Microsoft Corp. is introducing a series of enhancements for its Xbox videogame system, including music software and online-gaming options that underscore the software giant's plans to use videogames to move more broadly into digital entertainment, Tuesday's Wall Street Journal reported.

Presenting to members of the videogame industry assembled for a convention here this week, Microsoft described software that can let consumers record, mix and organize digital music on the Xbox. The company also announced enhancements to its online-gaming service, called Xbox live, that lets players set up online games and check scores from their personal computers and cell phones as well

Set in the near future, the Battlefield: Bad Company single-player campaign drops gamers into a dramatic Eurasian conflict. As part of a squad of four soldiers, players risk it all to go AWOL on a personal quest, fighting their own war within the war. Featuring a dramatic storyline flavored with attitude, Battlefield: Bad Company leads gamers far from the traditional frontlines on a wild ride with a group of renegade soldiers who decide that sometimes the gratitude of a nation just isn’t enough.

The Battlefield: Bad Company cinematic single-player experience captures the freedom and intensity of the franchise’s legendary

Aquanox 2 (PC)

Chaser (PC)

Cold Zero (PC)

Introducing the all-new Glyph attack system, players will be able to use special attack combinations as they attempt to defeat Dracula and his horde. Also introduced to the series are new outdoor locales ranging from forests to the ocean, giving players the chance to explore outside of Dracula's Castle. Developed by legendary Castlevania producer Koji "Iga" Igarashi, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is poised to set a new standard for side scrolling action on DS™.

"We have always felt that the Castlevania franchise has been an excellent fit on Nintendo DS, and based on the popularity of the DS classics,

Rock Band for Wii will be released as a Special Edition bundle including the software, drums, microphone and a wireless guitar. Stand alone instruments will also be available on June 22nd for people who want to build their band one instrument at a time or want to play the drum versus drum game mode. The game will feature 63 songs including five bonus songs for Wii gamers to enjoy.

Flying off the top rope and into the hands of every wrestling fan, Acclaim Sports, a division of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. today announced its return to the squared circle with the spring 2004 release of Legends of Wrestling(TM) III for the next-generation systems. Currently under development with Acclaim Studios Austin, the latest installment in the series is being rebuilt from the ground up with enhanced graphics, new features, new matches, more than 70 Legends and an all-new intuitive player control scheme.

"The original concept behind the Legends of Wrestling(TM) brand continues to appeal to wrestling fans and gamers alike,

Serving up a dose of sun, fun and sand right into gamers' living rooms, Acclaim Sports, a division of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKLM - News), today unveiled Summer Heat Beach Volleyball(TM) for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The only beach volleyball game available for the PlayStation®2, Summer Heat Beach Volleyball takes players on a journey to the world's hottest summer spots to face off in fast-paced 2-on-2 arcade action.

"We're very excited to offer PlayStation®2 owners their own exclusive beach volleyball game," said David Knies, Director of Acclaim Sports. "With addictive gameplay and easy-to-use controls, Summer Heat Beach

This premium, limited edition of EA Mythic’s massively-multiplayer online role-playing game will be packed with bonus in-game content and unique collectibles unavailable elsewhere, including an exclusive Games Workshop miniature. Only 60,000 copies of the Collector’s Edition will be available in North America, and those who pre-order the product will receive additional exclusives. The WAR Collector’s Edition carries an MSRP of $79.99, and is available for pre-order in North America at Best Buy, GameStop, EBGames and GameCrazy retail stores, and and EAStore.com.

The WAR Collector’s Edition will include:

• From the Age of Reckoning to your tabletop battle! Based on original characters

Atari, Inc. and TimeGate Studios, Inc. announced today a partnership to develop a new PC installment of Axis & Allies, the popular World War II game franchise. Axis & Allies: RTS (working title) is inspired by the game of war, strategy and economics found in the best-selling Axis & Allies board game, but features unique elements that allow players to change the course of history in new ways. Axis & Allies: RTS is being developed for the PC by TimeGate Studios, creators of the award-winning Kohan series, and is scheduled for release in fall 2004 for the PC.

In Axis &

In Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked!, players will find themselves stranded on a mysterious island filled with lush forests, ancient ruins, and an active volcano. With the help of trusty pets and new friends, players can explore the mysteries of the island to find a way home, or make a new life for themselves and stay forever. Vibrant 3D graphics make the island environment, weather systems, and various items more life-like than ever. An island tutorial with a greater focus on exploration enhances the accessibility for new players.

Taking full advantage of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls, Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked!