3DO just released their v1.2 update patch for the recently released Might and Magic IX (thanks ZenGamer). Read more to get link where to download it and details on what this new update patch fixes. You can also use 3DO's auto update program : Go to Start, Programs, 3DO and click GameUpdate.

Ubi Soft and its online subsidiary, ubi.com, today announced the launch of the first ever Shadowbane "Laugh out Loud" contest. The creative minds behind Shadowbane, an MMORPG offering strategic challenge, wants its fans to make them laugh. The contest seeks the most numorous Shadowbane fans that can create the most comical scripts surrounding Shadowbane's characters and story for the next Shadowbane promotional video. The contest goes online today.

Sony Online Entertainment Inc., a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, announced today that EverQuest, the world’s No. 1 multiplayer online game, will now be hosted on local servers based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Europe’s most popular online game is now more easily accessible, and international gamers can enjoy a truly localized EverQuest experience.

Deep Shadows updated their site yesterday (only a few days after their last update) and added 2 new screens for their upcoming First Person Shooter Xenus ... the more screens they release, the more i am looking forward to this title ... jungle fever baby!

JoWood just tossed up the official site for Cultures 2. Meet historic heroes and legendary scoundrels. Cultures 2 provides different options for reaching your targets, whether you are a diplomat or a warrior.

The PunkBuster site has been updated with the news that they have activated a "test" server for people who encounter possible cheats to test them, giving the PB people a chance to examine and incorporate them in new PB version ... they also address a few oher items .. read more ...

Get behind the wheel of the world's top rally cars as you span the globe in quest of a championship. Listen to your navigator as he helps you through more than 40 unique tracks spanning different weather and terrain through 14 grueling stages. Fly over jumps or skid around obstacles on your way to the top of the rally racing circuit. Link up with a friend using the GBA link cable for amazing head-to-head competition or watch the action again using the replay mode. Check out game features and "121" screens below. Njoy!

There is a Freelancer movie (previously appeared on the cover discs of GameStar magazine) available over at German fansite Station-Network.de. The site is rather slow but they offer two versions, a regular size clip (aprox. 28mb/3 minutes) and a bigger high-res one (aprox. 36mb/4mins). Both have in-game footage with the German commentator illustrating the game features, gameplay and more (thanks blues).

UbiSoft is organizing a Battle Realms map contest running till end of the month .. read more for the specifications and what to do if you want to participate!

Bigben Interactive, one of Europe's leading independent distributors of interactive entertainment, today announced an exclusive primary distribution deal with global publishing giants, THQ.

THQ Inc. today announced that it has added gaming veterans Outrage Entertainment to its internal studio roster. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the team at Outrage Entertainment is best known for its PC gaming roots at Parallax Software, creators of Descent. The studio is currently developing an original action game for PlayStation 2 and Xbox that THQ will unveil at the Electronic Entertainment Expo this May.

Tiscali Games send us a note about that Activision announced Star Trek Elite Force II for PC. In this sequel to the critically acclaimed first person action game, players resume the role of Alexander Munro, chief of the Hazard Team, Starfleet’s elite security unit. Now assigned to the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC 1701-E, players will explore strange new worlds, battle against both new and familiar civilizations and go on the most dangerous assignments in the galaxy. Star Trek Elite Force II is being developed by Ritual Entertainment and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Full pressrelease here and first two screens here.

Car Battler Joe is an exciting action game around the futuristic "Car Battles" sport. These are autofights with the sole purpose to scrap opposing cars by using many different weapons and dirty tricks. In the story mode you slip into the role of the ambitious Joe Todoroki and work your way up from an inexperienced newbie to a genuine "Car Battler". Earn cash, by completing various functions, buy hundreds of new upgrades, in order to rig and tune up your auto. There are 3 million different combination options! Naturally you can play against your friends via link cable in Multiplayer mode. Expected in July 2002.

A reminder that this is a GC launch title. Wake up, kid the entire Universal Studios Theme Park is yours to explore for the day, but you only have one day to see everything!! Luckily for you, your animated pal, Woody the Woodpecker will be along as your guide. Listen to him carefully and you'll be able to go places and do things no visitor has ever done before.

Recently a member of the official Renegade forums has posted a fake modification that "allowed" for using the ORCA VTOL aircraft in the first mission of Renegade's single player, Scorpion Hunters. This mod is actually a trojan virus that is intended on stealing your Renegade serial number. Read more for the official WestWood words (Thanks Gamespy).

Radica U.K. Ltd, manufacturers of the highly acclaimed Gamester range of accessories have today announced that they have entered into an exclusive co-operative marketing agreement with Microsoft, giving them unique access to all Xbox UK promotional events for the rest of the year.

Some character profiles, so you can tell which cities they've been raised on the streets of. As well as some 20+ ingame screens for your enjoyment.

Working through the night, the network of underground journalists, designers and printers, worked feverishly to prepare Neocronicle issue no 2! Taking no prisoners, speaking its mind, and sharing its thoughts with the world, this group of dedicated followers risked their all to finish it and attempt to voice their opinions. To all that listen, here is the second issue. To all that don't, why not?! Get the .pdf here (300k) or grab it as a zip file here (250k). If you missed the first issue, go HERE.

Playstation and Disney invite kids to take the trip of a lifetime to explore Disney’s fun-packed Hawaiian adventure on PSone, ‘Lilo and Stitch Trouble in Paradise’. This exciting action/adventure platform game is based on the brand new animated ‘Lilo and Stitch’ Disney feature film which is as much a heart-warming and unique intergalactic adventure as it is a moral tale based on companionship and family values.

UK Games Service Multi Player Zone proudly team up with CDV Software Entertainment to deliver the first official Cossacks 1v1 prize ladder. Using Multi Player Zone's team and competition service ClanArena, Cossacks players from around the globe will shortly be able to battle it out to decide who the ultimate commander really is.