Word on the street is that stores (including online ones) will begin taking GameCube pre-orders this Sunday, so keep an eye out if you want to guarantee yourself one on November 18th.

• Getting back to real news, seven gorgeous new shots from Soul Calibur 2 are up at FGN Online.
• GameSpot has posted a hands-on preview of Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, complete with a separate video preview of the game.
• Also at GameSpot is an update on the North American version of Final Fantasy X, complete with new screenshots.
• Factor 5 announced yesterday that Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II will feature support for Dolby Pro Logic II. Impressions of the new sound system are up at Cube.IGN, along with an interview with the developers. SSX Tricky's real-time DTS audio is far cooler than this IMHO.
• Proving that they really are one of the coolest companies around, Working Designs has unveiled the complete collection of stuff that will be included with their Arc the Lad collection, which actually manages to cram more stuff in that box than even their recent Lunar 2 set.
• Team Xbox is reporting that they believe the DVD support in the Xbox will not support progressive scan for high res movie playback. For the record, the Xbox hardware is already progressive scan capable, so there's really no reason why Microsoft would leave it out, except because of a lack of time to get it ready in time for the launch. If it doesn't actually ship with the console, it'll almost certainly be a software upgrade later.
• Far more interesting than the above story at Team Xbox however, is this one, which features some new animated GIFs and screenshots from Dead or Alive 3.
• Finally tonight, Sony has announced that they are dropping the price of the PS2 in Europe to 199 pounds. Sony of America has already said they will not be doing the same thing over here, but before you get all upset realize that 199 pounds is actually around $290, which is what the PS2 is basically going for in North America already.

Console game of the evening: Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete for the Playstation. This is Working Designs at their very best, delivering an updated version of a classic game that improves on the original in every way conceivable.

Still nothing from SquareSoft on their possible Xbox support...the suspense is killing me.

• A couple of major new titles have been announced for the WonderSwan Color, the portable system which will almost certainly never be released in the US (which frankly, is a shame). Sega has announced that they are porting the original Golden Axe to the system, while Sony, in a surprise move has announced their plans to release Devil Dice.
• Good news for skater fans: Activision has announced that Tony Hawk 3 will be released for the GameCube this year. It features a brand new engine for the GameCube, but the online modes from the PS2 version will be dropped. More info can be found at Cube.IGN, where they have both a preview and interview online.
• PS2.IGN has two glowing reviews online tonight, for both Silent Hill 2 and ICO. Another glowing review of ICO is up at The GIA, where they have given the game their highest possible rating (something that's very rare indeed).
• Here's something that won't come as any surprise: Sony has pushed back the North American release of the PS2 hard drive into next year (hopefully this extra time will let them come to their senses and drop about 20 GB off that damn thing). The network adapter and modem will still be released in November, just in time for Tony Hawk 3.
• Okay, now this totally rules: someone's made a handheld PSOne.
• Nintendo has signed a deal to develop motion-sensing and wireless technologies. Sounds good as long as it's not as bad as that Genesis add-on or the Power Pad.

Console game of the evening: Thrill Kill for the Playstation. This game was never officially released, but a few legitimate copies managed to leak out, and some disgruntled employees released a final beta shortly after it was canceled. It's not what I would call a good game, but it is so over the top that it's absolutely worth a look.

Any Silent Hill fans out there? After reading this review of the game, I'm thinking of picking up Silent Hill 2. This game has nothing to do with the first one, but I never actually played that game, so I'm considering getting that one instead (besides, it's about $30 cheaper). Any thoughts?

• Those rumors about SquareSoft's Xbox announcement keep getting louder. It seems very likely at this point that Square will indeed announce at least one Xbox title in the near future.
• More rumor mongering: Sony's still keeping quiet, but talk about a Playstation 2 price drop keeps popping up all over the place.
• One thing Sony is actually talking about are the bands that will be on the soundtrack for their upcoming title Frequency.
• GameSpot has posted new details on Soul Calibur 2. Unfortunately they say the game is only 30% complete, so it'll be a while before we get our hands on it.
• Also on GameSpot is a GameCube Dossier, which has info galore about Nintendo's new system (but alas, no info on when we'll actually be able to pre-order one).
• If you're looking to find out as much as possible about the Xbox, The Official Xbox Magazine will be available on newsstands across the country tomorrow.

Console game of the evening: Advance Wars for Game Boy Advance. Yes, I know a turn-based strategy game for a handheld is supposed to suck, but this game doesn't. It defies all logic and is actually a great gaming experience. If you own a GBA, you simply must own this game and Mario Kart Super Circuit.

The battle of the consoles keeps getting crazier, doesn't it?

• This story at the LA Times site (which is actually about the Xbox launch difficulties) features a quote from Nintendo of America's Peter Main, who says they are "locked and loaded" to deliver over 600,000 GameCube consoles during its American launch (thanks Blue's News).
• Okay, so the Xbox has been delayed a week...here are some new shots from Dead or Alive 3 to make that time go by faster.
• Apparently an unlicensed company in Asia is producing a cable to connect the Game Boy Advance to a television. There are no pictures to verify that it actually works, but they're saying you'll need to physically open the system up to connect the cable.
• You'll need to be a (free) registered member of IGN to read them, but Cube.IGN has posted import reviews of Lugi's Mansion, Wave Race: Blue Storm and Super Monkey Ball, the three Japanese GameCube launch titles. It sounds like Luigi is the dud of the three.
• PS2.IGN has posted what they call "the most revealing premiere movie of Grand Theft Auto III gameplay you've ever seen." Whatever that means. They've also confirmed the actors who will be lending their voices to the game, and there are a couple of surprises here (Kyle MacLachlan?).
• According to GameSpot, Namco and Sega have extended their arcade partnership to include shared technology, broadband networking and intellectual property (Virtua Fighter vs. Soul Calibur anyone?).
• Xbox.IGN has posted previews of three upcoming Xbox titles: Project Gotham, Amped and NFL Fever.
• GameSpot's big Tony Hawk 3 preview comes to a close with a look at two of the game's online modes. They also looked at two other ones in yesterday's installment.

Console game of the evening: Mike Tyson's Punch Out! for the NES. Simple though it may have been, this game deserves credit for having great graphics in its day, as well as different fighting styles for each opponent (relatively speaking, anyway).

Woo hoo! Online PS2 details! (See below)

• Here we go...GameSpot has posted a preview of Tony Hawk 3 that specifically focuses on its online multiplayer. It features lots of details, including word that it supports the PS2 network and modem adapters, as well as any standard USB network interface or modem. And there's also with a Q&A with one of the developers and new screenshots.
• The Collective, the talented developers behind Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Fallen and the upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer title have announced The Wrath, an upcoming Xbox title that features strategic gameplay combined with one-on-one combat (which sounds not at all unlike the classic game Archon).
• More game delays: according to FGN Online, Take Two has delayed Max Payne for the PS2 and will be removing references to New York City and Afghanistan from Grand Theft Auto 3 and Smuggler's Run 2. Also, PSX.IGN is reporting that Sony has delayed their PSOne title Syphon Filter 3.
• Some bad news for people expecting the GameCube versions of Resident Evil 2, 3 and Code Veronica to be as dramatic as the remake of the original game...GameSpot is reporting that those will just be ports, not complete revamps. Also mentioned in their news update is that Resident Evil 0 (the first completely original title for the system) will be released less than a year after the first remake.
• A new preview of Tekken Advance is up at Pocket.IGN. The game's 2D with a zooming camera (yuck...I thought we finally got rid of those), but it looks pretty impressive nonetheless.
• Here are some new shots of the inside of the GameCube...things look pretty cramped in there.
• Concluding their three-part look at the game, GameSpot has posted a video preview of Agent Under Fire.
• Reports are flying around the web that Nintendo is working on a backlit (or technically front-lit, since the lights would be on the side) version of the Game Boy Advance, which could be available as soon as December in Japan. I wouldn't be surprised at all if this happened - a backlit version of the original Game Boy was released in Japan a few years back (and that didn't have nearly as many complaints about the screen).

Console game of the evening: Enemy Zero for the Sega Saturn. This game from those crazy cats at WARP is mostly full of FMV and puzzle-oriented gameplay, but it also features a great FPS mode where you have to kill invisible enemies relying entirely on sound cues. It's great fun, and it's a shame WARP's Real Sound never made it to the US - that game has no graphics or text at all!

