Next-Generation Online is reporting that Pennsylvania Senator Jack Wagner (D) in addition to the legislation proposed earlier today making it illegal to sell "violent video games" to people under 18 in his home state (see story), also introduced to Congress a resolution to require submission of games to the ESRB for review and rating. According to the article, "such a requirement exists in no other entertainment industry." According to Wagner he's not advocating censorship:

"What I am proposing is not censorship," Wagner said. "Individuals and companies would still be free to create, sell and rent violent video games. They could not, however, offer such games to minors. I believe the restrictions I am proposing are reasonable, justifiable and in the best interests of Pennsylvania's children and children across America."

Starsiege TRIBES - Multimedia and Downloads page has the new version 1.4 for Starsiege TRIBES as a patch for versions 1.0, 1.3, and 1.3.12. Thanks Datumplane::Starsiege.

The Hive interviews Randy Pitchford talking to the Gearbox Software president about RBR and Gearbox' upcoming Half-Life mission pack, Opposing Force. There's also an interview there with Ward Six Entertainment's Jason McIntosh talking about their upcoming TC Dawn of Darkness. Finally, Two of Nine is the pretty darn clever title of an interview on earthQuake with feared Swedish Quakers Paralyzer and DOOMer from Clan 9.

No easy explanation for Columbine killings is a CNN article discussing the debate about the "effects of violent entertainment," quoting the maintainer of Doomworld (author of this editorial), among others (thanks Bartender). Captive of an Alien Reality is a Washington Post article about Quake II that describes a newbie's attempt to assess the game's impact by checking it out (thanks Xenon). Finally, thanks CiDcO for word that there are three new related articles on CNET Gamecenter: Violent Games in Spotlight, Senator Introduces Video Game Bill, and Sex in Games Revisited (complete with mature warning of its own).

Gamer's Central has previewed Appeal and Infogrames' upcoming third person voxel-based title, Outcast, complete with several new screenshots.

• Rendition has posted new reference drivers for V2x00 based boards.
• Computers R Us reviewed the ATI Rage Fury.
• Dimension 128 has reviewed the MSI MS-6163 motherboard.
• Sharky Extreme has updated their weekly CPU price guide, featuring some new information on the AMD K7 processor.

The official Descent: Freespace 2 website has been updated, with a ship gallery, 19 new screenshots, and word that there's an IRC chat tonight at 8:00 CST with members of the development team.

The friendly folks at Accolade sent us this new screenshot from Slave Zero to show you all. Enjoy!

Another follow-up on the story from earlier today about the possibility that Kiss' Gene Simmons was purchasing the film rights to Max Payne (story and first follow-up) comes from 3D Realms' Joe Siegler, who sent along the following follow-up shedding some shadow on the situation:

Q: Is it true that Gene Simmons of KISS has bought the movie rights to Max Payne?

A: No, he hasn't bought the movie rights, but he is acting as a sort of agent talking to some movie production companies about things that we aren't talking about yet. :)

• S3 Ramps Up Support is a GameSpot piece announcing that some 50 game developers have pledged their support for the company's S3 Texture Compression (S3TC) technology and will incorporate it into games released this year.
• Intel launches new graphics effort is a CNET News.com article detailing the Big I's return to the graphics accelerator market with the i752 chipset, and the upcoming i754.
• Viper 3D has posted a TNT2 reviews page with links to all the articles they've found on NVIDIA's new chipset.
• Speaking of which, AnandTech's review of the NVIDIA RIVA TNT2 is up.

QuakeCity Gaming Network interviews John Scott talking to the Raven Programmer about Soldier of Fortune. The article also includes a pair of new exclusive screenshots showing off action from this upcoming Quake II-engine game based on the mercenary magazine of the same name. The piece also mentions that more info about Raven's upcoming first-person shooter based on the Star Trek : Voyager franchise will be revealed at this year's E3.

Ritualistic has posted a short interview with Ritual programmer Mark Dochtermann about the recent revelation that Ritual's upcoming FAKK2 is to use the Quake III engine. The three question Q&A discusses the reasons behind the decision, what it's like working on the yet-to-be-completed code, and their plans to maintain Mac and Linux cross-platform compatibility.

GSUK's Quake III Arena week rolls right along with a Quake III Arena Preview, written by Mat 'The Lurker' Bettinson (who you may recall from the Carmack audio .mp3 release incident). The preview is written based on a couple of hands-on sessions with recent builds of the full game, one in combat with the game's bots, as well as a deathmatch with the id staff. Additionally, Sconfig's Quake 3 Test Screenshots page has been updated with another QuickTime movie showing off action from the Mac version of Q3ATest (this is a third video, in addition to the one reported earlier this morning).

