Archived News:
Microsoft's big PC plans
on GameSpot outlines what they've learned about what the near-future holds
as far as gaming goes at the Redmond software giant. Word is there will not be a
Direct X 10 (Direct X X?) anytime soon, as they gear up for the release of their
next operating system, codenamed "Longhorn." There are also details on
plans for a "standard controller," and word that MS wants users to
consider gaming to be a primary reason to upgrade to Longhorn. Here's a bit on
Longhorn gaming: As has been rumored, Longhorn will likely include a major
overhaul in Window's visual presentation, which may include 3D interface
elements. Lester also said it would include a special "My Games" view
that would centralize all the matchmaking, control panel settings, patching
tools, and game lists and make such tasks much simpler. Microsoft is working on
streamlining a number of current technical trouble areas, like the installation
process and display drivers, and will centralize game updates through a Windows
Update-like patch server. It's also looking into making it possible to run
Windows games directly from the CD without installation. Somewhat more
straightforward features include adding sophisticated matchmaking into Microsoft
Messenger and parental controls over which users can play certain games.
A new point release 1 is now available for MechWarrior 4 Mercenaries, adding a
number of tweaks and bug fixes to Cyberlore and FASA Studios' earth-shaking mech
action game. The 5.1 MB file can be found on
the Microsoft website (thanks ActiveWin)
and there are mirrors on 3D
Gamers and Worthplaying.
A new patch has been released for Battlecruiser Millennium, updating 3000 AD's
space simulator to version 1.08 RC36. The update includes a variety of fixes,
including a new cheat mode, and it can be found on 3D
Gamers. Also, a new update for Shadow of Memories, the European version of
Shadow off Destiny, is now available, clearing up some compatibility issues
running the game under Windows 98 and WinME. The patch can be found on
Konami Europe (direct link) and mirrored on 3D Gamers.
Thanks YiYas.
Blizzard sends word they are adding an additional 10,000 testers to the beta
testing of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Here's the deal: "Those who
signed up for the Beta Test will now have another chance to participate in and
play-test the Beta as we proceed into the next phase of our testing process.
These additional participants can expect to receive an e-mail from us confirming
their participation in the next few days. We would like to once again thank
everyone who applied, and we ask that you please continue to visit http://www.blizzard.com/war3x
for more information on the game."
A demo of Warrior Kings Battles is now available, offering a sample of Black
Cactus Games' upcoming RTS sequel. "The demo contains a tutorial of four
missions along with a skirmish mode." The 234 MB file can be downloaded
from the
Empire Interactive FTP site (direct link), and there are mirrors on 3D Gamers,
Computer Games Online, Gamer's
Hell, and Worthplaying.
Empire Interactive Signs Games Rights to MGM's Forthcoming Action-Adventure Film Bulletproof Monk
announces plans for an upcoming game from Mucky Foot based on the upcoming
martial arts movie Bulletproof Monk, itself based on a comic book. Slated
for release on all major consoles and PCs for this year's holiday season, here's
how the game is described in the press release: "In Bulletproof Monk, a
mysterious monk with no name has zigzagged the globe to protect an ancient
scroll -- the Scroll of the Ultimate -- that holds the key to unlimited power.
Now the monk must find a protege, the scroll's next guardian. Kar is an unlikely
candidate, but when he saves the Bulletproof Monk from capture, the two become
partners in a scheme to save the world from the scroll's most avid pursuer.
Together with the help of a sexy and elusive young woman called Bad Girl, they
seek out and face the ultimate enemy in a spectacular final battle packed with
dazzling effects and action."
- Etherlords II
HomeLan Fed's
Etherlords II Q&A chats with Oleg Belaychook of Nival Interactive
about Etherlords II, their upcoming strategy game sequel. They discuss
plans for the game in-depth, focusing on the increased emphasis on
role-playing in the follow-up.
- AO: Shadowlands
There's an
Anarchy Online: Shadowlands Q&A on GameSpy.com talking with Funcom
game director Gaute Godager about the upcoming Shadowlands expansion for
Anarchy Online, their MMORPG. The Q&A covers the add-on in extensive
detail.
- Irator Online
There's a Roman Kremlicka
Q&A on Games First talking with the lead designer on Irator Online, Wootsoft's
upcoming MMORPG, discussing their goal of bringing the depth of console RPG
gameplay to the word of MMO gaming.
- Starfury
The Starfury
Q&A on RPG Codex talks about plans for Starfury, their upcoming RPG
set in the Space Empires universe.
There's a GDC 2k3 Wrap-Up
on Gamers Depot, There are some GDC 2003 The Movies impressions
on GameSpot discussing Lionhead's upcoming cinematic extravaganza. The Adrenaline Vault's
Game Developers Conference 2003 Coverage part 5 is online, offering thoughts
from some of the devs in attendance. Also, there's a
GDC 2003 CryENGINE Demo Preview on PC.IGN.Com that includes downloads of a
Bink-format non-interactive demo. IGN also has a rundown on the 2003 IGF Winners,
a Hulk Preview, a Final Fantasy XI
Preview, and a rundown on the winners of the GDC 2003 Awards.
Last but not least, there's a
Republic: The Revolution preview on GameSpy.com with impressions of what
they saw of Elixir's upcoming strategy/RPG at the show.
There's a
Blitzkrieg Preview on Computer and Video Games with a first-hand look at
Nival Interactive's upcoming World War II game. The update includes some quotes,
and describes the game like this: "It's festooned with weapons, vehicles
and scenarios, and an absolute almanac of background details and historical
footage to offer a little in the way of education. But instead of bogging down
in a world of hexagons and instruction manuals, the developer has tempered this
love of military detail with rock-solid and intuitive gameplay."
HomeLan Fed's GDC 2003 SWAT Global Strike Team Impressions
offers their thoughts on the upcoming SWAT console game based on what they saw
at the show.
I got three of the semi-new US dollar coins in change over the weekend, the
first time I've ever seen any first-hand, even though they were introduced a few
years ago. Coincidentally, The Simpsons made a joke last night about how
they were contemplating making dollar coins out of chocolate for all the use
they get. Meanwhile, hundreds of years of inflation have passed since our
monetary system was devised, but the Treasury Department still pumps out pennies
by the ton so we can calculate change to the second decimal place, but dollar
coins still meet with resistance here. Too bad, something I enjoyed while
visiting England many years ago was being able to buy things with pound coins...
it made me feel like something out of an old movie to be able to buy a drink
with coinage (you can do that here too, but you'll get a look).
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