Interplay Entertainment Corp. and Vivendi Universal Games announced today that the highly anticipated "Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II has gone gold and will ship to retail on January 20, 2004. The game will be distributed by VU Games in North America and Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan).

Data Becker has released a German demo for Related Designs' fast paced medieval RTS game Castle Strike featuring a turorial and a single mission. Although strategically demanding, its core is based on action. That's why all the time consuming handling of resources and civilians is reduced to a minimum with the help of a special, never before seen peasant management system and lots of automatic functions. Castle Strike is scheduled for Q4 2003 (thanks Giga/(Gengamers)). Read more for download links ...

This mission-based 3D adventure will allow the player to be placed in the role of a brave firefighter, who will have to hone their abilities and battle through dozens of intense, highly detailed and involving missions which will put their skills to the ultimate test. Game play in Firefighter 259 will take place in a highly-detailed 3D environment using Criterion’s Renderware technology, and although still under development, initial game concepts include over 10 massive mission environments such as a factory and an office complex, as well as the inclusion of various firefighting instruments such as hoses, wet and dry extinguishers, gas masks, ladders, and more (thanks 3DGamers).

Further extending its already deep ties within the entertainment community, Atari, Inc. today unveiled another "convergence first" between Hollywood and the interactive entertainment company. Atari announced that it has retained Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) - the commercial production company owned and run by legendary filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott - to produce an original three-minute live-action film inspired by Atari's highly anticipated upcoming game, DRIV3R. The film short, which is the first of its kind in the video game industry, is titled "Run The Gauntlet" and will be the core component of both the DRIV3R web site, www.DRIV3R.com, and an extensive marketing and advertising campaign for DRIV3R being launched globally by Atari, beginning in late January.

Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu will stay true to the Batman franchise with intense action-packed gameplay and challenging villains. Featuring favorite super heroes from the Batman universe including Robin, Nightwing and Batgirl, the game also includes a brand new enemy unlike any Batman has ever battled, Sin Tzu, and three villains never before seen in the Batman video game world: Clayface, Scarecrow and Bane.

“Alias” is a third-person action adventure video game that allows players to step into the role of the series’ lead character, Sydney Bristow, an agent for the CIA. Bristow must use her cunning, extensive knowledge of martial arts and array of high-tech gadgetry to accomplish dangerous missions. “Alias” will encompass all of the key elements behind the series’ success, including high-action combat, stealth missions and time-based objectives, espionage, intriguing plot twists, high-tech weaponry and stunning gameplay locations that span the globe. Read more for a massive load of butt-kicking screens ...

For the first time in the series' history, Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3 uses licensed Japanese, North American and European car manufacturers. Players will be able to get behind the wheel of over 15 different car manufacture models. The game also benefits from a massive upgrade from previous games in the series. The upgrade includes the driving physics engine, graphical effects and editors, driving conditions and courses, vehicle tuning options and rival characters.