Following up on my comment last night...I've been told the new issue of Next-Generation has details on Sony's network, so I'm certainly looking forward to that arriving in my mailbox.

• Everyone can let that sigh of relief out, as Konami will not be delaying Metal Gear Solid 2. References to the World Trade Center will be eliminated, but the game is still on track for release in November. On top of that they've also moved up the Japanese release by two weeks.
• Video Senki has posted a great translated interview with Nintendo's Satoru Iwata, who talks about the technical aspects of Nintendo's GameCube system, complete with the origin of Dolphin, the GC's codename during its development.
• Some new screenshots from Half-Life for the Playstation 2 are up at Eurogamer, along with the news that it will be available in Europe in November. Unless something goes horribly wrong, it should be available here in the US late next month.
• Just when you thought this game couldn't get any weirder, it has been revealed that Kingdom Hearts, the RPG from SquareSoft that features Disney characters, will also incorporate some characters from Final Fantasy VIII and X.
• Ready for some more GameCube media? Check out lots of new movies, impressions and screenshots at CoreMagazine, Cube.IGN and Planet GameCube.
• GameSpot has posted a bunch of new shots from Deus Ex for the PS2.
• They had a Q&A yesterday, but tonight GameSpot has posted a full preview of EA's Agent Under Fire for the Playstation 2.
• The original Resident Evil game for the Game Boy Color was canceled (for good reason - I played it at E3, and it was pretty lame) but developer M4 is trying again with Resident Evil Gaiden. The shots posted at IGN are decent, but you have to wonder why they're bothering with a GBC title at this point.
• The Xbox launch is getting closer, and so GameSpot caught up with Microsoft's Ed Fries to talk about how things are shaping up in Redmond.

Console game of the evening: Doom for the Atari Jaguar, which is one of only a few console ports done in-house by id Software. It has a pair of levels that weren't in the PC titles, but it's really only good for novelty purposes, especially since it supports the Jaglink cable for networked Jaguar systems.

Is it just me, or has Sony been a bit too quiet about their network plans? Considering it's supposed to go live within the next two months, you'd think the hype machine would be in full swing by now.

• The sales figures on the Japanese GameCube launch are in, and they're strong, but nowhere near the phenomenal sales of the Game Boy Advance earlier this year, or last year's Playstation 2 launch.
• Bad news for Xenogears fans: Xenosaga has been delayed until next year. I'm not surprised...I'll happily wait as long as necessary to get this thing done right.
• More GameCube news: according to the new issue of Next-Generation (by way of Planet GameCube), Namco will be bringing Klonoa 2, Smashing Drive and Dead to Rights to the system along with the previously announced titles Soul Calibur 2 and Ridge Racer Next (working title).
• Got some salt ready? Well, be prepared to take a few grains...rumors are circulating that SquareSoft is about to announce major support for the GameCube. Nobody would be happier than me if this were true, but it sounds to me like wishful thinking. If anything, a port of Final Fantasy XI is likely, but don't hold out for more than that.
• GameSpot has posted an Agent Under Fire Q&A, talking about this upcoming PS2 game that combined The World is Not Enough and James Bond Racing into a single title.
• Also at GameSpot is a great Phantasy Star retrospective, that aside from providing a comprehensive look at the series, mentions titles that even I haven't heard of.
• Check out these awesome shots from Worms World Party for the Game Boy Advance. Pretty cool stuff if you're a fan of the series.

Console game of the evening: Mario Kart Super Circuit for the Game Boy Advance. I can't stop playing this! I've only played a little of the Castle Wolfenstein test because I just can't seem to pry this thing out of my hands.

So the GameCube is out in Japan, and lines weren't around the block. This is due to a few reasons, not the least of which was the fact that some retailers started selling it early, making waiting in line seem a little pointless. If demand does turn out to be less than spectacular, it's Nintendo's own fault for staying too quiet for too long.

