Commencing October 21st, owners of Joint Operations will be able to download versions of classic Joint Ops maps that are optimized for 5 v 5 player squad engagements. The first map to be released is 'Kutu Arms Market' and will be available via NovaLogic's own NovaXchange Map exchange system. Log into NovaWorld.com and click on the 'Xchange" tab at the top of the screen to download this new map, as well as access over 200 user created Joint Ops maps. NovaLogic will be adding more Squad optimized content for download over the coming weeks.

Ascaron has released a patch for the free "PLUS" expansion pack which will bring your original RPG Sacred up to par with the Sacred Plus retail version. This patch is required for users who wish to play multiplayer on the Open.net and Closed.net servers. Read more for download links ...

Merscom LLC today announced "Space Interceptor: Project Freedom" for PC has gone gold. This high-quality space combat arcade-style game, with its dazzling visuals and straight-ahead action gameplay, raises the bar for "value-priced" games.

HD Interactive has released a multiplayer demo for Mithis Games' space combat/strategy game Nexus: the Jupiter Incident. This demo features one Team Deathmatch map (Bloody Massacre) over the Infernal Moon.

Hell Forces is a classical FPS in which the main hero, Stephen Geist, is trying to find out, what has happened to his missing friend. During this search he is mired in a satanic conspiracy, and is trying to stop dread forces of Baphometh, the servant of Satan. Infernal legions are uncountable, but Stephen is not. Only with your help he can find out the truth and stop the invasion.

Empire Interactive Europe has renewed its republishing agreement with Sega Europe for two more years, giving Empire the rights to continue to sell much-loved classic games such as Sonic 3D, Crazy Taxi and Sonic Racer through its value Xplosiv range.

Eidos announces it has signed a development deal with Swedish based Avalanche Studios. Avalanche Studios specialises in the creation of innovative game concepts using its cutting edge proprietary technology. It is developing an action game entitled Just Cause for Eidos, which will be released in 2005 on PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC.

Activision announced today that the company is developing a sequel based on the ever-popular Marvel franchise with Raven Software. The original game challenges players to master the attributes of their favorite X-Men by creating, customizing and controlling teams of four mutants as they embark on a quest to stop the extinction of mankind. The title is currently available worldwide for the PlayStation2, Xbox and GameCube.

Games publisher Iridon Interactive has put out a call for brave adventurers to assist Billy Blade in freeing his friend and sidekick, Kong the Monkey, imprisoned in the mythical Time Crystal. Check out their freshly launched website, or read more for new screens ...

Ubisoft today announced that Pacific Fighters for the PC is now shipping to retailers. Pacific Fighters is available for a suggested retail price of £34.99.