Pop Idol, set to be the mass-market game of the year for PlayStation 2 and PC, will be exclusively presented from a themed stage on the booth. Codemasters will challenge show-goers to see how well they can perform as a virtual Pop Idol singer as they control the in-game voice of a contestant through the music-based rhythm-action gameplay.

Every in-game performance is judged by a computer-generated Simon Cowell, and there may be some very familiar Idols faces at Codemasters' E3 booth too...

Codemasters will also unveil the next level for its power-brand games including Colin McRae Rally, Operation Flashpoint and LMA Manager.

Premiering

Particularly in the spotlight this year, six blockbuster games are expected to wow fans and rack up record sales:

• Beyond Good & Evil: Based on an original idea by Michel Ancel and developed by Ubi Soft's in-house studios, this title blends an ambitious, fluid new gaming experience with an epic storyline. Its Jade engine ensures that players benefit from the most advanced technologies available in the industry today.
• Far Cry: This cunningly detailed action shooter - which boasts a meticulously designed, next-generation Far Cry engine - pushes the boundaries of virtual combat to shocking new levels.
• Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time:

STAR TREK: TACTICAL ASSAULT is a real-time spaceship combat game for 1 or 2 players, featuring a wide array of authentic Star Trek races, ships, and weaponry from the universe of the original Star Trek series. Players take command of powerful Federation and Klingon warships and must outthink and out duel their opponents in order to succeed. Play through either the Federation or Klingon campaigns in single-player mode, or go head-to-head against a friend in wireless multiplayer action. Gameplay in Star Trek: Tactical Assault is about tactics, effective movement, and the use of your ship’s weapons and shields. Success in

NFL 2004

Listen. Do you hear it? Squint your eyes. Do you see it? You don't, do you? You don't because "NFL 2K4" goes beyond mere sound and vision - you feel it. You feel that deep breath you take when you're staring down 80 yards of real estate, a six-point deficit and 1:31 on the clock. You feel the fear in the air that results from unblinkingly staring down a quarterback from your middle linebacker position. You feel that brief moment in time when the ball's in the air and all that fills your mind is the overwhelming need to

Perimeter, PC, Q4 2003 release date

Perimeter is an original RTS experience combining innovative warfare and terraforming capabilities with traditional RTS gameplay. The gamer will create modifiable combat units using advanced nanotechnology – units that can be modified in mid-mission as tactical situations change - and launch a campaign to seize territory. Once land is captured, powerful defensive perimeters are arrayed and the land is converted into the principal energy source. Developed by K-D LAB.

Rig'n'Roll, PC, 2004 release date

Rig'n'Roll (from creators of famous Hard Truck series) is delivering players the ultimate truck driving experience with authentic models of trucks and their

Online Entertainment for the PlayStation 2 and Windows

FINAL FANTASY XI

FINAL FANTASY XI is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) and latest installment for the world-renowned series. FINAL FANTASY XI is a cross-platform, cross-continent MMORPG, allowing players to connect to the same exact world whether they are playing on a PlayStation 2 or a PC.

The title showcases the same award-winning visual content, innovative game play and emotional storyline that has made the FINAL FANTASY series one of the most popular video game series in the world, selling over 44 million units worldwide to date. FINAL FANTASY XI incorporates the

NCAA College Baseketball 2004

The risky steal, the well-timed block, the buzzer-beater …mind-blowing plays in the final seconds holding every moment suspended in time. Tears, yells, chest pumps…every expressible emotion at its peak -- flowing through the veins of every player, coach and fan. Deafening chants, face-painted students, music blaring bands…unforgettable experiences sending all five senses into overtime. Tradition, pageantry, pride…the definition of college basketball. The moment, the championship, the legacy: “NCAA College Basketball 2K4”…real play, real emotion, real heart.

PlayStation 2

NBA 2004

Go ahead - leave behind the old traditional style of game. You know, the one of uncontested lay-ups and simple chest-to-chest passes that’s been around for the last few years! Welcome to a new kind of hardwood. Turn on the skills of the next generation and experience the new NBA attitude with “NBA 2K4.” Start with fanatical crowds, blinding lights and deafening sounds that set the stage for each competitive match-up! Heart pounding and filling with anxiety, it’s now time for you to step on the court with a “let’s play” swagger! You got game, so rise above the

Get the GTR 2 trailer off WP (44mb)