shivasite shivasite newseye editorials pinball
Welcome to shivaSite Welcome to shivaSite
Welcome to shivaSite Welcome to shivaSite
Main PageNewsEyeWPCmamePinball FanaticsEditorialsStrategy
shivaSite Site Pages
[an error occurred while processing this directive][an error occurred while processing this directive]


New Stereoscopic Headset

- reported by
shiva on 11/25/00 @ 1:14 am EST

LIGHTCUBE announces support for VFX3D stereoscopic headset

Hamburg, 1-Dec-2000

LIGHTCUBE Technologies today announced support for the VFX3D head mounted display (HMD) from Interactive Imaging Systems Inc. (IIS).
The VFX3D™ is a 3D helmet for Virtual Reality applications that can be used with 3D-accelerated Personal Computers under Microsoft Windows™. It is the first consumer-level headgear solution for fully immersive VR experience. With its built-in audio system, 360.000 pixel color displays, and 360° motion tracking function, it is the industry standard hardware for cost-efficient, high quality VR. With use of the optional CyberPuck control device, this new technology allows users to interact and work within their VR environments first hand and "Step Inside" 3D worlds with a first person perspective.

LIGHTCUBE has implemented support for this device in gxEngine V2.0, a software system for simulation and visualisation of interactive 3D environments and applications.
Says Adrian Dalecki, Technical Director at LIGHTCUBE: "The VFX3D is a very exiting product, and it's a perfect match for our RealityGX software technology. Both are next-generation 3D technologies, and both have been designed for maximum flexibility and high audiovisual quality.
The new rendering architecture in gxEngine V2.0 has been specifically engineered to support stereoscopic output devices such as the VFX3D. Thanks to the excellent technical support at IIS, implementing support for the motion-tracking of the VFX3D was a snap. The result is a smooth, transparent integration of all features of the VFX3D in gxEngine 2.0. Thus, all current and future 3D software based on RealityGX - be it games, online communities or business / scientific applications - will support the VFX3D by default. Existing applications must not be rewritten, and developers don't need to deal with the technical issues concerning stereoscopic rendering when writing their 3D software - the gxEngine runtime system handles all these things automatically.
The integration of the VFX3D into the gxEngine runtime system adds value to both products. We plan to support future developments from IIS in the same fashion and are looking forward to future VR products from IIS."

gxEngine 2.0 is currently in beta stage and will be available later this year. A preview version and various demo software, including a freeware 3D game developed specifically for the VFX3D, will be made available for free download from the LIGHTCUBE website at http://www.lightcube.de.

About LIGHTCUBE

LIGHTCUBE develops and markets cutting-edge software technologies for the creation of Virtual Reality applications.
At the heart of the LIGHTCUBE product range is the RealityGX technology, a software specification for the realtime simulation and visualization of interactive 3D environments. The LIGHTCUBE product family includes the gxEngine runtime system, being the reference implementation of the RealityGX core technology, as well as a number of software tools that allow for easy and cost-efficient development of content for GX-based applications and online services.
LIGHTCUBE Technologies GmbH is located in Hamburg, Germany.

http://www.lightcube.de
info@lightcube.de

About Interactive Imaging Systems

Interactive Imaging Systems, Inc. develops, markets and OEMs virtual reality ("VR") systems, and visual enhancement hardware that allow users to view and freely interact within stereoscopic (three dimensional) computer generated environments. The Company is a leading developer and manufacturer of low cost virtual reality systems targeted for the IBM PC based entertainment market. IIS has sold over 14,000 virtual reality head mounted systems, making its VFX1 one of the most successful virtual reality products in the marketplace.

http://www.iisvr.com
info@iisvr.com



Team Arena Demo

- reported by
MaD-HaTTeR on 11/23/00 @ 2:56 pm EST

Thats right, the demo for the highly anticipated Quake 3 add on, debuted last night. The demo for Quake 3: Team Arena weighs in at a massive 120megs, and comes stand alone (you dont need Quake 3: Arena to play it). You can feel free to leech off any of these fine mirrors:
  • ShugaShack
  • id Software
  • Stomped
  • Blues News
  • FilePlanet
  • IGN


  • New Diablo II Expansion Character Revealed

    - reported by
    Hobbes on 11/23/00 @ 1:06 am EST

    Nihlathak
    Nihlathak
    As the last surviving clan elder, he has been driven close to madness by his grief over the imminent failure of his clan to protect the World Stone. Constantly ruminating on the myriad alternate courses the elders could have taken, he lives with the guilt of not dying with his peers.


