IGN has a new Hands-On Preview of The Punisher.

The Punisher will be featured in the upcoming January issue of Maxim magazine.

Gamespot has a new Hands-On Preview of The Punisher.

• Addition of mouse sensitivity slider
• Fixed framerate stuttering problem that occurred on some video cards
• Fixed various graphics issues on graphics cards that do not support pixel shader 1.1
• other graphics/framerate enhancements

• 3D Artist/Modeler
• Concept Artist
• Entry-Level Programmer
• Red Faction Level Designer
• Senior Programmer

• 3D Artist/Modeler
• Concept Artist
• Entry-Level Programmer
• Red Faction Level Designer
• Senior Programmer
• Texture Artist

I used to say I talked on the phone, but I don't have to do quite as much of that anymore. Since the THQ acquisition, we've been so busy finishing Summoner and doing various planning that I haven't really settled into my role. I'll check my employment contract and get back to you.

Volition Watch recently posted an interview with Mike Kulas to commemorate their full redesign of the main site!

• 3D Artist/Modeler
• Concept Artist
• Entry-Level Programmer
• Hardware Technician
• Red Faction Level Designer
• Senior Programmer
• Texture Artist
• Writer

Visit our employment page for more information on applying for a position!

• 3D Artist/Modeler
• Concept Artist
• Entry-Level Programmer
• Red Faction Level Designer
• Senior Programmer
• Texture Artist
• Writer

Visit our employment page for more information on applying for a position!

As to Summoner and Red Faction, I see no changes. These titles remain in development with THQ. We believe they will be completed in time for their scheduled release dates. Our hope for all our projects is that they will merit sequels. I hope that's true of both Summoner and Red Faction. As to what other platforms we might support, I can't say.

Regarding Descent sequels, it's very unlikely that Volition would ever be involved in one. Interplay owns the sequel rights to Descent. It's possible Outrage will develop another Descent sequel, but I don't know what their plans are. I also don't know what Interplay's plans are for the franchise.

Regarding FreeSpace sequels, I don't know what Interplay's plans are. As with Descent, they own the sequel rights. Interplay could elect to have someone else develop a FreeSpace sequel. I can't say any more about FreeSpace at this time.

Regarding Parallax Online, THQ has acquired Parallax Online in conjunction with its acquisition of Volition. PXO will continue to support all current titles indefinitely. We expect PXO will be better as a result of the acquisition. I'm not sure what Outrage's involvement with PXO will be going forward, but they were a key part of it in the past.

As to what kind of projects we might work on in the future, we have no public announcements to make at this time. However, I don't think the kind of project we will do will change as a result of the acquisition. Prior to the acquisition we had talked to THQ and other publishers about a variety of projects, some very different than anything we had done before. We have always tried to work on things that we find interesting and haven't tried to focus on one genre. I expect this will continue. The one thing for certain is that new projects will be published by THQ.

We're extremely happy to be a part of THQ. We've gotten to know them very well over the past 20 months since we first showed them Summoner. I have every confidence that our games will be better as a result of the acquisition.

I hope to be able to make public more details in the next few weeks. For now, we're completely busy with getting Summoner and Red Faction done, just like we were before the acquisition.

Mike Kulas
President, Volition

• The three previous SquadWar leagues have been closed and deactived but data and ratings have been maintained for historical purposes.
• Three new leagues have been created.
• All squads who have failed to participate in a match were removed from the database to clean up the number of squads.

UPDATE: you can now claim entry node sectors on the new maps.

"For the past few months a large number of webmasters within the FreeSpace community have been working on a a secret project. Although the existance of such a project has been spread throughout the community the exact details of what it was had not been revealed and up until today, has probably been the single greatest secret kept in this community.

Secrets have been revealed and we are pleased to announce the official launch of the Volition Watch Network (http://www.volitionwatch.com/)! The networks aim is to bring upto date news, information, screen shots, and media to people interested in games being produced by Volition, a company best known for their award winning FreeSpace games.

Our network is broken down into several hub sites. Currently we have FreeSpace Watch, Summoner Watch, and Red Faction Watch.

