Blizzard has started the initial fase of the World Of WarCraft open beta test, as you can now participate in a week long stress test over at Fileplanet, although only for subscribers. Next week Blizzard will open the beta test to all, but be prepared for a huge download as the client is over 2gigs large!

ESPN Videogames is proud to bring all the pageantry of college basketball to gamers everywhere with ESPN College Hoops 2K5. With over 320 Division 1 teams, more than any other college basketball video game, ESPN College Hoops 2K5 is the only answer. Fans will enjoy all the new gameplay enhancements, feature additions and visual improvements that make ESPN College Hoops 2K5 the most complete college basketball video game.

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. Not straying too far from their roots, Digital Extremes is building Pariah with the latest version of the technologically powerful Unreal engine by Epic Games.

Tecmo announced today that the latest installment in its popular survival horror series, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Director's Cut on the Xbox, has shipped, lurking into retail stores nationwide throughout the week. The new Director's Cut version promises to be twice the terror with the addition of two new spooky modes, a creepy new setting, a variety of unlockable costumes, enhanced graphics and sound, and a never before seen ending.

The Law & Order: Justice Is Served demo allows players to start the murder investigation, giving you a glimpse of what is to come in the full version. Players must search the crime scene, interview witnesses and solve one puzzle. Read more for download links ...

Ubisoft today announced that Chessmaster is now available in North America for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Chessmaster is the first chess program available for Xbox where players will be able to improve their chess skills. Chess fans will be able to challenge other players and receive a player ranking via Xbox Live.

The newest installment in the award-winning Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Finest Hour takes console players to the frontlines of combat to experience the cinematic intensity, chaos of battle and epic moments of World War II across new campaigns across the North African, Western and Eastern Fronts. Read more for a couple of gameplay videos and the latest batch of screens ...

Gamers looking to get the biggest bang for their buck this holiday season are going to get that and more, as Microsoft Game Studios today announced the MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf Limited Edition. Supplies are limited, so gamers will need to hurry to retailers to order the limited edition, which includes two exclusive maps and a "making of " video feature showcasing interviews with Day 1 Studios and behind-the-scenes footage of the game's development.

Strategy First and developer Primal Software are proud to announce that I of the Dragon has shipped to all major retailers nationwide. “I of the Dragon is great because you finally get the chance to play as the most powerful beast in fantasy games; the dragon. This title is already being referred to as ‘Diablo with wings’!” says Strategy First Producer, Emanuel Protopapas.

Team17 has posted a msg in their official forums revealing a North American publishing deal as well as the fact that the European edition of Worms Forts went gold. "US Deal for Worms3D XBox (inc Live) and Worms Forts PC, PS2 and XBox is now complete. An official announcement will follow when the publisher decides (or on here when we can announce). Worms Forts PC, PS2 and Xbox have gone gold and will be released week commencing Nov 19th in Europe. North America/Rest of world territory dates to follow."

Preparing the market for the upcoming holiday selling season, Sony today announced the availability of a new, redesigned PlayStation 2. With the widest distribution base of any platform ever available, the new PlayStation 2 can now be purchased at more than 20,000 doors/retail locations for a suggested retail price of $149.99.

Majesco today announced it has shipped Texas Hold 'Em for Game Boy Advance. The perfect gift for poker fans on the move, Majesco's Texas Hold Em allows players to practice and play against up to 10 computer players anywhere they can take a Game Boy Advance.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington has issued a temporary restraining order against the import and sale of video game systems containing counterfeit versions of Nintendo games being sold at numerous shopping malls.

THQ, Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Interactive today announced the release of "The Incredibles" videogame based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, "The Incredibles." "The Incredibles" has shipped for the PS2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC/Mac.

HD Interactive has released a patch for Mithis Games' space combat/strategy Nexus: the Jupiter Incident multiplayer demo. This patch addresses a few issues that were discovered since the demo's release. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

Akella has released a multilanguage demo for its RPG Metalheart: Replicants Rampage. The game provides a strong sci-fi story with intriguing cyberpunk influences, sophisticated turn-based combat, random quest generator with the unbelievable tasks variations, a complex character parameter system, and plenty of other wonders to make hardcore RPG fans amazed (thanks Blues & Petr). Read more for download links ...

Bandai and Atari announce the European release of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the PS2 game published by Bandai based on the world famous Japanese anime series. The game is a high octane third person action shooter set in a vast gaming world faithful to the original anime TV series.

Capcom announced today that Resident Evil 4 will be released on PS2 and Gamecube. Capcom had initially announce RE4 to be a Gamecube exclusive, but reactions from the public suggested that Resident Evil 4 is to be expanded to other platforms other than the Gamecube, and that is why Capcom made the decision to do so. RE4 is expected on the Gamecube early 2005, while Europe has a Spring 2005 release date. The Playstation2 edition has a tentative release date of "end 2005" for all territories.

Cartel Games is pleased to announce that it has secured the rights to publish Vermillion Games' innovative new 3D fighting game, Mythic Blades. Mythic Blades is a 3D real-time fighting game with a classic feel and excellent graphics (thanks Blues). Read more for details & screens...

Step into the boots of a U.S. Marine and drive the Imperial Japanese Army from the Pacific in Medal of Honor Pacific Assault from Electronic Arts. Developed by EA Los Angeles, creators of the award-winning Medal of Honor series, Medal of Honor Pacific Assault immerses players in an authentic WWII experience, and will be available November 9th.