    Build your own home entertainment system

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/22/00 @ 2:14 am EST

    Speedy 3D, in spite of all the P4 reviews today have just kicked up a how-to article which guides you through the ins and outs of building your own PC based home entertainment system. Here's a clip:
    Nothing makes music more enjoyable than a powerful sound system. Sitting in the sweet spot of a surround sound system, can bring new dimensions to your old CD's. The sweet spot is the center point of all four speakers and the subwoofer, which creates a very balanced, and powerful sound.


    Sacrifice Review

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/22/00 @ 2:10 am EST

    Today's EuroGamer review takes an in-depth look at Shiny's new third person action-strategy game "Sacrifice", due out in the UK on Friday. If you're looking for yet another shiny happy review (pun intended), look elsewhere...
    "The game's third person camera system .. seems to have been designed to make life as hard as possible. Although you can spin, zoom and rotate your view around your wizard, and it would have worked perfectly for a straight third person shooter, it just isn't flexible enough for a 3D strategy game. You can't zoom out far enough to get a clear view of the action going on around you, and without a free roaming camera it's impossible to tell what is happening elsewhere on the battlefield, apart from
    by gazing at the tiny 2D map in the bottom right corner of the screen."


    New Game: StarLines INC

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/22/00 @ 2:09 am EST

    Positech computing Ltd are pleased to announce the release of their strategy/trading game StarLines INC through RealGames today.
    StarLines INC. is an original new strategy game that puts you in charge of a fleet of starships carrying cargo and passengers between the stars. It takes its inspiration from games like Imperium Galactica, SimCity, Elite and Rollercoaster Tycoon, and also science fiction such as "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" or the writings of Iain M Banks.
    StarLines INC is easy to pick up, and the emphasis is on fun rather than endless pages of statistics. It has very low system requirements (Pentium 200) and the downloadable demo is a simple download at just 6.5MB.
    You can get more information and the game demo from Realgames at http://www.real.com/games/starlines/index.html or from the developers website at http://www.positech.co.uk


    4x4 Evo, SST Reviews

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/22/00 @ 2:06 am EST

    A special double-header for you from Actiontrip. We start with our Starship Troopers review to kinda soften you up, and then move in for the kill with our review of GoD's 4x4 Evolution.
  • Starship Troopers
  • 4x4 Evo


  • FireArms Update

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/22/00 @ 2:04 am EST

    The Official Firearms Half-Life Web Site has been updated giving away a general update, along with new information on the next release as well as view able movies of new death animation.
    Be sure to check it out from http://www.firearmsmod.com/


    MS News

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/22/00 @ 1:57 am EST

    MICROSOFT SHIPS TRIO OF FAMILY-ORIENTED GAMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

    Microsoft today announced that Classic Board Games, Pandora's Box - Puzzle Game of the Year Edition, and Return of Arcade Anniversary Edition are now widely available at retail locations throughout North America.

    This holiday, Microsoft delivers the best in family-oriented entertainment, offering something for everyone. Microsoft Classic Board Games, developed by Oxford Softworks, brings favorites like Backgammon, Chinese Checkers, Dominoes, Chess and Checkers to the PC with realistic graphics, an easy-to-use interface and three skill levels. Microsoft Classic Board Games has 12 games in all.

    Created by the famed Tetris designer, Alexey Pajitnov, Microsoft Pandora's Box - Puzzle Game of the Year Edition now contains more than 400 challenging puzzles, providing a visually stimulating and engaging puzzle-solving experience for all ages. To complete the game, players must reassemble Pandora's Box by solving a series of visually stimulating puzzles that takes them on a whimsical journey around the world. Pandora's easy-to-learn interface allows for instant fun. As the game progresses the puzzles become more and more challenging, providing hours of addicting game play. Gameplay options allow players to follow the game's story line or jump directly to their favorite puzzles.

    Microsoft Return of Arcade Anniversary Edition, which now includes Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man, Pole Position, Galaxian, and Dig-Dug, offers players the most authentic arcade experience available on the PC. Return of Arcade combines five of the best classic arcade games into one collection, offering a nostalgic trip back to the early 1980s.