FreeSpace Watch (http://freespace.volitionwatch.com/) has been in operation for almost 2 years now (formerly Planet FreeSpace) and has gathered the FreeSpace communities respect as a top news source. FSW has also merged with the former Descent Chronicles and Restricted Access bringing together the three staffs and content into one combined source.

Summoner Watch (http://summoner.volitionwatch.com/) which was formerly called Summoner Homeland launched shortly after the first Summoner press release and like FreeSpace Watch, has become one of the leading websites in the Summoner community.

Red Faction Watch (http://redfaction.volitionwatch.com/) is a brand new site that we've also just launched which will be focusing on the new upcoming first person shooter title called Red Faction. Red Faction promises to be something different than other FPS titles by introducing drivable vehicles and full geometry modification capabilities that allow players to blast holes in walls and destroy buildings in a more realistic fashion than ever before. Red Faction Watch plans to carry the quality level and hopes to achieve what FreeSpace and Summoner Watch have already.

Finally, due to the imminent closing of the Descent Chronicles, we've moved the FreeSpace Mission Archive to our new Archives (http://archives.volitionwatch.com/) section with areas for FreeSpace, FreeSpace 2, and the upcoming Red Faction.

We look forward to the next few months with anticipation of expanding our network to its full potential. The revolution has begun, Volition Watch is here!"

All SquadWar leagues - Inaugural, Winter, and European - will be reset on Tuesday, August 1st, 2000. Though power ratings and other squad statistics may be reset also, no other significant changes or additions will be made. After the reset, all squads will need to sign up for the leagues they'd like to participate in.

The recording of current league statistics for posterity will be decided upon at a later date.

"In summary, if you liked X-wing and enjoyed Wing Commander, you should know that there is a new genre leader in space simulations - this game surpasses ALL other. I have consigned my X-wing Alliance and Wing Commander Prophecy to the cupboard."

Duncan Bradley from 3dfx Gamers posted a glowing review of FreeSpace 2. FreeSpace 2 received a 10 out of 10!

UPDATE 5:30PM - The missions are now validated!

"Planet FreeSpace has officially closed its doors at Gamespy and moved to a new host with a new name.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present to you all, FreeSpace Watch!! We'll be looking to provide an even better service for news, information, and of course, your daily dosages of insanity!"

We extend our sincerest wishes that the staff at FreeSpace Watch contines with the same great success they had with Planet FreeSpace!

• Over 10 new user-created missions
• Single Player Templar Campaign
• Single Player Gauntlet Missions
• New multiplayer missions originally released on the web
• Missions originally from the FreeSpace 2 demo

John Crowdis - Rites of Passage
Paul Desjardins - To Destroy or Not to Destory
Michael Diedrich - The Queen, Shivan Incursion
Peter Drake - Boomerang
Kurt Heiner - The Cold Sword
Steven Holgate - Third Coming
Nathan Hoying - Third Watch
Alex Kirkwood - One Step Too Far
Simon London - The Trap
Curtis Luk - Sirius X
Michael Pureka - Excellence Under Fire
Solrazor - Nekhbet

We are very excited to announce that FreeSpace 2 is the Intelligamer 1999 Simulation Game of the Year!

"Some of the later missions take place in increasingly angry parts of the nebula, flashing with lightning and electronic interference that create one of the most disconcerting and tense effects since the flickering fluorescent light in Doom. I wondered why my eyes hurt after playing until I realized I was afraid to blink."

Quinton Evans from PC Gameworld has posted his review of FreeSpace 2. Quinton gave FreeSpace 2 a very high 96%!!

"3DFX has just released new drivers for their Voodoo 3 chipset over at 3DFX Gamers! If you are a Voodoo 3 owner, I muchos suggestes that you download these drivers NOW! I have been getting slowdowns in FS2 from day one, and now I am cured due to this shining light of my day! I am SOOOO happy! I can play FS2 and whoop up on my fellow staffers soooo much easier now! =) =) =)"

This report has been unconfirmed by Volition, but if you have been experiencing problems similar to what Orange describes, perhaps you should try downloading the new drivers from the 3dfx site. We cannot confirm that these drivers will increase performance in all cases, nor can we provide support for their use.

GamesXTREME recently reviewed FreeSpace 2. FreeSpace 2 received a 95%!

