News From 05/14/02


Short Comment- Something to Happen to Site, Soon.

I can't disclose of the details due to Hosting agreements with the Network, but there will be new changes in all of GameSpy's hosted sites soon.This includes the MMCafe as well.

Although this will definitely be a step into the current trend on the internet,
I don't think it's a change that the general visitors will exactly enjoy. I'm not exactly fond about it either. I won't make any comments on it until it happens, but let's hope that it's not too bad.

- Henry A. Moriarty



Playstation2 Broadband Units, Reported to cause Problems on PlayStation2
[ Dengeki Online | Article ]

(Dengeki Online) Sony has announced that their "Playstation BB Navigator" - the software included as default with the PS BroadBand Unit (PS BB Unit) for online services, causes issues on PlayStation 2 machines.

When the software is installed on the PS2, the console will no longer be able to use the Memory Card Manager and CD Player. An update patch to fix the problem will be released by Sony via the PS BroadBand, once the online services launch.

As a current solution, the Memory Card Manager and CD Player can still be used by taking out the PS2 BB unit. Narrowband users who own the unit but do not have broadband connection, are suggested to do the same.



Sony Announces PlayStation2 & PSX Price Drop in US and Japan
[ Reuters(Article) | Dengeki Online (Article) ]
(Reuters.com, quoted)
"Effective immediately, the PS2 will cost $199 in the United States, down from $299, while the first-generation PSX will sell for $49, down from $99. Prices for accessories and extra controllers will also be reduced, Sony said in a statement. Sony will also consider future price cuts on its game software, an executive said." - For the full article by Reuters, check their site's section.

Also reported by Japanese game news site Dengeki Online, Sony console prices will drop in Japan as well. The Playstation 2 (29800Yen), PSOne (9800 Yen) and its LCD screen (14800Yen) will be changed to Open price, while the PSOne & LCD combo set (street price:24000Yen) will be changed from open price to 18000Yen.

Short Comment- And since it's already noted that Microsoft is contacting major retailers for an upcoming price change, now comes the fun console war. - "Madman" Henry Moriarty


Nintendo Announces Modem for GameCube
[ Nintendo(Accessories) | Reuters(Article) | Sega PSO ]
Video game maker Nintendo has announced network adapters for their home console, GameCube.

A 56Kbps V.90 modem will first be released in Japan during the summer, retail price 3800 Yen. A broadband adapter of the same price will be released in fall.

The Japanese sales of the adapters will be followed by Sega's release of "Phantasy Star Online 1&2". While the full version of PSO 1 & 2 will be playable on both adapters, the trial version will only be compatible to the 56K modem.

Both adapters will be available in the US in the fall as well according to Reuters, retail price $34.95. For images of the adapters (whie: broadband, black: 56K), check Nintendo's site.


Kingdom Hearts English Voice Actors Announced, Haley Joel Osment to play Main Character (RPGFan, Xengamers)
[ Rpgfan.com | XenGamers ]
(RPGFan.com, Quoted)
"Square EA LLC and Disney Interactive have announced the cast of voice actors for the US version of their popular Action RPG Kingdom Hearts. The game's main characters Sora, Kairi and Rikku will be brought to life with help of the voices of Haley Joel Osment, Hayden Panettiere and David Gallagher. Other prominent names to be heard in the game include Christy Romano, David Boreanaz and Sean Astin."

Short Comment- It's the sweet faced "A.I." Kid!! - "Madman" Henry Moriarty


Tekken 4 - Three Wallpapers Released (Gpara.com)
[ Xiaoyu & Christie | Mishima Family | Steve Fox & Hwoarang ]
Japanese game news site Gpara.com, has released Wallpapers of Namco's Tekken 4. For the three varieties of wallpapers, check the site's sections from the link below.

Xiaoyu & Christie | Mishima Family | Steve Fox & Hwoarang

Short Comment- Play around with the two numbers to get wallpapers of 800x600 or 640x480 resolutions. - "Madman" Henry Moriarty


Short Comment- And yet again, the Square manga Continues...

The third sequel in the Final Fantasy Walkthru manga has been released in Square's PlayOnline. Again, it's from the same Ex-Famitsu artist, and what do you know- this time, it's an introduction on how to actually get the "Play Online" itself, since the whole PS2 broadband setup complication is harder than any dungeon or boss in FFXI.

Again, translators can't be used since the words are in graphics, but check it out if you're nevertheless interested.
[ PlayOnline - How to setup manga Guide ].
- Henry A. Moriarty



Short Comment- What woulld happen if Hellsing hit the States

Well, here's an interesting joke article by Anime Jump!. It's a whole mock report on what would happen in Hellsing made its way on the TV screens if it made its way from Japan like DragonBall and Pokemon did. Check the full article [ This ] . Terror-fic stuff!

Special thanks to Holiday for the news.
- Henry A. Moriarty



Short Comment- Different places, Different Pocky.

As Pocky enthusiasts may know, tourist spots in Japan have their regional specialty for Pocky, such as grape flavored pocky in the area which are known for grape picking.

Well, check
[ This ] out. This is one nice looking Pocky with a case that looks like some traditional Japanese item. It's a made of green tea flavored sticks, covered with red bean paste flavored chocolate. Mmm... looks good. Check out the Y2k1 Pockey as well.

Special thanks to Mossari News for the link.
- Henry A. Moriarty