XBN
INDEX
System shocks
When the Dreamcast is outselling you (as it is in Japan) then you know you’re in trouble. Xbox has failed at launch in Japan, in Germany, in France, in the UK and quite possibly in some other countries that nobody ever bothers to ask about (Anyone know the sales numbers for Sweden?). A recent Euro price drop will no doubt help, but without big new games. It’s going to be an uphill struggle. Xbox sales in the United States have been much better, of course, but are also showing signs of slowing to a crawl. Oh dear.
Microsoft has entered what is surely the most vicious console war that anyone, including the rather more “seasoned” guys at the PC mag across the XBN office can remember. And it’s getting bloody.
But by the time you read this, the 2002 E3 show will have come and gone. As we report on page 10, we expect the cavalry to arrive in the form of a Metal Gear Solid title, Sega’s exclusive Xbox shooter, Panzer Dragoon Orta (which we have the world’s first playtest of on page 34) and perhaps even a Virtua Fighter 4—not to mention the return of a beloved classic in the form of Tecmo’s Ninja Gaiden update. And opening up a whole new front in the war is Xbox Live; Microsoft’s broadband gaming service—which could yet emerge as a compelling enough reason for people to buy in to the dream.
Simon Cox
Editor-in-chief
PEOPLE
Team
Editor-in-chief
Drafted by Upper Grumpton as a scrummer, young British lad Simon Cox quickly learned the phrase, “Oh dear Lord, not the face!” Shortly after doodling a record 34 wickets against Westumptonshire, Cox fled Europe to mold a raggedy band of miscreants and sheep scrapers into a hardened team of miscreants and sheep scrapers who write about video games. Yes, and he’s also the top dog, el numero uno queso, and all that good stuff at Xbox Nation.
Art Direction
Wherever there is cheese and, to a lesser extent, “Cheez,” Dave will be there. Whenever people cry out in the night, they have been dreaming of Dave and his Medusa-like coiffure. Dave is the clouds in our coffee and the wind beneath our wings—he is the ever shining sun, the unceasing tide, the prevailing Westerly. He makes us all look good, which rightly should have been one of the 12 labors of Hercules.
Rapscallion
Dime-store Nietzsche Evan Shamoon reminds us all that it’s not who you know, but who knows you’ve got salmon in your trousers. A bully editor and a shining example for all those under the sun who’ve ever dreamed of parlaying a love of flatulent humor into a low-paying, dead-end gig, young Shamoon also comes possessed of a lemony-fresh scent.
Herald Of The Obvious
Greg Orlando hates you all in life.
Contributors
Photographer
It’s pure coincidence that the photos “Crusher” Carlo takes can also function as deadly projectiles—and were recently found stuck in the back of some stoolie who snitched to the man about Metal Gear Solid X.
Freelance writer
Soaring on dragons’ wings, plucky Brit Brookes (or “Brooksie” as mum calls him) was a decent enough chap to cover Panzer Dragoon Orta and about a bazillion Sega games for this here publication.
Freelance writer
Since we’re so sure you already know what a talented writer Daniel “Dandy Dan” DiGiacomo is, we thought we’d use this space to recommend Scientology. We don’t know anything about this pseudo-religion, but we figure that if you join up, we’ll likely get some sort of kickback.
Photographer
Precious wag Lipscomb makes her way through this world blowing a ten-penny whistle and taking photographs of German men with designs on making Xbox games with giant insects in them. She’s keen, y’dig?
Freelance writer
“Yodelin’” Jeff Lundrigan comes to Xbox Nation straight from the pages of Next Generation and a certain other Xbox-related magazine that we suspect is only read by the parents of the people who make it, and by penal colony workers who misbehave.
Freelance Writer
Banjo-strumming, mud-puddle prophet Jeff Pearlman covers baseball for some obscure magazine called Sports Illustrated. You may remember Pearlman as the guy that pitcher John Rocker once attempted to kill and, we think, eat.
Intern
Though the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution officially prohibits slavery, it says nothing about internships. Take that, Uncle Sam!
Freelance Writer
A castaway from the Web site Daily Radar, Matt Sammons found a brand-new life in sunny Los Angeles for two whole days before being evicted. Once part of premier exercise team “Team Ripped Force,” Sammons is now searching for a comfortable box and a happy song to sing.
Illustrator
When the planets align, and all is truly well with the world. everything will look as if Andre drew it.
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Robert F. Callahan
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