The immense capital ships are graphically impressive and equipped with truly formidable and beautiful flak cannons, beam weapons, missiles, and lasers. While other games relegate capital ships to exotic targets, FreeSpace 2 features capital ships prominently in almost every mission, and watching those dreadnoughts battle it out is a unique experience. It also features an outstanding customizable interface, great graphics, smooth gameplay in both single and multiplayer battles, and improved mission design. Even if Totally Games had not effectively abandoned its X-Wing franchise earlier this year, and Origin Systems had not decided to focus solely on multiplayer games, there'd be no doubt that there's a new king in this genre. FreeSpace 2 is one of the best space sims ever made."

We are proud to announce that FreeSpace 2 was awarded GameSpot's Science-Fiction Simulation of the Year award! FreeSpace 2 was also nominated in the categories of Best Graphics: Technical Excellence, Best Story, and Best Game No One Played, and Game of the Year!

We are pleased to announce that FreeSpace 2 has been named as a nominee for Computer Gaming World's Sci-Fi Sim of the Year! Other nominees in the same category include Heavy Gear II, MechWarrior 3, and X-Wing Alliance. All nominees in all categories are also contenders for Game of the Year honors. The results and winners are going to be published in next month's issue.

Also, you can vote for Computer Gaming World's Top 40 Games on their Top 40 game poll. Select your favorite games, 10 or less, and submit them. The results will be printed in next month's CGW! Descent: FreeSpace - Silent Threat has been on the polls for some time now. If you like FreeSpace 2, this is a good way to voice your opinion to their editors!

You'll thank me later. " Don Blackman from 3DGaming.Net recently posted a review of FreeSpace 2. FreeSpace 2 received an A!

Of course, counting on the bombers means counting on their AI. FreeSpace 2's AI was top-notch. You could choose to command individual ships, wings or the entire squadron and they'd obey capably and with commendable determination, yet they were also smart enough to handle most situations on their own. Let's not forget the excellent mission scripting within the game. Thanks to the boys at Volition, 1999 brought some of the most intense space combat ever seen on a PC."

Thresh's Firing Squad named FreeSpace 2 as one of the Action games in their list of The Best Games of 1999!

3D Spotlight recently reviewed FreeSpace 2. The review gave FreeSpace 2 a score of 9.4 out of a possible 10!

Visit http://www.pxo.net for more details. Visit http://www.squadwar.com for a look at SquadWar, PXO's free squad-based game for FreeSpace 2 players.

-James Tsai
-Volition, Inc.

More information can be found at the FreeSpace 2 Missions section of the FreeSpace 2 site.

• arrrrwalktheplank - in mission - Call in the Volition pirate ship!
• tooledworkedowned - in mission - Jim Boone or Alan Lawrance pop into the screen!
• vasudanswuvfishes - enter at player select screen when at Vasudan Main Hall - Fish Tank!
• humanheadsinside - enter at player select screen when at Vasudan Main Hall - eww!

We were amazed and impressed at the cool things people did with the Descent source we released a few years ago. It touches us deeply how devoted some people are to the Descent series, and we look forward to seeing what people can do with this Descent II source.

Matt Toschlog	Mike Kulas
Outrage Entertainment	Volition, Inc.

NextGen:

"With FreeSpace: The Great War, Volition showed it was more than ready to take on the Wing Commander series with a game that featured incredible graphics, a great storyline, and some of the best space action anywhere. And you'll be glad to know that this time around Volition has upped the ante even more and built the best playing and looking space combat game ever."

"Bottom Line: No self-respecting space-combat junkie should live without it"

In NextGen on page 102, FreeSpace 2 receives their elusive 5-star award!

PCGamer:

"Thanks to some subtle improvements, FreeSpace 2 is free to rule the cosmos as the best space combat game yet to hit the PC."

"Highs: Good mission scripting and story; large-scale action and great graphics.
Lows: Nothing really worth moaning about.
Bottom Line: Breathtaking action, atmosphere, story, and graphics come together to create a truly compelling combat experience."

In PCGamer on pages 172 and 173, FreeSpace 2 receives a 93% and their Editor's Choice award!

