Majesco was showing off nearly a dozen new titles including the much anticipated BloodRayne for the PC and the their big showstopper, Black 9. But one of their biggest surprises had to be the new GBA Video Pak that will allow GBA owners to turn their handheld game unit into a portable video player.

Advent Rising (Xbox/PC)
In Advent Rising, a common legend pervades the galaxy – that of a powerful, ancient race that will one day unite the universe. Millions of cultures from vastly distant worlds revere and hallow these mythological beings known as humans. One race, the Seekers, know humans actually exist and are threatened by their potential power. Under the guise of benevolent explorers, the Seekers travel throughout the galaxy in a desperate attempt to eradicate any human society they unearth.

Players assume the role of Gideon Wyeth, a remnant of the last human outpost, on the brink of discovering the incredible powers that lay dormant within him. It is these powers the Seekers are so desperate to suppress.

Advent Rising is the first in a trilogy of games for the Xbox and PC. Featuring an unprecedented collaboration between interactive entertainment and science fiction writing, famed novelist, Orson Scott Card, embellishes on the gripping storyline behind Advent Rising, and will author a novel based on the game. Both are scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2004.

IMAGES

Black9 (Xbox/PC)
In 2080, nine powerful cartels known as Illuminati are engaged in a struggle for the control of mankind. Motivated by their own special interests, these manipulative Illuminati head towards a perilous endgame, and players find themselves in the role of a mercenary walking the gray line of right and wrong. Black9 is a Machiavellian world full of greediness and betrayal, and players will need to be resourceful in order to stay true to their own code.

There was some very limited code on display but the details of this game are still being kept tightly under wraps. An engrossing storyline, coupled with tactical, mission-based game play and streamlined RPG-style skill development, promise to make Black9 a standout product when it releases this Fall.

IMAGES

Drake (Xbox/PC)
Drake is an intense third-person, action-shooter set in the comic book-styled, supernatural backdrop of Hong Kong that combines astonishing cartoon-like visuals with intense action and a deep storyline, creating an experience much like starring in an interactive animated series or comic book. With the recent surge in popularity of anime in America, Drake should appeal to a rapidly growing audience.

Gamers are thrust into the role of lead character, Drake, a member of the 99 Dragons Clan, who has vowed to avenge the murder of his gang and recover a stolen ancient artifact. This powerful artifact has the ability to trap the souls of the living and resurrect those of the dead, holding the potential of becoming the ultimate weapon of evil. Brought back from the dead to right these wrongs, Drake carries out his mission with an arsenal of supernatural weapons, martial arts and firearms galore.

Drake features a specially-created style of graphics called “rimlight” texturing. Visually resembling a blend of cel-shading and environmental mapping, it creates Drake’s unusual “neon gothic” appearance. This distinct look as well as the captivating world Majesco and IdolFX have created for the character have already sparked interest in producing a future comic book and animated series. Scheduled for release in the fall, Drake will be available on the Xbox and PC.

IMAGES

Blowout (PS2/Xbox/PC)
BlowOut is a next generation 3D side-scrolling shooter intended for release for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC this Fall. Combining classic Contra-like gameplay with the power of the next generation systems, BlowOut takes the side-scrolling shooter genre to a distinctively new level. With all the suspense and thrill of a sci-fi action movie, a dark industrial soundtrack, an intuitive level editor and character designs by Yasushi Nirasawa, BlowOut is sure to blow gamers away next fall.

In BlowOut, gamers assume the role of Major John ‘Dutch’ Cane, a leader of a mercenary commando platoon, fighting against the deadliest enemies the universe has ever seen. A U.S. Marine Space Force headquarters has been overrun by the vicious mutant Xenomorphs, leaving a gap in the operational defenses. Gamers must use specialized sensor equipment and massive firepower to locate and take out the enemy before they have a chance to zero in on the station’s control center and threaten colonized space.

To do so, players will need the full complement of BlowOut weapons that increase in firepower and accuracy as the game progresses. So as to create a believable environment, the weapons and ammo must be recovered from weapon stashes, dead soldiers, or secret arenas.

Expanding the fun is BlowOut’s level editor which empowers gamers to create their own personal gaming experience. The integrated and easy-to-use editor enhances the game’s lifespan, and provides peer-to-peer interaction by stimulating the sharing of creative content. With the online community a key component of the game, Majesco is planning to launch a dedicated BlowOut web site through which gamers can share user-created levels, or download pre-designed levels from the developer, as well as artwork and game tips.

IMAGES