    Classic Board Games, Pandora's Box - Puzzle Game of the Year Edition, and Return of Arcade Anniversary Edition are all available at retail locations throughout North America. Classic Board Games and Return of Arcade are available for US$34.95 and Pandora's Box - Puzzle Game of the Year Edition is available for US$24.95.

    For more information on these games, please go to their official sites at:

  • http://www.microsoft.com/games/classicboardgames/
  • http://www.microsoft.com/games/pandorasbox/
  • http://www.microsoft.com/games/arcade2/


  • NOLF Contest

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/22/00 @ 1:55 am EST

    GAME VOICE LAUNCHES "NO ONE LIVES FOREVER" CONTEST

    Microsoft today announced that SideWinder Game Voice and "No One Lives Forever" have teamed up to offer gamers the ultimate prize package. Now through Monday, December 11, 2000, 20 lucky gamers will be chosen to win a copy of the new SideWinder Game Voice and Fox Interactive's latest action-adventure game, "No One Lives Forever." Game Voice is the first all-in-one voice solution for gamers, integrating software for contact management, voice chat, and speech recognition with an eight-button control pad for channel management and a high-quality, noise-reducing headset. "No One Lives Forever" is a stylish espionage game that drops players in the middle of the swinging '60s, where they take the role of Agent Cate Archer, a beautiful but deadly secret agent.

    To win Game Voice and "No One Lives Forever," gamers must sign-up on the official Game Voice site at http://www.gamevoice.com/Communities/C-Contests.htm. Winners will be chosen at random from all entries received by December 11. The 20 lucky prize winners will be announced on the site after December 19, 2000. Visitors to the Game Voice site will also be able to download a specially created Game Voice profile for "No One Lives Forever," as well as the trial version of the game. The contest is only open to residents of the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. See site for official rules and details.

    With online multiplayer games, effectively communicating with teammates or opponents has been difficult without a voice chat solution tailored to gaming. Game Voice is an easy way to talk strategy with teammates, and talk trash at opponents. Since Game Voice requires at least two players, a free limited-feature version of the software is available for download at http://www.gamevoice.com/. Game Voice Share means gamers can always talk with teammates and opponents alike, regardless if they've purchased the full retail version. Game Voice Share is a limited version of Game Voice software, without the channels, voice commands or hardware found in the retail version.

    Not only does Game Voice let players talk in the game, it also makes finding and connecting to their friends quick and easy. The device uses Microsoft Messenger Service technology to help gamers access "buddy lists" and chat session lists. Gamers can simply click on a name or a chat session to start talking. They can also issue voice commands within the game, like "build house" or "switch weapons." Game Voice comes with an eight-button control pad that lights up to show players who they're talking with, or to indicate if they're in voice command mode.

    For more information on Game Voice, to enter the "No One Lives Forever" contest, and to download Game Voice Share go to: http://www.gamevoice.com/



    New Headline Pages - shivaSite gets Sticky

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/21/00 @ 5:18 am EST

    In a fit of excessive information overload, shivaSite now have 8 separate news sections to browse and stay informed. Using a news feeder system, we are able to offer the headlines from some of the best news sources in the world today. From now on, you no longer have to go from site to site to get your major news, it's all right here.

    This new section is a work in progress, I just put it up, and there's some minor things to attend to, but each of our new pages are fully working. The links are now on the left sidebar, divided into categories:

    » shivaSite
    » WPCmame
    » Console
    » Computer
    » Technology
    » Web Dev
    » Web Tips
    » MP3 Industry

    When you browse to one of these pages, you are automatically viewing the latest news from each of the sites. Just click on the headline to view the item. It will open in a second window, so you don't lose the category page.

    Even though the system is set to display 20 headlines for each page at a time, I should mention that some categories could generate as much as 250 to 300 headlines in a day. If you are on the page for a period of time, I would advise you to hit refresh on your browser, so the headlines will update themselves.

    shivaSite when it first appeared, was known for it's news reporting. This may be the lazy man's way of doing things, but it's great for you viewers, who always will get different and interesting news from the professional websites. It's great for me as well, I don't have to spend 8 hours a day gathering news. :)



    The Game reviewer

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/21/00 @ 2:45 am EST

    Yep, another one of our space fillers! A satirical and wacky look at game reviewers. Sort of an offbeat look at our profession... http://www.actiontrip.com/offbeat/thegamereviewer.phtml




    Elixir News

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/21/00 @ 2:44 am EST

    Emma Pink has issued the following press release:

    ELIXIR RECRUITS AI WIZ & TOP PRODUCER

    20th NOVEMBER 2000 – Elixir today complimented its ever expanding development team with the appointment of Senior AI Programmer Alex Whittaker and Producer Peter Gilbert.

