Archived News:
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2001
Condition Zero Interview [11:28 pm ET] – Share – 10 Comments
There is a new Randy Pitchford interview on Gamehelper, cornering the Gearbox Software front-man about Counter-Strike: Condition Zero, their upcoming single-player variant on the wildly popular team-based shooter. Randy talks about their plans (as indefinite as they currently are) for the game's release, the transfer of the project from Rogue Entertainment, some of the game's features like the new weapons, single-player missions, bot AI, and lots more. Here is a bit about how Condition Zero will mix-n-match with other versions of Counter-Strike:
Gamehelper: What’s the plan for cutting down on ‘Upgrade Confusion’ post Condition Zero? Will there be future patches for CZ separate from Counter-Strike or will we see community wide upgrades?
Randy Pitchford: I would expect a major patch for Counter-Strike when Condition Zero is launched to make them fully compatible with each other. Beyond that, there are likely to be continual upgrades and improvements to the on-line game.
GH: Will the patch for CS be required, or will it be an optional component?
RP: Condition Zero will have everything needed to play on or off line in the box. When Condition Zero is released and installed, there should be no need to worry about maintaining any other installations of the game.
GH: If someone has never owned CS, will they be able to play on CS servers with just the install of CZ?
RP: Yes. This will be the preferred way to play CS on-line after Condition Zero is released because CZ will include some technology enhancements and content upgrades beyond the current level of CS.
Comanche 4 Demo [11:05 pm ET] – Share – 7 Comments
NovaLogic has released the first playable demo of Comanche 4, their upcoming combat helicopter sim. This "first look" demo will expire by November 16, includes one single-player mission, and require a high-end graphics card, but if you're willing to hover your way around all those requirements and disclaimers, then you can download the demo for a reasonable 42.7 MB. Thanks Dogfighter. Update: The demo has been temporarily removed, but a mirror is online at 3D Gamers.
Myst III: Exile Patch [10:53 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Ubi Soft has released a new patch for Myst III: Exile, updating the graphics-intensive adventure by Presto Studios to version 1.22. This is a minor upgrade, merely addressing a music bug and a video card problem in the PC version (8.2 MB) but a few more issues in the Mac version (6.2 MB).
Evening Screenshots [10:53 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Global Operations
The official Global Operations site sports a new pair of screenshots from this team-based tactical shooter in the works at Barking Dog. - Ghost Recon
The trickle of single new Ghost Recon screenshots continues at the official site for this tactical shooter that is nearing completion at Red Storm Entertainment. - Deadly Dozen
3DActionPlanet is the latest site to receive five new Deadly Dozen screenshots, offering more scenes from this first- and third-person budget-priced shooter by nFusion Interactive. - Sea Dogs II
Three new Sea Dogs II screenshots have been added atop this gallery at Russian site Absolute Games, while Freelancer introduces the Brig as the first of the ships in Akella's sea-faring 3D RPG. - Empire Earth
GamePro has posted some brief impressions of the ongoing Empire Earth beta test along with fifteen new, low-res screenshots, while Killjoy's serves up more impressions of their own. - DarkSpace
There is a brief progress update on the official DarkSpace site along with three new screenshots of this massively multiplayer space sim being beta tested at Palestar. - Mimesis Online
Half a dozen new Mimesis Online screenshots are online at Polish site Strefa, revealing the human race in the futuristic MMORPG by likewise Polish developers Tannhauser Gate.
Project Entropia Q&A [9:35 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The official Project Entropia site points the way to this interview with Erik Johnels, the Community Representative for MindArk's upcoming MMORPG, on fansite Soldier of Fortune LTD. The Q&A dives right into a series of detailed topics, like the skill tree, stamina, character animations, the financial systems, and more.
AvP2 MultiPlayer Demo Soon [8:59 pm ET] – Share – 5 Comments
Sierra Studios sends along a teaser announcement for the imminent multiplayer demo of Aliens Vs. Predator II, the three-way first-person shooter that is nearing completion at Monolith. Here is the message, which does not specify the precise date and time of the demo's release:
Three species, one world - it is survival of the fittest and only one species will emerge victorious. Your chance is coming to be one of those species in the soon-to-be-released Aliens vs. Predator 2 multiplayer demo. Which species will you choose...