GA-Source has posted 8 Heavy Gear 2 Screenshots with more exclusive looks at Activision's upcoming giant robot (gear) game.

I've received word from both 3D Realms (Scott Miller by way of Joe "Superman" Siegler) and their PR firm, that the info in the CGW story quoted earlier (story), is inaccurate: Gene Simmons has not purchased the rights to the Max Payne movie (that's cool, John Woo needs to do this one anyway).

I.AM Half-Life has an updated list of console commands for version 1.0.0.9, complete with all the Team Fortress Classic Commands, as well as a bunch of custom aliases for TFC. Oh, and server admins looking for a good laugh should try out sv_birthday 1.

Rorshach's Journal ("I leave it entirely in your hands") has a wireframe Quake 3 skin available for download for those of you who want to get started on those skins right this second.

Inside System Shock 2 is the name of a brief article on SS2 over at Next-Generation Online. The piece contains a good overview of what to expect from the game (complete with three screenshots), and is chock-full of quotes from Ken Levine, president of Irrational Games.

As promised earlier in the week, sconfig has posted another Quake 3 quicktime movie, this time showing off actual Internet gameplay. This one's only available in a high quality version, but at 674k it's hardly what I would call a hefty download.

• The Windows 98 tweak guide has been updated, with all kinds of info for speeding up Windows 98.
• Wish you could have a case as cool as those new G3s, but don't want to buy a Mac? Kevin sends word of these cases from A-Top that look surprisingly like the new Macs. Of course, they won't play Q3Test yet, I'm afraid.

According to the latest issue of Computer Gaming World, Gene Simmons (that guy from KISS) has bought the film rights to Remedy's upcoming action title Max Payne (thanks 3DPortal). There's nothing that says Gene is interested in playing Max, but after 90 viewings of Runaway, I gotta admit that he plays a mean badass.

Digital Dungeons, the article from this week's Time magazine has been posted online. The article questions the finger pointing that's coming towards violent video games, and is one of the more rational pieces you're likely to find.

• Version 1.1 of King of the Server is out, fixing a number of bugs.
• There's a second beta out of the server side mod Fishman's DM mod.
• Version 2.4 of the Abandon mod from Clan Incarnations of Immortality (Piers Anthony rules!) is out, adding Eraser bot support amongst other things.

• Sharky Extreme has posted an exclusive review of Expendable, the latest 3D title from Rage Software.
• pc.ign.com reviews Requiem: Wrath of the Fallen.
• Strategy Planet reviews Machines, the 3D strategy title from Acclaim.
• Games.net reviews Wages of Sin, the mission pack for Sin.

• Clan DDZ is giving away one of those Everglide mouse pads and a Quake keychain to the first person to top their current high score of 142 frags in 15 minutes that was set by Swine [DDZ] back in October.
• QuakeCity is giving away a copy of Quake: Quad Damage to one random person that fills out their poll.

• A new version of Crazy Marbles is out, adding Banshee and Voodoo 3 support to this horribly addictive Marble Madness clone (full support is only in the registered version). Thanks Billy "crazy balls" Wilson.
• There's a one-level demo available of Space Bunnies Must Die! over on 3DFiles, offering you the chance to play the game that annoyed everyone at last year's E3 with their incessant music.
• Redhat 6.0 is available for download, with the retail version arriving soon. On a similar note, I recently spotted Open Linux 2.2 in a store around the corner from the loonyBin. Both Redhat and Open Linux offer easy installations of the previously intimidating Linux OS. Of course, neither one will play Q3Test yet, but hey...that'll be here soon enough.

Yep, that was the winning title...it was actually sent by several people, although Andrew Ebbatson was the first. Other good suggestions, "Blue loon" and "loon with a view" (both from Andrew) and "Ravings of a Loon" from Opafaf-[CoD]-. THL suggested "Loonyfud" saying, "go for 'Loonyfud', it's ace!" Take that as you will. Kevin Dow had a good suggestion with "Lunatic Fringe" although the most entertaining entrant has got to be devilbunny's suggestion: "the loonytic is on the grass." Since I was listening to that album as I read that, I actually laughed out loud (and then I closed the blinds...you never know). Thanks for all the suggestions...it's amazing how creative people got. A quick reminder to everyone: as the Blue guy is still off on his much-deserved day off, send all news to news@bluesnews.com to ensure that I get it as well.

