In an attempt to boost sales and lure more video-game players online, Sony Corp. plans on giving buyers of its PlayStation 2 system a free modem device that previously cost $40.

Sony will now sell its PlayStation 2 standard with its Network Adapter, which allows video-game players to hook up via the Internet to compete with each other. The company didn't specify an exact start date for the promotion, but said it would happen over the summer.

Industry watchers had been uncertain whether Sony would offer any promotion, since PlayStation 2 sales have eclipsed competitors in the game-console arena, Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox

The action takes place in Garland Square, on the outskirts of London. The newly opened complex has been taken over by a terrorist group, and it’s up to you to liberate it. Enjoy an unprecedented level of interaction with the background: shoot CDs and books off of store shelves, burn racks of clothing, break glass, or slice through metal bars. Blaze through levels using double-gun shooting action with two

Introducing the next great sports title for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Whether you wish to play through a career and progress through the professional tennis rankings, or go head-to-head with your friends in an arcade match, Smash Court Tennis Pro Tournament 2 offers a complete set of compelling modes and features. Pick your favorite pro player or create your own and prepare to take the sport by storm!

Under license from Hasbro Consumer Products, Atari has announced plans to take one of the most popular trading card games ever created to the Xbox videogame system from Microsoft with the release of "Magic: The Gathering - Battlegrounds." A PC CD-ROM version of the game was also announced. Currently in development by Secret Level, "Magic: The Gathering - Battlegrounds" is filled with faithful translations of classic creatures, spells and enchantments from the premier trading card game in a visually stunning 3D game environment rife with real-time strategic fighting, devastating wizard arsenals and intense creature combat.

"`Magic' represents one of the best

How much are you willing to sacrifice for the chance to save your world? In a dying village on Sylvarant, legend has it that a Chosen One will one day appear from amongst the people and the land will be reborn. Enter a world of beautiful cel-shaded graphics and high-quality Anime cut scenes by renowned artist Kosuke Fujishima. Command real-time battles in a unique 3D battle system that gives

PS2

Riverdeep today announced the upcoming release of School Tycoon an all-new life simulation strategy game that presents kids with the ultimate fantasy ? the opportunity to rule their own school. The product combines classic "build and management" simulation with wacky and hilarious comic mischief, as kids endeavor to balance the super-cool elements they have created within their school, with the typical administrative policies and procedures required to run an orderly campus. School Tycoon will be available this fall on Windows for a suggested retail price of $29.95.

School Tycoon sends players on a mission to design, build, and master the Ultimate

The sequel to Monolith Soft’s popular epic six-part RPG saga, Xenosaga: Episode I, Xenosaga Episode II returns with much of the cast from the original. Again exclusive to the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system from Sony, Xenosaga Episode II picks up right where Episode I left off. With a new, more realistic looking character art style, players can also look forward to improved graphics, an improved battle interface, more outdoor environments (rain, snow, rivers, etc) and much more.

Will Xenosaga Episode II uncover its predecessor’s mysteries including the history between Jr., Albedo, and Gaignun Kukai or will it reveal the mysteries