• The big news on the GameCube front is the launch, and you can find coverage of it at Cube.IGN, GameSpot, Core Magazine and Planet GameCube, complete with shots, movies and hands-on impressions.
• The big Biohazard (Resident Evil in the US) announcement from the other night turned out to be a big one indeed: Capcom announced that the entire franchise will be a GameCube exclusive. Exclusive remakes of the four original titles, as well as the new games Biohazard 0 and Biohazard 4. If you're a fan of the series, be sure to check out the impressive footage of the Biohazard remake at IGN.
• Getting back to the other big upcoming console, there are some new shots from Dead or Alive 3 up at GameSpot.
• PS2.IGN is milking their build of Half-Life for the Playstation 2 to its limit, with tons of new movies and screenshots (although someone needs to tell them that the logo on the page is actually from Counter-Strike, not Half-Life).
• A good article on the GameCube/Game Boy Advance connectivity is online at Pocket.IGN, with info on how some games will be utilizing it (including Sonic Adventure 2).
• Microsoft showed up at GameSpot's offices with near-final versions of Halo and Munch's Oddysee, and so they have posted previews of each. The Halo preview is pretty cool, especially since they say the game has improved dramatically since its lackluster E3 showing. Previews of Halo and Munch are also up at Xbox.IGN.
• The release of Giants: Citizen Kabuto for the PS2 is only weeks away, and so there are some new screenshots from the game up at GameSpot.

Console game of the evening: Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64. Jack assured me that this was a great game back at E3, and I'm glad he did - I loved this thing. It looks a bit cutesy, but it's actually an excellently made console RPG with a great combat system.

I am still a little exhausted by my crazy day in Manhattan yesterday, but there are a lot of people in far worse shape than I am, so I'm in no position to complain.

• Kicking things off this evening, PS2.IGN has posted a preview of Half-Life for the Playstation 2, featuring impressions, shots and gameplay movies.
• Also at PS2.IGN are four movies and two MP3s from Xenosaga, the anti-prequel to SquareSoft's Xenogears.
• According to Cube.IGN, all three of the Japanese GameCube launch titles have received gaming publication Famitsu's "gold" rating.
• More GameCube stuff at IGN: the completely insane Super Monkey Ball commercial, and the news that a remake of the original Resident Evil is headed for Nintendo's system.
• Today is "debug day" at Xbox.IGN, and so they have shots and information from their Xbox debug unit, including images from the startup screens, information about the MP3 playlist setup and more.
• GameSpy has a preview of Obi-Wan online, looking at this Xbox exclusive from LucasArts.
• GameSpot has conducted an interview with Gearbox Software's Randy Pitchford, talking about the PS2 port of Half-Life.
• Also new at GameSpot are some new shots from Unreal Championship.
• Apparently we can expect a new Resident Evil announcement within the next 24 hours.

Console game of the evening: NiGHTS Into Dreams for the Sega Saturn. This is one of those games I fire up when I need to just sit and relax.

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.

Console game of the evening: Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle for the ColecoVision. It doesn't hold up too well gameplay-wise, but at the time it was a visual marvel. And of course, there's the infamous "nude" Smurfette in there as well.

The new issue of Next-Generation has a preview of Dead or Alive 3 that's so complimentary, it may just convince me not to cancel that Xbox I've pre-ordered...the preview makes it sound like DoA3 is (unlike its predecessors) a serious fighting game, and not just a hardware demo or Virtua Fighter clone.

• Shenmue II is out in Japan, and so there are hands-on previews up at GameSpot and Dreamcast.IGN. Both previews confirm that you can use your data from the first game in the sequel (I'm so glad I saved mine).
• Peter Molyneux has certainly been in the news a lot today...GameSpot has posted details on Black & White Next-Generation, the planned Xbox and PS2 version of Black & White.
• Here's an interesting rumor...PS2.IGN is reporting that Interplay is currently considering making a third person action-based Fallout title for the Playstation 2.
• New media showing off the damage models in the Xbox racing title Project Gotham can be found at Xbox.IGN.
• This will probably be disappointing news for you die-hard Soul Calibur fans...according to CoreMagazine, Soul Calibur 2 is only 30% complete. Also at Core are some shots of the Tekken 4 arcade kit, which runs on a modified PS2.
• Details on the cross-platform compatibility between the Dreamcast and GameCube versions of Phantasy Star Online Version 2 are up at N-Sider.
• Thinking of pre-ordering a GameCube at Toys "R" Us? Be prepared to buy one of those bundles if you do.
• And for those pre-ordering an Xbox, a great pre-order guide is up at Xbox.IGN, with info on all the major chains and online stores you can get one from.

