Step into war-torn China of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, assume the rank of ruler, and deal with fast-paced military and political affairs. Along the way, you'll earn points and items to upgrade officers. Today we reveal game objectives and basics, new Challenge scenarios, the new Personality Dependent System, a new system for military formations, and more!

Blizzard has announced the beta signups start for their massive multiplayer online role-playing game World of WarCraft. The Blizzard Web site has word that you can start signing up as of 6pm PST on Wednesday, January 28th (will only accept applications from Canada, Korea, and the US). "The test for Europe and other countries around the world will happen later this year. Testers are not going to be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis, so you will be able to submit an application and receive equal consideration anytime during the signup period."

Set to launch during the 60th anniversary of "D-Day", Combat Elite: WWII Paratroopers' development team is comprised of former members of the celebrated Fallout 2, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon teams. In addition, the game will utilize the proven Snowblind Studios game engine and challenge players to rise through the ranks in more than 40 levels that recreate some of the most important battles of World War II. Read more for a fresh batch of screens and artwork ...

Eschaton: Chain of Command takes you directly into the heat of an epic space battle as you pilot a space-mech through an asteroid field, lead a bomber squadron during a capital ship raid, blast fighters in an interceptor, command a battleship against a space station, or play as a commander, providing strategical direction to hundreds of units, many of which are controlled by actual players.

The official Pirates of the Burning Sea website has word about the game being delayed. "Now that we've reached Alpha, we've been updating our milestone schedule for the rest of the project. Playing the Alpha has been a lot of fun -- in particular, combat is shaping up great -- but it's also made us more aware of areas that we believe need more work. As a result, we're moving our expected ship date to Q4 2004 and expanding our programming and art staff to tackle the next milestone.While we'd like to ship sooner than that, we don't want to rush the initial release. This extra time will help us ensure the stability of the game, make it more fun, and improve the quality of certain features." (thanks Blues)

Diversions Entertainment has issued yet another patch for their 3D fighting/action game One Must Fall: Battlegrounds. This upgrade brings your retail game to v2123, no details as to what it fixes are available (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for download links ...

Activision has released its first patch for Stainless Steel's 3D RTS title Empires: Dawn of the Modern World. This update brings you retail game to v1.01 and has the usual bug fixes, game tweaks but also adds a new map "Peloponnese". Read more for details fix list and download links ...

Set in the late 1570's, one year after the original Tenchu, Tenchu: Return from Darkness allows players to assume the role of the ninjas Rikimaru, Ayame or the mysterious Tesshu as they battle the evil Tenrai and his six lords of darkness. As silent assassins, players must use cunning, strategy, deadly stealth and an arsenal of weapons to overcome dangerous missions and defend the Japanese countryside from Tenrai's armies. Read more for some new screens ...

Budding Al Capone's across the world are set to play out their gangster dreams thanks to leading game publisher Whiptail Interactive's latest offering Gangland, developed by Danish gaming experts MediaMobsters, which is due to be released across the UK, Europe and North America in November 2003. In a new hybrid format that combines the best elements of real-time strategy, role-play and simulation gaming genres with a totally new style of in-game combat, Gangland delivers a menacingly fresh PC gaming experience. Read more for a batch of new screens ...

Video game creator American McGee, who most recently brought a twisted retelling of "Alice in Wonderland" to gamers, has turned his imagination on The Wizard of Oz, says The Hollywood Reporter. Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Walt Disney Pictures have optioned the movie rights already, and other media deals are either signed or pending. There's no time frame for the first film of what will be a trilogy, McGee said, but screenwriters Kevin and Dan Hageman are attached. McGee said games, books and other projects featuring his unique vision of "Oz" also are being developed (thanks ComingSoon).