P L A Y S T A T I O N   2

- Irem Software Engineering announced a new PlayStation 2 shooting game called U: Underwater Unit. In this game you take control of an underwater submarine, to excavate burial goods buried under the ocean with the X Sonar. In each missing there is a collection of elements that you must collect, and before you can do that you must first defeat the enemies in the water. The submarine can equip various weapons such as torpedo.

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- Elecom announced that they will begin to sell the PlayStation 2 USB Internet Connection Kit LD-PS2/P in Japan early this month, for 7000 yen. The package includes an USB Internet Adapter LD-USBL/TX, which enables user to connect the PS2 with broadband connection such as ADSL, ISDN, CATV, FTTH with a LAN cable, at a transmission rate of 10/100 Mbps. A copy of the PS2 Internet Browser software EG Browser will be bundled with the adapter, which features a built-in software keyboard for users to without a keyboard.

G A M E C U B E

- Hudson's GameCube fighting game Bloody Roar Extreme will feature a new character called Gamesha, a new male fighter who can transform into a powerful elephant in the beast drive mode. Bloody Roar Extreme is scheduled to release in Japan on April 25.

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- Here are some more screen shots of Nintendo's GameCube action game Mario Sunshine.

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- Nintendo will release Doshin the Giant for GameCube in Japan on March 14, for 6800 yen. In this game you play as the yellow giant Doshin (Giant of Love), to help the natives of the island, such as moving heavy objects, and defending them from hazards. The more people love the giant, the bigger the giant will become. Other than Doshin, there is another red giant in the island named Jashin (Giant of Hate), who dislike human and like to create damages to the village and harm the people. It is up to Doshin to battle with Jashin to protect the natives.

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- Here are some new screen shots of Retro Studios' GameCube first person action shooter Metriod Prime, the game is scheduled for release in US in November.

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A R C A D E   /   M U L T I

- Here is a list of game titles Sega will be showing at the upcoming Sega Spring Collection GameJam 2 Expo on March 30 to 31, at the International Forum in Tokyo. The admission fee is free.

- Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) announced recipients of the 5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards. The awards were presented at a gala event held in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on February 28, the first evening of the Academy's inaugural D.I.C.E. Summit. Halo: Combat Evolved (XBOX), developed by Bungie, garnered four awards, including the top honor of overall Game of the Year. Sony's ICO has also acquired two awards. Check here for a full list of awards.

X B O X

- Microsoft of Japan mentioned that there are several reports from the XBox users that the XBox game discs are scratched and/or damaged by the console itself, after putting the disc in the XBox disc drive. Microsoft is currently investigating the issues.