TKO Software, Inc. has announced the launch of a public beta program for its MMORPG "Ashen Empires." From today, all subscribers can download a free beta license of the game at www.ashenempires.com. The retail launch of Ashen Empires is scheduled for March 2004.

Earlier today we had CDV's 2004 lineup, and it seems Vivendi has now also revealed their upcoming titles. Apart from the anticipated Half Life 2, Men of Valor, X-Files, Tribes Vengeance, World of Warcraft, Ground Control 2, Starcraft Ghost and Evil Genius we also note a few yuet "unannounced" titles such as 2 new Tolkien based titles, yet unnamed Crash Bandicoot and Spyro The Dragon products, a new game based on the Predator franchise and a cryptic discription of a new "Unannounced Pandemic console title" (currently working on Full Spectrum Warirors). Read more for the full list ...

KOEI today announced that it is publishing Crimson Sea 2 exclusively for the PlayStation2. The action-adventure game will ship to North American retailers on March 30, 2004.

Kult is a 3D isometric RPG, that combines 3D technologies and the traditional ways of isometric RPG's. Enter the fantasy kingdom of ancient Rywennia and enjoy this action adventure at its fullest. Kult will take you ;from heroic fights against hidious monsters - using weapons and spells - to seeking wisdom and clues for your quests, while interacting with the many NPC's such as spirits and astral enemies. Read more for details and screens ...

It all began in 1987 with a revolutionary arcade shooter called R-Type. Now the classic shooter is back for a final appearance with new features and the same exciting, revolutionary gameplay that started it all. Use the unique Force System to power-up your ship as you choose and send it into battle against the evil Bydo. With over 100 ships to choose from and an almost unlimited amount of customization options, R-Type Final is the definitive shooter on the PlayStation2. Read more for details and a batch of new screens ...

Ubisoft recently increased the creative potential of its production studios in France by acquiring the independent video game developer Tiwak. This acquisition is operative and has been consolidated since late December 2003. Tiwak, located in Montpellier, consists of a team of 17 highly talented people who have previously worked on the development, and who have all the necessary skills to produce top-quality games.

Today CDV announced their lineup for 2004, revealing quite a few interesting developments. Breed is about to hit the streets, but CDV/Brat Designs seems to be already working on an addon for end of the year. On deck for release are also Panzers, Lula 3D, Cossacks II, Vultures and a Blitzkrieg addon, as well as an yet unannounced addon for Panzers. Read more for details ....

Sammy Studios, Inc. today announced "Darkwatch: Curse of the West," an all-new 1st person shooter (FPS) with an original premise blending Vampire-Horror and Western genres. The game is a cinematic FPS, with explosive action and great gameplay variety framed by a story and visual design that delivers a frightening re-imagination of the Wild West. "Darkwatch: Curse of the West" is the first title developed internally at Sammy Studios, created by the team who launched Sammy's US-based game development studio and publishing headquarters in 2002. The game is slated for release on PlayStation2 and Xbox in Q4 2004. Read more for details ...

Davilex Games is proud to announce the development and publishing of Knight Rider 2. This new title, based on a license from Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, is slated for a worldwide release in Q4 of 2004 and will appear on the PS2 and PC platforms. The decision to develop the second sequel of the popular game follows the success of the first Knight Rider game, which was released in November 2003. More than 170.000 units have been sold in Europe so far.

Davilex Games is proud to announce the development and publishing of a new sensational game based on the popular 80's TV series Miami Vice. This new title, licensed by Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, is slated for a worldwide release in Q4 of 2004 and for the PS2, XBOX and PC.

Conan is a 3rd person action game, with few elements of RPG and adventure. The game is divided into chapters, each chapter with different environments and creatures. Each chapter contains several levels. TDK has released a demo for Cauldron's 3rd person action/adventure title Conan featuring 2 levels set to Kordava city at night and to one of the towers. This beta-demo will run only on graphics cards with Pixel shader 1.1 support (final version of game set for February will however work also on GeForce 4 MX or GeForce 2).

