"Imperator" is Mythic Entertainment's next-generation Sci-Fi themed MMO currently in development, featuring a thrilling new interplanetary game world based on an alternate history in which Rome never fell.

The story takes place in an abandoned island, where all humans disappeared in a mysterious way 29 years ago. This time other than the dead people from the first game, there is a new type of enemy called the dark people, they have intelligence and abilities over human, and they can see in the darkness. Their only weakness is light, you need to use flashlight or other light source to weaken them, then use weapons to attack.

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 48 new screens...

Electronic Arts announced today NFL Street 2 from the EA SPORTS BIG brand will be on store shelves by December 26. The original NFL Street sold over a million copies and introduced gamers to playing football with style and flash and NFL Street 2 has reinvented itself by dramatically changing the way the game is played with the new game modes and the gameplay itself.

Merely a month after it was announced by publisher Ignition Entertainment, Mercury is a refreshingly unique game with roots in many genres, has gone gold (thanks Eurogamer). Mercury provides an addictive challenge through its simple gaming mechanic. Players "tilt" each level to maneuver the blobs of mercury, with various switches, platforms, obstacles, and hazards standing between level goals.

SCEI is working on a sequel to what a lot of people call one of the best games of all time, ICO. Carrying a somewhat odd name, 'Wanda And The Colossus' is situated in the same universe as its prequel, but will follow a totally different story line. Not much details are available yet, but with the Tokyo Game Show in progress, there should be more info coming soon. In the meantime, check out the new screens...

European developer Frogwares has announced that it is working on yet another title in the Sherlock Holmes adventure series. After its recently released Sherlock Holmes: The Silver Earring, this will be the third game in the series. "Great news for all adventure game fans - Frogwares started work on third part of adventures of the greatest detective of all time, Sherlock Holmes. Incredible graphic[s], gripping story and unexpected ending."

"Blitzkrieg II" is created with a new focus on fast-paced gameplay, a strategic layer and new tactical opportunities. A completely new engine takes WWII into full 3D where players can command famous aces and units, strategically plan battles in multiple theatres, choose their reinforcements and use a wide range of new unit types such as aircraft and ships.

The entire Worthplaying staff would like to say "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to our readers all around the world. We hope everybody has a wonderful holiday, loads of good food, and a joyful time with friends & family. May Santa bring you all the games you wished for, but above all, stay safe! Our news coverage will not slow down, but the news itself might be lacking. If there is anything worthy of your attention, you can be sure to read it here ...

Atari has released a new update patch for Troika's RPG Temple of Elemental Evil. This upgrade brings your retail game to v3.0 and only corrects problems associated with upgrading to DirectX 9.0c, specifically, the inability to loot bug. Read more for details and download links ...

Enlight Software has released a new patch for its animal loving sim/strategy game Zoo Empire. This update brings your retail game to v1.22 and further refines the hunger algorithm so that animals will no longer die of hunger so long as there is food in the exhibit (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for details and download links ...

X-Isle is a singleplayer mod for Ubisoft/CryTek's FPS Far Cry. This Alpha v0.1 features 2 maps, 2 weapons, a jetski and a few other features. Read more for download links ...

The Sims 2 University is the first expansion pack for the highly-acclaimed The Sims 2, giving players of The Sims 2 the ability to watch their Sims become young adults and put childhood behind them as they settle into an all-new college town to live out their ultimate college fantasy.

Activision Value has released the first patch for Creat Studio's motorbike building game American Chopper, based on the Discovery Channel's TV series with the same name. This update brings your retail game to v1.1, although no details as to what it fixes are available. Read more for download links ...

Parkan II is a 3D space simulator combined with first person action planet side. In the game players will get an opportunity to explore a vast universe, visit different planets, their satellites, huge space stations and immense space destroyers.

Gran Turismo 4 further demonstrates its mission to provide the most authentic driving simulation available in the marketplace. New features will extend above and beyond just pure automotive racing, providing a unique destination for automotive and PS2 enthusiasts to enjoy car culture in every dimension. Sony announced the European release date is pushed back from late February to March 9, 2004. Read more for the 52 tracks which will be available in GT4.

In Battlefield 2, players will choose to fight for one of three military superpowers: the United States, China, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of any of the game's 30+ vehicles to engage in major conflicts with over 100 players. Check out the freshly launched BF2 website, which at this point only featuring previously released screens & trailers. For new goodies, check our 30+ new screens & movies from yesterday.

Square Enix announced today that its PS2 exclusive RPG FullMetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel will ship to North American retailers on January 18, 2005. FullMetal Alchemist expands the story in the anime series which airs on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming. The tale follows the adventures of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric on their quest to make right the mistakes of their past.

On December 22 many players were unable to access World of Warcraft for approximately seven hours, due to server problems. Blizzard will address this issue by automatically extending the trial period of all players who created an account on or before December 22 (11:59 PM PST) for an additional day.

Activision has released new patches for its WW2 based FPS Call of Duty and the 'United Offensive' expansion pack. The Call of Duty patch brings your retail game to v1.5b while the United Offensive will become v1.51b, both patches resolve an exploit that can be used to crash servers. This is a server side only patch. If you do not plan on hosting a server there is no need to download and install it. Read more for download links ...