    Alex Whittaker joins Elixir from Sony Studio Camden bringing an extensive background in AI development. Whilst there he successfully completed Emotor,
    a data driven AI engine and behavioural editor for the game Team Buddies(TM) which has also been used in amongst other things to drive 300 independently complex and intelligent agents in a PS2 dog-fighting demo. Before joining the games industry, Whittaker worked in the genetics and pharmaceuticals industries as a Principal Programmer.

    Peter Gilbert brings a wealth of industry experience from Silicon Dreams, where he most recently worked as the Producer on the PSX sequel to the hugely successful PC game: Lego Island(TM). Other titles worked on include Dogs of War(TM) and World League Soccer ‘98(TM). Previous to the game industry, Gilbert produced TV, Radio and Print advertising in East Africa, setting up a radio studio and a 3D animation company before returning to England.

    "I am delighted to be taking on this role at Elixir, the company is highly motivated, and the technology is astounding” says Gilbert.

    “The life-blood of a games company is its people. Adding Pete and Alex makes Elixir a stronger company” says Demis Hassabis, Managing Director.

    Elixir’s first title, Republic: The Revolution is scheduled for release in 2001, published through Eidos Interactive. For further information, please contact Joe McDonagh or Emma Pink at Elixir Studios on +44 (0)20 7482 3388.



    Weapons Factory Arena seeking modeller

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/21/00 @ 2:43 am EST

    WFA for Q3 is looking for a highly skilled, motivated Modeller to add to the team. Should be able to work independently, gathering requirements from mappers and coders to assist in further polishing and upgrading the look of some weapons. We also require that the modeller applicants be able to do UV meshes.This position is available because our former dedicated artist/modeller now works professionally in the gaming industry as a result of his efforts in WFA. Get your work seen! Be a part of the WFA team, send in a short list of your qualifications and arrange a meeting with our project leader: acrid-@captured.com


    Sea Dogs Preview

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/21/00 @ 2:43 am EST

    Sea Dogs is an intriguing cross-genre title from Russian developer Akella. Blending elements of role-playing, action, adventure naval strategy, it is slated for North American release in the very near future by publisher Bethsoft. Having played a pre-release build quite extensively, we take a look at the game in our hands-on Sea Dogs Preview.
  • http://rpgvault.ign.com/features/previews/seadogs.shtml



  • Screens

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/21/00 @ 2:42 am EST

    Today's fresh dose of eye candy on EuroGamer is a batch
    of eight new ultra-high resolution screenshots of the Civ-style strategy game "Call To Power II", taken from a review copy we got a couple of days back. Look for more shots followed by a full review next week!

    GameSpy takes a look at Oni, Bungie's upcoming third-person shooter. Along with the preview is 8 new screens. Check it out at http://www.gamespy.com/previews/november00/oni/

    We also have a bunch of new screen shots today:
    Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter (3):
    MechWarrior 4: Vengeance (11):
    Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (4):

    Have you been wondering what the zones of Velious are going to look like? Well, EverQuest Corner has two exclusive Zone Design screenshots for you to take a peak at.

    Today's regular dose of eye candy on EuroGamer is a second batch of a dozen new screenshots of third person action-adventure game "Project Eden", provided by Core Design.

    GameSpy has 8 new environmental shots for EQ: Scars of Velious. Check them out at http://www.gamespy.com/screens/november00/sov/

    GameSpy has just posted 15 new screen shots from the American McGee's Quake 3 engine game Alice. You can check out the new screens at http://www.gamespy.com/screens/november00/alice1/

    GA-Source has new details and the first screenshots from Gathering of Developers' recently unveiled space-based action-adventure game, The Ward.



    BG22 review

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/21/00 @ 2:37 am EST

    Squaly has finally finished her review one of the latest isometric RPGs to hit the shelves, Baldur`s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, managing to string out the review until she could complete the whole game!...

