bond himself will appear in the game. Nevertheless, this sounds awesome. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 13:33 PM [Top] Namco E3 Lineup [ Namco ] Just like the THQ news, only Namco this time: • Ace Combat 5—PS2 • Street Racing Syndicate—PS2, Xbox, GameCube • Dead to Rights II—PS2, Xbox • Death by Degrees—PS2 • Xenosaga Episode II—PS2 • Tales of Symphonia—GameCube • Ghosthunter—PS2 • Time Crisis: Crisis Zone—PS2 • Smash Court Tennis Pro 2—PS2 • Baten Kaitos—GameCube • The Adversary • Taiko Drum Master Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, May 5 2004 11:27 AM [Top] THQ Publishes E3 Line Up [ THQ ] The following list is of the games that THQ plans to show off at this year's E3. It seems that the only new wrestling game this year at the event will be for GameCube. - The Incredibles (Xbox/PS2/GC/GBA, 05.11.04) - The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (PS2/Xbox/GC/GBA, Q4 2004) - The Polar Express (PS2/GC/GBA, Q4 2004) - Full Spectrum Warrior (Xbox, Q3 2004) - The Punisher (PS2/Xbox, Q1 2005) - WWE Day OF Reckoning (GC, Q4 2004) - Destroy All Humans! (PS2/Xbox, Q1 2005) - Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams (system TBA, release TBA) - Eyetoy Nicktoons (PS2, release: TBA) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, May 4 2004 20:05 PM [Top] Patiently Waiting [ Editor's Note ] Kevin, Mike and Joe rap about the past few week's news, whilst getting jittery about the big show next week. Kevin McGinnis -- Posted on Tuesday, May 4 2004 4:50 AM [Top] Japanese Sales Figures (4/25) [ Media Create ] Software 1. Derby Stallion 04 - PS2 - 297,022 - 297,022 2. Kinnikuman Generations - PS2 - 84,098 - 84,098 3. Kirby Magic Mirror - GBA - 53,976 - 242,776 4. Dragon Quest V - PS2 - 42,626 - 1,561,126 5. Rockman Zero 3 - GBA - 39,281 - 39,281 6. Crimson Tears - PS2 - 32,050 - 32,050 7. Mario Golf GBA Tour - GBA - 28,170 - 28,170 8. Generation of Chaos IV - PS2 - 23,068 - 23,068 9. Famicom Mini: Super Maio Bros. - GBA - 18,164 - 479,064 10. Pokemon Fire Red - GBA - 17,519 - 1,079,219 Hardware 1. PlayStation2 - 44,957 - (1,090,057) 2. Gameboy Advance SP - 43,726 - (1,086,126) 3. GameCube - 5,756 - (338,156) 4. Gameboy Advance - 3,549 - (128,049) 5. Xbox - 432 - (17,932) 6. PSone - 310 - (9,110) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, May 3 2004 6:08 AM [Top] New Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Details [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has released some new details on their new Metroid game. It appears that they don't want the media to be walking in blind to E3, so here goes the simple background on the game. While traveling the galaxy, Samus comes across a planet that just doesn't seem right. She lands her craft on the surface to get a better look at just what is going on only to find out that that planet has two sides to it, a light and a dark side. An unknown assassin follows Samus to the planet and all throughout the game you are hunted. In screenshots released earlier (which you can see below) we are shown what looks to be this bounty hunter in a suit similiar to Samus's. Nintendo also stated that you will be able to pass through a warp to travel between the light and dark sides of the planet. As for the multiplayer mode, it appears we will find out at E3. Images: The Unknown Assassin Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, May 3 2004 5:58 AM [Top] First Ever Def Jam 2 Trailer [ GameCube Café ] Last week we announced that Electronic Arts plans on releasing a sequel to the smash hit Def Jam: Vendetta in September. Now we are pleased to give you the first ever teaser trailer for the game. Just go ahead and click the link to stream the trailer or right click and save it to your computer. Also remember to watch the Café during E3 to get your hands on our VIDEO impressions. What exactly are video impressions? Not only will you get to read up on what we think about the games shown on the floor but you can click a link to view a 2 minute trailer of actual gameplay of the games. It's going to be video madness at the Café during E3. Video: Def Jam Fight for New York Teaser (5.3 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, May 3 2004 5:44 AM [Top] Mario Director Signs on For More [ Nintendo ] The co-director of Super Mario Sunshine, Takeshi Koizumi, will be on hand at E3 to show off a new un-announced game by Nintendo. It is confirmed that Koizumi-san will speak to the press during Nintendo's media briefing. Hopefully it will have something to do with the new Mario game that we have been promised to see at E3. The Café will be attending Nintendo's media briefing, so make sure to be watching your computers at around four or five PM eastern time to get all the hot news from the briefing. Furthermore, we plan on having several high quality videos up on the site later that day of the games that Nintendo shows off. Everything will obviously be free, everything will obviously be awesome quality. The Café is where you want to be during E3 week. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, May 3 2004 5:39 AM [Top] Super Mario Cel 5 - Bowser's Wedding [ The Screening Room ] The long awaited Super Mario Cel conclusion is here. Enjoy!!! A.B. Osborne -- Posted on Saturday, May 1 2004 23:51 PM [Top]