Sid Meier's Railroads! marks the return of the watershed title in simulation/strategy gaming that launched the popular “tycoon” genre, and inspired a new generation of games.

Sony has released a new v2.81 update for its PSP firmware, available in Japan, Europe and North America, adding the ability to download video and images through RSS, AAC support with the .3gp extension, and various other tweaks. A new World Tour Soccer 06 demo is now also available for download. Support for the playback of content stored in [MUSIC], [PICTURE] and [VIDEO] folders at the root level of Memory Stick Duo media.

Savage 2: A Tortured Soul features the same style of beautiful, expansive environments that truly immersed players in the critically acclaimed original; however, an entirely enhanced combat system, animation features, and gameplay elements will catapult Savage 2 light years beyond its prequel.

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

• Half-Life 2: Episode Two - Gameplay Trailer #4
• Crazy Machines II - Trailer
• Phantasy Star Universe [PS2/X360/PC] - Trailer #6
• Medieval II: Total War - Trailer
• Super-Bikes Riding Challenge [PS2/PC] - Trailer #4
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Pull off moves only the pros perform as you replicate the styles of your favorite NBA players. Elevate to the rim for an electrifying dunk and bring the crowd to its feet, or look to your superstars to shift momentum with the game on the line.

Gamer’s Gate and Lighthouse Interactive are proud to announce the addition of two new titles to the digital platform. Simulators Loco Mania and Ship Simulator 2006 are available now to customers on Gamer’s Gate and will offer gamers two, very different and exciting challenges.

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade is the exciting new expansion to Blizzard's massively multiplayer online role-playing game. It expands the game by tremendous bounds, adding new races, quest, lands, Battlegrounds, professions and items, raising the level cap to 70, and more.

In Just Cause, you take on the role of the flamboyant Rico Rodriguez - an undercover CIA operative specializing in regime change - as he tries to overthrow the corrupt government of San Esperito. This rogue South American island is suspected of stockpiling WMDs and it's your job to negate the threat to world peace.

NHL 2K7 introduces a completely new skating engine to give users the true on-ice movement of an NHL game. Additionally, Pro Control receives new enhancements to both offensive and defensive controls, giving hockey fans thrilling new ways to attack and defend on the ice.

SEGA revealed that original Sonic creator Yuji Naka, and character designer Naoto Ohshima, are bringing Sonic back to its roots to create the most intense sensation of speed ever experienced in videogames with an innovative combination of art, physics and game design

NCsoft has released Chronicle 5: Oath of Blood to Lineage II: The Chaotic Chronicle, its player-versus-player (PvP) MMO, in North America and Europe. The expansion is free to all Lineage II subscribers.

KOEI today announced that Dynasty Warriors Vol. 2 has been scheduled for a North American release. The martial-arts themed Tactical Action game will be available exclusively for PSP this Fall.

GameTap Telltale Games today announced that GameTap subscribers will get exclusive 15-day access to all “Sam & Max” episodes, beginning with the debut of the first episode on October 17th, 2006.

Galactic Civilizations II takes place in the distant future, when mankind has become a space-faring civilization and must contend with other extraterrestrial powers for domination of the galaxy. Stardock has released a v1.3 retail patch, which includes a few more updates and corrections.

World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions takes a story-based approach as it puts players on the Circuit as a newly turned poker pro and under the wing of Chris “Jesus” Ferguson as his protégé.

While there are hardly any details for either version available yet, an update release schedule on the official Capcom website reveals that a PSP version is also in the works. The "Devil May Cry" series is an action/adventure series in which players take control of the hero, "Dante", and join his fight against demons, devils, and various other sinister enemies bent on conquering all.

Egosoft revealed that it will be releasing a free bonus addon/mission for its space strategy game X³: Reunion. X³: 2.0 Bala Gi Research Missions will feature one new mission, new ship, ability to build Player Headquarters, new blueprint, and a number of little extras like a new weapon type, sectors and various other additions and fixes. Read more for details ...

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent will completely revolutionize and reinvent the spy action genre by introducing an unprecedented double agent concept and an entirely new breed of game play that adds an exciting new dimension to the gaming experience.

Cake Mania combines a new Touch Screen element with the same fast-paced cake-baking fun that has captivated millions of online players worldwide. As an added bonus, Cake Mania for the NDS includes the full online game plus the Back to the Bakery expansion pack.

The new Video Games Live concert features music from the most popular video games performed by top orchestras and choirs, combining exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers (Steve Vai and Dweezil Zappa), electronic percussionists, and interactive segments to create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.

Microsoft is feeling extra sociable this month and offering European gamers a chance to experience Xbox Live for over a week, absolutely free, from 20th to 29th September, 2006.