The missions provide a good variety and can change at a moment's notice. Add strong multi-player and on-line possibilities, and the ability to customize your ships depending on your missions and the game has extended life. Freespace II provides an excellent game experience and one that goes well beyond the original. All reasons to be names GameSpy's Sim Game of the Year."

We are pleased to announce that FreeSpace 2 has been named GameSpy.com's Sim Game of the Year! We are very honored to receive such an outstanding award.

• M-01b.fs2
• M-02b.fs2
• M-04b.fs2
• M-05.fs2
• M-06.fs2
• M-07.fs2

• M-01b (All Alone 2) - Players: 8. Alpha wing must destroy the Nosferatu, a Moloch class Shivan Corvette. Max respawns 12.
• M-02b (Forward Edge Battle Area 2) - Players: 8. The GTVA must prevent the Shivans from using a jump node. Max respawns 10.
• M-04b (Rebel Intercept) - Players: 8. Alpha Wing tries to hold off a rebel incursion at the Regulus Jump Node. Max respawns 10.
• M-05 (Initiation) - Alpha and Beta must destroy the Belphegor and its fighter escort. Max respawns 10.

• M-06 (Corvette Rescue) - Players: 4. Rescue a damaged GTVA corvette in the nebula in the face of stiff Shivan opposition. Max respawns 10.
• M-07 (Vasudan Assult 2) - Players: 8. As members of an NTF battle group, you encounter a Vasudan destroyer and must destroy it. Max respawns 5. Recommended respawns 3.

Missions M-01b, M-02b, and M-04b are enhanced versions of multiplayer missions originally included in the game. The overall difficulty level of each has been increased and each of them now includes several new twists.

Mission M-05 is an enhanced version of the cooperative multiplayer mission originally available with the FreeSpace 2 demo.

Missions M-06 and M-07 are new multiplayer missions featuring original content by Brad Johnson of Volition, Inc.

-Nathan Camarillo
-SquadWar Administrator

As I open new leagues, I'll need names for the leagues. If you'd like to submit a potential name, please email to squadwar@pxo.net. If I choose an original name you've recommmended, your squad will get a medal when that league opens, as well as credit for the name! Please keep in mind that the name should fit as a link on the left side of the SquadWar page as either the complete title or an acronym. Obvious league names such as GTVA won't be considered "original". Thanks to everyone who is participating in the Inaugural League and offering feedback to make future leagues better. The Inaugural League will continue to run and will be the primary testing ground for new ideas.

-Nathan Camarillo
-SquadWar Administrator

FreeSpace made the Daily Radar Holiday Buyer's Guide!

FreeSpace 2 made GameSpy's Holiday Buyer's Guide! The page includes links to the GameSpot review, community links, files, and a link to order the title online.

"For fans of the series and the genre, you owe it to yourself to check this puppy out. "

Manveer "Eidolon" Heir of Voodoo Extreme posted their review of FreeSpace 2. FreeSpace 2 received an 89%, and a special award from Voodoo Extreme. Be warned, the comments and language in the review are slightly risque, the style which Vooodoo Extreme has made famous!

"There are over 30 missions that make up the Freespace 2 compaign. And with different difficulty levels, the game can last for weeks. Additionally, FRED2 is easy to use and is capable of constructing very interesting missions for you to play out."

Aaron "Diego" Dahlen from Game Forces recently reviewed FreeSpace 2. Overall, FreeSpace 2 received 5 out 5 stars!

You can download the self-extracting version (1.04MB) from the PXO website at the following address: http://www.pxo.net/files/fs21x-12.exe.

You can also update FreeSpace 2 automatically by clicking "Update" in your FreeSpace 2 launcher if you are connected to the Internet.

