March - April '03

4-30-3

I woke up this morning to over 200 happy birthday e-mails so thank you all and happy gaming.

Version 1.0 of the Wolf Tactics modification for Return to Castle Wolfenstein is now available, debuting this class-based multiplayer RtCW modification. The mod supports all Wolfenstein game types including Capture & Hold, their modified version of Checkpoint. Thanks ActiveReviews, where they have the mod mirrored.

The promised new version 1.6 of Rocket Arena 3 is now available for Windows, Macs, and Linux, representing the first update for this popular Quake III Arena modification in two years. There is a 104 MB full installer as well as a 25 MB patch to upgrade version 1.5. The update adds three new maps, addresses several bugs, adds support for pure servers and PunkBuster, new console commands, new stats, and more.

Enter the Matrix Preview on GameSpot offers impressions of the PS2 version of the upcoming cross-platform Matrix game.

A bunch of movies showing off the upcoming PC version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City are now available by way of Dutch site PC Inside Gamer. The seven QuickTime-format movies can be downloaded from Gamer's Hell and 3D Gamers, while Tiscali Games has taken four of the movies and converted them into their favored DivX format.

Half-Life 2 coming this fall on CNN Money is an article examining the prospects of Valve's recently revealed shooter sequel. The article, which says the game is due on shelves September 30, offers a bit of history on the franchise, some quotes from Valve, and the first non-scanned screenshots of the game. The article discusses the value mod support has added to the original Half-Life, something Valve's Gabe Newell indicates they plan on continuing.

4-29-3

"Terminator 3 Rise of the Machines" Videogame to Parallel Blockbuster Summer Film is the press release announcing plans for a game based on the upcoming sci-fi movie sequel due for all major console systems this fall. Here's a bit on the game, to be developed by Black Ops Entertainment: "A unique twist in the 'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines' story will also allow players to operate the Terminator before it was reprogrammed in the future to save John Connor. As a result, players will be able to test their terminating skills against battle-hardened Tech Com special forces from the future as they fight alongside and utilize SkyNet's advanced weaponry, including Future Killer tanks and flyers, fixed gun emplacements as well as other Terminators in an effort to crush the last remnants of mankind."

The Thievery Website has a new beta 1.4 of the Thievery modification for Unreal Tournament (thanks Gamer's Hell), updating this project that imbues Unreal Tournament with the stealthy gameplay of Thief.

Though the dates have not been updated on the NovaLogic Downloads Page, the patch it offers for Delta Force: Black Hawk Down is indeed new, and can be applied by anyone who has had problems getting the new version via the in-game auto update utility. The version 1.2.1 patch has also been mirrored on 3D Gamers.

4-28-3

The Rocket Arena Website offers details on the upcoming version 1.6 of the Rocket Arena modification for Quake III Arena, along with a projected release date of this Friday. They have details on how to attend their accompanying IRC release party.

EuroGamer's Enter the Matrix Preview is online, based on getting to play with a PS2 version of the now-gold game that ties in with the Matrix movie trilogy.

There's a World of WarCraft preview on Gamer.No with their English language preview of the upcoming MMORPG after a visit to Sweden to check it out. There's also a Warcraft III: Frozen Throne preview on The Wargamer and part two of the WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne Preview on BoltGames.net is now online.

The cover of PC Gameplay Magazine is now online, showing another image from the mysterious sequel that shows what seems to be Gordon Freeman's female counterpart.

4-27-3

True to their recent promise, Activision has released the test version of Wolfenstein Enemy Territory, the upcoming free Wolfenstein game. The test version offers play in the Fuel Depot, one of the six maps that are planned for the full release. The 101 MB Win32 version can be found on 3D Gamers, AusGamers, FilePlanet, (registration required) FileShack (registration required), Gamer's Hell, Gaming Horizon, RTCWFiles, and Worthplaying; and the 103 MB Linux version is available from 3D Gamers, AusGamers, FilePlanet (registration required), FileShack (registration required), Gamer's Hell, RTCWFiles, and Worthplaying.