Everlight: Fairies, Candles and a Wish is a 3D fantasy adventure under development at Silver Style Entertainment, known for The Fall. Not much else is known at this point, so check out the first screens...

Ship Simulator 2006 puts you at the helm of some of the most varied and detailed ships to be found at sea, where they will need to perform a multitude of tasks, all set within a stunning 3D environment. This update brings your retail game to v1.4 and adds new NY textures, new controller support and fixes a few bugs...

The Mark, a first person shooter, is about the real threat from today – terrorism. The war of the 21st century is now being fought; and it’s here. US Marine corps officer Steve Fletcher and top-rated mercenary Austin Hawke join up in a thrilling battle against international terrorism.

Shadowgrounds is an adrenaline-pumping action game featuring upgradeable weapons, lighting based gameplay and an epic storyline with strong characters. This v1.05 patch removes copy protection from all versions, fixes minor technical and gameplay issues and has some features aimed at helping modders.

2K Games announced today that it will be publishing Bioware's RPG Jade Empire: Special Edition for the PC. Anticipated for January 2007, Jade Empire: Special Edition will feature enhanced graphics and a number of new additions.

The golden age of console hockey will return when NHL 07 debuts with gameplay innovations that will allow players to feel like they are actually on the ice. Featuring an unmatched level of freedom and control, EA has released a demo on Xbox Live allowing you to select your favourite player from the Edmonton Oilers or Carolina Hurricanes and see if you have what it takes to score the momentum-swinging goal

2K Games and Firaxis Games today announced Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles for PC, the definitive Civilization collector's edition covering all 4 base games and its 5 addons.

Need for Speed Carbon delivers the next generation of adrenaline-filled street racing and will challenge players to face the ultimate test of driving skill on treacherous canyon roads.

Hyperball Racing is a combat racing game set in a fantasy world with legends based on a place we know as earth, featuring several race modes: tutorials, championship, time trial and quick race, various locations, as well as multiplayer support.

Disney's Meet the Robinsons, based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated film, is a time-traveling action/adventure game. Players will experience the adventure as Wilbur Robinson, helping him chase the dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his diabolical robotic hat Doris through multiple timelines in an attempt to thwart their evil plans.

Vivendi released its first half 2006 earnings results and overall net income is up nearly 11%, while Vivendi Games' earnings before interest and income taxes (EBITA) of EUR 62 million, up 226.3% compared to last year. This improvement was driven by growth in revenues, with an increased proportion relating to the higher margin of the World of Warcraft business.

BioWare is seeking to fill positions at its development studios including its new BioWare Austin facility, where work is now underway on a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) title.

Over a decade since PC adventurers first sampled the delights of Myst’s emotive and visual feasts, the new handheld development will engage the player like never before and literally take them to another world.

Winback 2: Project Poseidon is a pulse-pounding thriller where every moment and every shot counts. When negotiations are no longer an option and the world’s most dangerous weapons are compromised, it’s time for the Winback assault team to neutralize the threat.

Atlus U.S.A. announced the acquisition of the North American publishing rights to Polarium Advance, an addictive puzzle solving game for the GBA.

LucasArts presents the first in a series of feature stories about LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy. You can expect stories like the one to follow periodically, until the game's release across multiple platforms this fall, each article further detailing certain aspects of the game.

WTF is a crazy collection of fun and addictive mini-games that drive the player to perform sometimes trivial, sometimes mind-bending, but always fun jobs in pursuit of the almighty dollar.

Bounty Hounds takes portable action to a whole new level of on-the-go fun, boasting a variety of impressive features including a full arsenal of weapons, a thrilling dual weapon wielding feature, and a game sharing mode that allows players to go head to head using just one single UMD game.

After her father unexpectedly passes away, Mackenzie inherits the family business: a renowned detective agency in a fantastic world populated by mechanized butlers and walking skeletons. With the aid of cheerful mushroom-man Funghi and robotic servant Cromwell, Mackenzie sets off to prove herself worthy of being called... the Touch Detective!

The National Institute on Media and the Family and Iowa State University will be hosting a national summit to address concerns regarding video game ratings and children's access to violent and sexually explicit games.

War Front: Turning Point explores an alternate World War II, one in which Hitler is assassinated in the early days, and you will take command of experimental weapons, prototype vehicles and units rarely seen in strategy games in an attempt to alter or secure the historical outcome of World War II.

PEA: Dunes of War sends your crew deep into the desert, during the shattering battles of the African campaign, it’s about victory for both sides and your first duty is to ensure the survival of your comrades with victory as the ultimate goal. Jowood has updated its product page reflecting a change in launch date, now scheduled for Q4 2006 (Thanks Blues).