CNN today tossed up a pretty interesting article about Half-Life 2 that is under developement by Valve and will be published again by Vivendi. The story includes some game information / features and also some new screens. Here is a small clip:

You are once again Gordon Freeman," described Gabe Newell, managing director and co-founder of Valve. "You are awakened in the future. Several of the characters from [the original game] are back, including Barney the security guard, the G-Man, about whom you learn more and in whose employ you now are, and several of the scientists. There are new characters as well, most prominently Alyx, whose mother was killed during the events of the original game. The story is once again conveyed entirely within the course of playing the game.

Full article here!

Russobit-M has signed the contract with CITY Interactive about publishing of two extremely interesting projects in CIS and Baltic countries. The first one is 3D space strategy Project Earth 2 (working title). Release is planned in Q4 2003. The second - Aces WW 1 (working title) seems to become the founder of action-adventure flying sim genre. Release is planned in Q3 2003. Read more for details ...

Breed is continuing to win awards and honors from the industry. The title, being developed by newcomer Brat Designs, is one of the latest to be signed up by the market-leading graphics processing unit (GPU) developer NVIDIA Corporation for its The Way It's Meant To Be Played program. This programme is designed to showcase the very best PC games which take advantage of the hardware features of NVIDIA's award-winning GeForce technology. Check some new vehicle screens ...

THQ Inc. today announced that THQ will publish LEGO Interactive titles for the Game Boy Advance in Europe and Asia Pacific. THQ will be developing and publishing titles based on the LEGO universe, including Drome Racers and BionicleTM. Drome Racers, the first title under the multi-title exclusive publishing agreement, is scheduled to ship May 2003.

Reel Fishing III sets itself apart from other Bass Sports Fishing titles by offering a true to life fishing experience. Using the PlayStation 2 technology, Reel Fishing III will offer beautiful scenery, a real-life 3-dimensional fishing engine, true sounds of nature in Dolby Surround Pro Logic II, inspiring soundtracks and fish so real that most will want to keep them in an aquarium. Read more for details and some fishy screens ...

Codemasters will reveal the breathtaking new visual style, enhanced landscape engine and character races for its MMORPG Dragon Empires at this year's E3 exhibition (booth 746, South Hall, Los Angeles Convention Centre, May 14 –16). Dragon Empires is set to deliver a online fantasy world that is immersive and compelling, where thousands of players will socialise, trade and fight alone or in clans to battle for control of the game's 50 cities. Read more for details and new screens ...

Shrapnel Games is extremely pleased to announce that the very first game in Shrapnel's upcoming line of boardgames, Mark H. Walker's Lock 'N Load, has been endorsed by the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum (NVVAM), located in Chicago, Illinois. NVVAM's collection began in the late '70s and has since grown to over one thousand works of art done by over 130 artists. While most artists are American almost every group that was touched in some way by the Vietnam War is represented, from Cambodians to former Viet Cong.

Atari announced today the development of a videogame based on "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines," the upcoming summer blockbuster motion picture from Intermedia, IMF and C-2 Pictures, scheduled for nationwide release by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 2. The film will also be released overseas through Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International and in Japan by Toho Towa. A first-person action game currently in development for all major console gaming platforms, "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" will -- for the first time on next-generation console systems -- allow players to become the Terminator Series signature icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger as the original Terminator. This marks the first time Arnold Schwarzenegger's voice and likeness has ever appeared in a home videogame.

Electronic Arts announced today that NBA STREET Vol. 2 will be available Tuesday, April 29th under the EA SPORTS BIG brand for the PlayStation 2, the Nintendo GameCube and the Xbox.

"Sonic Adventure DX" is Sonic The Hedgehog's third blazing-fast quest on the Nintendo GameCube, and the ultimate version of one of Sonic's biggest SEGA Dreamcast blockbusters. Featuring enhanced graphics, sound and Game Boy Advance connectivity, "Sonic Adventure DX" pits Sonic and his pals against the dastardly Dr. Eggman and his wicked plans for world domination. This updated version will come complete with enhanced graphics, more than 5 hours of new gameplay, and even 12 hidden classic SEGA Game Gear titles! "Sonic Adventure DX Director's Cut" is due out in June - but we've got new screens for you today!

