Just nine days to go until the GameCube's Japanese release...anybody planning on importing one? Be warned: it'll have territorial lockout, so you won't be able to play US games without a modchip.

• Xbox.IGN has conducted an interview with Tomonobu Itagaki, the head of Tecmo's Team Ninja. The interview deals largely with Dead or Alive 3, but Tomonobu also briefly talks about Ninja Gaiden, and has some harsh words about Virtua Fighter 4 and Tekken 4. Also, this extra story suggests that the changes that will be in the Japanese version of the game will be available for download for free in the US.
• GameSpot has a hands-on preview of Half-Life for the Playstation 2 online. The preview contains lots of details about Decay, the new exclusive HL episode that lets you control two female characters simultaneously (or with another person cooperatively).
• Also on GameSpot are new shots from Star Wars Starfighter: Special Edition, LucasArts' Xbox launch title which ain't Rogue Leader, but still looks pretty good.
• Here are some cool shots from Super Smash Bros. Melee that show off Nintendo's freaky attention to detail (I love the SuperScope).
• Over at PS2.IGN they have interviewed Sam Houser, the always outspoken president of Rockstar Games. Sam talks about Grand Theft Auto III, and he also plugs this mysterious (and quite bizarre) site.
• Remember Bleem? The Tekken 3 Bleamcast disk is finally complete, and will be shipping to retailers next week. Next up? WWF Smackdown and Metal Gear Solid 2.
• Want to play some GameCube titles before the American release? Nintendo's going to be setting up "Nintendo Cube Clubs" around the country where you can go to check 'em out.
• Joystick101 has posted an interview with Nolan Bushnell, the father of Pong (thanks ClassicGaming.com). It's a good read, as the questions are all reader-submitted.
• Can you believe that remanufactured Neo Geo carts are still coming out? Now that's what I call longevity, despite the system's always obscene price tag.