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Microsoft Acquires Rare, Ltd.

September 24, 2002

Signed, sealed, and delivered, Microsoft has confirmed today that they have purchased mega-hit software developers, Rare, Ltd. Rare will create titles exclusive to the Xbox, including a sequel to Perfect Dark, which we are all very happy about. The first Rare title to hit the Xbox will be Kameo, due Spring 2003. Click here for more.

Yahoo! Launches Games On Demand Service

September 23, 2002

Yahoo! gave us a sneak peak at their Games On Demand service this weekend, and boy did we have fun with it. Filling the PC rental void, this service allows broadband PC users to rent games online, and it works like a charm. Read all about it right here.

Super Mario Sunshine Review (GC)

If you don't know that Super Mario Sunshine is out now, then you've been living under a rock. This game is being plugged everywhere, and with good reason. It's the first Mario adventure since Mario 64, and we think it is the proverbial cat's pajamas. Click here for the review.

Blizzard Announces StarCraft: Ghost for Console Systems

September 21, 2002

The Tokyo Game Show started yesterday, and already there have been some major bombs dropped. Topping the list today is the announcement, complete with screenshots, of Blizzard's latest foray into the console market, StarCraft: Ghost. Featuring a new style of play than the older StarCraft titles, SC:G will make it's way to multiple console platforms and be co-published in Japan with Capcom. Click here for details.

Nintendo Cuts Ties with Rare, LTD (Microsoft Creates Ties with Rare, LTD)

While Nintendo has made it official that they have gotten rid of their 49% share in Rare, LTD, creators of Donkey Kong, Perfect Dark, Star Fox, etc., Microsoft has yet to confirm details stated by Nintendo of America that MS has scooped up the London-based development house. This is big news and means franchises like Perfect Dark and Conker may find a home on the Xbox. Click for more.

Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast Preview (Xbox, GC)

LucasArts brings their award-winning PC title to the Xbox and Gamecube, and we all figure Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast is going to be just as much fun to play on the consoles. Look for the Jedi action to begin in November. Click here for the full preview.

Pac-Man All-Stars Review (PC)

If you've played the older versions of Pac-Man, then you pretty much know what you're getting into with Pac-Man All-Stars. This title is little more than a facelift, and the replacement of the maze with more 'realistic' 3D levels doesn't quite work out. Click here for more.

Bam! Entertainment Enters Xbox Market

Bam! Entertainment, headed up by former Sega leader Bernie Stolar, claims the honor of being the first publisher to release a title developed through the Microsoft Incubator Program. Chase: Hollywood Stunt Driver is the title, and it looks much better than that other stunt driving game that came out. Plus, it's developed by the only African dev house making games for the Xbox. That's a bit of trivia if we ever heard it. Click here.

GTA Vice City Preview (PS2)

September 18, 2002

Once again, GTA Vice City is on our minds. And it's on your minds, too. We've been bombarded with letters asking about this game, so we've rounded up the latest info and put it all into our preview. If you've looked at this preview before, check it out now -- we know about the soundtrack, some of the vehicles (motorcycles, boats!) in the game, and more (chainsaw?). Click here.

Altec Lansing 251 Speaker System Review (PC, all)

Altec Lansing brings us the major sound value of the year with their 251 Speaker System. For about $99, these bad boys pump some serious bump. If you're a hardcore gamer, you need a setup like this. Plus, they look way cool. Click here.

Dark Age of Camelot Shrouded Isles Preview (PC)

See that pale mofo over to the right? That's an Inconnu, one of the three new races in Dark Age of Camelot Shrouded Isles, the major expansion to the hit MMORPG title. Featuring three new races, three new continents, six new classes, and a graphics engine overhaul, DAoC Shrouded Isles should be incredible. Click here.

MechAssault Preview (Xbox)

September 16, 2002

Microsoft brings us a console version (meaning an original game developed for Xbox) of their award-winning franchise, Mechwarrior. MechAssault brings console gameplay to the series, and that's a very good thing. Supporting Xbox LIVE, it's only a matter of time before we're all piloting big robots. Click here.

Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars Review (DVD, Xbox, PS2)

Digital Leisure continues to resurrect long gone laser disc titles for us to play on our DVD player or DVD ready PS2 and Xbox. Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars is a campy on-rails shooter that takes you back to some Miami Vice, Reagan-era drug policy. It's worth a laugh at least. Click here.

Greek Court Decries "Unconstitutional" Law

September 12, 2002

A Greek court has thrown out the case against two internet cafe owners who allowed people to play chess and Counterstrike in their establishments. Playing videogames, especially in public places, was outlawed in Greece last July. Click here for more.

Altec Lansing 5100 Series Speakers Review

September 10, 2002

Altec Lansing brings us a very affordable 5.1 system for PC, DVD, and console gaming. The 5100 Series Speakers are not just incredibly stylish looking, but pump out some high quality sound, and all for under $200. That's not bad at all. Get the scoop here.

GORE Review (PC)

Dreamcatcher Interactive brings us a first person shooter that doesn't do a lot of new things, but should liven up your next LAN bash a bit. GORE provides the basic FPS experience we've come to know and love -- lots of mindless violence and some nice graphics. All of this at a bargain price, too. Not bad. Click here.

Article: Greek Geeks Fight Gaming Ban

September 5, 2002

In a horribly misguided stab at limiting gambling in public places, the Greek Government has created a ban on all videogames. That's right: Playing games on your PC, Xbox, PS2, Gamecube, Game Boy Advance (especially in public) is illegal in Greece. The first couple of internet cafe owners have been arrested already for allowing gaming in their public establishments, and things have gotten more rotten than 4:00 AM at a LAN bash over there. Click here for our coverage.

Click here for our E3 2002 coverage.

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