Echelon: Wind Warriors is the next evolution in futuristic flight combat that delivers the latest technical and gameplay innovations demanded by today's experienced game playing audience without sacrificing accessibility for newcomers. Players fly a variety of futuristic aircraft through a number of new missions set on a spectacular continent that takes seven hours of real-time flying to cross. Echelon: Wind Warriors is expanding the futuristic universe of Echelon - the "first-rate flight-combat title that set some lofty new standards for a joystick-controlled game."

The Saga of Ryzom is designed to appeal to existing online RPG gamers, providing the 'must have' combat, magic and crafting system that players have grown to expect. The Saga of Ryzom is a Science-Fantasy MMORPG and developed by the French company Nevrax. Ryzom is a third-generation 3D game that features a highly original poetic universe designed for the general public. Online gaming aficionados will discover innovative game mechanisms, along with sumptuous graphics. Read more for details and a few new screens ...

The official forum for Master Of Orion III is updated with information regarding a upcoming patch. Here is a clip:

Yes, work is in progress on a patch. We have no delivery date at this time.

We are concentrating on the Military AI (offensive, defensive and build queue) and point defense problems, along with some UI glitches and any crash or easy to fix bugs. Changes which require any artwork are extremely unlikely for this patch.

The plan is to release a data-only patch fairly quickly which should help with some of the Military AI problems (and other things) and may also contain some additional documentation on use of the spreadsheets to help the modders.

This will be followed by a code patch. Code changes will be listed here as they are verified internally, so that you know what is coming.

The actual release of the patches will be controlled by the QA departments at Infogrames (for Windows) and Destineer (for Macintosh).

Recognizing that color allows people to express their individuality, Microsoft Corp. is listening to gamers who wanted color options for their Xbox controller. The company is even taking it one step further by putting the choice of colors squarely in the gamers' hands. In an exciting new twist to the Xbox experience, gamers can log onto xbox.com beginning today to help decide the colors of a special line of Xbox controllers.

Codemasters has release a new upgrade to IGI 2: Covert Strike. Introducing a new multiplayer jungle mission, the upgrade also enhances the games online and LAN multiplayer functionality, and is accompanied by an updated dedicated Win32 server. In the mission, IGI operatives have located a Conspiracy base deep inside a jungle. The IGI team's objectives are to turn on the base's generator, hack in to a computer to discover the purpose of the base and finally destroy one of two temple ruins the Conspiracy has been using as cover for the base. Meanwhile the Conspiracy group must defend its base. Read more for details and download links ...

Thrustmaster infiltrates Splinter Cell, the long-awaited PlayStation 2 title from Ubi Soft Entertainment, and will be releasing an official Splinter Cell gamepad and cheatcodes. Fans of the cutting-edge spy thriller will be keen to pick up these two special weapons, both of which will be available for the game's scheduled release at the end of March 2003.

THQ Inc. today announced that it will distribute Empire Interactive's "Big Mutha Truckers" for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox video game system from Microsoft and PC. "Big Mutha Truckers" places players behind the wheel of an 18-wheeled big rig deep in the heart of the South with a cast of colorful characters and plenty of campy humor.

Midway Sports announced today that MLB SlugFest 20-04 has shipped for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance.

Softwrap today announced three new agreements with gaming companies Blue Tea Games, Alawar Entertainment and Grass Games.com. The three companies will adopt Softwrap's technology to distribute secure versions of their games online. The growing adoption of Softwrap's technology by games developers demonstrates the appeal of 'try before you buy' solutions. Steve Zi Kun Zhao from Blue Tea Games revealed that it was Softwrap's "secure and professional approach to online distribution" that appealed to him in distributing the game Save The Meeklits, along with the "reasonable commission based fee".

Vulcan Software has unveiled details of Hybrid, a brand new First Person Shooter currently in development for the PC platform. Hybrid is Vulcan's first game to be entirely developed using their Mother3D engine, and benefits from an impressive array of engine features, which include advanced physics, complex AI, and fully interactive environments. Vulcan has spent the last four years developing Mother, along with their digital distribution software the Vulcan Portal and PC conversions of their back catalogue.

Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced is the sequel to the smash hit Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure. The story takes place directly after the events of the first, but takes gameplay to a whole other dimension. The nefarious N. Tropy is back and up to no good again. This time, he has teamed up with an all new partner-in-crime, the hypnotically evil N. Trance, to brainwash Crash's friends and turn them into bad guys! Now Crash must face off against his friends and bring them back to the side of good... or lose them to the villainous duo forever! A link to the game's new site, the game itself having been released on Friday.

In The Lost Vikings, players must employ the skills of 3 unique Viking characters cooperatively to solve puzzles, conquer enemies, and navigate their treacherous voyage back home. The game provides hours of arcade-style action with over 35 levels, numerous enemies, and hundreds of mind-bending puzzles to solve... Here you have link to a Flash Lost Vikings demo, to get you fired up for the real thing.

Datel, the world's leading developer and manufacturer of innovative video game enhancement products, is proud to announce the release of PowerBoard for the Nintendo GameCube console. The perfect companion for online games like Phantasy Star Online, PowerBoard is the first full-size, computer-style keyboard designed specifically for GameCube.

A good news for the gaming community keen on sequel to Echelon. The two German enthusiasts of this game created a fansite for Echelon: Wind Warriors action/sim... More about it below!

Majorem Ltd., a developer of massively multiplayer games and technology, is pleased to officially announce that they are now finalizing preparations towards the E3 tradeshow at Los-Angeles California. 'Ballerium' is meant to be the main company's display at the famous tradeshow. Majorem's booth on E3 this year would be located at the Kentia hall, booth #6345. The public is invited to test the game's Beta on site.

This is quite simply a genuine match made in heaven! eJay Entertainment GmbH, one of the world's leading providers of music software, has teamed up with Ministry Of Sound's infamous record label Data Records to promote DJ Sammy.

Nintendo is celebrating the launch of Game Boy Advance SP and its connectivity to Gamecube by running a €20 million pan European promotion. The first 400,000 Game Boy Advance SP to be sold include a '£30 discount' voucher for Gamecube.

CDV announces the official name for its action adventure title, formerly known as Core: The Kore Gang! It will be released exclusively for the Xbox. The renowned Swedish development studio UDS is preparing a masterpiece that already shows tremendous potential of becoming a cult hit. Offering outstanding graphics and sound, The Kore Gang goes to the hilt in utilizing Xbox's graphical strengths. This action adventure is scheduled for release at the end of 2003. Read more for details and screens ...

Icculus has issued another updated dedicated Linux server for MoH: Allied Assault Spearhead, allowing Linux PCs to host multiplayer games for v2.15 of the World War II FPS expansion by EA. This is still in beta stage (v4) so not the final product and the developers encourage email support! Read more for details & download links ..

At the heart of Gladius is a unique mix of dynamic game play that requires players to develop and manage a school of gladiators who, over time, gain experience, learn new skills, improve their abilities and finally test their might in epic battles. Players fight with deadly weapons and powerful magic, learn vital combat tactics, and enhance and customize characters... Check out new screens and big batch of artwork!