This Age of Mythology Downloads Page offers the downloadable version 1.05 patch for Age of Mythology that was previously released as an auto-update

A new version 2225 patch for Unreal Tournament 2003 is now available.

The source code for mod authors for Unreal Tournament 2003 has been updated through the new version 2225 of Epic's shooter. The .UC source code and debug .U files can be found on the Unreal Technology Page, and they have been mirrored on 3D Gamers.

Relic Entertainment announces plans for a free add-on for Impossible Creatures called Insect Invasion, planned for release this spring.

4-26-3

The Max Payne: Kung Fu Edition Q&A on GameSpy.com talks with Kenneth Yeung, creator of the modification that adds Hong Kong action movie-style Kung Fu to Max Payne. They discuss his background, his goals for the project, the elegant interface he devised, the reaction of Remedy and 3D Realms to the project, and more.

HomeLan Fed's Medieval Total War Viking Invasion Preview has impressions of Creative Assembly's upcoming Medieval: Total War expansion. They discuss what's being added to the mix with the add-on, including its namesake Vikings: "As you might expect, the Viking faction seems to be the favored faction in this expansion pack. They come in and attack in their faster ships and can even land troops without having to have a port. Their new units include Housecarles, Huscarls and the big and scary Viking Berserkers. The Vikings also get a new technology tree that includes things like sacrificial shrines and the much needed drinking halls (cause you know your troops will need some (refreshment) after going after the Briton factions)."

4-25-3

A new version of Vavoom is now available , updating what's described as "the most advanced Doom source port." This is a non-beta release, bringing the project up to version 1.15, and word is: "There ain't any serious changes since beta, the only thing to mention here is a little bit improved network games, so now there should be less lag (I would like to get some feedback on how it works now)."

A new version 7.2.2 of the CPUCooL utility is now available.

4-24-3

Prepare to Meet Thy Doom on Wired is a preview of DOOM III offering a bit of the history of id Software, the concept behind the game, and a look at what to expect. The article also offers this fall as a projected release date for the project, and provides some quotes from the folks at id, including speculation from John Carmack that technological advances may soon be rendering him obsolete.

The Enter the Matrix news page has word that they've posted a documentary clip on their downloads page that: "shows just how tied together the Enter The Matrix game is to the RELOADED film – and how the game will take you places the film doesn’t, giving you the ability to experience and explore environments you see in the film." Also, a Sacred video is now available that was originally published with German Gamestar magazine, the 23 MB movie can be found on RPGDot.

This NovaLogic Downloads Page (thank Frans) has a new patch to update Delta Force: Black Hawk Down to version 1.2.0. The 10.2 MB patch adds additional cheater validation checks, tweaks some single player levels, and more. Mirrors of the patch can be found on 3D Gamers, Gamer's Hell, Gaming Horizon, Tiscali Games, and Worthplaying.

4-23-3

Enter the Matrix Goes Gold is the press release announcing the game tie-in with the sci-fi Matrix trilogy is now complete for all platforms, and is expected to appear at retail on May15, simultaneous with the debut of The Matrix Reloaded.

A new version 1.15 of the Xtreme Arena modification for Quake III Arena is now available. "Some of the stand out features include complete lag compensation, spawn protection, weapon disabling, alternate fire modes, and the ability for server admins to rotate maps in tourney mode. For a full list of XA features, go to our 'About XA' page."

Exclusive Deus Ex Game On PS2 on PS2.IGN.Com.

The Qtracker Homepage now offers a new version 3.5 of the Qtracker utility that provides server browsing functionality, plus a whole lot more. The new version: Adds support for: Ghost Recon, No One Lives Forever 2, Serious Sam: The Second Encounter, as well as server-side filtering, and more.

