Responding to criticism that it was trying to take advantage of the Iraq war for commercial gain, Sony Corp said on Wednesday it will not use the phrase "shock and awe" for PlayStation videogames made by a subsidiary. A U.S. unit of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc has withdrawn an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to register the phrase for commercial use, a Sony spokeswoman said.

Activision announced today that it has signed an exclusive, long-term agreement with California-based Spark Unlimited to create a Call of Duty console game for GameCube, Xbox and PS2. The title, which has been in development since late last year, will debut for all three platforms next year. The Spark-created console title will be totally different from the Infinity Ward-developed PC game, which is slated for release later this year.

In 'Gremlins', the two protagonists of one of the most celebrated battles in the cinema meet again in a platform game that promises hours of fun and laughs. Gizmo, the Mogwai attempts to find the Gremlins and capture them all to keep them from doing any more harm. The game recreates the most famous scenes of the movie on more than 10 different levels (Billy’s house, the school laboratory, the department store, the movie theater, etc.). With the option of playing either one of two radically different characters, the game is sure to offer hours of lasting enjoyment. Check these new screens ...

The cover story for the newest print issue of Game Informer magazine has some details about the upcoming Xbox version of Counter-Strike that is being developed by Ritual Entertainment and Valve Software. According to the article, the Xbox version of the popular PC multiplayer shooter will contain all the current content of the PC version plus all of the content of the upcoming Counter-Strike: Condition Zero single player game. There will be some Xbox exclusive content as well, including at least five new multiplayer levels, two new weapons (the Syringe and Machete) and some graphical improvements including 24 bit textures and better lighting and particle effects. There are also hints in the article that there might be support for user created gameplay modes in the Xbox Counter-Strike, although there were no specifics mentioned (thanks HomeLAN).

Konami of America, Inc. announced today that Yu-Gi-Oh! Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel for Nintendo Game Boy Advance has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The latest installment in the best-selling Yu-Gi-Oh! video game series, Worldwide Edition brings to life the enormously popular Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game with stunning accuracy. Worldwide Edition features more than 1,000 game cards and updated Trading Card Game rules. As an added bonus Worldwide Edition comes with three powerful limited-edition Trading Game Cards only available with the game: Harpie's Feather Duster, Sinister Serpent and Valkyrion The Magna Warrior.

LucasArts today announced that Star Wars: The Clone Wars for Xbox Live has gone gold and can be expected in stores April 21st! Star Wars: The Clone Wars is the first LucasArts console game available for play over the Internet and will offer expanded combat action specifically designed for Xbox Live.

Codemasters, a global video game publishing company, announced today that the latest installment of its critically acclaimed racing series, Colin McRae Rally 3, has shipped to North American retail outlets. To date the Colin McRae Rally game franchise has sold an impressive 6 million units worldwide. The newest version for the PlayStation©2 computer entertainment system version will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

UFO: Aftermath is a 3D isometric, turn-based strategy game (TBS) with a rich and compelling sci fi story. Combining global strategy with small squad tactical combat, the challenge offered is to fight against an alien invasion. Featuring run time generated tactical missions with innovative simultaneous combat action; the genre is also enhanced with strong RPG elements, offering a quite unique mix of strategic ideas. Check out these 8 new screens!

Metropolis team, developers of ArchAngel, revealed more details on their new game project with the code name, Gorky Zero. The game is a prequel to the highly acclaimed PC title, Gorky 17, and it's a tactical sneak-em-up action game set in military environment. Gorky Zero story has been written by a highly acclaimed writer and publicist Rafal A. Ziemkiewicz, three times laureate of Janusz A. Zajdel Award. Read more for additional details and the first screens ...

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. announced that it has reached open beta for its highly-anticipated massively multiplayer online first-person action game, PlanetSide. The company has added 30,000 additional beta players to help test the game which will allow hundreds and thousands of players to fight online in an all-hours-of-the-day massive conflict. PlanetSide will ship to U.S. and Canadian retail stores in mid-May.

Atari has shipped "Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee," a one-to-four player monster-on-monster fighting game, to the Xbox. Based on the classic movie characters created by Toho Co., Ltd., the game recreates the look and feel of the titanic film legends and challenges players to punch, kick, stomp, throw and blast each other in massive, city-wide arenas. "Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee," developed by Pipeworks Software, Inc., is currently available on the GameCube.

Following on from the news that it's possible to run unsigned applications on the Xbox by using a loophole in EA's Agent Under Fire, crackers have discovered how to mod the system without a physical modchip... More about it below!