    `One month ago, a young games reviewer sat down with a copy of `Baldur`s Gate II: Shadows of Amn` and a notepad and pen. She has not been seen since. The following written text was all that was later found...`

    Direct url: http://www.barrysworld.com/news/reviews/bg2-2/



    Gamespy News
    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/21/00 @ 2:36 am EST

    GameSpy dives into the eerie and beautiful world of Shiny's Sacrifice, with it 5 gods and the need to sacrifice souls. But does the game sacrifice quality? We don't think so. Check out the review at http://www.gamespy.com/reviews/november00/sacrifice/

    We also take a look at the AMD Athlon 1.2 GHz chip and find that it is one powerful processor: http://www.gamespy.com/articles/november00/athlon1200/

    And finally, we look at a new company called Digimask that a process that allows players to put their face into a game. Find out how at http://www.gamespy.com/articles/november00/digimask/



    CPL PR

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/21/00 @ 2:31 am EST

    going to have to go through these very quickly unfortunately.

    CPL Press Center has issued the following press release:

    CPL Announces New Corporate Offices

    Dallas - November 20, 2000 - The CPL announced today that John Romero, chairman of the CPL's Advisory Board and co-founder & lead designer of ION Storm, has agreed to allow CPL the use of certain facilities at the ION Storm offices in Dallas, Texas.

    The CPL will occupy one of the two sides of the ION Storm offices, to use for press conferences, corporate meetings, sales presentations, and general operations. The offices have a deathmatch area, with multiple viewing screens (see photo - http://www.thecpl.com/images/newsitems/cpl_office.jpg , that will be used for exhibition and press tournaments.

    The CPL sponsors have agreed to provide the following products for the offices and the deathmatch area:

    Gateway / Intel - Pentium 4 1.5 GHz computers/servers
    Razer - BoomSlang 2000
    Logitech - Computer peripherals: Keyboards, Optical Mice, Quickcams, Mousepads, etc.
    NetGear - Fast Ethernet Switches and Dual Speed Hubs
    Monster Cable - High Quality LAN cables
    Klipsch - THX-certified computer Speakers and Sub-woofers
    Microsoft - SideWinder Game Voice
    ACT LABS - Racing Wheels
    Corsair - Server RAM
    Ratpadz - hardsurface Mousepads
    fUnc Industries - sUrface 1030 Mousepads
    Bawls - supply of Bawls

    Formerly known as the Texas Commerce Plaza, the Chase Tower is clad in granite and glass, and has a distinctive glass vaulted top (see photo - http://www.thecpl.com/images/newsitems/chasetower.jpg). Built in 1987, the Chase Tower is the fourth tallest building in Dallas (see diagram - http://www.thecpl.com/images/newsitems/chart.jpg). The CPL offices are on the top floor.

    The CPL's new address is:

    Cyberathlete Professional League
    2200 Ross Avenue, 54th Floor
    Dallas, TX 75201

    The Cyberathlete Professional League or CPL, a division of NewWorld.com, Inc., is awarding $600,000 in cash and prizes at tournaments in three continents this year. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, CPL has created custom computer networks at local gaming competitions for more gamers than any other organization. CPL events feature professional gaming tournaments, computer gaming software & hardware exhibitions, enthusiats "bring your own computer" LAN arena, spectator area and workshops. The official CPL website is located at www.thecpl.com



    'net connection down

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/20/00 @ 8:28 pm EST

    First the site cgi, then my computer, now my internet access. For those that don't know, I live in Australia and one of our major routers, a 20gbit line has been broken underwater somewhere in Singapore... So what that means is my isp, along with around 50 others are running on the rest of the bandwidth, 30% of the full amount required... now doing the maths that means a very slow connection.


    Aus PS2 Roundup

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/19/00 @ 9:34 pm EST

    As we're getting closer to the Australian launch of the PlayStation 2 Rob at Bigkid thought it might be a good idea to post a round up of some of the titles that will be available on the platform.

    There's 24 games covered in total including screenshots.


    Unfortunately as the PS2 isn't out here yet we haven't played a vast majority of these titles so theyv'e used Sony's press release descriptions for the games. He tried to cut out as much of the hard sell stuff as
    possible, but keep in mind that these are Sony's descriptions of the games and not BigKid's.



