P L A Y S T A T I O N   2

- Koei has officially announced their first PlayStation 2 MMORPG (massive multiplayer online RPG) Nobunaga's Ambition Online. This game will allow up to 3000 players to connect simultaneously to the virtual world of 16th century Japan. In this game you can choose to play as one of the 7 jobs, including Samurai, Priest, Shinto Priest, Ninja, Blacksmith, Yun Yang Master and Pharmacist. Different job you have chosen will grant you access to different places in the world. The game features a party system called Clique, which allows you to contact your companions when necessary. The game uses a dramatic real time battle system, you party can attack the enemies simultaneously at the same time. This game will support both narrowband and broadband connection, a beta test version of the game will begin this summer, and the game is scheduled to release in Japan sometimes this fall.

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- Capcom of Japan announced a new Anime Super Mix series for PlayStation 2, which feature titles based on classic Anime titles in Japan. The first two titles are Anime Super Mix: Giant's Star (baseball) and Anime Super Mix: Joe Tomorrow (boxing). The two titles will feature a collection of mini games based on the Anime series, and a Reflection Panel Mode in which you can manipulate the classic scenes from the Anime. Both games are scheduled for release in June, for 5800 yen each.

- Enix of America announced two new PlayStation 2 titles for release in North America. The first is Grandia Xtreme from Game Arts (fall release); the second is mech action game called Robot Alchemical Drive. Both titles will be exhibited at E3.

- Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced a new PlayStation 2 platform game called Rachet & Clank, the game is developed by the creators of Spyro the Dragon, featuring massive levels, super smooth animation, incredibly detailed graphics and no loading screens. In this game you take control of the furry space mechanic Ratchet and his refugee robot buddy Clank, who rides around on Rachet's back sprouting useful mechanical appendages, like the helipack. (Source: PlayStation.Com)

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- Konami announced Silent Scope 3 for PlayStation 2, scheduled to release by the end of the year. The PS2 version will have branching paths that will lead to different endings.

H A N D H E L D

- Konami announced the GameBoy Advance version of World Soccer Winning Eleven, scheduled to release in Japan in May, the game supports up to 2 players over the link cable.

- Nintendo of America announced a GameBoy Advance port of the mega hit PS2 adventure game Grand Theft Auto 3, the GBA version will be published by Destination Software in October.

- Here are the latest Japanese console game review scores:

PlayStation 2
Air Ranger 2 (Syscom, Simulation) - 29 / 40
Alpine Racer 3 (Namco, Sports) - 25 / 40
Armored Core 3 (From Software, Action) - 32 / 40
Black / Matrix II (Nec Interchannel SRPG) - 30 / 40
Jet de Go! 2 (Taito, Simulation) - 23 / 40
Project Arms (Bandai, Action) - 21 / 40
Super Robot Taisen Impact (Banpresto, SRPG) - 33 / 40
Tekken 4 (Namco, Fighting) - 36 / 40
Wangan Midnight (Genki, Racing) - 30 / 40

GameCube
Battle Houshin (Koei, Action) - 33 / 40

GameBoy Advance
Fire Emblem: Sealed Sword (Nintendo, SRPG) - 36 / 40
Shining Soul (Sega, Action RPG) - 30 / 40

PSone
Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children Black & Red Book (Atlus, RPG) - 27 / 40

- CESA announced details of the Tokyo Game Show 2002, which will take place in September 20 - 22, at the Japan Convention Center in Messe Makuhari. This time CESA has partnered with Nikkei BP (Biztech Pro) to introduce more business activities at the show. The show will feature game software, online services, peripherals, media and edutainment software.

X B O X

- Infogrames has released new screen shots of their Xbox action game Terminator: Dawn of Fate. The game is based on the first movie of Terminator, in which you play one of the 3 Tech-com soldiers, including the main character Kyle Reese, to battle against the T800 line of Terminators. The game changes to a first person shooter when you enter the enemy base Skynet. (Source: IGN)

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G A M E C U B E

- Sting will release the GameCube version of Evolution World in Japan on July 26, the game will combine both Evolution 1 & 2 from the Dreamcast version into one collective title. The GameCube version will have enhanced visual and a higher difficulty level.

- Here are some new screen shots of Capcom's GameCube horror adventure game Biohazard 0. This time in the game you can control both Rebecca Chambers and Billy Cohen, during the adventure you can switch between the 2 character. At certain situation it is also possible to control both characters at the same time..... (Source: IGN Cube)

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