Valve released some information about future Steam updates for HL2 and CS Source. On Monday Valve will release a new Half-Life 2: Deathmatch map, dm_runoff, inspired by a Half-Life 1 favorite, Crossfire. They are also working on an all-new Counter-Strike map, de_port, and to make people familiar with the design intentions Valve has put up a page that outlines six different strategies to try once the map is available. The release of the new CSS map isnt for another few weeks, but will be accompagined by a redone de_inferno map.

Phantasy Star Universe is being developed for both the PS2 and the PC, offering two complete RPG experiences - a single-player action adventure spanning multiple planets, and a robust online multi-player component.

Okami depicts a stark world devoid of colour that the player must return to its natural state. In Okami colour represents the life blood of the land and sucking this life are supernatural monsters that inhabit the surrounding areas.

2 Fast Driver is the sequel to Play Publishing's 2003 racing game, Maluch Racer. Based on a completely new engine with advanced physics and support for the latest graphics cards, this demo represents 80% quality of the final product. The demo contains one track placed in a big city and one car (Red Thunder). Read more for details and download links ...

EA Sports has released yet another patch for its latest iteration in EA Canada's baseball franchise, MVP Baseball 2005. This patch updates your game with the latest rosters. Read more for download links ..

Another day, another batch of game trailers were released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for :

• SCAR: Squadra Corse Alfa Romeo - Trailer #3
• Conker: Live & Reloaded - Trailer #5
• Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars - Trailer (2)
• Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith [NDS] - Trailer #3
• Stubbs The Zombie: Rebel Without a Pulse - Teaser Trailer
• Scarface - Teaser Trailer #2

Dragonshard will incorporate classic role-playing themes, a powerful and dynamic real-time strategy engine all woven together with a rich storyline involving a global conflict for an immensely powerful artifact with the power to change the fate of Eberron itself.

"Darkwatch" is an original first person shooter combining the Western and Horror genres to create a cinematic experience with unparalleled depth and game play variety. As half-vampire Jericho Cross, players must hunt down a powerful vampire lord whose undead minions have overrun the Wild West. The result is a stylistic premise blending western and vampire-horror milieus, and one injected with innovative concepts.

SNK announced today that they will be releasing KOF: MAXIMUM IMPACT - MANIAX, the first original THE KING OF FIGHTERS title for the Xbox, in June 2005. KOF: MAXIMUM IMPACT - MANIAX will have a host of new, innovative features created exclusively for Xbox users.

THQ has issued a statement regarding problems gamers may encounter when trying to access the Xbox Live part of the game. "It has come to our attention that, due to a manufacturing error at the disc replication facility, gamers may experience problems utilizing the online feature in WrestleMania 21. We are currently working to issue an auto update that will be available for download on Xbox Live as quickly as possible. Please be assured this is a standalone issue and we apologize for the inconvenience."

With The Sims 2 Nightlife, players will be able to take their Sims out to hit all the swanky hot spots in the all new downtown location and spice up their lives with an all new dating gameplay and a new life goal focused on pleasure seeking.

Expected spring 2006 in Japan, Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is situated in 1598 and will have several new features and additions over previous titles, such as a new camera system, updated graphics and optimized gameplay mechanics. While no specific info, or announcement, is available yet, here are the first screens ...

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is a third-person action/adventure game, delivering the ultimate Jedi action experience as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi join forces in fierce battles and heroic lightsaber duels until one's lust for power and the other's devotion to duty leads to a final confrontation between good and evil. Scheduled for release on on May 5, 2005 on PS2 and Xbox. LucasArts has finally released additional info on the storyline and features we can expect in the imminent game.

Typhoon Games today announced it is heading for the E3 and will have four titles on display : Dungeon Lords, Infinity Empire, Evernight, and Hello Kitty Online. Dungeon Lords is slated to be released in April 2005, Hello Kitty Online will begin its beta phase in August 2005, while Infinity Empire is currently being fine-tuned, and will be released very soon. Read more for details ...