Console game of the evening: Aladdin for the Sega Genesis. A great, pre-Earthworm Jim sidescroller from Shiny.

The big 2001 console war is really starting to heat up here...

• Microsoft must have been thrilled to read this story, which says that Toys R' Us (via Amazon.com) sold out of their Xbox pre-orders in 30 minutes.
• An updated preview of Run Like Hell, the sci-fi horror Playstation 2 title from Digital Mayhem is up at PS2.IGN.
• Looks like Medal of Honor is going to be released for the Game Boy Advance. That ought to be interesting (my money says it'll be isometric).
• Hey Tony Hawk fans...here are new previews of the Playstation 2 and PSOne versions of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.
• Mortal Kombat 5 is now confirmed to be in development for the Xbox. I was a huge fan of the first three MK titles, so I'm actually looking forward to this one, despite the fact that the franchise was pretty much run into the ground.
• GameSpot has posted some new shots from the PS2 port of Rogue Spear.
• There's a Q&A with Nintendo's Satoshi Iwata up at CoreMagazine, which talks about the recent Spaceworld show, and specifically about the unveiling of the new Zelda.
• Fighters.net has some new info on Soul Calibur 2 online, copied from the latest issue of EGM. There's some good stuff here, including a complete characters list and word that the American version of the game may have English voiceovers.
• Just when you thought Sony's Internet strategy was too vague comes this quote at Planet GameCube from Ken Kutaragi, who says what we consider "broadband" isn't broadband at all. Also at PGC is this report from the new issue of Next-Generation that says Sony's making any PS2 network titles run off of their servers. Somehow I don't think Square's going to agree to this with Final Fantasy XI.

Console game of the evening: Kessen for the Playstation 2. This game got mixed reviews, but it's actually one of my favorite PS2 titles to date. The English dubbing is abysmal, but the gameplay's a lot of fun.

Surprisingly, there wasn't too much console news from this year's ECTS...while there was some, Blizzard hogged the spotlight for the most part.

• The biggest surprise of the show was Nintendo's Pokemon Mini, a supersmall cartridge-based system that features built-in force feedback. Of course, it has extremely small cartridges and a low quality screen, so don't expect Final Fantasy from this thing.
• GameSpot is reporting that with only a few months to go, there have been some major plot changes in Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee. That's not too surprising, considering how many dramatic changes this game has gone through since it was first announced.
• Cube.IGN has posted information on the upcoming Die Hard GameCube title.
• Remember when we said Sega's Headhunter wouldn't be released? Well here's a new twist: according to GameSpot, Sony will be publishing the game for the Playstation 2 in Europe. Speaking of which, GameSpot has some new media from the Dreamcast version of the game.
• Here's a roundup of new media from ECTS:Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Xbox), Agent Under Fire (PS2), Maximo: Ghosts to Glory (PS2), D.N.A. - Dark Native Apostle (PS2), Luigi's Mansion (GameCube), Wave Race:Blue Storm (GameCube), Star Fox Adventures (GameCube) and Super Smash Bros. Melee (GameCube).
• GameSpot UK has a hands-on preview of Unreal Championship online. Be sure to set your hyperbole filters to maximum, as this preview actually uses the phrase, "very special" to describe some of the levels. Of course, you can also just check out the new media at Xbox.IGN and decide for yourself.
• If you want to get an Xbox at launch, you can now pre-order one at EBGames. And unlike some other places, you won't be forced to buy the completely superfluous memory card or the DVD add-on kit.
• Sorry European console fans: despite the fact that ECTS was over the weekend, and Nintendo's show along with it, there still isn't a European GameCube release date.
• Thinking of importing Final Fantasy X? Here's the unofficial translation of the game.
• Hey look! Nintendo's finally promoting the GameCube!
• Those that helped out (or those just curious about these things) will be pleased to know that The GIA hit their target for donations. This means their staff will be forced to pen such humiliating pieces as an article on Quest 64 (yuck!), and a retrospective of the reprehensible King's Field series.

