Pop Idol – The Official Video Game is coming to PlayStation 2 and PC this November. It's a music-based rhythm-action game, complete with Dance Mat mode, where you become one of the hopefuls and compete as a singer through the auditions, the heats and on to the finals. Players have to face comments on their performance from a computer-generated Simon Cowell – making him the ultimate end-of-level game boss. Read more for some screens....

Atari and Epic Games have announced pricing and packaging details as well as a rebate program for Unreal Tournament 2004, the highly anticipated follow-up to last year's smash hit Unreal Tournament 2003, which has become the standard for competitive multiplayer gaming since it shipped in November 2002. Read more for details ...

For true soccer fans who demand the finest gameplay and in-depth game modes, FIFA Football 2004 is the most complete and authentic soccer experience. A new Career mode gives players the chance to take a team from the lower divisions, battle through ranks, sign new players, and turn them into champions. The action is deeper than ever with advanced levels of player detail and responsiveness. With immersive atmospheres, benchmark presentation, total realism with the world's premier clubs, and industry-leading gameplay, FIFA returns as the true authority in soccer gaming. Check the new screens ...

Plastic Reality/Cenega have released a demo for their squad-based Korean War game Korea: Forgotten Conflict. The demo features a tutorial level and one mission in Seoul, where you have to rescue medic and few allied soldiers and then leave by train (thanks Tiscali). Read more for download links ...

ALTAR Interactive/Cenega have released a demo for their recently released turn-based 3D action game UFO: Aftermath. This demo features a tutorial missions and 4 missions in the African / Middle-Eastern part of the globe. Read more for download links ...

Electronic Arts today announced the acquisition of Studio 33, a globally recognized developer of games in the racing genre. The team of roughly 30 Liverpool-based employees will join the existing team at EA Northwest in nearby Warrington. Both teams - a total of 75 employees - are scheduled to move to a new facility in Warrington shortly.

A new photo-quality demonstration, based on emerging real-time tree and grass technologies, was released today to establish the vastly more realistic possibilities for future gaming worlds. "The Valley" features stunningly realistic trees and grass, blowing in the wind and including advanced level of detail and presentation algorithms. Read more for details, screens & an impressive trailer ...

Buka has released the English demo for Steamland, their funny and beautiful RTS, set in the fantastic world of lively trains, which fight with each other making their way to victory. This game is easy to play both for children and grown-ups without sacrificing keen gameplay. 3D landscapes, changing weather conditions and shadow effects give us the overview about the fabulous world. Striking variety of fantastic units and weaponry completes this surprising civilization. Read more for download links ...

'Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy' is an enchanting adventure filled with mystery, action and a deep, compelling storyline. The game is set in an entirely original universe that is styled upon ancient Egypt where players will embark on an epic quest exploring new worlds, uncovering dark secrets, interacting with hundreds of fantastic creatures and discovering new abilities. Traveling the world via magic portals to foil the evil plans of Set, players will guide Sphinx on a journey requiring all his wits, agility and special powers in an attempt to find the stolen mystical crowns of Egypt. Read more to check out the new screens ...