Critically acclaimed science fiction writer and HALO alumnus Eric Nylund leads thrilled readers back into the maelstrom of the Human-Covenant War¯and explores the further adventures of the enigmatic Master Chief¯in HALO: FIRST STRIKE (Del Rey Mass Market Original; December 15, 2003; $6.99), the official prequel to the highly anticipated Xbox game HALO 2 from Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios.

Cyan Worlds, Inc. today announced that the highly acclaimed soundtrack for URU: Ages Beyond MYST is now available at Amazon. Composed and produced by Tim Larkin, the soundtrack features over 50 minutes of original music including bonus tracks from future updates to URU live content. The CD also features a special "URU: The Makers" video and exclusive interviews with Tim Larkin and Rand Miller.

LFS Team does not stop updating their game, nor their demo. They have released an updated demo for their racing sim Live For Speed. This version is up to date with the latest v0.3E patch for the retail game and lets you try out the XF GTI and XR GT on the Blackwood circuit single & multi-player). Read more for download links ...

Take Two has released a bonus map for PopTop Software's 3D business management strategy game Railroad Tycoon 3. This single-player map is for the Eastern China region, after a period of civil unrest, the People's Republic of China takes power under the leadership of Mao Zedong. The future of China's economy now depends on revitalizing a mostly ignored railroad system in China's heartland. Read more for download links....

Capcom Europe today confirmed it will be publishing Riding Spirits II for the PlayStation2. Developed by Spike, this highly realistic motorcycle simulation, is scheduled for release this coming March. Riding Spirits II builds on the success of the original title adding more bikes, tracks and gameplay modes to deliver the PlayStation 2’s most comprehensive road bike racer. Read more for details and screens ...

From the far corners of Middle-earth, new adventures come forth to face the growing evil in the East. The forces of Mordor are mobilizing as the Nazgül hunt for the One Ring. The land itself is in peril and its fate lies in the hands of those who possess it. Adventuring alone or in groups, join thousands of players online in the massive world that is Middle-earth. Support the forces of good in an epic struggle to drive back the forces of Sauron. This is Middle-Earth Online, your home in the world of Tolkien. Read more to check some screens ...

Empire Interactive has released a "working" (you may have seen a version yesterday, which did not work) bonus scenario for Sick Puppies 3D spooky strategy Ghost Master. This "Class of Spook 'Em High" freeby is only suitable for the UK version and features "Never-before-seen, this scenario includes THE final showdown and gives you a more conclusive ending to Ghost Master. Can you give your haunters eternal peace?" (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for download links ...

Encore today announced that it has signed a new, exclusive North American agreement with UK-based Ascaron Entertainment UK Ltd. to publish Sacred, a fantasy action role-playing game for the PC. This agreement follows one signed by both companies this summer to publish Pirate Hunter and Patrician III, both of which shipped this fall. Read more for details ...

Spread holiday cheer in Electronic Arts/Maxis' SimCity 4 for the PC this December. Just in time for this season’s festivities, players can download a replica of New York’s magnificent Rockefeller Center and the famous Christmas tree that adorns its plaza. The download is available now for product-registered users at www.simcity.com.

The second rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. However, gamers will surely be talking, as Vivendi Universal Games announced today the development of Fight Club for the PlayStation2 and the Xbox. Due out in late 2004, Fight Club, developed by Genuine Games, is set to deliver an intense experience that will combine the characters, settings, artistic style, and story elements from the movie with a realistic fighting system that will appeal to both hardcore and casual gamers. Read more for details and the first screens ...