In Pirates! you take the leading role of a Pirate Captain in the 17th century Caribbean trying to become the most revered and feared pirate in history - exploring high seas and exotic ports, overtaking enemies in fierce naval battles, engaging in duels and attempting to seize valuable booty. This final designer diary features Sid Meier himself giving gameplay tips for playing the game.

EA and Valve today announced that they have entered a multi-year agreement to deliver a collection of Valve games to players worldwide. The first two games to be released under this agreement are Half-Life 2: Game of the Year and Counter-Strike: Source for PC, both launching this fall. In addition, Half-Life 2 for the Xbox, scheduled for release in October, will be published and distributed worldwide by EA.

African Alliance is an RTS in development over at Mist-Land South, known for titles such as ALFA Antiterror and COPS 2170. The game is set in a small African country. A coup d’etat takes place and the country falls in hands of a dictator who rules with an iron fist, and it slowly but steadily plunges into chaos. You are sent in to save the day ..

Immerse yourself into the chaos of the 19th century gold rush as Colt Kaufman, a man caught in a degenerative struggle for money, power, and revenge in the western FPS Lawmaker. Harnesses breathtaking visual effects and the power of an intense, tightly knit single player storyline, Lawmaker will create a game that completely consumes the player in a world as grand as the old legends of the Wild West.

Square Enix America announced today that its PS2 exclusive Radiata Stories will ship to retailers September 6, 2005. Radiata Stories is the latest fantasy RPG developed by tri-Ace Inc., developers of Valkyrie Profile and the Star Ocean series, and takes gamers on a non-linear adventure through a fully interactive world.

Already revealed a few weeks ago, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Wild! invites tycoons of all ages to create and manage a safari-themed adventure park featuring all new white-knuckle rides and a host of prowling, untamed beasts. Read more for the first screens ...

Strategy First and developer Slitherine Software are pleased to announce they have begun accepting applications for the open beta test for their upcoming strategy game, Legion Arena, all set to hit store shelves this fall.

Prey tells the story of Tommy, a Cherokee garage mechanic stuck on a reservation going nowhere. His life changes when an otherworldly crisis forces him to awaken spiritual powers from his long-forgotten birthright. Abducted along with his people to a menacing mothership orbiting Earth, he sets out to save himself and his girlfriend and eventually his planet. Prey is serious, dark story, based on authentic Cherokee mythology. Themes of sacrifice, love and responsibility are explored and the story dives into emotional territory not yet explored by similar games (thanks GameStar).

Scooter War3z delivers a surprising combination of high-speed racing, crash'em up action and death defying ragdoll stunts. Discover the dark but alive world of Scooter War3z, taking place in a free-roaming city featuring several interconnected neighborhoods, where it's all about winning. It is every man (or woman) for himself by any means possible! The scooters become weapons as drivers bang into each other. Give in to the road rage!

Vietcong 2 is a FPS set against the background of the 1968 Tet Offensive, in and around the ancient city of Hue (pronounced Who-ay), during the Vietnam War. Brought to life through a gritty story compiled from first hand accounts and memories of Special Forces and Infantry servicemen stationed in Hue during the assault.