- November 21, 2001 -

H A N D H E L D S

- Here are the latest images of Square's simulation RPG Hanjuku Eiyuu for WonderSwan Color, in this game has a comical touch, during the battles you can use eggs to summon monsters to attack the opponents. The WSC version will have 12 new summon spells in the game.

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- Here are the latest images of Square's Romancing Sa.Ga for WonderSwan Color. The game is scheduled for release in December, for 5200 yen.

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P L A Y S T A T I O N   /   P L A Y S T A T I O N   2

- Square has released official info on their first online RPG title Final Fantasy XI. The adventure takes place in a world named Vanadir, various races live in this world, the player can start the adventure from one of the many countries in Vanadir. The 3 confirmed races are Hume, Tartare (magical elf), and Eruvan (sword fighting knights). They live in 3 different countries in the world of Vanadir, including Windas Federation, Basutuk Republic, Sandkinglear Country...

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- Here are some new screen shots of Konami's PS2 RPG Genso Suikoden III, this game has a Free Position Battle system, during the battle you can move your characters in the battle field, and you can also ride on different animals, both the animal and the rider can attack an opponent at the same time, your defense and offensive power will increase; however both the animal and the rider will receive damages from enemy attacks.

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- Square announced that they will re-release Final Fantasy VII International, Final Fantasy Tactics, Xenogears and Chocobo Racing for PSone as a part of Sony's PSone Book Series. The PSone Book Series is a value priced series for the PSone and the Mobile Monitor. Final Fantasy VII International will be sold for 3500 yen, and the other 3 titles will be sold for 2500 yen in Japan on December 20.

- Squaresoft mentioned that they may move up the release date of Final Fantasy X for PS2 in North America from January 2002 to December 2001, no definite release date has been confirmed yet.

D R E A M C A S T

- Sega of America announced a further price drop for Dreamcast, the retail price of this 128-bit internet ready game console will be lowered from $79.95 to $49.95 in time for the holiday season. "At a $49.95 price point, Dreamcast is an even better value this holiday season with a sack full of great games to choose from," said Chris Gilbert, executive vice president sales, marketing and operations, Sega of America. "Sega's strength is games and the lower price point makes it even easier for consumers to enjoy the Sega gaming experience."

A R C A D E   /   O T H E R S

- Sega of America announced that Sonic the Hedgehog will be showing up at the march in the 75th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in US. Sonic will also celebrate his 10th anniversary at the parade. Sonic will make his next video game appearance in Sonic Adventure 2: Battle on the Nintendo GameCube(tm) video game console February 2002.

- Square will release the Japanese DVD version of Final Fantasy The Spirits Within in Japan on February 22. The movie will be released in both Standard Edition (3800 yen) and Spiritual Edition (9800 yen), the Spiritual Edition will feature a 240 minutes bonus disc, which includes an unreleased Opening CG Movie, Pixar Animation, joke scenes of Final Fantasy, and commentary from Sakaguchi. The package will also contain a pack of Final Fantasy greeting cards and a full color booklet.

- NPD research group reported that the total revenue of video game industry has increased by 34% for the first 9 months in North America, comparing to the same period of last year. NPD predicts a record year in revenues, surpassing the 6.1 billion dollar revenue back in 1999, due to the launch of both XBox and GameCube. (from GameSpot)

G A M E C U B E

- Namco announced a GameCube port of the arcade driving game Smashing Drive, the game will be released in early 2002 in North America. Smashing Drive features all the levels and vehicles from the arcade version, plus new 2 player and head-to-head competition mode. In the game each vehicle can equip different kinds of weapons such as battering rams, turbo rockets and buzz-saws. The GameCube version is in development by Point of View Software. No Japanese version has been confirmed yet. (From IGNCube)

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- Bloomberg reported that Koei is developing at least one title for Nintendo GameCube, the game is expected to release in the market sometimes before the end of March 2002.

- Nintendo of America announced that the launch of GameCube has generated a sales of 98 million dollars, they expect the 700,000 units of launch systems to sell out by the end of the week. According to Goldman Sachs survey, Nintendo has actually sold about 47% of the initial shipment, which equivalent to 330,000 units. The most popular launch titles are Luigi's Mansion, Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II and Wave Race: Blue Storm. (from GameSpot)