~Behind Closed Doors~

[Perfect Stu]

Welcome to the first ever edition of GameTavern's newest monthly article, Behind Closed Doors. What is this all about? Rumours. Every scrap of info, speculation and hype for both announced and unannounced games. Please note that NONE of what is in this article is set in stone. In fact, some of it could turn out to be completely false. This isn't about announcements or confirmations...it's all about speculation, rumour and hype gathered from message boards, gaming sites, magazines and even stuff we've come up with using our imagination. Anyway, let's get down to business, shall we?

Auto Theft of Grand proportions in Vice City

Let's face it. Everyone and their uncle wants GTA: Vice City. Well, everyone except for gekko . That's why I've spent most of my time digging up info about this upcoming blockbuster. Here's what I have so far:

• The game looks MUCH more crisp and polished than GTA3, from more reflections on the cars, to just sharper character models, it's all improved vastly. That and the hero and other characters don't look so blocky.
  
• As far as the actual city layout, there isn't really anything that seperates the game into sections, like the broken bridges and whatnot. The whole map is apparently open from the get go. Speaking of the map, it's also apparently roughly twice the size of Liberty City, which can be good or bad, depending on how easily you could get lost.
  
• Then we have the radio stations, which are full of classic 80's tunes like Judas Priest, Grandmaster Flash, and many other favourites (they are favourites right?). Around 80 or so licensed songs were included, so it seems we wont hear as much looping as we did on the liberty city air waves. Big name celebrities have signed on to be the voices of characters. And I've heard something about 30 hours of pedestrian voices. WOW.
  
• Other than that, you'll be riding motorcycles around finally, boat physics have been upped since i guess most of "Vice City" is around water. There are many more side missions, such as a pizza delivery guy, driver for as Escort Service, as well as ones from GTA3 (Vigilante cop, fireman, cabbie). The main character actually talks in this one, which also could be good or bad depending on how you look at it. Then something I thought was long overdue, you'll be able to go into the interior of buildings finally, bringing the killing right into the homes of many. Dance Clubs, Police Stations, Mob Boss Homes? Sounds good to me.
  
• This is anything but an expansion. It'll last as long, if not longer than 3, and if you've read any of this at all.. you know it'll be more fun/hyped/violent than its cousin.

-Perfect Stu

Driver 3?

Rumours are buzzing about this confirmed-upcoming game. Speculated to be released holiday season 2003, this sequel will feature a brand new engine, and new gameplay elements. Early reports hint at entering buildings, stealing cars, and using a wide variety of weapons.

-Perfect Stu

NBA Street Online and the future of EA BIG

Last spring sports fans and extreme sports fans alike were swept away by the opening games from EA Sports BIG, SSX and NBA Street. EA BIG has released several other games like Freekstyle and Sled Storm. What's next for past EA BIG titles? Well, we'll be seeing NBA Street going online in NBA Street 2. Street 2 will feature up-to-date rosters, added features in the create-a-player mode, much faster loading times (compared to the original) and 4 player multiplayer. As well, EA BIG is looking forward to having dunk, shooting and skill competitions.

And what is next for new EA BIG games? Well, many wrestling web-sites have been reporting that there will be a Def Jam Wrestling game made by EA BIG. A completely new, off-the-wall wrestler with your favourite hip hop rappers such as Scarface, Redman and Methodman! This game will surely be a best seller.

-Joeiss

Gran Turismo 4 Online

This is the series that seems to never slow down. What's going to be new in the Gran Turismo world? Well, we're looking at this game using the Hard Drive to download new tracks, cars and special new rims, spoilers, etc. for your custom made cars. Also, the return of classic cars will attract many people to the game as well. I will be driving my ‘69 Mustang! Oh yeah.

Also, there have been some leaks from Sony that they will be setting up online racing leagues, where there will be weekly races with up to 24 cars racing at once. Points will be awarded to the winner, and at the end of the season, they will take home a prize.

-Joeiss