Console game of the evening: Ys Book I & II for the Turbo Grafx 16 CD/Turbo Duo. It's a real crime this game was never given the widespread release it deserved. Ys Eternal was released in Asia for the PC, but it has never been released in English.

Not just any post, it's Super LNC II EX + Alpha Championship Edition!

• Starting things off with the GameCube, Cube.IGN has some direct-feed movies from Sonic Adventure 2 and Phantasy Star Online Version 2.
• GameSpot has posted a trailer featuring gameplay footage from Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, that shows off a swamp area.
• Two stories at PSX Nation (story one, story two) report that both SSX Tricky and NHL 2002 for the Playstation 2 will feature real-time DTS 5.1 audio - assuming you have a surround sound setup that supports it (thanks Stormrider for the original tip).
• As there was no LNC last night we didn't report that Sega's Metal Gear-style Dreamcast game Headhunter had been canceled. It turns out that wasn't such a bad thing, as Dreamcast.IGN has since posted a retraction of sorts, saying that the game will be available (in English) in Europe, and they haven't entirely ruled out a US release yet.
• Three new shots from the upcoming Game Boy Advance Doom port are up at Pocket.IGN...and surprise! They just look like Doom, only smaller.
• Here's some good news for Xbox fans...according to Xbox.IGN, Microsoft has finally started development of their online gaming strategy. With any luck, Sega will be all over this thing.
• A strange development...this GameSpot story reports that Sierra has bought the rights to publish Argonaut's next generation console title Kleaners, which will now be released under their SWAT banner.
• The official New Legends site has gone live. The third person action game (which is from Jedi Knight designer Justin Chin's Infinite Machine) uses the Unreal engine and was originally planned for the PC before becoming an Xbox exclusive.

Console game of the evening: Herzog Zwei for the Sega Genesis. I must admit, despite being Sega's most successful system ever, the Genesis is my least favorite...nonetheless, Herzog Zwei is one of the best games available for the system, with a wicked two player mode.

As I'll be out tomorrow night there probably won't be an LNC post, so tonight's will have to tide you over until Friday, when I'll be posting a double-sized LNC spectacular.

• Looks like yet another of Namco's "exclusive" Xbox titles isn't quite as exclusive as Microsoft would have you believe...according to PS2.IGN, Dead to Rights will still be released for the Playstation 2. Apparently the Xbox exclusivity is limited to three months.
• This Dreamcast.IGN story reports that the US version of Shenmue 2 will have Japanese voices with English subtitles. I know this is just because they don't want to pay for a redubbing...but woo hoo! The voices were just awful in the English version of the original.
• Here's an interesting news blurb at Pocket.IGN about the GamePark 32, a Korean handheld system that's been in the works for a long time, and probably won't ever see the light of day over here.
• Speaking of handheld gaming, Pocket.IGN has reviewed Mario Kart Super Circuit, easily one of the most anticipated titles for the Game Boy Advance, ever since the system was first unveiled.
• Here you go, the complete Japanese Xbox demo reel, available as an enormous (100 MB) MPEG file. Thanks Team Xbox, who have a considerably smaller ASF version up at their site.
• Here's an interesting fact: according to a Sony study, 93 percent of PS2 owners have used their console to watch a DVD movie.
• Finally, it's a bit off-topic, but one of my favorite console sites (which has been mentioned here plenty of times) needs some help, so if you can, swing by The GIA and lend a hand.

Console game of the evening: Super Mario World for the Super NES. One of the best launch titles ever (topped only by Mario 64 and Soul Calibur) which will soon be re-released for the Game Boy Advance.

Featuring the return of the multiplatform post!

