The second release of the Musashi series makes its debut on the PS2 featuring exhilarating, fast-paced, action-packed gameplay utilizing manga shaded graphics. Like a true samurai, Musashi's powers of observation will pay off in the heat of battle as he channels this energy to learn his opponents' techniques. A new mode of his protective services has also been employed, in which he literally carries his characters to safety. Square Enix launched the official Musashi: Samurai Legend website, head on over there for all the latest info ...

While there is no official word yet, Russian developer Nival Interactive has signed the Novik mod team to bring their Silent Storm Sickle & Hammer modification to a full blown retail version. So far Sickle & Hammer is only announced for Russia, but Nival is currently looking for a Western publisher and will announce it accordingly (thanks Slaughter). Nevertheless we already have the first screens ...

Moto GP 3 has taken the thrill of the first two titles and doubled it, taking the franchise beyond the realms of Grand Prix racing through the introduction of high-adrenaline street racing in Extreme Mode. Players can hone their skills on the streets, experiencing the carnival-like atmosphere that follows the Grand Prix Championship around the world.

Pariah focuses on a robust immersive storyline that weaves survival elements into the traditional run-and-gun style of first-person action games. Unsurprising will be the graphic marvel and fine-tuned gameplay of Pariah, a trademark gamers have come to expect from any Digital Extremes game.

Square Enix has revealed a new MMORPG called Fantasy Earth: Ring of Domination which will try to combine RTS, RPG and Action, allowing you to forge alliances, build fortresses and citadels and duke it out with your allies against huge armies. It's still a ways off, as it is only vaguely scheduled for 2005, but in the meantime, read more for new screens...

Dead to Rights II marks the return of action-hero Jack Slate and his K-9 companion, Shadow. In this super-charged sequel, Jack and Shadow find themselves once again in the squalid, mean streets of Grant City, ensnared in a labyrinth of crime, corruption and betrayal. Check the official Dead to Rights II website, or read more for 40+ new screens ...

Funcom has signed an exclusive agreement with Massive Incorporated, creator of the world's first video game advertising network. In a revolutionary deal all free players of Anarchy Online will see dynamic in-game advertising billboards in central areas of the game. Paying subscribers will not see the advertisements.

No Mutants Allowed sent us a note that they have received an official email/statement from Troika's Leonard Boyarsky which confirms earlier rumors that the Vampire Bloodlines developer has shut down and closed its doors. ""As many of you may have already heard, Troika has laid off all of its employees and is closing its doors due to our inability to secure funding for future projects. We have not yet made the decision as to whether Troika Games as an entity will regroup and pursue future projects or simply cease to exist." Head on over to No Mutants Allowed for the rest of the brief statement...

RedOctane announced today that it has established a new division of the company dedicated to publishing software. The renowned video game accessory company's first title for the PlayStation 2 will be announced in Spring 2005.

EA today revealed the hard-hitting in-game song lists for FIFA Street and Fight Night Round 2 that will herald in the sound of football and boxing this Spring. EA SPORTS continues to push the musical envelope with cutting-edge tracks from breaking bands Hot Hot Heat, Louis XIV, the Bravery and hip hop artists such as Fabolous, Yung Wun and Pit Bull among others. Read more for details ...

Freedom Force vs. the Third Reich is a comic book-inspired tactical role-playing game features a brand new league of heroes and villains, overhauled combat system, and spectacular graphic enhancements. In case yesterday's batch of screens wasn't good enough, here are a few more ...

TDK Mediactive today announced a fifth 3D scenario to be included in the upcoming racing game World Racing 2. The 'Race Centre' will add track atmosphere to the game and offers 11 different race tracks, a high-speed course with high banked curves, a classic oval track plus an off-road track and two rally courses. Read more for details and screens ...

Created by Texas-based Gearbox Software, Brothers in Arms is the most realistic and authentic WWII shooter ever. While other WWII games have sugarcoated the war experience, Brothers in Arms is based on a true story and will immerse gamers into the gritty, uncensored and emotionally-charged side of war. Read more for new screens showing off the "suppression fire," or check the ingame trailer ...

Akella is making yet another pirate game, after Sea Dogs and Pirates of the Caribbean, it is now time for the Age of Pirates. Known in Russia under Corsairs 2, this AoP will be distriuted under that name in Europe and North America. No details or planned release date are known yet, but at least there are some new screens ...

Clint Eastwood is bringing the Dirty Harry franchise to video games and will lend his voice and likeness to reprise his internationally famous role of Inspector Harry Callahan. Additionally, Eastwood will consult on key creative aspects of the game design.

ION Storm has released the editor for stealth/action game Thief: Deadly Shadows. This editor allows you to create and modify maps, scripts, conversations etc., and comes with several tutorial maps (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for download links ...

Grey Dog Software today announced Total Extreme Wrestling 2005, a sequel to the critically acclaimed TEW 2004. Total Extreme Wrestling 2005 is scheduled to be available for digital download exclusively through Grey Dog Software for U.S $34.95 in summer 2005.

The new adventure begins deep beneath the ocean waves! Sea life thrives as players are given the opportunity to create an underwater paradise of dreams. Swim with the whales, ride the turtles, play with the dolphins and feed the manatees. With so much to do and see, players can literally lose themselves to the hypnotic sounds and dazzling lights in a world of humour and mouth-watering animation! Read more for details and screens ...

Tomorrow Valve will release the promised update to Counter-Strike: Source. Along with a new hostage rescue map Valve's been working on (cs_compound), Turtle Rock Studios has been working on getting de_train converted over to CS:S. Along with the two new maps, there are a number of fixes to the bots in Counter-Strike, an enhancement to the radar to display your current location in the map, and a fix for Half-Life 2: Deathmatch where players are disguising themselves as headcrabs, filing cabinets, and other invalid models.