Easily one of the most anticipated games of 2003, Infogrames send out word that Legend Entertainment and Epic Games' "Unreal II: The Awakening" has reached gold status and is to be expected in stores early February. For previously posted screens, trailers and other goodies, check here

A Tale In The Desert also boasts a suite of features never seen before in a massively multiplayer online game. A robust, player-driven legal system allows citizens to change the rules of the game and a focus on intrigue, manipulation and strategy instead of combat. Players advance by completing a range of inventive and cooperative tasks including sculpture, gardening, beer and wine making, even fireworks contests.

Lejendary Adventure (LA) is a Paper-and-Pencil (PnP) Role Playing Game, developed by Gary Gygax in 1999. It is a "rule light" system that skill-based rather than "class" based. Characters are called Avatars, and have up to four base ratings -- Health, Precision, Speed, and the optional Intellect. Avatars gain "Abilities", which are sets of skill bundles. For example, the "Waterfaring" ability includes skills such as diving, swimming, knowledge of aquatic flora and fauna, navigation, sailing, etc. Ability levels can be increased. Dream Interactive has released some new screens from their upcoming MMORPG, Lejendary Adventure (not to be confused with Tecmo's the console title Rygar : Legendary Adventure).

Heralding in the arrival of one of the most anticipated four-person multiplayer co-op games of 2003, Atari today announced that the official web site for its new Dungeons & Dragons Heroes video game has launched. The site boasts an array of exclusive features and will act as the online epicenter for the game.

Immerse yourself in the fast-paced, dynamic world of Baldur’s Gate : Dark Alliance. In this epic action RPG, play one of three unique characters as you explore visually stunning environments like bone-chilling ice caverns, marshy swamplands and forlorn tombs. Battle immense Frost Giants, brutal Dragons and hordes of other Dungeons & Dragons creatures. Use your wits, battle fiercely and emerge victorious!

Esimgames' tank combat simulator Steel Beasts 2 is expected to be released Summer 2003, but today we have a few new screens showing off some tank bliss. Read more to check them out ...

Hunter: The Reckoning Wayward, developed by High Voltage Software, continues the story of the successful action adventure franchise Hunter: The Reckoning. High-speed action combined with top-notch graphics translate the dark fantasy world of the White Wolf role-playing game and bring the essence of the game to life, fully submerging the player into the realm of The World of Darkness. Wayward comes to the PS2 this summer with an all new story, game-play features, weapons and terrifying monsters. Check out the first batch of screens ...

Valve has let us know that their plan is to begin the 2.0 beta test of their Steam broadband content delivery system this Thursday, January 16. Included in the beta will be the release of Counter-Strike version 1.6, "which introduces new weapons (riot shield, FAMAS, and more) a new map (de_airstrip), as well as various fixes and tweaks." Also included in the new Steam beta will be a new version of TeamFortress Classic "featuring the introduction of the teleportation pad, a new map (ravelin), and more." (thanks Blues).

eGenesis is proud to announce that A Tale In The Desert will begin commercial service on February 15. The game will be distributed as a free, downloadable client with a monthly cost of $13.95. The free trial will include 24 hours of game-time, or one month of service, whichever comes first.