4-22-3

Activision sends a note with a bit on the status of Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, the Wolf follow-up that's no longer slated as a commercial product, but is still planned as a free multiplayer release as a stand-alone game (the original Return to Castle Wolfenstein will not be required).

The Battlefield 1942 Website has details on what's to be included in the upcoming version 1.4 patch for DICE's World War II shooter. The update includes word that client-side mods are to be disabled in the future as part of their effort at eradicating cheating and exploits

CDV announces a release date for Blitzkrieg, the upcoming World War II RTS game, saying "its 3D perspective, World War II-based, real time strategy game Blitzkrieg, will be published on May 16. Blitzkrieg will test the gamer's strategic expertise to the limit. It requires finesse, precision, a command of military tactics and sound man-management techniques. Your troops, if commanded skilfully, will gain experience and fight more effectively." There is also a Blitzkrieg Q&A on Fragland.net talking with Martin Deppe of Nival Interactive.

4-21-3

Matrix Times Six? on PC.IGN.Com has details on packaging for the upcoming Matrix tie-in, reporting that the PC version will come on six CDs, saying: "Infogrames reps didn't bust out the specifics, but we do know the PC version will be somewhat pricier than its console counterparts."

A new patch is now available for the PC version of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, bringing the US edition of the game up to version 1.2, and up to date with the recently released European patch. The file is available from 3D Gamers, Gamer's Hell, Gaming Horizon, Happy Puppy (registration required), and Worthplaying.

In conjunction with their recent condoned but unofficial patch, the MythDevelopers Website now offers downloads of a version 1.1 Myth III: The Wolf Age demo. Word is: "The demo features multiplayer capability with other demo release players using PlayMyth.net (no account required), and solo play of two levels from the Myth III solo campaign. If you're on the fence whether or not to buy Myth III and get the updated patch to play, then we strongly recommend that you download the demo."

4-20-3

The new version 3.0 of Reaction Quake 3 is now available, updating this Q3A modification that follows in the footsteps of Action Quake 2. They have a large list of sites mirroring the downloads, as well as temporary work-arounds for those using GameSpy and All-Seeing Eye to connect to servers.

Remember the Titans! Age of Mythology Expansion Pack Available This Fall is the press release announcing plans for Remember the Titans, an expansion pack for Ensemble Studios' Age of Mythology.

This UT2003 CTF Tourney is now accepting sign-ups. Registration is free, but the competition is offering $500 in cash prizes, with $200 slated to go to the winners.

The Indiana Jones and The Emperor's Tomb Website has links to the Gigex Downloads Page hosting the PC demo for Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb, the cross-platform game based on the exploits of the daring fictional archeologist. There aren't many details about the 224 MB demo other than it includes three levels. A mirror of the demo can be found on 3D Gamers, FileShack (registration required), Gamer's Hell, and Worthplaying.

4-19-3

HomeLan Fed's Atlantis Mod Q&A chats with Florent "JackOneill" Guillaume to learn more about the Atlantis modification for Unreal Tournament 2003, an updated version of their UT mod.

Xbox: Cheap as Chips on Computer and Video Games is a Q&A on today's planned price cuts for the Xbox console system in Europe, inspired, if you buy the spin, by how well it is selling: "We have to pinch ourselves sometimes, but Xbox is still the fastest growing debut console ever. Against the long-established competition and the great companies out there, with the heritage they've got, we're really happy with the market share we've got in Europe; and we want to continue that trend." Also, there are some new Soldier of Fortune II Xbox screenshots on ToTheGame.

A new version 1.1 patch is now available for Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield, addressing a number of issues, including CD key authentication problems. All language versions are available from 3D Gamers and FilePlanet (registration required), the USA, UK, and German versions are on Gamer's Hell, and the US and UK patches are available from Worthplaying.

4-17-3

ServerSpy.Net, the online game-browser dealie, has announced that they've added support for Unreal Tournament 2003, and now both Quake III Arena and UT2003 players can be found online via their power search function.

