Gaming info from May 30-today

I realize some people might already know this, but there's some that don't. Enjoy and I hope I didn't post a bunch of crap.


Games
Irem has announced that R-Type Final will be released in Japan on July 17th. No word yet if this old school styled shooter will make it outside that country.

July 17th will also see the release of Capcom's Rockman X7 (known as Megaman in America/Europe). The game will include both 2D and 3D sections and once again there has been no mention of a PAL release.

Review
Enter the Matrix is easily one of the most highly anticipated movie to game tie-ins ever. But rather then copying the story from the movie this game actually acts as a side story to the events on the silver screen. Developers Shiny have a strong track record. Read the full review to see how well this game has turned out.

June 10, 2003
Games
Sega of Japan has confirmed that their first batch of SEGA AGES titles will be released in Japan on August 28th. The first title include Phantasy Star: Generation 1 which includes upgraded 3D graphics and sound. Monaco GP will include an new isometric viewpoint as well as the complete 8-bit game while Fantasy Zone will also include new 3D secions while retaining some of the 2D graphics of the original as well as the shopping system. Each title will retail for about 2,800 yen ($AU35) but as yet there are no pland for PAL releases - although they were mentioned some time ago.

SCi have confirmed that they will be publishing Rolling in Europe. The roller blading game was developed by Rage Software, who went bust last year, and should be release by the end of this year. As yet there has been no work of the game being released in Australia - or even America despite Majesco picking up the title some time ago for release in that territory.

LucasArts have confirmed that RTX Red Rock has gone gold and should hit the expected release date of late June around the world.

Well, it's been in development hell for quite some time now and finally Vivendi Universal have had enough. According to reports surfacing on the web the company has dropped the publishing rights to Argonaut's Malice. The platform game was originally expected to be released late last year but has been constantly delayed for unknown reasons. To add insult to injury the game apparently wasn't even show at this years E3, not a good sign for a game already 6 months overdue.

Playstation 3
SOny Japan have confirmed that Elpida Memory will be supplying the DRAM memory chips for the Playstation 3. The companies DRAM chips include Rambus Technology. Elpida Memory is a joint subsiduary of NEC and Hitachi, both of whom have close links with Sony.

June 6, 2003
Review
Silent Hill 3 hasn't received a lot of fanfare prior to release, but don't discount the game for that fact. In fact, this is easily one of the best games this year and certainly the best in Konami's series to date. You want suspense, puzzles, atmosphere and hairs standing on end on your neck - then this is the game for you. Here's a review of Konami's latest title.

June 3, 2003
Games
Capcom have confirmed that they have sold the movie rights to Devil May Cry to Japanese company Gaga Communications. The movie is expected to enter production in early 2004 with an estimated budget of $US40 million. That's about the same budget that Capcom's impressive Resident Evil movie had. No details about the movies cast or crew have been announced but it is believed the events will be closely linked to the first game.

A reminder to eveyone that the Previews & Release Schedule is updated on a regular basis, with the list updated in the last couple of days. If a games coming out in Australia then it will be on this list. Check it out now.

Preview
The Italian Job is based on the upcoming movie (which took almost $US20 million on opening weekend in America) of the same name. The Italian Job is being developed by UK developers Climax. This game is not only looking nice but has plenty of features to keep you busy. Here's a preview with all the details and latest screens. Expect a release around September 2003.

Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness is looking better and better by the month. Core Design realise the franchise had been stalling in recent years and have made this one significantly darker, but with the upcoming movie this game will certainly generate, deserved, interest. The game is currently expected to be released worldwide on June 20th, around the same time as the new movie, once again starring Angelina Jolie - although they have seperate storylines.

May 31, 2003
Preview
Indycar Series has been in development at Brain in a Jar for some time now, and is shaping up as one of the best looking racing games in years. Based on the American racing sport the races take place on oval circuits, with up to 33 cars on track at once. It's will be nice to get away from teh glut of Formula One racing games at last, and this game should do the job perfectly. The game is currently expected around late June.

May 30, 2003
Price Drop
In a move that is destined to be a further boost to the market Sony have dropped the price of the Playstation 2 in Australia from $399 to $329. Microsoft, not to be left behind, have also dropped the price of their console to the same pricepoint. Here's Sony's official press release:

Getting into PlayStation®2 gets even easier!
PlayStation®2 console reduced to AUD$329.95
Sydney, 29 May 2003 Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) today announced that the RRP of its PlayStation®2 console has been reduced to AUD$329.95 effective Friday 30th May 2003.

"Local market conditions have allowed us to facilitate more affordable prices in Australia," said Michael Ephraim, Vice President of SCE Europe and Managing Director of SCE Aust/NZ. "Were giving potential customers the perfect opportunity to embrace the best in home computer entertainment and be part of one of the most exciting times in the history of gaming," Mr. Ephraim added. This new affordable price will replace alternative types of "value" promotions that have been in effect over the past 3 months.

Customers that take advantage of the new price will be set to enjoy a wide range of home entertainment options. These include DVD functionality, music CD playback and a library of over 500 games starting from as little as $49.95 for the extremely popular Platinum range of games. This range is set to have several new titles released over the next few months expanding the range even further. In addition, PlayStation®2 offers the latest in home entertainment innovations including Network Gaming, due for release later this year.

"Were pleased to widen the doors into the PlayStation entertainment world. At this price, customers make a small investment that immediately reaps massive value and is the key to unlock the most exciting entertainment potential in the future," Mr. Ephraim added.

Preview
Legacy of Kain Defiance is yet another stunning looking game in the action RPG series of games. With over 6 months remaining in development this game not only has the graphics but promises to be the best game in the series to date, and that's an impressive feat. Here's a preview of Eidos' upcoming title.

If you want any additional info on the stuff above, there are links provided at the following site.

www.futuregamez.net/news/news.html