Zoo Tycoon 2 gives you the chance to build the ultimate zoo and enjoy it firsthand. You can explore your 3D zoo world as a zoo guest or even care for your animals as a zookeeper. Microsoft has released a demo allowing you to try out the South Asian "Tropical Rainforest" map in campaign and freeform mode.

City of Villains will provide players with a chance to play the "bad guy" in the comic-book inspired world created by Cryptic Studios. Take on the role of super-powered villains and create your own character using thousands of power and costume options. Then battle heroes and become a true menace to society while plotting your way to world domination.

Namco today announced the first details for the Curious George video game, based on the February 10th animated feature film release of the same name. An action adventure title, Curious George is scheduled for release in February 2006 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and PC.

Don't Get Angry 2, developed by German X-Pressive, is based on a classic board game. The game will feature a unique comic 3d-graphic-look and ludicrous new game features like the new Ninja or Gladiator Teams or the new air attack. Movies like the Terminator and The Matrix will be lampooned in the family game.

This week, Sierra Entertainment shipped Spyro Shadow Legacy for the Nintendo DS, the newest installment of the 17 million-unit-selling Spyro franchise. The action/adventure game introduces magical powers, role playing game (RPG) elements, and martial arts fighting to the beloved Spyro gameplay in a game that is fun for players of all ages.

Square Enix announced today that Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King will ship to retailers November 15th, one week prior to the initially announced ship date. Exclusively for the PlayStation 2, Dragon Quest VIII is the latest installment in the series that has sold over 40 million units worldwide.

Microsoft Game Studios announced today that Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species, expansion pack to the best-selling Zoo Tycoon 2, is now available at North American retailers for $29.99 (U.S.). Microsoft has also partnered with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and will donate $25,000 to further WWF's conservation work.

While the storyline of Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None follows 10 strangers who are invited to a lavish island only to be accused of murder, players assume the role of a new 11th character, Patrick Narracott, the boatman who takes guests to the island. The player must reveal the killer before becoming a victim.

German publisher dtp will distribute Empire Interactive's Xplosiv Premium games Hello Kitty, Big Mutha Truckers 2 and Taito Legends in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Hamburg based company is also responsible for PR & Marketing for these games in the German speaking countries, cooperating with the agency Marchsreiter Communications.

Etrom is an epic adventure among realms and cities, democracies and “nazi” dictatorships, a journey through space-time portals, among the Thrones of the Abyss, beyond the gates of the City of Light and many more locations, situations, rituals, secret-services plots, dark spells.

EA announced today that it has signed a co-publish agreement with Namco to bring Namco Museum 50th Anniversary on the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, GBA and PC to Europe.

SCI confirmed today that several companies have expressed interest in a possible takeover, but gave no details. "The board notes today's press comment and confirms that it has received approaches from various parties which may or may not lead to an offer for the company," SCI said in a statement. The Daily Mail said SCI was a target for three firms: Midway and EA, and private equity firm Apax Partners. Earlier this year, SCI bought Lara Croft-owner Eidos for £74m. SCI now brands its games under the Eidos name. In lunchtime trade, SCI shares were up by 140.5 pence, or 29.4%, at 619p.

Sailing simulation that lets you create your own tropical paradise and set sail. Marvel at the beauty of your creation and share it with friends. Race people from all over the world in online regattas, team or private races. Originally scheduled for October release, it has now been slightly pushed back to November 10.

Atari and Rising Star Games today announced a deal which will see Atari distributing Rising Star's five upcoming titles. A joint venture between Japanese publisher Marvelous Interactive Inc. and long-standing Japanese Nintendo distributor Bergsala AB, Rising Star's mission is to bring the very best Japanese titles to PAL territories worldwide.

Midway today announced the release of Midway Arcade Treasures 3 for Gamecube, a compilation of eight classic Midway arcade racing games, shipping to retailers nationwide.

Sword of the Stars is a breakthrough Space Strategy game that seeks to reinvigorate the sub-genre. Players will explore planets, manage their empire and research new technology. Sword of the Stars provides quick, intuitive play, state-of-the-art graphics and tactical combat that make the game instantly involving and rewardingly fun.

THQ announced tpday that it has signed a agreement with Aspyr to distribute Stubbs the Zombie in PAL territories. This third-person action game is an original IP by Bungie Studio veterans that uses an updated HaloTM engine to deliver a stirring tale of one man's hunger for love, justice... and brains.

Already rumored, but then denied, a few months ago, Running With Scissors announced today that Postal has just become the latest game to make the transition to the big screen. RWS has signed an appropriately apocalyptic deal with renegade filmmaker Uwe Boll to bring the most controversial franchise in gaming history to the screen in all its blood-drenched, ironic glory.

2K Games and Bethesda Softworks announced today that Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth, a highly anticipated survival horror game for the Xbox, has shipped to retail stores in North America - just in time for Halloween. Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth will be shipping to European retail stores on October 28.

Electronic Arts announced that The Sims 2 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS, ships to retailers today. The Sims 2 for the PSP and mobile phones will follow in the weeks to come.