SYLVANIA Advanced Technologies, a division of Unical Enterprises, Inc, announced today an alliance with Go Direct International Ltd, a developer and manufacturer of consumer retail products. The first products to be shipped as a result of this agreement include a two-player RF WirelessPort, an innovative and timely product for PlayStation, PS one and PS2 consoles. In addition, scheduled for release in Q3 2003, Sylvania will launch the RadioWave RF wireless controller, bringing next generation wireless technology to the most successful game console, Sony PlayStation.

Unleashing the horror throughout nine levels, The Suffering features dynamic lighting that illuminates frightening visions of horror-filled exploration and frantic combat sequences. In the dark world of The Suffering, creatures attack from the shadows and emerge from jail cells, chambers, the ground and trees, surprising the player in the most disturbing ways possible. As Torque, the main character, players encounter a cast of uniquely hardened criminals, prison guards and grotesque apparitions. Read more to check some screens

Summitsoft announced today it will publish Avaria’s Endless Ages, the world’s first true real time first person shooter MMORPG (massively multiplayer role playing game). Situated in the persistent world environment of Iia, Endless Ages has proved an addictive success since the official launch of its online pilot program last year. Players can hook up with clans or go it alone as they hit the arenas, uncover thousands of quests, tame and ride wild beasts, run trade stores on- or offline, and pilot any number of vehicles including jetpacks, hover bikes, hydro crafts and submarines. Unique skills such as shape shifting and mind control further sets Endless Ages apart from others in this genre.

Enhanced editions of Codemasters’ Pro Race Driver, the the worldwide hit that debuted on the PS2, steer their way onto store shelves today for the Xbox and PC. Set to be the most dynamic and dramatic circuit racer for PC and Xbox, the new editions are even fiercer than the best-selling PS2 version. Pro Race Driver lets players race as a touring car professional in a gaming experience packed with 42 real cars, 13 championships and an incredible 38 real-life, internationally renowned, race circuits. The new editions also add a qualifying round to championship races. With up to 20 cars tearing up the track simultaneously - six more cars than in the original – the game is sure to make any driver’s adrenaline race.

NEC Interchannel, Ltd. today announced it is shipping Tube Slider, a fast and furious racing game developed exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube to retailers across North America. Tube Slider is developed by NDCUBE, creators of the critically acclaimed F-Zero: Maximum Overdrive for the Game Boy Advance. The game's vehicles were designed by Studio 4C, the animation studio behind the anime classic, Akira.

Activision just sent out word that they're planning on releasing a public beta test of the free Return to Castle Wolfenstein extension. Enemy Territory was initially planned as a full standalone title until the single player was dropped leaving only the multiplayer component. It was announced that this multiplayer portion of the game would be released free of charge at a later date. Currently the beta version is undergoing some internal testing but they hope to have it released next week. Players will NOT need Return to Castle Wolfenstein to play Enemy Territory (or the ET test we're releasing soon). Enemy Territory is a free stand-alone game, so anyone who wants to play will be able to download it (thanks VE3D).

"Prisoner of War" offers a new style of gaming that is brave, original and non-violent. Prisoner of War features a novel approach in a historical and tense environment. This combines with solid gameplay mechanics to create a truly intelligent, fun and appealing game. Codemasters has released a new patch for its action/adventure game, Prisoner of War. This upgrade "fixes the situation whereby the main menu loads but there is no mouse cursor and it is impossible to select any of the options. This does not affect any other issues, so if you do not have this problem you should not install this upgrade" (thanks GamersHell). Read more for download link ...

In "Line Of Sight: Vietnam" you are an eagle-eyed sharpshooter in the Army's Special Forces (better known as "The Green Berets") at the height of America's involvement in the Vietnam War. nFusion Interactive has just released the map/mission editing tools for their recent budget-priced tactical shooter letting you modify and create new content. The package contains the nWorld and MissionEd editors, auxiliary tools, all necessary resources, and documentation to get you on your way. Read more for download links ...

The exceptional level of interest from games developers experienced by Codemasters' acquisitions team at the recent Game Developers Conference [GDC] will see the company continuing to focus its business development on acquiring further titles at this year's E3 expo (May 14-16, Los Angeles). Codemasters’ product acquisition team will be at E3 (Codemasters booth 746, South Hall, Los Angeles Convention Centre) to meet game developers and discuss global publishing opportunities. Codemasters is ready to sign titles for PC, PC online, PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube formats.