    My Computer Broke

    - reported by
    Falcon on 11/19/00 @ 9:11 pm EST

    Well, this has been a great weekend, first the news and now my computer. Basically my computer decided that it wouldnt give my HD a drive letter, and therefore when I booted up it had nothign to load off... and as I can't access thdrive w/o a letter in DOS mode I couldnt do anythign to fix it... anyway after a reformat and losing everything I have gotten it partially working... I'll probably be a couple of days before I can work on GS and the CGI again...


    Homeworld Nation Update

    - reported by
    Thundra on 11/18/00 @ 1:43 pm EST

    Homeworld Nation is growing and some things required a change... everything is coming up to be plugged in real soon.. new stuff and a slightly new look... HWN will now have two major sections: Homeworld and Homeworld Cataclysm, being this last one the primary one, for obvious reasons... wait and see what's new. Coming soon...


    GameSurge Blew UP!

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/18/00 @ 2:01 am EST

    Hows this for a pleasant surprise. I go out with the wife, to do some shopping, and when I got home, I checked the GameSurge site, and CGI was totally screwed up to the point of no return.

    It seems our fine hosts have once again been having problems, and several portions of the CGI have been totally messed up, so I may have to redo the entire thing for those affected problems. The only problem here at shivaSite are the forums, as it now appears that I can not use the mailing list at all.

    Our regular mailing list on the left side is fine, but the forum list? Really damn annoying when it's not your fault, and there's nothing you can do.

    So if you notice mass amounts of news, it's because I have transfered the GameSurge staff files to this site, so you will be seeing a lot of computer news on the news page. It was either that, or basically close GameSurge for a while. So welcome staff members to shivaSite. :)

    Sigh, what a day. I would send someone a certain letterbomb, if it wasn't illegal...



    New Poll

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/16/00 @ 12:59 am EST

    Don't need to have people beating me over the head, the last poll question was no surprise, except for the fact the other answers actually got votes. :)

    So here's the new poll question:

    What Would You Like To See More of for the Pinball Section?

    Galleries
    PinGuide games
    Manuals
    Reviews
    Technical Info.
    Rulesheets
    Pinball News
    Rulesheets
    FAQ
    Surprise Me

    I should mention the reason for this poll, so I know what to concentrate on when building future pages. I have mentioned in the forum that I am starting a new section for PinGuide, this time for the Addams Family machine, but that's a ways off, and if people want me to do something else, well, I am a slave to your whims.

    Here's a better description of what I need to know before I start work.

    1. More Galleries - I have tons of images, and they should all be up next year (That many) but it's important to know if anyone is actually interested in the archive.
    2. PinGuide - I just started this, and I'm rather proud of it. It's a complete source by game, with wav files, manuals, images, technical info, that sort of thing.
    3. Manuals - Very hard to get, and should "win" this poll I think. This relies on people actually sending .pdf versions of course.
    4. Reviews - Same as Manuals
    5. Technical Information - Got some stuff to add, but need more. Things like maintenance, fixing common problems, troubleshooting...
    6. Rulesheets - I think I have them all actually.
    7. Pinball News - Remember Chicago Pinball? Would need people to find out and post the news, but it would be nice to have, even as a "community news" page as well.
    8. FAQS - easy enough to understand. This is for Pinball, not WPCmame.
    9. Surprise me - hmm, I'm asking for it, huh?

    Actually, if you have a idea for the site, just email me. Always want to improve this site, so I'm always interested in other peoples comments and suggestions.



    Poll Results

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/16/00 @ 12:29 am EST

    Poll results time, so here you go:

    What would you like to see next at shivaSite?
    Total Votes 33

    More Pinball Stuff (27) 82%
    Dreamcast Technical Section (1) 3%
    PlayStation Hardware Guide (1) 3%
    More Strategies (1) 3%
    More Editorials (1) 3%
    More News (2) 6%

    Okay I asked for it. What a dumb question, mainly because the only people that come to this site are pinball fanatics. I knew the results almost as soon as I posted the poll. Dumb, dumb shiva...

    Hey, what's this? More news? MERCY VOTE!

    Okay, the next poll will be a little better, and since everyone wants more pinball...



    News Archive Up

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/13/00 @ 1:48 am EST

    Want to look back at previous stories? Now you can with our News Archive. This lists all the past 2 months stories, for both shivaSite and WPCmame. Every month, we will be adding to the archive with the previous months stories.


