Based on the popular Ape Escape series, Sony Computer Entertainment (Japan) brings Ape Escape onto the PSP this spring. Family-friendly, Ape Escape for PSP will feature multiplayer functionality and a wide variety of mini-games for players of all ages. Read more for details and screens ...

S2 will significantly improve the game - important features have been added. For example, dynamic camber (improved simulation of suspension and different suspension types), highly detailed tyre physics and a damage model have been introduced. Also the additional content in S2 should be noted - where S1 mostly contains the 'medium' fast cars and tracks, S2 introduces several 'fast' classes (and 'slow').

The Realms of Stelanthir is a 3D MMORPG set in Stelanthir, a mysterious world. Choose to be a person of the light, a human, an elf or a dwarf and fight for freedom and peace within the world. Or join the side of darkness, the undead, a vampire or an orc. Causing havoc and chaos throughout the world. Which path you take is up to you. Live the game. Realms of Stelanthir has been signed by a yet unnamed publisher, until then, read more to check the screens ...

Sony Online Entertainment announced today that it has expanded operations with the formation of a development studio in Seattle, Washington. SOE Seattle will be headed up by Matt Wilson, who some of you may remember from Microsoft’s cancelled Mythica MMO. Ed Fries (formerly of Microsoft) will also be working with the SOE Seattle team in an advisory role, but will not be joining the company full-time.

Eugen Systems' general director and vice chairman Alexis le Dressay revealed in an interview with C&VG that they have plans to build the Act of War into a franchise and Eugen systems is "saving some really cool stuff for the expansion packs and the sequel!"

Electronic Arts is pleased to announce that NBA STREET V3 has officially gone gold for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube. The game will ship to retailers under the EA SPORTS BIG brand on Tuesday, February 8.

LEGO Star Wars combines two childhood favorites, LEGO and Star Wars, to create an innovative and exciting action-adventure title designed for young gamers. The game is based on The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and the eagerly awaited Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, slated for worldwide release in May 2005. In the meantime, check out the freshly launched LEGO Star Wars website...

Featuring 128 club teams, 86 international teams, nine international classic teams from the past, nine classic club teams from the past, seven league all-star teams, six international super teams and eight different stadiums, World Tour Soccer for the PSP provides gamers with the ultimate soccer experience.

This spring, 989 Sports will introduce the first, real, basketball simulation ever created for handheld entertainment system. NBA for the PSP handheld entertainment system will provide gamers with all the fast-breaks, precision passing, and above the rim action that fans have come to expect from their sport.

'Welcome to the Show.' This spring, baseball fans will be able to play America’s pastime anytime, anywhere with MLB for the PSP. Read more for details and screens ...

This spring, gamers can take their hockey game on the road and play anytime, anywhere with Gretzky NHL for the PSP handheld entertainment system. Officially licensed by the NHL and NHLPA, Gretzky NHL for the PSP features fast-paced skating, precision passing, bone-jarring checks and players that convey the power and emotion of their sport.

Magic Hat Software has announced its new MMORPG Irth Online, scheduled for release in 2Q05, will use SpeedTree, the real-time foliage rendering technology from Interactive Data Visualization.

Bringing its heritage of being the definitive cricket game series, Brian Lara International Cricket comes ten years after Codemasters launched the original Brian Lara game and over five years since the series appeared on any platform. Brian Lara returns to game screens this summer in Brian Lara International Cricket for PS2, Xbox and PC.

NIS America Inc. announced today its plans to release Makai Kingdom for the PS2, and is scheduled for July 2005. Makai Kingdom is an RPG on which you take on the role of Lord Zetta to command an army of determined fighters to reclaim what has righteously been his, the netherworld. Battle enemies ranging from vicious demons to determined soldiers with both modern and ancient warfare, slash your enemies with the good old broadsword or blast your way through with the deadly rocket launcher; the choices are yours.

Activision has released a new patch for Creative Assembly's 3D RTS Rome: Total War. This update brings your retail game to v1.2 and includes improved performance, single player improvements and multiplayer connectivity updates. The 1.2 patch will be required to play games online. Read more for download links...

Rocking the horror genre with its new action-horror release, Cold Fear, Ubisoft today announced that Marilyn Manson's song "Use Your Fist and Not Your Mouth" headlines the in-game soundtrack. Manson's edgy track sets the stage for the trouble that awaits lead character Tom Hansen as he arrives on the violently rocking ship's bloodstained decks.

Konami America has released a demo for the North American edition of its soccer game Pro Evolution Soccer 4, aka Winning Eleven 8. This version of the demo adds the possibility of playing as the USA in addition to England, Sweden, Spain, Italy. Read more for download links ...

Namco announced today it has partnered with Hori U.S.A. to offer a limited edition TEKKEN 5 premium bundle set to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the fighting franchise. The bundle will retail for $99.99 and include a copy of the game, a Hori customized peripheral and a special six-disc collectors DVD case for storage of all games in the TEKKEN franchise. TEKKEN 5 and its limited edition premium bundle will be available in stores in Q1 2005.

After much secrecy and the successful dodging of various infiltration attempts, developer and publisher Paradox Interactive finally revealed today that their next title under development is Diplomacy! Hailed as one of the best board games in the world, Diplomacy is being developed on a new engine that will cater for classical board game features as well as new fresh ideas based on the approved game design.

SCEA announced today the North American launch details for its highly anticipated PSP. Available through retail outlets on March 24, the company continues its consumer-centric legacy with the release of the PSP Value Pack for a suggested retail price of $249.99 U.S./$299.99 CND. REad more for details and list of PSP launch titles