Microsoft Game Studios, iGames and EB Games today announced signups have officially begun for the Halo for Windows Worldwide Championship. The international event will pit thousands of top Halo players from around the world against each other for a chance at some big-time prizes; after the dust settles, only one player will emerge to be crowned the world's best Halo gamer. For information about registration and a list of participating iGames centers in North America, visit http://www.igames.org/Events.asp?Event=1596, any local EB Games store or online at http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/ads/promos/halotournament/.

Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that Spawn: Armageddon, the Todd McFarlane-inspired action adventure title, will feature music from one of today’s most talked-about and controversial musicians, Marilyn Manson. In what is seen by many to be the perfect pairing, Manson’s title “Use Your Fist and Not Your Mouth” from the album The Golden Age of Grotesque is featured in the Spawn: Armageddon video game soundtrack. Video game fans will have an opportunity to enjoy the gothic-like Spawn: Armageddon soundtrack in the game this November when the title ships for the GameCube, the PlayStation2 and the Xbox.

Ubisoft has released a demo for Cyan Worlds 3D Adventure game Uru: Ages Beyond Myst. Uru: Ages Beyond Myst is the next chapter of the Myst franchise and the most immersive and ambitious Myst experience ever created. This demo features only a very small portion of what awaits you; a brief doorway into what lies beneath - a vast and complex world in which endless Ages are waiting to be rediscovered by today's world. Read more for download links ...

Vivendi Universal Games today announced that Crash Bandicoot, one of the top character-based franchises in video game history has returned to the racetrack, as its newest title, Crash Nitro Kart, ships to retail stores today. Showcasing beautiful next generation graphics, Crash Nitro Kart combines the best elements of classic kart-racing games by offering an excellent combination of gameplay, speed, characters, weapons and story. Developed by Albany, NY-based studio, Vicarious Visions, Crash Nitro Kart is available on PS2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance video game system.

Atari today announced that it has shipped Terminator3: Rise of the Machines for the PlayStation2, Xbox and GBA, to retail stores nationwide. After delivering a $430 million summer blockbuster film in collaboration with Intermedia, IMF, C2 Pictures, and Columbia TriStar International, Arnold Schwarzenegger makes his first-ever video game appearance in Atari’s Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines for the next-generation game consoles due for release on November 11, 2003.

The Hobbit, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's literary masterpiece -- the classic prequel to The Lord of The Rings series which has been translated into 26 languages and has sold over 75 million copies worldwide -- ships today, announced Vivendi Universal Games. Featuring stunning graphics, The Hobbit showcases deep action/combat systems combined with the best elements of stealth, role-playing and puzzle solving. Players will lead the brave Bilbo Baggins on an epic journey throughout the mythical world of Middle-earth to ultimately confront Smaug the Dragon. The Hobbit is available on PS2, Xbox and GameCube(developed by Inevitable Entertainment); GBA (developed by Saffire) and PC (developed by Amaze Entertainment).

Strategy First is pleased to announce that the next chapter in the award-winning Disciples series, the stand-alone expansion pack titled Disciples II: Rise of the Elves has gone gold. The Disciples series has sold close to 400,000 copies worldwide and has received countless awards for its graphics, gameplay and unique twist on the fantasy strategy genre. Disciples II: Rise of the Elves will ship to retail stores on November 20th, 2003 with a SRP of $29.99 and an ESRB of T for TEEN.

"Nightshade" is the official name for the upcoming PS2 title formerly known as "Kunoichi" (it remains "Kunoichi" in Japan) as well as the release of new screenshots. Players take on the role of the sexy and dangerous female ninja Hibana as she battles legions of demonic foes with unlimited combo attacks and powerful ninja magic. Developed by SEGA's Overworks studio, "Nightshade" is slated to be released in early Q1 04. Read more for details and screens ...

Put on your driving gloves, grab that radio control and jump right into action with 'RC Squad Land Machines'! Select from a great mix of realistic Electric or Fuel RC-Vehicles such as Monster Trucks, on/off Road Buggies, ATV's to even Hover-Crafts to participate in many styles of gripping gameplay. Read more to check out a new in game footage trailer ...