    Site Updated

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/10/00 @ 2:19 am EST

    In a case of "AboutTimeitist", I finally updated the site, especially the front page. There's some rather "shocking news" about Stern's latest pinball project, and I wrote a new mini editorial, if you can call it that. Also, the right sidebar finally got updated, and of course, there's a new poll as well.

    I will be doing some re-arranging of the design as well, just putting things in different places, and hopefully, I will actually find the time to update the graphics, and try and get the site to a more "finished" stage.

    Sigh, so much to do, so little shiva to do it...



    New Poll

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/10/00 @ 2:09 am EST

    It was time to change the poll, and I decided that since I will be busy expanding the site, it would be nice to know what my viewers would like to see first. Here's the new poll:

    What would you like to see next at shivaSite?

    More Pinball Stuff
    Dreamcast Technical Section
    PlayStation Hardware Guide
    More Strategies
    More Editorials
    More News

    I'm very interested in what your opinion is on this, as all these questions require a bit of work on my part, so I'm asking for absolute honesty here. Also, I have given you the ability to answer more than one question at a time, but you should be able to vote only once. Here's a brief overview of the questions:

  • More Pinball Stuff - Even though it's just WPCmame related material up at the moment, I do have quite a bit of pinball information stored in my hard drive, most notably the Pinball 2000 section, reviews, a large gallery, and god knows what else. It's getting pretty large, so I'm wondering if it's worth the upload or not.
  • Dreamcast Technical Section - I seemed to have also collected a lot of articles, files, and links towards Dreamcast Game programming information, with WinCE tips and articles, VMU development, and a lot of files.
  • PlayStation Hardware Guide - Someone wrote this massive (I'm not kidding, it's over 1.5 megs of text) guide on the PlayStation hardware, including memory maps, a complete description of the various chips, everything to do with the PlayStation console.
  • More Srategies - They are just archived zip files at the moment, but I was wondering how interested people would be if I actually did a proper strategy site, completely updated.
  • More Editorials - I guess that means I have to write some more...
  • More News - Hmm, I built my rep on news reporting, but it's kind of a drag nowdays for me. Still, if I can entertain myself, and try not to annoy to many people (Fat chance) I might increase the news. Only one problem, I can't decide what to do... :)
  • Okay everyone, VOTE!!!



    Poll Results

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/10/00 @ 1:36 am EST

    I'm just in the process of putting up a new poll, as well as changing some parts of the site, but I better put up the results from the last poll.

    The Question was: What would you like to see in the next version of WPCmame?

    Out of a total of 49 votes
    More Simulators (25) 51%
    More Games (9) 18%
    Faster Speed (3) 6%
    Better DCS (11) 22%
    More OS Versions (1)

    There you have it. Not a lot of people actually voted, but it does help us with future release planning, so thanks to those who voted.

    Also, I made a small, but bad decision, in not having a "view results" link for the poll. I'm working on it, and should be in the new poll. Oops...



    New Mailing List

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/09/00 @ 3:01 am EST

    We now have a mailing list for viewers to subscribe to, as I decided this was the easiest way to let people know of the latest developments and press releases. Our forum has a mailing list as well, but it's for WPCmame, while this new list is for shivaSite itself. Just fill in your email address in the box below the left hand side navigation bar to join the list.

    I have been in the process of putting together another major section for shivaSite, related to emulation and home consoles. I'm pretty excited about what's upcoming, so this is a very simple way for you to get the news fast and before everyone else.

    Since I'm planning on getting the site in order, with new CGI, there will be more changes as time goes on. I am also working on a FAQ for the WPCmame emulator as well, so hopefully, that will be up soon.

    Stay tuned, as I start updating the site...



    Community Links Page

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/06/00 @ 2:26 am EST

    Okay, I'm sharing this with GameSurge, but I got a Community Links Page now up and running.

    This is for all the people with websites who would like to list their site. Also, this link page also allows people to rate the sites as well.

    You have a website? List it in our Community Pages.



    Poll Results

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/04/00 @ 3:11 am EST

    The old shivaSite had a poll, and we have the results... finally.