1503 A.D. "Metropol" is a free download in five different languages. Take the opportunity to prove yourself as a skilled master builder in a peaceful corner of the world, colonize large islands and benefit from the rich ore deposits and fertility offered in "Metropol". And maybe you will receive a little surprise when your population exceeds 100.000 inhabitants. More about it and download here!

Project Entropia, the world's only virtual universe incorporating a real economy with a convertible currency, has been taken over by MindArk PE AB. Project Entropia has had an excellent reception from its users, with market penetration surpassing expectations. The intense development phase, during which some 15 million USD was invested, has now been completed.

The stereotype of video games as a children's-only pursuit is as outdated as a classic Pong console. Sure, teens still play them, but the first wave of gamers that grew up playing video games in the 1970s and 80s has now reached adulthood -- and many of these avid gamers have children of their own. As a result, millions of people today are playing, buying and even learning to create new games and other interactive entertainment products.

Empire Interactive plc. is pleased to announce a key distribution deal with Canadian company Digital Leisure Inc. to launch the eJay music software range for PC in North America. The deal, which covers the USA and Canada, consists of 24 SKUs scheduled to debut from mid May 2003.

With the aid and powers of the titan Prometheus, Will Rock rampages through Lost Olympus, seeking the safe return of his love, Emma, and revenge for the murder of his mentor, Dr. Headstrong. Prometheus, fusing his spirit into Will's able body, seeks to wage a bloody vendetta against the god Zeus, who robbed him of physical form long ago. Half mortal, half Titan, Will Rock will stop at nothing short of toppling the pillar of the gods to wreak vengeance of mythic proportions, and to save a terrified woman in the name of love. They don't have much time, though—on the eve of the next thunderstorm, Zeus will be able to take a new wife—and this time his sights are set on a mortal: Emma Headstrong.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the worldwide fall 2003 release of Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, a weapons-based, action-adventure game designed exclusively for the PS2. Created by Insomniac Games, the developer of last year's critically-acclaimed Ratchet & Clank and the highly acclaimed and record-setting series Spyro the Dragon on PlayStation, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando incorporates many of Insomniac's signature gameplay elements, including fun-filled action, inventive character designs and an imaginative storyline -- plus tons of new explosive additions!

Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory is a Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter. It's a team game; you will win or fall along with your comrades. The only way to complete the objectives that lead to victory is by cooperation, with each player covering their teammates and using their class special abilities in concert with the others. As expected Activision has released the test version, offering play in the Fuel Depot, one of the six maps that are planned for the full release. Read more for download links ..

KOEI Corporation announced North American plans to release Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII for the PS2. In Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII, players become one of those brave souls that answered the call to arms. Ultimately, the player’s goal is the unification of China. Gamers can take on multiple roles, from the proud officer who helps his lord to a rogue general forging his own path to glory.

World War II: Frontline Command is set to capture the heroism of World War II's most significant battles. As Commander of the Allied Forces, the game will see players attempting to drive the Axis forces deep back inside their own territory. With a full range of authentic troops and equipment at their disposal, players become a master of the battlefield to ensure final victory. Strategy First has just let us know they released a North American demo, whch is identical to the Euro version. It features one mission set in the Netherlands where you command a US Army force to capture a village and a munitions factory held by the Germans. Read more for download links ...

In 2080, nine powerful illuminati are engaged in a struggle for the control of mankind. As the manipulative illuminati head towards a perilous endgame, you are a mercenary walking the gray line of right and wrong, operating in the shadows and executing dangerous missions on their behalf. Black9 is the exciting new action/RPG that weaves intense gameplay through an engrossing story line with streamlined RPG-style character development. Check the new screens ...