Volkswagen AG and TDK Mediactive Europe have entered into a worldwide cooperation agreement. The partnership will allow the masses worldwide to experience Volkswagen vehicles virtually, as part of a computer game. This racing game will be marketed as World Racing 2 and is being developed in the studios of racing software specialist Synetic to run on current next generation game consoles and PC. Read more for details ...

2KGames has released the first patch for its 3D castle-sim and siege-warfare RTS Stronghold 2. This patch brings your retail game to v1.1 and adds LAN support, improves AI, various balance tweaks and bug fixes. Read more for details and download links ...

Paving the way for SCi's takeover, Gamindustry.biz is reporting that Elevation Partners has withdrawn from the bidding race to take over ailing developer/publisher Eidos. Former EA president John Riccitiello made a statement this morning that they would no longer be pursuing avenues to invest, clearing the path for shareholders to accept SCi's offer instead. Once ratified, SCi already promised it would restructure Eidos from the top down, and transforms the studio according to its own model, as it has done with Oivotal, known for its Conflict franchise.

Utilizing the next generation of the Invictus engine which incorporates its new real-time physics module, Cross Racing Championship (CRC) will allow the player to experience the thrills of high-speed on and off road racing across vast open terrains. Today Project 3 and Invictus show off the outstanding quality of the powerful graphic engine.

The non-linear plot saves the established facts of the war beginning and allows to lead to the Victory any of three sides: USSR, Germany and Allies (GB and USA). The game recreates the real structures of all participants' armies, uses the real arsenal, equipment and military techniques.

Utilizing technology from our blockbuster sports games such as FIFA, NBA & Rugby, EA SPORTS Cricket 2005 returns to the pitch. In addition to the international teams and bonus squads, you can now play with domestic teams and compete in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The all-new Twenty20 tournament will be fully licensed with season modes also on offer.

Stargate SG-1: The Alliance will be an action-based game playable in the first- or third- person perspective. Depending on the mission, there will be other tasks that have elements of team tactics, puzzle-solving and stealth. First and foremost, you will never walk alone – your team will be there to look after you, but you will also have to look after them, so it differs from most "straight" shooters.

Diabolique: License to Sin is a brand new third person game from Metropolis Team. Unique atmosphere, excellent gameplay, spectacular shaders, Renderware Physics. Tailored suits, expensive cars, dynamic action, and business class graphics. Hell has pretty much to offer.

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.

Buena Vista Games announced today that effective from Summer 2005, it will become a multi-platform publisher launching a portfolio of high profile video games in the UK, Germany and France. BVG will extend its current portfolio of kids- and family-focused titles to a wider audience, to include 'tween, teen and core gamers.

This third person action/RPG is set in the post-apocalyptic environment full of menacing mysteries and unfriendly inhabitants. Explore the new world using your heavy truck. The truck is your ultimate shelter, armor and a mean to earn your living. The upgrades of your heavy truck will pave the road to your victories in truck battles. Hard Truck: Apocalyptic Wars offers enjoyment from a dynamic and colorful 3D world and exciting action-on-wheels!

A deadly mist called the "Miasma" spreads across the land, killing all in its path. Having forsaken hope, the inhabitants simply await their deaths. Spero, a member of the Imperial Legion, has been given the task of hunting spirits to further the alchemic studies of his friend Viser. The young soldier hopes this will bring an end to the Miasma. Meanwhile, a shaman warrior named Linea believes that she can save the world by opening the fabled Gate of Eternity.

In 'MX vs. ATV Unleashed,' players will power through all-new environments and event types, choosing from a variety of new vehicles. A redesigned monster truck, powerful sand-rail and raised 4x4 golf karts will meet ATVs, dirt bikes and bi-planes to compete in massive free-world environments featuring hill climbs, machine challenges and short track races. The game's career mode will allow gamers to choose from the top professional ATV and Motocross riders.