This patch will upgrade both version 1.0 and 1.01 to the latest version, 1.20. If you have any problems with the patching process, feel free to write support@pxo.net

The following items have been addressed by this patch:

• Glide texture stretching fix
• Standalone server CD checking fix
• Jump Node placement in Fred2
• Pilot's score added to multiplayer debriefing
• Technical database does not show duplicates of each weapon
• Intro movie no longer shows up twice in cutscene player after campaign
• Objectives in Templar campaign assigned points
• Wingmen now receive a score bonus when large ships are destroyed
• Mission 3-4 conversation added
• Templar 3 mission objective text altered
• M-02 debriefing /Return to base issues fixed
• Mission 3-7 messages changed to accurately reflect mission occurrences
• Loop 2-1 directives issue resolved
• Mission 1-4 failure debriefing added
• Loop 1-2 message timing optimized
• Loop 2-2 directives cleaned up
• Agrippa persona fixed in mission 3-5
• Loop 1-3 mission outcome for blowing up civilians fixed
• Loop 1-3 in mission messaging fixed
• Mission 1-8 briefing icons fixed
• Mission 1-9 debriefing typos fixed
• Mission 1-5 Discovery/Trinity personas fixed
• Training 5 directives cleared up
• Mission 3-1 message timing optimized
• Mission 3-6 directives corrected
• Mission 3-8 briefing icons corrected
• Mission 3-9 alternate names removed from ships
• Mission 3-9 weapons loadout fixed
• Cyclops bomb names fixed
• Mission 2-7 directives fixed

"...this is probably the most remarkable space combat simulator of the year and a technical yardstick future games will be measured with that won’t be easily surpassed."

Federation HQ posted their review of FreeSpace 2. FreeSpace 2 received a 9 out of 10!

"FRED. Free space mission editor. Nothing is quite like it. Many games include bundled software to create maps, missions and campaigns for the owner enjoyment. StarCraft, for one, also boost a sophisticated trigger system, that allow programming of complex missions. Unreal, Half-life, all those 3D shooters allow for map design. But none come close to the shear depth of FRED. This editor allows amazing control and programming. Events can be described by any serious of requirements, from the distance between two ships, the damage level of the hull or ship sub-system, the amount of missiles left in the banks, what’s the current goal of the ship, her location, and what not. You can create, destroy, move, heal and set new goals. The control is amazing. You can do ANYTHING."

Harel Eilam of Quantum9.com recently posted a review of FreeSpace 2. FreeSpace 2 received a 90%!

"Freespace 2 does everything very well. The graphics, sound and gameplay are excellent. Add to that the great multiplayer and mission editor and they're just icing on the cake. Take my word for it, when you stop at your local software store, don't hesitate when debating whether or not to spend your hard earned money on Freespace. It's well worth it."

from Total Video Games posted a review of FreeSpace 2. FreeSpace 2 received a score of 97%!

"The opponent AI is quite cunning, as with the FreeSpace – The Great War, but if multiplayer is your bag, then forget about the highly-publicized shortcomings with its predecessor -- FreeSpace 2 features smooth and relatively lag-free gameplay over a LAN or Internet, hosted by Parallax Online (PXO), a free matchmaking service."

Marc Saltzman from Electric Playground posted a recent review of FreeSpace 2. FreeSpace 2 received a 9.4!

"There's a scene right at the end of Blade Runner where Rutger Hauer's character, acknowledging his imminent death, relates cryptic, almost lyrical soundbites that allude to fantastical sights and experiences. Freespace 2 is those moments, given the gift of polygon flesh."

James Price from Future Gamer posted a review of Conflict: FreeSpace 2. Conflict: FreeSpace 2 is the name given to the UK release of the US release, FreeSpace 2. So don't worry, they're the same game:) Conflict: FreeSpace 2 received an 87%!

The Lowdown: This is a hardcore space combat game in the Wing Commander tradition, complete with high-tech weapons, mysterious aliens, and nail biting plot twists. In each of the game's missions, you create a pilot, receive your fighting orders and then head out into the void to accomplish assigned objectives that include capital ship defense, space superiority and search and destroy.

Who It's For: Anyone who loves space combat games, movies or books. Freespace 2's plot line shows an unusual amount of depth for a video game and will keep even the most jaded gamers on the edge of their seats. Since the game doesn't use real space physics (although it does boast an amazing space flight model) it's pretty accessible to just about anyone who can push a joystick button.

The Pitch: Freespace 2 is one of the closest things we've seen so far to playing a movie. Not only is the story great, but the game looks incredible with loads of breath-taking special effects and plot animations. An excellent choice for just about anyone who's got the machine to run it.