Simon & Schuster surprised me this year. It was the first time since 1999 that they were not under the escalators leading up to the West Hall meeting rooms. Fortunately, they had only moved about 30-feet to the right so it didn't take long to find them and check out the four new titles they were showcasing for 2003.

Eve Online: The Second Genesis (PC)
Eve Online is a bold concept in online persistent world gaming. Eve is basically an virtual universe, a blank canvass for gamers to forge their own destiny. There are no definitive goals or quests; players create their character, choose a profession and live their chosen life. You can try your hand at big business working for a mega corporation or become a cop. Feeling naughty? Become a pirate or bounty hunter, or try your hand a smuggling. You are master of your own destiny.

Driven by a complex economy and mission structure that is totally controlled by the players, Eve Online is truly one of the few, if not only game to put the power of the gameplay in the hands of the gamer. Eve Online is already shipping and you can look for our in-depth review coming soon.

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Last Ninja (Xbox)
The only thing scarier than the fact that I can remember playing this game back in 1989 when Activision released it on a 5.25" floppy (anyone rememeber those) is that I still have that disk in my boxes of game archives. I clearly remember the isometric action game where I controlled my black ninja down pathways kicking the crap out of all who opposed me.

Now, Simon & Schuster is bringing back this cult-favorite, totally redesigned for the 21st century and set to blow the doors off the Xbox. The 3D graphics are breathtaking, and seeing the ninja in motion sent my jaw to the floor. No official date has been announced for this title but it should be out sometime in Fall 2003.

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Outlaw Volleyball (Xbox)
If you loved Outlaw Golf then you are going to flip for Outlaw Volleyball. It takes several of the great over-the-top characters from the golf course and adds a few new outrageous personalities to create some of the most intense volleyball action you can enjoy without cleaning sand out of your shorts.

Pick your characters, form your teams, then play in one of ten unique locations like the sewers, a rooftop, and even an all female prison. As with the golf game, each player has a composure meter that affects their performance and allows for frequent beatings. Steve Carell is back for more outrageous commentary and tons of laughts. Outlaw Volleyball will also be the first volleyball game that supports Xbox Live and should be out in June.

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