The odds are stacked against the marine as he faces these two deadly foes, but never underestimate the heart of a marine and his will to survive.
Challenged by human and Alien obstacles, the Predator must discover his will to survive must be greater than the lust for the hunt.
Striking from within the facility, the Alien seeks to save its queen stopping at nothing to ensure survival of the Alien race.
Stay tuned for more details...
Pool of Radiance Patch [8:39 pm ET] – Share – 4 Comments
Two days earlier than promised, Stormfront Studios has released a new patch for Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor, available for download from Ubi Soft's ftp server, which upgrades their isometric role-playing game to version 1.2. The 2.2 MB patch can be applied to both previous versions of the game and according to the included readme.txt it "fixes various save games problems and a multiplayer connection problem."
Civilization III Interview [7:43 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Civilization III Q&A on GameSpot is actually a fairly lengthy conversation on this eagerly-anticipated turn-based strategy sequel by Firaxis that recently went gold. Sid Meier and Jeff Briggs are at hand to discuss their goals for the game, the innovations and differences compared to Civilization II, the expansion of the combat and culture systems, the new victory paths, and the proverbial more. Nine new screenshots illustrate the proceedings.
Gothic Preview [7:23 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
GameSpot has posted a new Gothic preview, looking ahead to this third-person role-playing adventure by German developers Piranha Bytes that is already available in their home country and is expected in North America later this year. The article introduces the backstory, describes the early part of the game as well as features like the journal, inventory and combat, and comes with 15 new screenshots.
Stronghold Gold [7:13 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
More metalliferous news today, as GodGames sends along this press release announcing that Stronghold has gone gold, and this castle building and defense strategy game by Firefly Studios is expected on store shelves by the end of this month.
Fighting Legends Audio Interview [5:52 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
As is their way, XGR will be broadcasting a new interview on Fighting Legends tonight, talking to Steve Escalante at Maximum Charisma about their now-gold massively multiplayer role-playing strategy game. The chat kicks off at the new time of 9:30 PM EDT and naturally requires a SHOUTcast compatible player.
Afternoon Screenshots [5:52 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
- Black Thorn
Ubi Soft sends along four new, high-res Rogue Spear: Black Thorn screenshots to celebrate that Red Storm's tactical shooter expansion went gold today (story). - AvP2
The official Aliens Vs. Predator 2 site sports a new screenshot of the week for the three-way first-person shooter sequel in the works at Monolith. - WarCraft III
Likewise, Blizzard has released another new WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos screenshot, offering a new scene in their upcoming 3D role-playing RTS. - Evil Twin
A brief preview of Evil Twin: Cyprien's Chronicles on GameSpot UK is illustrated with a dozen new screenshots of this oddball third-person platform action game by In Utero. - Cossacks Expansion
The official Cossacks: the Art of War site features four new screenshots of this isometric RTS expansion being developed at GSC Game World. - Neocron - Delay
CDV has released four new Neocron screenshots, and sends word that this sci-fi MMORPG by Reakktor Media is now scheduled for a first quarter 2002 release.
Wolfenstein Video [5:29 pm ET] – Share – 16 Comments
There is a Return to Castle Wolfenstein video on FilePlanet (registration required), offering more insight into the development of Gray Matter's first-person shooter for the cost of a hefty 111.7 MB download. It is also available on the pre-order bonus CD for the game, if you happen to be bandwidth impaired. Word is: "This lengthy movie shows extensive new game footage, plus great video interviews with some of the folks at Gray
Matter: Drew Markham (Creative Director), Maxx Kaufman (Art Director), Greg Goodrich (Executive Producer), and Corky Lehmkuhl (Character Designer)."
