THQ and JAKKS Pacific today announced the release of the newest edition to the critically acclaimed SmackDown! franchise, "WWE SmackDown! Vs. RAW." Available exclusively for the PS2, "WWE SmackDown! Vs. RAW" features a number of game enhancements new to the wrestling genre -- including online play, the addition of superstar voice over and several new gameplay mechanics.

Majesco today announced it has tabbed Swedish developer, Starbreeze, to develop content for the next generation of console systems expected to ship in 2006. Starbreeze is highly regarded and has received numerous accolades from leading industry media outlets for producing the award-winning video game, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher's Bay.

Atari has announced that World War II is in your hands with the launch of the real-time strategy game, Axis & Allies. Developed by TimeGate Studios with creative input by Larry Harris, creator of the popular Axis & Allies strategy board game that inspired tabletop generals and history enthusiasts worldwide, Axis & Allies for PC is available at retail stores nationwide.

Atari announced that RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 is available at retail stores nationwide today. The game will be available in territories outside the U.S. on November 5th.

EA today announced that Ultima Online: Samurai Empire, the highly-anticipated expansion pack to Ultima Online began shipping to retailers.

EA announced today that The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age role-playing game has shipped and will be on store shelves in time for the holiday season. The epic quest, in which players will take on the roles of previously unplayable characters choosing their own path through Middle-earth while interacting with the heroes and villains of the movie trilogy, is available for the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube and GBA.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is the next chapter to the award winning game of 2003. Set in the unique timeframe of the Old Republic, 4,000 years before Star Wars Episode I, The Sith Lords features an all-new more perilous storyline, new characters, classes, locations and force powers. Check these 50+ new screens...

Grey Dog Software is pleased to announce the release of its highly anticipated basketball simulation, Total Pro Basketball 2005. Read more for details or links to download the demo...

Another day, another batch of game trailers were released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for :

• Medieval Lords - Video Interview
• The Urbz: Sims in the City - Trailer #7

Blizzard has started the initial fase of the World Of WarCraft open beta test, as you can now participate in a week long stress test over at Fileplanet, although only for subscribers. Next week Blizzard will open the beta test to all, but be prepared for a huge download as the client is over 2gigs large!