Video Gaming News - September 2003
Redwood City, CA (September 12, 2003) - EA announced today that
four console titles will feature online gameplay for the PlayStation 2. The Lord
of the Rings, The Sims Bustin' Out, Need for Speed Underground, and Medal of
Honor Rising Sun will allow gamers to connect and play online when they are
released this holiday season.
From EA:
The four games provide online experiences ranging from a fantasy adventure in
Middle-earth to WWII combat, underground tuner car racing, and the wacky and
unpredictable world of The Sims. The Lord of the Rings, The Sims, and Medal of
Honor all support hands-free chat through a USB headset (broadband connection
required), similar to EA SPORTS PlayStation 2 Online capable games. PlayStation
2 online play requires an Internet connection, a network adaptor, and memory
card for the PlayStation 2.
"EA GAMES' online play extends the gaming experience way beyond the
boundaries of your living room," said Shawn Conly, EA GAMES Global Branding
Director. "It gives gamers the opportunity to play with or against each other in
some of the most exciting games this fall no matter where they-or their
friends-are located."
The Lord of the Rings; The Return of the King will feature two-player online
cooperative play throughout the entire game's fifteen levels. From game lobbies,
players can find their friends through buddy lists and chat via EA Messenger
instant messaging, or can be paired automatically with a gamer of comparable
level to form their own Fellowship. Players will be able to choose any two of
the six playable characters (plus three secret characters) ranging from Gandalf
to Frodo and Aragorn, and chat hands-free for maximum teamwork. Online play can
start at the beginning of the game, or if levels have been unlocked through
single-player mode, players can select their favorite locations as a starting
point for their journey.
The Sims Bustin' Out will feature two-player cooperative gameplay online,
which lets players work their way through any of the game's unique career paths.
The game will also feature an online trading system that will allow players to
swap unlockable social interactions such as Pull Finger and Moonwalk or objects
like a Climbing Wall and DJ Booth. In addition to bestowing bragging rights,
these wacky social interactions and highly coveted objects will also affect the
gameplay. Online play will also feature a lobby where a matchmaker screen
displays the astrological signs, genders, and personalities of other Sims, so
that players can effectively choose their gaming partners. Since two Sims are
better than one at getting the job done, online play will make it even easier to
accomplish goals, satisfy motives, and get your Sims into trouble in The Sims
Bustin' Out.
Medal of Honor Rising Sun will provide intense online multiplayer action for
up to eight soldiers. Players will go head to head across nine levels ranging
from the jungles of the Pacific to the streets of the Orient. There will be a
variety of options and customizable match parameters available including
selection of Weapon Sets, Friendly Fire, and Time Limit options. Players can
find and join games using the EA matchmaking service and will be able to choose
from a selection of Axis and Allied soldiers. Once play begins, soldiers can
communicate with voice chat using a USB headset for more coordinated team play
or taunting competitors.
Need for Speed Underground will allow up to four players to race online in
all four of the game's driving modes: drag racing, sprint racing, circuit
racing, and drift racing. Players will be able to take the cars they've
customized offline into the online arena to show off their tricked out rides and
show up the competition. A comprehensive ranking system tracks the top 100
riders, top lap times, and more for the ultimate in bragging rights. Need for
Speed Underground will also offer cross-platform online play, allowing PC and
PlayStation 2 gamers to seamlessly compete online for the first time.
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