"Unreal Tournament 2004 is the next evolution of the greatest competitive computer game ever created," said Jean-Philippe Agati, senior vice president and general manager of Atari's Los Angeles studio. "The addition of new modes, mods and maps as well as the controllable land-, air- and space-based vehicles, means Unreal fans are getting an entirely new experience featuring devastating vehicular combat and wide scale warfare." Check out some new screens ...

Object Software has released a new update patch/expansion pack for the online version of Strategy First's RPG Prince Of Qin. This "Overlord of Conquerors" expansion prominently features Xiang Yu, the famous Chu General who fought a bitter war against the Qin Dynasty and then against Liu Bang for the throne of China. POQ Online will be greatly enhanced with new characters, enemies, items and locations. This major upgrade inclusive of the Expansion Pack will patch any version of your Prince of Qin Online client to v1.130E... Read more for details & download links ...

Another day, another batch of games is released.

• Medal Of Honor Rising Sun - Xbox, PS2 & NGC
• Goblin Commander - PS2 & Xbox
• Beyond Good & Evil - PS2
• Culdcept - PS2
• Onimusha Tactics - GBA
• Mario Party 5 - NGC
• Disney's Magical Quest 2 Starring Mickey And Minnie - GBA

The Western Regional Qualifiers for the ATI/AMD Cyber X Games, the world's largest computer gaming tournament, will be held Friday - Sunday, Dec. 5 - 7 at the LAX Renaissance Hotel.

The best-of-the-best game players will battle it in a marathon of 54 straight hours of hectic double elimination rounds in Counter-Strike, Unreal Tournament 2003 and America's Army. In addition to the chance to take home thousands of dollars in prizes, the winners of the Los Angeles event will advance to the ATI/AMD Cyber X Games Championships on Thursday - Sunday, January 8 - 11 at the Riviera and Stardust hotel casinos in Las Vegas.

Shadowbane: The Rise of Chaos features new high-level content, and a new race, the Nephilim, a chaotic fusion of demon and man that has arisen from the forces of darkness. In addition, the expansion provides new character classes, disciplines, an additional character slot, two new macro zones, and enhanced environmental graphics. Shadowbane: The Rise of Chaos is being designed and developed by Wolfpack Studios, based in Austin, Texas. Read more for some new screens ...

LucasArts is pleased to announce that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for the PC has gone gold and will be in-store on November 18, 2003. Featuring an all new Star Wars storyline and developed by the team that brought you Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, includes a new PC specific interface, enhanced graphics and sound, and a special trading area where users can get different weapons, armor and clothing items. The time has come for you to choose your path between the light and dark side, so grab your lightsabers!

Rebel Trucker will test your driving skills to their limits as you push all manner of big rig to the breaking point through lush, detailed Louisiana environments. From small forklifts to fully loaded flatbeds and tanker trucks, in this mission-based, high-octane challenge, your first priority will always be staying on track and on-time with your load. Global Star Software has released a demo for Silverfish Studios' trcu kdriving game Rebel Trucker letting you qualify for the driver certification test and then choose one of 3 'jobs' : Vieux Carre Routes, AAA Long Hauls or Stromboli Import ExportTrucking (thanks Gigex). Read more for download links ...

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy allows players to immerse themselves in the classic Star Wars universe as they take on the role of a student eager to learn the ways of the Force from Master Luke Skywalker. LucasArts has released a new patch for Raven Software's sci-fi action game Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. This upgrade brings your retail game to v1.01, but no additional details are available at this point. Read more for download links ...

Get ready to hit the switches. Lowrider, the rhythm-action video game featuring classic and competitive lowrider cars, has gone gold and will ship to stores November 18, exclusively for the PlayStation2, Jaleco Entertainment announced today.

Contract Jack is a standalone action experience focused on giving PC action gamers what they want: More action, less stealth, and more robust multiplayer gameplay. Developed by one of the industry's elite developers, Monolith Productions, Contract Jack showcases the award-winning storytelling of Monolith in a new singleplayer campaign, and adds new multiplayer content as well as a suite of mod-making tools. No specific details as to what this update patch adresses are available at this point (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for download links ...