New Weapons Factory Arena [5:24 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The Weapons Factory Arena site now offers a beta version 3.1 of this class-based Quake III Arena mod for download (thanks GameSpyDaily). This release comes as a 6.4 MB .PK3 file that includes the list of changes, and word is: "Remember that this is a beta version. There are likely to be bugs and game balance issues that will need to be addressed before version 3.1 becomes final."
DuelField Preview [4:49 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
3D Gaming Daily has posted a brief but hands-on preview of DuelField, the turn-based online strategy game under construction at French developers Sismoplay. The preview is based on their participation in the ongoing beta test, and describes the kind of gameplay you can expect, the user interface, some of the units, spells and more, while eight new screenshots are included as well.
Yuri's Revenge Chat Log [4:32 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
There's a Yuri's Revenge chat log on Red
Alert 2 eXtreme taken from an official Westwood IRC session with several of
the developers where fans got the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity about
the Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 add-on, now that it's available. Topics
in the short log cover some of the game's development, while trying mainly to
get as many inside tips on strategy as possible.
Black Thorn Gold [4:24 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
Ubi Soft sends along a press release announcing that Black Thorn, their Rogue
Spear expansion pack, has gone gold. Here's the short announcement:
ROGUE SPEAR BLACK THORN(tm) GOES GOLD IN STORE NOVEMBER 1ST 2001 WITH EXCLUSIVE BONUS CD
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - October 15, 2001 - Ubi Soft Entertainment is proud to announce that Tom Clancy's Rogue Spear Black Thorn has gone gold. The mission pack for the popular franchise will be in stores on November 1st priced $29.99
Rogue Spear Black Thorn contains nine new single-player missions, six new dedicated multi-player maps, 14 new weapons, and an all-new Lone Wolf multi-player mode.
Rogue Spear Black Thorn will also contain an additional bonus CD 'The Making of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon' which will give consumers an exclusive behind the scenes look at one of the most anticipated PC games of 2001 - Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon. The CD features development interviews, gameplay videos, design art and gameplay tips from the team.
EVE Update [4:19 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
CCP sends word of an update to their EVE:
The Second Genesis Website where they have a new Amarr "theme
pack" showing off more of their upcoming massively multiplayer space combat
game. The pack features: "An updated database of six Amarr ships with 24
new screenshots and a short story depicting incidents at the Inis-Ilix station.
A brief political description of three of the Heirs that might succeed the
ruling Emperor, few wallpapers and last but not least three excerpts from the
Ammarian music score."
NOLF GotY Multiplayer Maps [3:59 pm ET] – Share – 7 Comments
As promised, Monolith has released the multiplayer maps from the Game of the Year edition of No One Lives Forever as a separate download, so that owners of the original game can play the new maps online as well. We have a local copy with mirrors of the 50.2 MB file online, which requires the version 1.004 patch to be installed first (story).
Medal of Honor Movie [3:49 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
In an earlier than usual update, the official Medal of Honor: Allied Assault site features a new movie trailer of the first-person shooter in the works at 2015. Likewise unusual is that, while billed as part 2 in the five part series covering Mission 5 Level 3 in the game, this clip actually contains the same gameplay action as last week's clip (story), with just half a minute of further footage appended (so it's more like clip 1b), but restoring events to some sort of normal order, it's again available in low-res and high-res QuickTime formats. Additionally, the briefing for Mission 5 is online.
New All-Seeing Eye [2:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
A new version 1.5 of The All-Seeing Eye
server browser is now available. The new release offers support for the new
version 1.26 Operation Flashpoint standalone server query protocol, will log all
game connects to a database, and will log all buddy events to a text file. The
new version is accompanied by the release of the complementary "Pinger"
application for both Windows and Linux, which can be placed on another computer
on your LAN or ISP to do the pinging for you.
Empire Earth Beta Patch [2:25 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
Although not yet noted on the official Empire Earth Beta Headquarters, Sierra Studios has released a new version 0.0.1.4 beta patch for this 3D real-time strategy game nearing completion at Stainless Steel Studios. You can get either a patch to upgrade the previous version 0.0.1.3 (3.8 MB) or patch for any previous version (30.7 MB) from their ftp server, and this release addresses a large number of multiplayer, graphics/video, user interface and AI, gameplay and other issues, all of which are listed in the included Readme.txt file.
