O T H E R

- Eolith announced that they have acquired the license from Playmore to develop a PC version of the Neo Geo arcade fighting game The King of Fighters 2001, the PC version will feature additional characters and updated animation not found in the original arcade version. The King of Fighters 2001 for PC is scheduled for release in Asia this summer.

- The Neo-Geo MVS home cartridge version of The King of Fighters 2001 is scheduled for release on March 14, for $295 US. The game can be purchased from the online distributor Neo-Geo.Com.

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- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced their online game plans for PlayStation 2. SCEA will be releasing the PS2 Network Adaptor in August, for $39.99 US. The PS2 Network Adaptor enables user to connect to the Internet using broadband connection through the 10/100 Ethernet connection, or the narrowband connection using the built-in 56K V.90 analog modem. The PS2 Network Adaptor has been re-designed to connect directly to the rear port of the console, it is no longer required to connect through the PS2 HDD.

- The PS2 Network Adaptor will be bundled with a setup disc, playable demo of online games, ISP connectivity options, user manual and product registration form. Sony has partnered with a number of internet service providers, including Earthlink, AT&T WorldNet, SBC-Prodigy, and Sympatico. Users can also connect using their own ISP connections, including Cable Modem, ADSL or 56K connection.

- Sony is planning to release 12 or more PS2 online games titles simultaneously with the launch of the Network Adaptor in August, including Twisted Metal Online, SOCOM: Navy Seals, Frequency, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, Tribes: Aerial Assault. All the game titles will only require the PS2 Network Adaptor, PS2 HDD is not required. Sony also mentioned that most of the first party PS2 online games will be free of charge. "We believe that this approach is truly extending the PlayStation 2 gaming experience into the world of online content versus forcing a strategy on the market that it is not ready to embrace."

- Sony mentioned that web-browsing on PlayStation 2 is no longer one of their goals, instead they are focusing on the games. At last, Sony is planning to launch the second part of their online plan by the end of the year - the introduction of the PS2 HDD and the Sony Online Network.

- Ubi Soft will release the US version of GameArts' Grandia Xtreme on October 30. RPG specialist Working Designs is also planning to release an unnamed title by the end of September.

- Enix has canceled the release of Dragon Warrior IV for PSone in US, due to the fact that the Japan Dragon Quest development team Heartbeat has withdrew from software development, including programming works for localizing the game for US.

G A M E C U B E

- Here are some new screen shots of Nintendo / Camelot's GameCube Mario sports game Mario Golf and Mario Tennis. Both games will feature new control and gameplay mechanic so that you cannot use the previous techniques to master the game. (Source: IGN Cube)

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- Capcom announced a GameCube port of their fighting game Capcom Vs SNK 2, the game is scheduled to release in Japan sometimes this spring.

- Capcom announced that they will release the US version of Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil 2 for GameCube in October and late November respectively. Resident Evil 0 is a GameCube exclusive adventure, featuring Rebecca Chambers from the S.T.A.R.S. team as the leading character.

- Activision will release From Software's GameCube card battle RPG Rune in US as Lost Kingdoms on May 15.

- Sega of America will release three new GameCube titles in US on March 19, include NBA 2K2, Home Run King and Soccer Slam.

X B O X

- From Software is working on a new XBox real-time war simulation game called Thousand Land. The game has a sci-fi theme, you can use different tools to create your base, troops and weapons, when you gather enough power, you can start battling with other opponents in the land. The game will feature over 100 missions, two persons can battle simultaneously. Thousand Land is scheduled for a fall release in Japan.

- From Software announced new info on their XBox simulation game Gaia Blade, the setting of the game has been changed to a futuristic robot combat, real time war simulation game. In the game you need to command your troop of battle robots to battle with the rivals in an air-flowing island. Each character can equip many different kinds of weapons, such as missiles, radar, homing laser and so on.

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- Aqua System announced a new XBox helicopter simulation game called Puchi Copter: Tiny Helicopter Indoor Adventure. The game is ported over from a popular Japanese PC game of the same name, in this game you control a radio helicopter, and start your adventure in a gigantic mansion. There are two play modes, in the Adventure Mode you need to find and collect all 100 star pieces in 12 different rooms; in the Challenge Mode, you need to challenge 4 different mini games in 6 level of difficulties, such as controlling your helicopter to cut down all the balloons in the room, or land your helicopter at specific places. Puchi Copter is scheduled to release in Japan on April 25, for 6800 yen.

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- Microsoft of Japan made an official statement regarding to the problem of the Japanese XBox consoles making scratches to the edge of the CD and DVD-ROMs. Microsoft mentioned that they are aware of the issues, which is due to friction when the disc spins in the drive. The minor scratches should not affect gameplay, DVD and Audio CD playback. However, if the discs became unusable from normal use in the console, customers can contact the XBox customer support in Japan and Microsoft will repair or replace the defective console.

A R C A D E   /   M U L T I

- Here are some new screen shots of Sega's upcoming arcade truck racing game The King of Route 66. The second installment of the truck racing game series. The race courses take place between Chicago to Los Angeles. The game features a microphone input system, you can voice activate the nitro by yelling "Nitro!" to the microphone.

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- Taito has released a new arcade boxing game called Victorious Boxer The Fighting 2: Challenge of the Champions, in each round you will make 3 punches into the soft punchpad, if the total strength of your punch exceeds a certain degree, you defeat the opponent, otherwise you lose the round.

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