• Playstation 2 fans that were considering picking up one of the new consoles this season have two reasons to hold off on those expensive purchases: Soul Calibur 2 and the new Ridge Racer title will be released for the PS2 as well as the GameCube and Xbox.
• The GameCube's Japanese release is mere weeks away, and so GameSpot has posted an updated list of release dates. Note that if you import a GameCube, you'll have to get it modchiped (once one becomes available) to play local games (and vice versa).
• GameSpot has also posted a pretty in-depth preview of Luigi's Mansion, one of the three launch titles from Nintendo.
• Also at GameSpot tonight are new screenshots from Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee, an Xbox launch title that was initially going to use the Unreal engine, and then was planned as a Playstation 2 launch title before winding up where it is now.
• PS2.IGN has some new information on the extra characters in Tekken 4 online.
• Cube.IGN played Sega's Super Monkey Ball, and have dubbed the game "the best thing ever." Hopefully this is a gross exaggeration, since I've only recently discovered the joy of sliced bread, and anything else would just be overload.
• Over at PS2.IGN they have a preview of Grand Theft Auto III, which looks so much different from the first two titles, it almost seems a shame it shares their name.
• GameSpot has a review of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 for the N64 online. Why should you care? Because it's one of, if not the last major N64 game. The system's had a good lifespan, despite a few hitches (*cough* 64DD).
• Finally, here's an unexpected sight: a giant "X" constructed out of Xbox boxes outside Nintendo's Seattle office (which is of course, just a stone's throw away from Microsoft).

Console game of the evening: Xenogears for the PSOne. One of my all-time favorite console RPGs, this game was almost not released by SquareSoft in the US because they feared its religious undertones might be offensive to American gamers.

Now in a new, more convenient bulletted format with blast processing!

• After a few days of mostly GameCube news, it's time for the Xbox to catch up...Microsoft's Xbox Conference 2001 is underway, and according to this story at GameSpot, some major Japanese companies have announced new games for the Xbox, including Namco, Atlus and From Software.
• Here it is, the new trailer from Dead or Alive 3 and here are some new screenshots. Download and be merry.
• Sega's showing off Jet Set Radio Future, Sega GT 2002 and Gunvalkyrie at the show, and so new footage from both of these games can be found at GameSpot. Alas, there's no news about their new Panzer Dragoon title.
• Also at GameSpot is footage from Capcom's Genma Onimusha, and Silent Hill 2 and AirForce Delta Storm from Konami.
• Here's yet another plug for GameSpot, as they've posted footage from 13 other new Xbox titles, including Kingdom Under Fire II, Kabuki Warriors, Gaia Blade and more.
• Xbox.IGN has some miscellaneous details about the Japanese Xbox launch, which as reported here earlier today has been delayed until February of 2002. Also at Xbox.IGN is a list of the games that will be available.
• Getting back to Nintendo for a moment, CoreMagazine has some new information about how the GameBoy Advance will connect to the GameCube, including word that the GameCube will actually support the GBA's "tilt" cartridges.
• Cube.IGN has some new information online about Panasonic's hybrid DVD player/GameCube combo machine.
• French site JeuXpress has posted some movies taken at Nintendo's SpaceWorld expo, including a video of the GameCube's "tilt" support in action. Thanks Planet GameCube for the tip.

Console game of the evening: Burning Rangers for the Sega Saturn. This NiGHTS-engine title was one of the last games released for the Saturn. If you can get past the cheezball soundtrack, you'll find a great game with really original gameplay.

The Nintendo news keeps on flowing as SpaceWorld continues, but there's nothing quite as controversial here as last night's Zelda revelation.

- Core Magazine has posted a Q&A with Yuji Naka of Sonic Team, who says he believes the GameCube will spark a resurgence in Japan's lagging gaming industry.
- More GameCube shots and footage can be found at Cube.IGN, where they have new shots and movies from Star Fox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet and Luigi's Mansion. Some new footage from Eternal Darkness can be found at GameSpot.
- In case you've forgotten that the GameCube isn't the only thing on display at SpaceWorld, Pocket.IGN has posted new impressions and media from Tekken, Sonic the Hedgehog Advance, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and Super Mario Advance 2, all for the Game Boy Advance.
- While we're on the subject of the GBA, check out these two articles at Pocket.IGN: one on Nintendo's plans for GBA/GameCube connectivity, and here's one on that weird GBA Pokemon card reader.
- The GIA is reporting that SquareSoft has announced that they are working on a new Final Fantasy anime series. Designer Yoshikazu Miyao, best known for his work on Macross and Gundam will be working on the show.
- The GameCube might be delayed, but Team Xbox is reporting that the Xbox is still on track for its November 8th release date.
- Japanese gamers aren't quite as lucky. According to this story at GameSpot, Microsoft is set to announce next week that they have bumped the Japanese Xbox launch into 2002.
- There are a bunch of screenshots from Dead or Alive 3 up at GameSpot tonight. These are actually the same as the Japanese ones from last night, but being in North America, the server is significantly faster (well, if you're in America yourself anyway).