    We asked what video game system will you be playing in a year, and 168 people voted. Here's the results:

    PlayStation 2 98 (53%)
    GameCube 3 (1%)
    X-Box 11 (5%)
    Dreamcast 12 (6%)
    GameBoy Advanced 0 (0%)
    Computer 60 (32%)
    Other 0 (0%)

    Actually, it's no surprise that the computer and PSX2 won hands down, but the Dreamcast came in third. The interesting thing is how Nintendo fared. The GameCube (Dolphin) only got 3 votes and the GameBoy Advanced, which is the "sequel" to the most popular game unit of all time, didn't even get a vote! This may not be the best poll around, but the results sure are interesting, and may point at how pissed off people are getting with Nintendo.

    Our new poll is up, so scroll to the bottom of the right nav, and vote.



    Site Changes

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/04/00 @ 2:51 am EST

    If you look at the left sidebar, you will notice that I have replaced a menu with one dedicated to WPCmame. Since it's by far the most popular section, and I wanted to make it easier for everyone to find the huge amount of material supporting the emulator, it was a no-brainer.

    More site changes are coming, as I'm working on more CGI, and building some new content pages as well.



    UNCLE shiva!

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/01/00 @ 12:34 am EST

    My sister in law gave birth to a healthy 8 pound 10 ounce boy today. :)

    Both baby Benjamin and mom are doing fine. Dad I have no idea, but I can guess he's going though what I went through when I became a father. :)

    Damn, I'm a Uncle.



    WPCmame Archive Page Updated

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/01/00 @ 12:31 am EST

    It took 6 hours just to put in the flyers.
    The entire archive has been updated, and put back up. This is all the images used in the packs for WPCmame32, and more than likely, there will be more on it's way, as I sweep the net looking for decent images. I'm missing quite a few backglass and playfield shots, so if anyone can help me on that, it would be greatly appreicated, but I have a almost complete set of flyers though. (Thanks Joxer)

    I'm missing flyers for the following games:

    Black Rose
    Creature from the black lagoon
    The Getaway
    League Champ
    Roadshow
    Slug Fest
    Addams Family Gold
    Ticket Tac Toe

    Anyone who has the images, or can do a scan of one of these, will be appreicated as well.

    The archive page is at http://www.gamesurge.com/shivasite/wpcmame_games.shtml



    Image Packs for WPCmame32 released

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/01/00 @ 12:29 am EST

    Add on packs have been started for front end support with WPCmame 32. Icons for WPCmame32 have just been added, with a big thanks to MAMu_ of mameicons.com. Nice work!
    As well, flyer packs and other packs for the front end are also now available. The first batch has been renamed, and zipped up. These are files set for those people who are at 800x600 resolution, with a higher resolution version to follow. The 800x600 versions are set at 325 pixel width, just about perfect in size for WPCmame32 in full screen mode, and is intended for people at this resolution to have as minimum a download time as possible, while still getting the best quality image. More images will be added as we receive them.
    http://www.gamesurge.com/shivasite/wpcmame.shtml

    Also, expect the images to be updated (Didn't have time) and also, a archive will be set up for older versions of WPCmame. Anyone with suggestions can just post, or email me.
    Source: WPCmame Mainpage



    WPCmame, WPCmame32... AGAIN!

    - reported by
    shiva on 11/01/00 @ 12:27 am EST

    Steve Ellenoff has been busy, as he has sent new versions of WPCmame. These are updated with some of the changes made by WPCmameJP. Here's what's new:
    WPCmame
    - updated both the wpcmame dos source code and the dos binary (for wcs94 sound support)

    WPCmame32
    - Added Jarek Parchanski's AWESOME DCS Sound Speedups!! (Sorry the speed ups don't work in all DCS games!)
    - Renamed Tic-Tac-Toe, to it's proper Ticket-Tac-Toe!
    - Fixed -Antialias Support (Under Default Options, flicker)
    - Fixed incorrect T2 ROM Checksum

    Also, if you have noticed, I am presently reorganizing the entire file structure within the site. 8 versions of WPCmame in about a day caused some havoc, so I am setting up things to be a little easier. The older versions of WPCmame will be archived shortly.
    http://www.gamesurge.com/shivasite/wpcmame.shtml.



    [an error occurred while processing this directive]
    [an error occurred while processing this directive]
    [an error occurred while processing this directive]
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    shivaSite Network To top of the page
    shivaSite Network shivaSite Network Main PageNewsEyeSite InformationContactComment in our Forum
    shivaSite Network shivaSite Network
    shivaSite Network shivaSite Network