Team Lazarus today announced that the long awaited and highly anticipated remake, Ultima V: Lazarus, has released a playable demo to the public. Ultima V: Lazarus is a complete recreation the classic role-playing game Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny, utilizing the Dungeon Siege engine. This demo is available in English, French, and German, and is fully compatible with both the Mac and PC versions of Dungeon Siege (thanks RPGDot). Read more for download links ...

Gas Powered Games is growing! In addition to developing the action/RPG title Dungeon Siege 2, GPG is now working on a next-generation Real Time Strategy game. GPG are looking for 3D environment artists, 3D modelers, animators, and 3D cinematic artists, for full-time positions. We’re also looking for a temporary concept artist (all positions will be on site at our Kirkland, Washington USA offices). Both organic and mechanical artistic imagery aptitude is valuable. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit demo reels and code samples through email attachments, web links, or physical mail. Note that physical material will not be returned, and cannot be delivered personally. Please see GPG's jobs page for more info.

Microsoft today announced the launch of the Crystal Limited Edition Xbox, "clearly" aimed at gamers who crave some added style along with their fantastic Xbox game experiences. Available across Europe from Spring 2004, the "crystal clear" new console comes with two crystal controllers and will retail for €199/£139 (SRP). Read more for details and some screens ...

The most successful role playing game franchise ever, returns to Nintendo in this stunning fantasy adventure. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is set to launch in Europe on March 11th 2004 exclusively for Nintendo GameCube. For a limited time only, every game will also include a free Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable, enabling you to access valuable data on your Game Boy Advance and enjoy multi player action with up to three friends.

Jesper Kyd (www.jesperkyd.com) is following up his work on the award-winning soundtracks for IO Interactive’s Hitman series and Freedom Fighters (recipient of GameSpot’s 2003 Best Original Music in a Game Award) with an entirely new original score for Hitman: Contracts. Music composed and produced by Kyd is also featured in the debut movie trailer for Hitman: Contracts.

Lagsters is an arcade racing title, where the action takes place in closed environments - tubes. The player will be able to use a vast number of different weapons and upgrades to their cars to become the winner of one of the 32 races. The tracks are compiled into 4 different championships of the single player mode. The multiplayer mode will offer three different modes of play: 'Last Man Driving', 'Fox and Hounds' and 'Divided Glory' where up to 8 players may participate in one race.

Koch Media today announced that "Singles", developed by German development team ROTOBEE, has gone gold and will be available in stores Feb. 14th (Valentine's Day) 2004. Singles – Flirt up your Life! is the simulation of the exciting relationship between Mike and Linda. The game shows them in their shared flat, which means that everyday routines are focused as well: Cooking, watching TV and cleaning are as important as talks and a cuddle. And of course the two have to work for a living as well … Read more for some new screens ...

Far Cry is set around 2020 on a set of tropical islands in the pacific. And has a strong tropical-paradise feel, scenic in its beauty, but, harbors a terrible threat. It is a mix of jungle / primal / and next-gen technology. As the player you find yourself drawn into a secretive plot involving secret research facilities with scientists involved in military genetic-research, a secret "security" force of mercenaries, and, advanced next-generation weaponry and equipment. Check these 20 new screens...

This Mercury News article has more details on Microsoft's next-gen Xbox which according to the "rumors" will feature three 64-bit IBM processors, as being used in the Apple's G5, an ATI processor that'll rival the upcoming R400, 256/512 MB DDR RAM, either DVD or Blu-Ray DVD format discs, and most shockingly of all no hard drive. TeamXbox, known for their often spot on inside sources & rumors, reveal more on the graphical side of things with revelation of HDTV visuals with full screen Anti-Aliasing, etc. More details to be found on TeamXbox's Sunday coverage (thanks Cesar).