In an attempt to boost sales and lure more video-game players online, Sony Corp. plans on giving buyers of its PlayStation 2 system a free modem device that previously cost $40.

Sony will now sell its PlayStation 2 standard with its Network Adapter, which allows video-game players to hook up via the Internet to compete with each other. The company didn't specify an exact start date for the promotion, but said it would happen over the summer.

Industry watchers had been uncertain whether Sony would offer any promotion, since PlayStation 2 sales have eclipsed competitors in the game-console arena, Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox

The first game to reintroduce the Might & Magic universe to the public will be Heroes of Might and Magic V. Gamers will delve into a more mature, consistent fantasy universe that will appeal to fans of all fantasy genres. One of the most successful turn-based strategy franchises, the Heroes of Might and Magic series, with its distinctive touch of RPG, is a benchmark in the Heroic Fantasy genre, with considerable commercial and critical acclaim. The new game will benefit from the features and characteristics that established the success of the initial saga while offering a wealth of innovations such

JoWooD's Stargate SG-1: The Alliance is the spectacular interactive game experience that puts players in the action-packed universe of the Stargate SG-1 TV series. The title is scheduled for release in late 2005 for all major platforms.

Samus Aran's entry into the bumper-and-flipper world is a sleek, sci-fi classic gaming adventure that has her careening into gigantic boss monsters and bouncing through a variety of exciting pinball tables. Play tables across two screens at the same time using the touch screen to nudge the pinball table. Battle deadly enemies and experience a number of special modes such as Clone Machine Multiball and the Wall-Jump Challenge while you blast and bomb your high score into a state of pure pinball pandemonium.

Microsoft Corp. is introducing a series of enhancements for its Xbox videogame system, including music software and online-gaming options that underscore the software giant's plans to use videogames to move more broadly into digital entertainment, Tuesday's Wall Street Journal reported.

Presenting to members of the videogame industry assembled for a convention here this week, Microsoft described software that can let consumers record, mix and organize digital music on the Xbox. The company also announced enhancements to its online-gaming service, called Xbox live, that lets players set up online games and check scores from their personal computers and cell phones as well

Aquanox 2 (PC)

Chaser (PC)

Cold Zero (PC)

Flying off the top rope and into the hands of every wrestling fan, Acclaim Sports, a division of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. today announced its return to the squared circle with the spring 2004 release of Legends of Wrestling(TM) III for the next-generation systems. Currently under development with Acclaim Studios Austin, the latest installment in the series is being rebuilt from the ground up with enhanced graphics, new features, new matches, more than 70 Legends and an all-new intuitive player control scheme.

"The original concept behind the Legends of Wrestling(TM) brand continues to appeal to wrestling fans and gamers alike,

When an evil darkness enshrouds the land of Hyrule, a young farm boy named Link must awaken the hero...and the animal...within.

• When Link travels to into the darkened land of Hyrule, he transforms into a wolf and must scour the land with the help of a mysterious being named Midna.
• Ride into battle against troops of foul creatures with an incredible horseback combat system, then take on massive bosses that must

Serving up a dose of sun, fun and sand right into gamers' living rooms, Acclaim Sports, a division of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKLM - News), today unveiled Summer Heat Beach Volleyball(TM) for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The only beach volleyball game available for the PlayStation®2, Summer Heat Beach Volleyball takes players on a journey to the world's hottest summer spots to face off in fast-paced 2-on-2 arcade action.

"We're very excited to offer PlayStation®2 owners their own exclusive beach volleyball game," said David Knies, Director of Acclaim Sports. "With addictive gameplay and easy-to-use controls, Summer Heat Beach

Q: How long will it take to finish the first Stargate SG-1 Game? What's the current status?

JWD : The game will be reased late 2005 and has been in development for some time now at Perception.

Q: What will be the name/title of the game?

JWD : "Stargate SG1 - The Alliance" is the official title of the game

Q: What kind of game will it be? We know it will be a FPS, but are you going to include some aspects from other genres?

JWD : Yes and no - it will be an action based game playable in first or third person.