I guess we wore ourselves out last night with all that backwards compatibility/no online GTA/StarCraft: Ghost/GBA successor business. I thought I'd share some choice comments... On the next GBA:"Competing against yourself does have some practical problems, like developer support. Developers aren't going to double the number of games they produce so they can support two systems, so sometimes the game libraries get thinned out by this," (Royaljester). On no online San Andreas: "doesnt rockstar realize we dont want a story driven online GTA, just deathmatch, capture the flag, etc," (taylorwp2). On backwards compatibility: "the first 6-12 months backwards compatibility is a great asset. if someone has a gamecube and always wanted an xbox because of some of the great games there, making the jump would be easier if they could buy an xbox 2 and play some of the great games they missed out on," (Ermac). On E.T for Atari 2600: "I not only owned E.T. for the 2600, but I beat it repeatedly and I enjoyed it," (enigmatic).

	Microsoft Responds to 'No Backwards Compatibility' Story In response to last night's gamesindustry.biz story, Microsoft released a statement refuting the rumor, citing it as, "...nothing more than pulp fiction," and that the "...media conjecture is irresponsible." The article yesterday came from sources close to Microsoft executives, however, that doesn't prove anything. I doubt we'll hear anything official until the actual unveiling of the Xbox's successor.
	DirecTV Offering Free Xbox Games If you're a subscriber to DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket, expect a flyer in the mail soon offering you a free Xbox game. The promotion is part of a strategy by DirecTV to make their customers feel more appreciated and to reward them for their loyalty. Subscribers get to choose between one of three sports titles: Amped 2, Project Gotham Racing 2, and Top Spin. The only catch is $4.99 shipping and handling. A 2004 NFL preview magazine and an entertainment coupon guide are also included in the promotion. Tell me, Shackers, which game should I get?
	New Releases This Week The big release this week is obviously DRIV3R (PS2, Xbox), but unfortunately, it's been receiving mediocre ratings from the big sites; the littler ones seem to enjoy it, however. The two other 'biggies' are Mario Golf: Advance Tour (GBA) and Mega Man Anniversary Collection (PS2, GCN). Behind them march MTV Music Generator 3 (PS2, Xbox), MLB SlugFest: Loaded (PS2, Xbox), Showdown: Legends of Wrestling (PS2, Xbox), and Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors (GBA).
	Misc. Media/Previews
	A trailer for Under The Skin and a preview of Gallop Racer 2004 are at GameSpot tonight. GamerFeed goes hands-on with Samurai Legend Musashi and Chulip, a quasi-dating sim. New shots of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 are available at the official site. GamePro breaks a leg with a hands-on look at Karaoke Revolution 2. The good 'ol boys at CVG preview SEGA's Shadow of Rome. Concept art for Guilty Gear Isuka is at GameSpy tonight along with a preview for King of Fighters: Maximum Impact. IGN revs us up for Gran Turismo 4 by showing us new videos. They also take the HD Loader for a test drive.
	TeamXbox simply flips out and blows us away with a single new screenshot of Fable. They also show us the upcoming print ad for Halo 2. CVG has exclusive screens for the Xbox remake, Outrun 2. IGN fires up three new videos of Kameo: Elements of Power.
	Plenty of new screens of the zombie-free Resident Evil 4 are available at GameSpy. Also there are some shots of SEGA's Amazing Island . IGN beats their chest wildly at their new videos of Donkey Konga 2: Hit Song Parade. Also at IGN are videos for WWE Day of Reckoning.
	A hands-on impression of Bomberman is at GameSpot this evening (NG). About six shots of Fullmetal Alchemist: Sonata of Memories (GBA) and Naruto RPG (GBA) are at GameSpy.
	GameSpot starts tonight with tons of new footage for Showdown: Legends of Wrestling (PS2, Xbox, GCN). GamePro swings by with a hands-on preview Spider-man 2 (PS2, Xbox, GCN) and a special feature looking at Viewtiful Joe 2: The Hero Returns (PS2, GCN). TeamXbox takes some good, long looks at a few games: Fight Club (PS2, Xbox), Spider-man 2 (PS2, Xbox, GCN), and Midway Arcade Treasures 2 (PS2, Xbox, GCN). IGN scores with new shots of Madden NFL 2005 (PS2, Xbox, GCN).