Get ready to run, jump and dash your way through nine lush worlds in Pinobee for PSOne. Slated for release in April 2003, families will soon have a chance to enjoy hours of action/platform fun. Created by Grandpa Bee, the game's hero Pinobee is a noble bumblebee who is charged with defending the insect world from the clutches of Vestor and his evil robot army. Players will use a series of dash attacks and power-ups to defeat enemies while the game's comical cast of characters help Pinobee in his epic quest to save the insect world!

Design it. Build it. Race it. Atari shipped APEX, the ultimate racing game for racing enthusiasts, to retail stores nationwide this week exclusively for the Xbox. Developed by Milestone, the creators of the popular Superbike series, APEX takes racing on Xbox to an entirely new level with more than 80 cars to choose from, including models from Toyota, Lotus and Dodge; more than 50 race tracks; numerous environments including mountain courses, city street races and traditional circuits; and, the engaging Dream Mode, which allows players to design, build and race their own dream cars as they attempt to build a racing dynasty.

Beach Volleyball brings the excitement of Spring Break to the PlayStation2 taking you to the world’s hottest Spring Break locations to compete in 2-on-2 beach volleyball! Another batch of chicks in skimpy bathing suits jumping around in the sand, what more can you want! Njoy!

Praetorians is an epic 3D strategy game set at the time of Julius Caesar's campaigns to expand the frontier's of the Roman Empire. Taking on the role of a Roman General you are transported back to the deserts of Egypt, the frozen lands of the Gauls and to the heart of the Empire itself, Italy. Eidos has released some more screens today giving us a glimpse at the Epgyptians, they are an intelligent force capable of building up troops fast and executing devastating raids..

Got what it takes to become a hero? In Fire Department, experience what life is really like for fire-fighters. Choose your team, vehicles and equipment! Keep your cool when faced with high-pressure situations… Your reactions, your strategy as well as your capacity to manage a team of firemen are the keys to success. Check out this new batch of sizzling hot screens ...

“Voodoo Islands” is an exciting new game from the developer SPIRIT. Taking the role of a pirate captain, you set forth on the high seas, fighting against evil cannibals, hostile pirates and the omnipresent Conquistadors. Your aim is to control the Caribbean Sea – but these are not calm waters. This is a treacherous sea full of bloodthirsty enemy Pirates, dangerous Voodoo spells and mysterious magical artifacts. Read more to check out a batch of new screens ...

Harbinger is a single-player action / RPG set in a fantastic science fiction universe. As one of three distinct character types, players explore the world of Harbinger - journey to the far reaches of space, battle unique foes never before seen in any medium, discover powerful new weapons and alien technologies, and uncover the dark secrets buried within the massive starship's steel walls. A new batch of screens ...

For IGI 2: Covert Strike the acclaimed superb stealth-based first-person shooter action returns, and continues the modern warfare and espionage theme of the original. The covert missions continue the career of David Jones, a former SAS soldier, now working freelance for the secret organisation, codenamed 'IGI'. IGI 2 takes place soon after the events in the previous title, bringing back key characters in a brand new story and new locations across the globe. Now that the game is available in Europe Codemasters have released the dedicated server code so you can run your own IGI2 server. Read more for download links ...

CDV Software Entertainment UK has upped the ante in its virtual War of Independence by doubling the amount on offer to entrants. Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors - The Overclocking Store, Pure Digital, Saitek, Gainward and Logitech - the total value of prizes available to players competing in this prestigious online tournament has now topped an astonishing $20,000 - the largest ever offered by CDV to its players.

JoWooD Productions is proud to announce official details on the highly destructive arsenal of weapons featured in the stunning first-person shoot 'em up, Chaser, the PC game scheduled for a UK release in Q2 2003... Take that! Details of the weapons, that is.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of Dark Cloud2, an imaginative, invigorating and vibrant 3D action-adventure, role-playing game (RPG) developed exclusively for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. The follow-up to the successful 2001 release, Dark Cloud 2 features a new character-driven story with two playable characters, an enhanced graphical look utilizing cell-shading technology, the return of the GEORAMA -- the unique ability enabling players to create, build and customize a fully interactive, 3D world, and the introduction of the Invention System which allows players to create an array of items for later use in battle and exploration.

Activision marks a new era in the historical strategy genre with the announcement of Empires: Dawn of the Modern World from acclaimed designer Rick Goodman and Stainless Steel Studios. A real-time strategy game of epic scope and breadth, Empires: Dawn of the Modern World lets players command legendary civilizations as they battle to forge mighty empires during the days of longbows and charging knights to the awesome land, air and sea battles of WWII involving Tiger Tanks, Storm Troopers, Spitfires, and stealthy submarines.

Xbox, the future-generation video game console that delivers new and unforeseen gameplay experiences, today announced that Xbox owners can get caught up on the journey of Ryo Hazuki to avenge his father's death through the "Shenmue The Movie" DVD. The DVD will come bundled with the Xbox exclusive "Shenmue II" when the game ships in Europe on 21st March. The DVD is 90 minutes long and features English or Japanese voice-overs with the option for Japanese subtitles, and is playable on the Xbox with DVD remote or PAL DVD players.

Are you a pin punisher or a gutter lover? Take off your street shoes, buff up your ball, and step into the lanes of Big Strike Bowling. Choose from a horde of unique bowlers and head out on to the craziest alleys ever created.. Five screenshots of whacky character action.

At the heart of Gladius is a unique mix of dynamic game play that requires players to develop and manage a school of gladiators who, over time, gain experience, learn new skills, improve their abilities and finally test their might in epic battles. Players fight with deadly weapons and powerful magic, learn vital combat tactics, and enhance and customize characters.

Konami of Europe has announced that Silent Hill 3 - the latest title in the hugely popular horror series - will be released for PlayStation 2 on May 23rd - several weeks before Japanese and US fans can sample its macabre delights.

Microsoft today announced that the first batch of new downloadable content is now available for "MechAssault" via Xbox Live. In this first update, players will find two new multiplayer maps which support all five of the current gametypes and two agile new 'Mechs: Raven and Corvus. The new maps include Hell's Kitchen, a fiery volcanic world; and Stone Cold, a frigid snowy environment. These new items will greatly expand multiplayer play, and this update is available for no additional charge.

Michael Rowland Community Liaison Officer @ Codemasters posted up following information in our forum:

Just though I'd let you know that IGI 2 - Covert Strike is officially released in Europe tomorrow, Friday 21st February and on March 4th in the US. Of course we still have the many demos on the Codemasters site so if you are still in doubt, have a bash at them.

Happy gaming

Mike

UIU is a suite of several applications for 3d artists and game developers. Primarily focused on the creation of environments and environmental effects, it's a good tool that's easy to learn. All components come with a help file and quick start guide to get you up and running quickly. It includes the following tools:

Eleblend - Texture blending for terrain
Ripple Rain - Alpha channel rain and water impact ripple animation
Gradient Thief - Multicolor gradients from existing images
UT Screenshot Assistant - Quick image processing for Unreal Tournament 2003
Mosaica - From image to mosaics with matching bump maps

More about it and download here!