- December 21, 2001 -

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

- Sony announced a partnership with Japanese cable company AII and Usen to provide broadband network services through CATV network Broad-Gate01 and Sony's attestation system (DNAS), the services will begin in April 2002.

- Furthermore, Yahoo Japan, Softbank and Sony Computer Entertainment announced a partnership in Japan to provide broadband network service for PlayStation 2. The broadband services will be provided by Softbank Group and Yahoo BB, Sony will provide DNAS connection for PS2.

- Spike announced a new PlayStation 2 motorcycle racing game called RS, the game features official recognition of four domestic motorcycle makers, there will be dozens of original race courses from over the world, during the race, you have to move the rider's body to move the center of gravity, and control the speed of the vehicle. RS is scheduled for a spring 2002 release in Japan.

- Gust announced Atelier Lilli: Alchemist of Salburg III Plus for PlayStation 2, an upgrade to their popular RPG title released this summer. The new version will feature a new fighting mode, in which you can choose to battle with other users online to see who is a better atelier. A PS2 modem is required for the online battle, it is also possible to battle with a friend offline using memory cards. The game is scheduled for an April 2002 release for 4800 yen.

- Capcom has released new screen shots of the PlayStation 2 integrated grapple game Pride, featuring over 20 real name professional players. Various game modes will be included, such as Grand Prix, Tournament, One Match, Survival and Create Character. The game is developed by Anchor and THQ.

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- Sega has announced the release date of their PlayStation 2 life interventional simulation game Roommania #203, the game is scheduled for a March 28 release, for 5800 yen. The PS2 port of the game will new mini games not found in the original Dreamcast version.

- At the launch date of Tokimeki Memorial 3: The Promised Place, Konami announced that the Tokimeki Memorial series has sold over 3.55 million copies in Japan. About 200 fans have gathered at the Tokyo Akihabara game shop in the morning, waiting to buy the game.

A R C A D E   /   O T H E R S

- The Dengeki Console Ranking Top 50 Chart is updated, this week's top three best selling Japanese title are Konami's World Soccer Winning Eleven 5 Final Edition, Nintendo's Super Mario Advance 2 and Hudson's Momotarou Dentei X.

D R E A M C A S T

- Sega of Japan have received bug reports from users for the newly released Dreamcast title Sakura Taisen Online, users reported that they cannot exchange business card in the game, a function which allows you to communicate with specific users online. Overwork (developer of the game) is currently investigating the problem.

X B O X

-Takara has confirmed J-Phoenix Plus for XBox, the robot fighting game ported over from PS2, scheduled for release in March 2002. The XBox edition will feature 100 new missions and enhanced graphics.