Konami of Europe has confirmed the latest installment of its best-selling Suikoden series will be released across Europe within the 2004/2005 fiscal period. A sprawling role-playing game, Suikoden IV marks a huge step forward for the series, with a fantastic 3D play area populated by an incredible 100+ heroes and villains.

The release of Suikoden IV sees the popular series make its PlayStation 2 debut in Europe, and Producer Noritada Matsukawa and his award-winning team have pulled out all the stops to produce an absorbing role-playing title wherein the player guides a party of heroes through a number of missions, facing an increasing danger as they explore.

BVS Development Corporation has released BVS Solitaire Collection 5.1 with 375 multi-featured, very different solitaire card games to play. You'll be able to learn solitaires not found elsewhere: Topsy-Turvy Queens, Twelve Sleeping Maids, Steeplechase, Braid and many others.

It also includes all of the most popular solitaire card games such as Spider, Klondike, Freecell, Carpet, Forty Thieves, Monte Carlo, Russian Solitaire, Flower Garden, Golf, Cruel, Accordion, Pyramid...

Nokia, together with Electronic Arts, today announced that The Sims Bustin' Out is in development for the N-Gage game deck. The Sims fans will be able to create their own characters and take them anywhere, while on the move and interacting with the mobile community. The Sims Bustin' Out on the N-Gage platform will have exclusive objects, as well as unique "mini games" where players can earn extra Simoleons.

Game Developer Master Creating announces today that they have cancelled their publishing agreement for RESTRICTED AREA with 4am Entertainment for a major breach of contract. Spokesman Jan Beuck: "4am didn't pay the advance payment in time – this is a substantial and un-remedied breach. We are currently considering legal action."

RESTRICTED AREA is an action-RPG set in the dark future and is already in the alpha phase. Master Creating, an independent game development studio based in Hamburg, Germany, is now seeking a new publisher.

Infinium Labs today announced the launch of www.phantom.net, a new web site for its next-generation Phantom Gaming Service. The feature-rich site offers consumers a preview of what lies in store when the Phantom is unleashed in 2004. The new web site provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about Phantom's products and services, specifications and developer program. The site also provides Investor Relations information about Infinium Labs, the management team, news releases, the stock symbol and links to trading quotes and SEC filings.

The third Secret Weapons Over Normandy Xbox Live content package has officially been released! This package features one additional flyable plane, an all-new single player mission, and an alternative camo scheme for the Ju-87 Stuka. Combining Italian design skills, with a German inline engine, the Macchi 202 is a more than capable fighter plane. Secret Weapons Over Normandy players will get the chance to pilot this aircraft for the first time as they fly for the Axis in combat against Allied invaders in a brand new mission named "Escape from Tripoli." Also added to Xbox Live is an updated camo pattern for the Ju-87 Stuka. Read more to check out some screens of the new content...

This was a time at the height and splendor of the medieval period, where great achievements and chivalric deeds were all common as were the treacherous tragedies and villainous actions of its people. In this period new cities were founded, great castles constructed, universities, convents and cathedrals built. Terrible wars were fought, the Black Death extinguished near a third of Europe’s population, famine and marauding warriors were scourges to the population.

Launching the next generation of solo play and online combat, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is imminent. The #1 online action game of all time goes single-player with Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. A stand-alone product, Condition Zero is the comprehensive successor to the 2000 Multiplayer Game of the Year. Condition Zero completely replaces the current Counter-Strike, and combines six story-driven episodes, three different single player modes and multiplayer enhancements to drive the future of Counter-Strike gamers everywhere.

Hitman: Contracts delivers more action-packed and suspenseful missions, with a greater variety of ways to make the perfect hit and an increased arsenal of firearms and close-combat weapons. A new graphics engine showcases Hitman's 'work' in brutal detail and brings new locations to life. An improved control system and more gradual learning curve will ensure that the game is accessible to all aspiring hitmen. Hitman: Contracts is being developed by Io Interactive and will be available for PS2, Xbox, and PC in spring 2004.