Already known but finally official, Tri Synergy announced today that Purge, an online-only title that delivers a compelling combination of first-person-shooter gameplay and role-playing character development, has gone gold. Developed by Freeform Interactive LLC, Purge immerses players in a strife-torn world that blends science fiction and fantasy. In Purge, players will find themselves engrossed in a war between two opposing forces, the Order (humans genetically modified to scientific perfection) and the Chosen (religious believers who reject all forms of technology). Read more for details and a batch of fresh screens ...

BioWare has released the first public beta of the Neverwinter Nights Linux Client. They have set up a forum to discuss the client, an email address to use for feedback, and promise frequent updates to the beta. Word is this debut version (build: 1.29.6758 Beta 1) does not support chat or server browsing, but these will be in the next release. Installing the client will require game resources from an existing Windows installation and a CD-Key (thanks Bluesnews). Read more for download links and details on how to install.

3DO has released new patches for the North American versions of 'Heroes of Might and Magic IV' and its 'The Gathering Storm' expansion pack to v3.0. If you have the North American version of the Winds of War expansion you do NOT need any patch, as the retail version is already v3.0. Note that this is the for NA version only and users of other language versions of the game (including UK English) are warned not to use these patches or it will conclude in errors. Read more for download links...

Your dream will soon become a reality! The Sims made a wildly successful transition to the PS2 when it shipped earlier this year and now The Sims for Xbox and GameCube have gone gold and are scheduled for release on March 24, 2003. Players can create and control their Sims on these upcoming platforms with new level-based gameplay and stunning 3D graphics. Customize your Sims’ personality and appearance then move them into the neighborhood. Get a job, make friends, and advance through their career and life’s big moments. Unlock unique new objects and more extravagant houses along the way. Meet, flirt, and fight with a neighborhood full of wild characters. You can also play The Sims with or against each other in challenging two-player games.

With bone crunching intensity, "UFC: Tapout 2" makes its way to store shelves! TDK Mediactive, Inc. announced today the shipping of the newest title based upon the license of the "Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)," the world's leading Mixed Martial Arts sports association. "UFC: Tapout 2" is now shipping to major retail outlets nationwide exclusively for the Xbox.

New weapons, units and civilian transport are provided today for Operation Flashpoint's Resistance fighters with the release of an all-new upgrade. The Operation Flashpoint: Resistance upgrade is freely available from the game's microsite in the Downloads section. Players require the original Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis and the Resistance expansion pack to use the upgrade (thanks Gamershell). Read more below for download links and to check out what this fix/add. There is also an upgrade patch for the GameOfTheYear Edition...

Netamin Corporation has concluded its initial phase of alpha testing for Ultimate Baseball Online. Ultimate Baseball Online is the first ever Massively Multiplayer Online Sports Game (MMOSG), allowing two teams to compete in a 3D virtual stadium. Each participant controls a player for a specific position on a team and gamers can build their athlete’s skills by practicing pitching, fielding or batting. The UBO universe will allow league play, pick up games and a farm system, just like the real life big leagues. The season begins in early 2003.Read more for details and additional screens

Releasing simultaneously with the “X2” feature film, X2 Wolverine’s Revenge is the only PS2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and PC action-adventure that allows players to assume the role of Wolverine. After discovering that a deadly X-Virus has been activated within Wolverine’s body, the player has 48 hours to acquire the antidote from the evil organization that not only gave them the disease, but also their mutation. Read more to check out some new screens for all platforms...

Sphinx is an enchanting adventure filled with mystery, action and a deep, compelling storyline. The game is set in an entirely original universe that is styled upon ancient Egypt where players will embark on an epic quest exploring new worlds, uncovering dark secrets, interacting with hundreds of fantastic creatures and discovering new abilities. Travelling the world via magic portals to foil the evil plans of Set, players will guide Sphinx on a journey requiring all his wits, agility and special powers in an attempt to find the stolen mystical crowns of Egypt.

Activision and Disney Interactive today announced a new video game that gives skateboarding a magical twist. Designed to appeal to children and teens ages 6 – 14, Disney’s Extreme Skate Adventure will use cutting-edge technology from Activision’s latest Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 engine to allow characters from three beloved animated films: Walt Disney Pictures’ presentation of Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story 2,” “Disney’s Tarzan” and “Disney’s The Lion King” to skateboard just like the pros in their respective worlds for the first time. In addition to these characters, the new game includes a Create-A-Skater option where players can customize a youthful skater’s “look” by selecting clothing and accessories. Furthermore, as an Activision first, the company is holding a nationwide casting call search for 10 real kids who will become digitised characters in the game.