A new version 5.10.00 of the HyperSnap-DX screen capture utility is now available.

HomeLan Fed's Warcraft Pen-And-Paper RPG Q&A talks with Andrew Bates and E. Deirdre Brooks of Sword and Sorcery Studios about their work on a pen-and-paper version of Warcraft.

4-11-3

This SimCity 4 Update on SimCity.com has five different versions of a second update patch for Sim City 4 for the various regional version of Maxis' city management game. The patch offers several performance improvements as well as bug fixes, along with all the content from the first patch. The new version can also be applied automatically via the SimCity 4 Update Wizard.

The Arxel Tribe News Page has word that Mistmare, Sinister Systems' RPG, has gone gold following an extended period of beta testing. Their general release schedule is as follows: UK/Benelux (UK version): April 18-25, France/Italy/Germany: May 20-30, USA/Canada: May-June, and Asia/rest of Europe: May.

4-9-3

The Age of Mythology Website is offering downloads of a free scenario called Golden Gift for Age of Mythology, Ensemble Studios' latest RTS game. The campaign, which requires AoM to be updated through the latest version, "follows the adventures of Brokk and Eitri, two dwarven brothers featured in the original Age of Mythology Fall of the Trident campaign. This four-scenario campaign follows the brothers' first encounter with the god Loki and features all-new voice acting by the original actors." The update is also available from Ensemble Studios Online.

A new version 0.2 of the International Crime Syndicate Mod for SoF2 is now available. The update adds medal awards, and tweaks several other aspects of gameplay in this Soldier of Fortune II mod centered around criminal activities. A full list of what's new can be found here.

4-7-3

HomeLan Fed has a story up based on tidbits about Doom III found in the latest print issue of Wired Magazine. According to what they've read, there is a solo mission pack planned in addition to the multiplayer add-on that's previously been mentioned, and that Microsoft is offering vault loads off money to make the eagerly anticipated upcoming shooter remake an Xbox exclusive port (something that has not been committed to). The Xbox may turn out to be the only console version, but here's betting that Xbox Xclusivity doesn't turn out to be the case, as John Carmack has demonstrated very strong feelings about cross-platform computing, and, of course, id Software already has vault loads of money.

The Unreal Technology Website now offers a .dll update to protect servers running the demo version of Unreal Tournament 2003 from denial of service attacks, as this had not been previously updated to protect against the vulnerability that was identified earlier this year.

4-5-3

There are screenshots from the upcoming Return to Castle Wolfenstein games for the PS2 (Tides of War) and Xbox (Operation Resurrection) on GameZone CZ.

4-3-3

HomeLan Fed reports receiving a press release announcing that Postal 2 is gold, which coincides with the recent news that Running with Scissors' Unreal-engine sequel is expected in European stores on April 14.

4-1-3

A new version 0.50 of UnrealWiki UnCodeX is now available, representing a "milestone" build of this UT2003 source code documentation utility. Word is: "UnCodeX can create a class tree from the UScript source and generate HTML documentation from it. But it can do much more than that."

3-8-3

A new version of Kung Fu for Max Payne is now available, updating this modification that brings martial arts to Remedy's third-person shooter. They have also posted the obscure video codec required to view the intro AVI

A new World of Warcraft gameplay trailer is now available showing off gameplay from Blizzard's upcoming Warcraft MMORPG. The DivX-format trailer is about 23 MB and available on the World of Warcraft Movies Page and is mirrored for Windows on 3D Gamers, AusGamers, FilePlanet (registration required), Gamer's Hell, and Worthplaying and for Macintosh on AusGamers and FilePlanet (registration required).

The first round of beta testers for Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne have been informed by Blizzard Entertainment that they have been selected.

3-7-3

The Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield Website offers details on the Raven Shield single-player demo, expected sometime this week. The update outlines the 16 weapons to be included with "The Refinery" mission, the gadgets that will be at the players disposal, and the four difficulty levels.