Myth III Gold [2:08 pm ET] – Share – 4 Comments
Mumbo Jumbo Games' Mike Donges updated
his .plan with an announcement that was hinted at in another recent update
by Andrew Meggs (story), saying that Myth III: The Wolf Age, the upcoming
prequel to the Myth series, has gone gold, and is headed off for duplication.
Shadowbane Q&A [1:59 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
There's an Interview
with Jason Rubinstein of Ubi Soft on Shadowbane Warcry discussing what's up
with this upcoming MMORPG now that Ubi Soft has picked up its publishing rights.
The Q&A covers Jason's feelings about the game and MMORPGs in general, what
needs to be accomplished between now and Shadowbane's release, Ubi Soft's
role in beta testing the game, how the release of other online games has
impacted their plans, how customer service will be handled, and more.
Wizardry 8 Release Date [1:28 pm ET] – Share – 7 Comments
After a lengthy saga surrounding a search for a publisher, a
press release on GamePen has word to expect the North American release of
Wizardry 8 on November 15. The release includes several quotes from project leader
Linda Currie of Sirtech Canada, but does not offer any clarification about who
is publishing the RPG.
On Scary Games [12:57 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Games That Go Bump in the Night
on CG Online is a look at scary computer games, examining several examples
of games that offer significant fright factor, including DOOM, Thief, System
Shock 2, and more, capping off with a look at the upcoming Call of Cthulhu: Dark
Corners of the Earth, featuring quotes from HeadFirst Productions' Simon
Woodroffe and writer John Saul along the way. The article is accompanied by a
complementary piece titled True Horror Stories
that looks at horror games gone wrong, saying "a horror game that fails to
be frightening is a bit like a comedy that fails to be funny," offering
Phantasmagoria and Harvester as examples of horrible horror games.
Anarchy Online Q&As [12:30 pm ET] – Share – 5 Comments
AO Basher
Interviews Savant, talking with the former Lum the Mad writer who is part of
a five person team that's been hired by Funcom to help sort out their community
relations situation, which is, well, a situation. Topics include his experiences
playing AO, while pressing for details about the role this new community
relations team will be taking on, though most of those questions get ducked, as
they are waiting for an official press release about this before spilling any
more beans. They have also posted an
Interview with Enno talking with one of the game's developers from Funcom
discussing his background, what he would change about AO if he were king,
progress on specific issues like latency and connectivity issues, and more.
Fighting Legends Q&A [12:18 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
GameZone.com's Fighting Legends
Interview talks with Steve Escalante of Maximum Charisma Studios about Fighting
Legends, their unusual upcoming massively multiplayer game that Steve describes
as: "Serious action combined with serious genres, meeting up with our Dr.
Seuss on acid look and feel creates a slapstick comedy, online game that has an
entertainment value that lasts." Topics that inspire some lengthy answers
include the game's concept, the future of online gaming, the time frame for the
game's release, the biggest challenge they've encountered during development,
and more.
City of Heroes Q&A [09:59 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
HomeLan Fed's City Of Heroes Interview
catches up with Richard Dakan of Cryptic Studios to discuss City of Heroes, their
upcoming MMORPG that will place players in the role of superheroes. Along the
way Richard describes how Cryptic came together in the first place, the game's
"secret origin" (mini in joke for comic book fans), the kinds of
challenges encountered in realizing what seems like a "great idea on
paper," what era of comics from which the game's art is derived, how the superhero
creation process is handled, the reasons you can't play a super-villain (at
least in the initial release), how super-teams will he handled, and more.
