The initial plan following the Half-Life 2 launch was to get a near direct port of the existing Day of Defeat up and running and release it to the community. After an initial test, Valve did not think the port was up to par and started to rework all of the content, hoping that people would be happier waiting for the product to ship while giving DoD the attention it deserved. Today they released the first screenshot from dod_flash, showing off what they have been working on.

Another day, another batch of game trailers were released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for :

• Indigo Prophecy - Trailer
• Call of Duty 2 - Pointe Du Hoc Trailer
• Madden 2006 - Trailer #2
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  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

In anticipation of next week's launch of Battlefield 2 at retail, EA has released the Unranked server files for Win32 and Linux, which contain all the files you need to host a dedicated server, including all 12 maps. Be advised that, as with the demo, servers that are caught allowing users to play with the unlock weapons using the python workaround will incur a one week ban from the server list. Read more for download links ...

Ape Escape 3 is the latest title in the popular platform franchise. While not yet announced for North America, Ape Escape 3 is scheduled for release in Japan coming July. The new edition will also feature a minigame spoof on Konami's Metal Gear Solid game, under the title of Mesal Gear Solid: Snake Escape. Apart from that, Ape Escape 3 will also feature 2 new playable characters, tons of minigame, 400 monkeys to rescue and plenty more ...

The newest PC Gamer issue reveals what is called the spiritual successor to Cavedog's Total Annihilation. Chris Taylor went on to form Gas Powered Games, who are now working on Supreme Commander, to be published by THQ. We unearthed a presentation document outlining what was called once TA2. We can only assume this is the same, albeit renamed, product after Chris Taylor was unable to obtain the license back from Atari, so the info might not be 100% up to date.

UPDATE : Here are some scans of the PC Gamer article.

Dream it, Draw it, Play it! Soon players will be able to test their creative skills in one of the year's most unique and entertaining games as Graffiti Kingdom for the PlayStation 2 has officially gone gold. The game will be in retail stores nationwide on Thursday, July 28 with an MSRP of $29.99 and an ESRB Rating of "E" for Everyone.

Atari France today announced Astérix & Obélix XXL 2 : Mission Las Vegum, sequel to last years Astérix & Obélix XXL, under development at Etranges Libellules. Scheduled for European release in October XXL 2 is more of a parody as you will take up arms against the Romans in a Las Vegas type setting. Eifel Tower, Luxor and Cesars Palace are all present, but so are Larry Croft centurion, Sam Fishaure spy, and characters resembling Mario, Sonic and Roman Pac-Man. Read more for some screens ...

An intense journey of exploration, puzzle solving and eerie battle, Shadow of the Colossus also includes the distinct, highly-acclaimed graphic style that came to prominence in ICO, making this an absorbing voyage of discovery with some of the most picturesque landscapes and formidable enemies ever to be seen on PlayStation 2.

In a followup to our story from April 28th, it seems Monday, June 20, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in Blizzard v. BnetD, a case that could dramatically impact consumers' ability to customize software and electronic devices and to obtain customized tools created by others (thanks Blues).

Blending the best features from the first two installments with the talent, vision and ingenuity of Ubisoft's development teams, Prince of Persia 3 will enliven the franchise with a vitality - and plenty of unexpected twists - that will impress and satisfy long-time fans and newcomers alike.