Console game of the evening: Soul Calibur for the Sega Dreamcast. Still every bit as much fun today as it was back on 9.9.99. Bring on the sequel!

Sorry for non-Nintendo fans, but the overwhelming majority of news here is all GameCube-related.

- Here's what we've all been waiting for, direct-feed, in-game footage from Soul Calibur 2.
- Even more GameCube footage is up at Cube.IGN, including the first looks at the new Legend of Zelda title and Mario Sunshine, Star Fox Adventures (including a glimpse at the flying mode) and a whole lot more.
- Puzzled by the radical reworking of The Legend of Zelda on display in the above movie? Here's Miyamoto's explanation for it.
- Speaking of excuses, here's the reason why there aren't going to be any online announcements at this year's show. They still don't believe there's any money in it.
- It looks like Street Fighter Alpha 3 for the Game Boy Advance will feature single-cart multiplayer. Cooool
- One last SpaceWorld story for you: CoreMagazine has a Q&A with Shigeru Miyamoto online, where he comments on the GBA's screen, GameCube development and more. Another Q&A can be found at The GIA (which actually is excerpted in a few other places).
- Namco has released a trailer from Xenosaga, which if you're anything like me, is an absolute must-see.
- And finally, new screenshots from the Xbox title Dead or Alive 3 are up at GameSpot Japan (thanks Team Xbox).

Console game of the evening: Todd's Adventures in Slime World for the Atari Lynx. One of my all-time favorite deathmatch games, which unfortunately was doomed to obscurity because of the failure of the Lynx.

With Nintendo's Spaceworld event ramping up, there's a lot more GameCube news than normal. If you're not a Nintendo fan, the new boldface on game titles should help you skip to what interests you. Here we go!

- Let's start this off right, shall we? The big news tonight is that the first three shots from Soul Calibur 2 are online. Note that these are from the arcade version. Nonetheless,let the debate begin.
- Stomped has posted the logo for the Playstation 2 version of Deus Ex, which apparently is being called Deus Ex: The Conspiracy.
- According to this news update at The GIA, ASCII and Vivarium are bringing one of the more crack-addled Dreamcast titles (and sadly enough one of the best-selling titles in Japan) to the Playstation 2: Seaman.
- More fun from Spaceworld: The GIA has compiled a page with new shots from the show (including Luigi's Mansion, Sonic Adventure 2 and Rogue Squadron among many others), and here's a complete list of Game Boy Advance titles that are being displayed.
- Speaking of the GBA, Sega's bringing House of the Dead to the handheld system...as a pinball game. And I thought Typing of the Dead was weird.
- EBGames has conducted an interview with Nintendo's Peter Main, who answers some general questions about the GameCube.
- On a similar note, Core Magazine has a quote from Ashida Kenichiro, who talks briefly about the system's physical design.
- PS2.IGN has posted new movies and screenshots from Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, the PS2 game that has more in common with Diablo than the PC Baldur's Gate titles.
- Still more 'cube news tonight, Planet GameCube is reporting that Rare's Star Fox Adventures has been pushed back until 2002. Here are some new screenshots to keep you busy until then.
- Budget gamers rejoice: Chrono Cross and Legend of Dragoon have joined the "greatest hits" lineup. If you're into console RPGs, you'll probably love one and hate the other. Which one is which is up to you.
- And finally, our sole Xbox story of the evening: Xbox.IGN has an interview with Tomonobu Itagaki online, talking with the Tecmo designer about Dead or Alive 3.

Console game of the evening: Zillion for the Sega Master System. A strange and wonderful little game, and I swear, just typing the name gets that damn soundtrack stuck in my head.