Second Encounter Q&A & Preview [09:50 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
3DActionPlanet's
Second Encounter Interview chats with a few members of Croteam about their upcoming Serious Sam
follow-up, discussing the engine, where they currently are in development, how
the team has expanded since the First Encounter, their comfort level with their
engine, as well as new enemies, weapons, and more. Meanwhile, GameSpy.com Previews Serious Sam: The Second Encounter
with a look ahead at the follow-up. The article
discusses contrasts to the original, including improvements that have been made
to the engine, the addition of things like jumping puzzles to the levels, the integration of the Seriously Warped mod, and other
multiplayer enhancements.
Battle Realms Preview [09:41 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The Adrenaline Vault Previews Battle Realms
after taking a swim with Liquid Entertainment, the developers on the upcoming
Asian-themed RTS game to check it out first-hand. The article offers impressions
of the visit to Liquid's offices, discusses the game's resource management, its
unique method for dealing with units, the yin & yang battle point system,
impressions of single-player and multiplayer combat, and more. The article is
accompanied by a batch of 10 new screenshots.
On the Anarchy Online Novel [09:31 am ET] – Share – 10 Comments
PC.IGN.com's Anarchy Online Interview
chats with Ragnar Tørnquist of Funcom to discuss Prophet Without Honor,
his upcoming novel that complements the Anarchy Online storyline. Topics include
the inspiration for the story, his background, his influences, how many more
books will be in the series, the possibilities of a novel to accompany Midgard,
whether it stands alone, and more.
New WolfStat [09:24 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
A new version 0.70 of WolfStat is now
available. In addition to the program's original functions, which includes the
kicking of players too prone to shooting their teammates while playing the
Return to Castle Wolfenstein Multiplayer Test, the new version also removes log file
entries as it operates to keep log sizes reasonable, stores stats in a database,
and supports multiple servers.
Tech Bits [09:24 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments
- Matrox Linux Drivers
The Matrox Graphics Latest Drivers Page has new Linux drivers for almost all of their cards. - New MSI BIOS
MSI has released a new version 3.1 BIOS for the K7T266 Pro2 series. Thanks SocketA.com. - HyperSnap-DX
A new version 4.20.00 of the HyperSnap-DX screen capture utility is now available. - GeForce Tweak Utility
A new version of the GeForce Tweak Utility is now available. - NAT Spat
Windows vs Linux vs SnapGear A Connection Sharing Odyssey on Dan's Data offers comparisons on two different ways to share your 'net connection. - More Excite@Home
Comcast, Excite@Home make pact is the latest in this seemingly endless saga. Thanks Shacknews.
Consolation [09:24 am ET] – Share – 10 Comments
Xbox Euro Price and Date Confirmed in Cannes on Computer and Video Games has word that the "European price for the machine has been set at £299 (479 euros). Launch date has been nailed at March 14, 2002." MGS2 Ship Date Finalized on ie Magazine has news that Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of
Liberty, will ship to stores in the US on November 13, and "The game
should be available in some locations that day, and in all stores at least one
to two days following the ship date." The game's Japanese launch date is
slated to be November 29, and it will ship to the rest of the world
sometime in 2002. Sierra and Argonaut Games Announce SWAT Global Strike Team
is the announcement of an upcoming SWAT game for the Xbox. GameSpot UK Grand Theft Auto III Preview is online, with 13 new screenshots.
Ships Ahoy-Mac BG2 [09:24 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
At long last -- Baldur's Gate II ships
is the press release announcing that the Macintosh version of Baldur's Gate II:
Shadows of Amn is shipping. the only specific they offer about the game's
availability is this: "Those who pre-ordered the game from MacPlay should
be receiving their copies soon." Thanks RPG
Vault.
Game Guidance [09:24 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
There's a new
MechWarrior 4 Connectivity Support Page offering tips on fighting "Connectivity
Lag, Server Lag, Client Lag, and Join Lag." Camelot Vault's
Dark Age of Camelot Archer Guide is online. There's a basic Quake
III Arena weapons guide on Multi Player Zone.
The Mod Squads [09:24 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
PlanetQuake3.net's
Dekard Interview talks about his work on the Threewave CTF Unification
Project.
