Konami today announced it has shipped S.L.A.I. (Steel Lancer Arena International),the first online mech combat game for the PS2, to retail stores nationwide. Providing a fast-paced, arcade style experience, S.L.A.I. allows players to quickly master the basics of mech fighting while also offering in-depth strategy for more advanced gamers.

More than two thirds of all video gamers feel that video games already surpass, or will soon at least equal movies, music and books in delivering an emotional impact, according to a study released today by Bowen Research, a firm that studies consumer attitudes and behavior regarding high tech products, consumer electronics, software and web sites.

X-Men Legends II introduces the epic storyline of an uneasy alliance between the X-Men and the hated Brotherhood in a fight to reclaim Earth from Apocalypse's grasp. Gameplay enhancements include more than double the superpowers and customization capabilities, new playable characters, over 100 diverse types of enemies, and a breathtaking range of exotic and real-world environments—from the Madri Temple to Egypt.

Capcom today announced the release of Legend of Kay for the PS2. Legend of Kay is a spirited action adventure game starring a courageous feline hero named Kay on a challenging quest to save his village from a menacing army of gorillas and rats.

Ratchet: Deadlocked, created exclusively for the PS2 by Insomniac Games, incorporates co-op gameplay in both single-player and multiplayer story modes -- as well as squad-based functionality. Read more for new screens ..

Ubisoft today proudly announces that Myst V: End of Ages, the grand finale of the greatest adventure game of all time, has released and will be arriving in U.S. stores this week.

Microsoft Corp. is reorganizing its corporate structure and giving one of its newest executives broader powers in an effort to better compete against its rivals, such Google Inc. and Yahoo Inc, but also to reduce bureaucracy, which has lead to communication problems and product delays.

Bandai Games today announced Samurai Champloo for the PS2. Based on the hit television series running on Cartoon Network’s adult swim block, Samurai Champloo introduces a truly innovative fighting system that unleashes samurai hack-and-slash combos hinged on the hip hop soundtrack of the gamers’ choosing.

Blitzkrieg II is created with a new focus on fast-paced gameplay, a strategic layer and new tactical opportunities. A completely new engine takes WWII into full 3D where players can command famous aces and units, strategically plan battles in multiple theatres, choose their reinforcements and use a wide range of new unit types such as aircraft and ships.

Famed developer John Romero sort of vanished the past few month after his quiet departure from Midway, where he was working on Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows. Not until several weeks after the fact did it become known that he had left, and hasn't been heard from since. Today Romero posted a small update in his personal blog, stating that he is "co-founder of a new game company in the bay area and am much better off in many ways than I was at Midway." No name for the new development studio was given, nor for the new project that Romero is working on, except "When news of my new game somehow gets out, I think everyone will be a bit shocked." To be continued ...