Link of the day: Scenic Drive Resort (thanks Paul Danis). Why? Go there...that's an actual loon you're listening to. Woo! I try not to do that often...it scares my neighbors.

Apache sends word of two3D RPG titles previewed over at pc.ign.com. There's a look at Wheel of Time, with lots of quotes from the game's designers, and a preview of Anachronox that features quotes from Tom Hall.

Rex from AVault sends word that they've posted a new patch for Accolade's first person shooter Redline. The 9 meg update has a bunch of fixes and new features, so here's a list:

• 4 new multiplayer deathmatch arenas: Deathdome, Denizone, Octotron, Toxicorp Outpost
• 1 new multiplayer CTF arena: Slaughterhouse CTF
• Increased multiplayer Client and Server stability
• Fix for compatability issues on newer Gateway machines
• Fixes other minor installer and hardware related issues

In other Accolade news, Billy "giant hulking robot" Wilson has posted a new screenshot from their upcoming robo-fest Slave Zero over on that page of his.

Afflicted.net has some news about Cavedog's upcoming first person shooter Amen, including a new screenshot from the game's editor (Eden) as well as word that the game will only be supporting Direct3D, ending any speculation regarding OpenGL support (thanks Dyno).

If you can't stand the wait for the Windows Q3Test, and feel like you absolutely have to take a peek at Paul Steed's models with Kenneth Scott's skins, check out this Quake 3 Model viewer for Windows. This Win32 program will let you look at the models from the Win32 server in all their OpenGL glory. The source code is included under the GNU license, so it's only a matter of time before a Linux port is made available for those non-Windows people out there.

Apache sends word of some new Half-Life editing tutorials: swing by Wavelength for a tutorial on weapon modifications, and the Half-Life Editing Resource Center has a tutorial on recreating the "Rustmill Effect," referring to the tricks used in the Rustmill map.

It's day two of GameSpot UK's Quake 3: Arena Week, and they've got a bunch of stuff up for your reading enjoyment. Check out some new screenshots, an overview of the weapons, a talk with John Cash about the AI, and more.

GA-Source has posted nine new screenshots from the upcoming Blood 2 add-on, Revelations, as well as a development update from Tequilla Software.

• Beyond 3D has posted an interview with Gary Tarolli from 3dfx (you'll note the lowercase "d" in there now).
• Tom's Hardware Guide has a look at 3D Chips & Cards, covering all kinds of techie stuff.
• There's a new beta of HyperSnap-DX, a screen grabbing utility.
• A new version of the APK 3dfx Tuning Engine is available, with more support for Voodoo 3 and Banshee users (thanks 3DFiles for those last two).
• Sharky Extreme has an update on Metabyte's "don't call it SLI" dual card technology.

Here's two id Software .plan updates for you this morning: John Carmack updated his .plan with his latest work log, for those of you who can actually understand these things. Also, Christian Antkow updated his .plan with a small rant that's worth reading if you're currently playing Q3Test...here's a clip to get you going:

Ok, when someone is facing a wall, isn't moving, and has a talk bubble over
their head...DON'T SHOOT AT THEM!!!

It means they;

a) Hit T to talk and are typing in something to say
b) Are in the console doing something

...and they can't defend themselves. People who consistently kill peoplewith talk bubbles (and I don't mean the type of people who hit you once out of reflex, and politely say "Sorry" either) over their heads (heretofore known as "Typer Killers") are sub-amoeba lifeforms IMO. It's really frustrating trying to talk to people on servers soliciting feedback, and having my ass blown back to Canada (Hi Mom) every time I'm typing something.

Next Generation Online has posted the online version of the interview they conducted with John Carmack that was published in the February edition of their print magazine (thanks Hostage). Since it went up (and is dated) yesterday, I don't know why they say it is "on the eve of the release of Quake 3 Test for Mac," but either way the piece contains a load of info, both general stuff, as well as some technically-oriented bits. This question in particular is one I've often pondered myself:

NG: Do you ever see yourself getting bored of game programming?

John: That was a big issue early on at Id. There was a fear that I would be bored and go off to do something weird in operating systems research or something. When Mark Rein was our president, there was actually a discussion about me signing a contract saying I'd stay for a certain amount of time. But it turned out that I've been able to find so many interesting things just in the context of games. Things like all the low-level programming on the consoles, where you're doing everything from the ground up. I retargeted the C compiler to the Jaguar, I've written new linkers, and all the stuff I've learned about networking and different communications things. It's been a lot of fun.

The Q2PMP has posted a Visor toy reference pic, similar to the shots and sheet for the Slash model we posted yesterday, giving a comprehensive look at the Visor model from a whole bunch of angles.

HardOCP has posted an interview with 3DRealms' George Broussard called "21 questions with..." In answering all 21 queries (less than 10% of them about boobs), George gives some skinny on what's planned for Duke Nukem Forever.

Computer Games Online's first look at MacQ3ATest gives their early lowdown on the new release, declaring "Gosh, it sure is pretty!"

• Sharky Extreme previews Intel's 810 Mainboard Core Logic AGPset.
• Creative Technical Support Newest Files page has a new BlasterControl 2.X (2.54) setup disk for Graphics Blaster Exxtreme and 3D Blaster PCI cards in Windows 95/98. Thanks BetaNews.
• Gamecenter's AMD K6-III Update adds info on AMD's latest to their Gamers' Guide to CPUs.

The Game Info page on Deus Ex Incarnate has been updated with the latest skinny on ION's upcoming game culled from info posted on the ION Storm BB.

Similarly, the Rainbow Six Retreat's Rogue Spear Sneak Peak offers all the info that they have been able to collect about this upcoming sequel to Rainbow Six, much of it from the recent PC Gamer preview.

The Adrenaline Vault's preview of Starlancer is up looking at this upcoming space shooter from Microsoft/Digital Anvil. Thanks Killjoy.

ThunderWalker CTF's House of Fixins has a new beta version 5.5 of ThunderWalker CTF (thanks Merlin_[F8S]). The new release is for QuakeWorld only, and only servers need to install the update.

Frogbot's Modifications page has a new Frogbot 0.13 test version enhancing the AI in this Quake 1 playmate.

Version 1.3 of the Gateway Mod, that allows Quake II server operators to link to each other through special teleporters, is now available.

Kokak's Heretic Page has GL Heretic beta 0.1 for download. With the port now in beta, according to the page: "All the features from the original Heretic should be present. The game should be normally playable. But a lot of bugs may occur..." Thanks Adam Christopher Lawrence for the reminder on this bit sent in already by Billy "Kick in the Jimmies" Wilson."

The recently relocated chUmbaLum sOft has posted a new version 1.1 of their OpenGL model viewer for Half-Life, and a new version 1.3 of their OpenGL model viewer for Quake II offering new features and fixes for both programs.

• 3tCTF League (spiffy page!) is now taking sign-ups for season 2.
• 3DGN vs. Thresh's FiringSquad in Quake 2 An Observer's Perspective is 3DGN's recounting of their recent publicity match.

• GoneGold reviews Requiem: Avenging Angel. Thanks Apache, and Gamers Central reviews Requiem, as well.
• Extreme Hardware reviews the Xitel Storm Platinum Gamers Pack.

• More mainstream press on violence and media is in this week's print issue of Time Magazine. Thanks Eric McGrane. There's also an Adrenaline Vault Editorial on the subject, also with extensive follow-up commentary on their news-based messageboard...
• Afflicted.Net has posted an update that mentions that Jay "Shade" Wilson has departed Monolith to join the team at Cavedog working on Amen: The Awakening...
• Two sets of beta testers wanted: BarrysWorld Proxy Page is looking for testers for this Quake II proxy project. Also, the Game Guru Gold Homepage is looking for beta testers for a "universal game front-end"...
• Red Hat Linux 6.0 is now available...

Today marks my first planned day off from this site in close to three years, as I plan to devote some time to my two best gals (to get all Jimmy Stewart-ish), spending the day with MailBag contributor MamaBlue, and the evening with Mrs.Blue as we celebrate our wedding anniversary. With loony well in the swing of things, I thought the occasion of our anniversary is an appropriate chance to give the gift of some time to my wife, whose patience and support are the driving forces behind this site. I hope you will give loony the same support that you've shown me (on second thought...no, okay, that should work), and of course, please remember to send news to news@bluesnews.com, saving my blue@... address for personal feedback, hate mail etc., meant specifically for me. If you're mailing in, while you're at it you can offer suggestions for Jason to use for the title of this space tomorrow (he's mentioned "Out of the loon," but the thought makes me gag, hopefully inspiration will strike). Oh yeah, word is the reloading bug is better for many, but not completely gone, so the bug hunt continues.

Link of the day: CNN - New blue hue for ewe (thanks Nathan Phillips). I swear I was nowhere near that flocking flock. I'll take a blood test!!