Game Development & Modification [09:24 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
CyberExtruder.com has word that
their proprietary software and web-based technology that automatically converts
a single two-dimensional facial image into a fully-developed 3D model in one
second has gone gold, and now officially supports the Mac OS X platform.
Game Reviews [09:23 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments
- Command & Conquer: Yuri's Revenge on The Entertainment Depot.
- Commandos 2: Men of Courage on Gamezilla and (in German) on GamersUnitedNetwork.
- Dominions on evil3D.net.
- Jekyll and Hyde on Games Domain.
- Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns on EuroGamer.
- Monopoly Tycoon on Gamers Uplink.
- Project Eden on PC.IGN.com.
- Shattered Galaxy on Markee Dragon.
- Star Wraith 2 on Gamers Press.
- Sub Command on SubSim Review.
- Throne of Darkness on GameSpot AU and MPOG.
- Train Simulator on XGR.
- Zax: the Alien Hunter on GameZone and Computer and Video Games.
Hardware Reviews [09:23 am ET] – Share – 2 Comments
- AMD Athlon XP 1700+ CPU on Overclockers Online.
- AMD Athlon XP 1800+ CPU on Ace's Hardware.
- AMD Duron 1.1 GHz CPU on NewsForge.
- Asetek VapoChill on [H]ardOCP.
- ATI Radeon 7500 Video Card on 3dXtreme and hardCOREware.Net.
- ATI Radeon 8500 Video Card on Tom's Hardware Guide. Thanks Michael Wang.
- BOXX Tech 3DBOXX R1 1800+ System on AMDZone.
- Computers Divine Extreme Case on HW Extreme.
- Dell Dimension 8100 System on HardwareZone.
- ECS SiS315 Video Card on The Tech Zone.
- Logitech OEM Optical Mouse on Envy News and (in video) on 3dGameMan.
- Linksys Etherfast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router on Designtechnica.com.
- Plextor PlexWriter PX-S88TU USB 2.0 CD-R/W on cdrlabs.com.
- PNY Verto GeForce 3 Video Card on SimHQ.
- Shuttle AK31 Motherboard on Amdmb.com.
- Shuttle AV40 Motherboard on HotHardware.
- Silver Pro Gamer Aluminum Mid-Tower Case on I am not a geek dot com.
- Spire 5T060B1H3R Socket Cooler on NeoSeeker.
- TCWO 4-Port USB Bay Mount Hub on SystemLogic.net.
- VisionTek Xtasy Video Card on x-bit labs.
etc. [09:23 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- There's a Motor City Online Interview on MGON that talks with EA's Andy Beaudoin about this online racing game...
- The Shrapnel Games website has a patch for Runesword II said to address over 30 bugs...
- Vulcan Portal has released the first episode of Valhalla Classics, their update of the Amiga game, for free...
Out of the Blue [09:23 am ET] – Share – 16 Comments
When posting something like the Cthulhu plush doll yesterday, I often find
myself thinking that it's actually unique. How naive of me! I guess it's a sign
of how bizarre the world is becoming that I end up getting as many notifications
as I did that this was not the original, but that this Plush
Cthulhu (thanks Nick Kartsioukas, the first to send this in) was actually first. Actually more
bizarre were probably all the accompanying comments about how much cooler this
one is... the only thing that scares me more than people buying these for
themselves is the idea they are buying them for infants... eek!
Play Time: Ninja
Dispatch. Christopher R. Wain.
Link of the Day: Gary Condit Novelty Masks.
Happy Halloween. Thanks David Livingston.
Bonus Link: Alkulukuja Paskova Karhu.
Home of the Prime Number Pooping Bear. Contains adult language and Real math.
Thanks Blackforge. Is 569 a prime number? Does a bear crap in the woods?
Story of the Day: Men
file suit against Osama bin Laden. Thanks Travis McPherson. If they had his
email, they could've just dispatched a ninja!
Weird Science: Robo-cat is out of the bag.
Thanks Chris Jones. Different, if not fewer capabilities as an Aibo at double
the price. Interesting copycat.
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