All over the UK, gargoyles have raised their grotesque visages to the skies and declared their desire to be adopted by kind families in time for Easter. Citing the hero of a new video game as their inspiration, the nation's gargoyles are pleading with the populace to take pity on their sad plight. Forsaken, destitute and vilified, these oft-misunderstood creatures feel that their true heroic natures are being overlooked as people fall foul of first impressions and adhere to the mistaken belief that ugly equals evil.

Both the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance versions of Splinter Cell contain all of the most popular elements of Splinter Cell: compelling storyline and characters inspired by acclaimed novelist Tom Clancy, revolutionary lighting and graphical effects that create an astonishingly realistic, tension-filled experience guaranteed to blow Nintendo fans away. Protagonist Sam Fisher has what it takes to get the job done. Armed with the latest high-tech gadgets night and thermal vision, prototype weapons and surveillance gear, Sam executes stunning athletic moves such as the split jump, rappelling and zip lining. The wide variety of gadgets and moves available combined with the wide-open gameplay-never play it the same way twice-gives gamers an unparalleled freedom of action totally unique to Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.

Rockstar Games today tossed up the official site for their upcoming PC version of, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The site includes screenshots, details and features. GTA: Vice City will be released May 2003. Check it out!

Nintendo's greatly anticipated release of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, exclusive to NINTENDO GAMECUBE, launches across Europe with the support of a €5 million marketing campaign. This latest title in the hugely successful Zelda series launches on 3 May 2003 with support from TV, print and online advertising, plus limited editions for retail.

ChampMan 4's reign at the top has lasted just two weeks, as Ubi Soft's all-conquering Splinter Cell finally hit the all-important No.1 spot, some 19 weeks after its initial Xbox debut. Since its March 28 release on PS2, the stealth action classic has rocketed up the charts, and now the initial rush for CM4 has subsided, the game looks set to dominate the upper echelons of the listings for some time to come - especially with demand for the PC and Xbox versions still strong, and GBA and Cube versions due next month.

Atari today announced that the much-anticipated hit Japanese game Ikaruga for the Nintendo GameCube next generation console system has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The game comes loaded with glorious graphics, awesome action and incredible firepower.

Midway Games Inc. announced today that The Suffering, an all-new, action-packed survival horror game, is scheduled to ship fall 2003 for the PlayStation 2, the Xbox and Nintendo GameCube... Read more for gamestory and features!

Pokémon makes its debut on Game Boy Advance with Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire. Brace yourselves, Pokémon is on its way back to Europe! Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire launch across Europe on 25th July 2003, and this time those feisty Pokémon are in full vivid colour, and accompanied by a clear crisp soundtrack, all enabled by the very best in hand held gaming technology, the Game Boy Advance.

The graphics board for hardcore gamers bundled with a full version of Rainbow Six Raven Shield.. Hercules is delighted to announce the launch of 3D Prophet 9800 Pro, its new flagship graphics board based on ATI's latest and fastest chipset. 3D Prophet 9800 Pro is the most recent addition to Hercules's high-quality range of graphics boards, providing ultra-fast performance for the elite of the gaming community.

Take the Pop Idol challenge, discover what's next for Operation Flashpoint and Colin McRae Rally and experience Dragon Empires' new visual world – Codemasters is set to reveal all at this year's E3 Expo (May 14-16th, Los Angeles Convention Centre). With a blockbuster line up of console and PC games at its showcase booth (#746 in the South Hall), this is Codemasters' biggest E3 presence yet with more first showings, big reveals and major announcements than ever before... Read more for some more candy!

WorthPlaying is giving away goodies sponsored by Electric Artists. Enter the sweepstakes and have a chance to win one of 30 "Tenchu : Wrath Of Heaven" T-Shirts... Four lucky Ninja bastards will get an additional Tenchu : Wrath Of Heaven PS2 (NTSC) copy of the game! Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven delivers the most realistic, stealth-based, ninja-action/adventure game ever... The contest ends May 12th ! Want more information ?? Check out our Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven REVIEW

Splinter Cell will grant players access to the highest echelons of national security, where shadowy operatives have the freedom to do whatever it takes to safeguard America. In Splinter Cell, the player controls Sam Fisher, a field operative of a secretive "black-ops" NSA sub-agency called Third Echelon. Sam Fisher is geared up to infiltrate high-security strongholds, seize critical intelligence, destroy threatening data and neutralize the enemy - all without leaving a trace. Does the game leave without a trace as well? Or will it leave a mark in gaming history!?