Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu revealed that Sony is working on a new RPG for the PSP. While details are still limited, Blade Dancer is scheduled for release in Japan March 2, 2006 and will allow 4 players to participate simultaniously. A European or North American released date is not being mentioned, but a lack of Japanese RPGs should entice the corresponding Sony territories to pay attention. A cinematic movie can be viewed on the official website.

East Front is a high-tech first-person 3D shooter, which takes place in an alternate universe where the fascist Germany won in the Second World War. Russobit released a Russian demo for BurutCT's FPS East Front.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo will offer fans of the multi-million selling franchise all-new single-player and wireless multiplayer gaming missions in four different Areas of Operation (AO). Players are tasked with completing 14 unique, realistic international single-player missions, including Chile, which is a unique AO only available in the PSP release.

Icculus has released a new linux patch for Epic's sci-fi FPS Unreal Tournament 2004. This patch brings your UT 2004 Linux install to v3369 and addresses the usual slew of bug fixes, engine & network enhancements, and gameplay tweaks. This new patch is compatible with the ECE Bonus Pack (thanks Blues). Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

Darwinia, the latest multi-genre creation from UK-based Introversion, is now available for pre-purchase via Steam. Those who pre-purchase the game will save 10%. In addition, a new Darwinia gameplay trailer (52MB) is now available from Steam and Steampowered.com.

Virtual Jam owner Pernell Harris has sued Electronic Arts over features included in EA's Madden NFL 06. Pernell claims he met with EA in 2003 to discuss a game he was developing, Heart of a Champion, in which players guide an athlete from high school to professional football, not unlike the NFL Superstar mode in Madden NFL 06. The lawsuit filed November 28 with the California Superior Court in San Mateo County, accuses EA of breaching an "implied in fact contract" by using those features without compensation and violation of a confidentiality agreement. EA's responsde " "We have read the complaint and the allegations are completely without merit."

Epic has released a new patch for its sci-fi FPS Unreal Tournament 2004. This patch brings your retail game to v3369 and addresses the usual slew of bug fixes, engine & network enhancements, and gameplay tweaks. This new patch is compatible with the ECE Bonus Pack. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

THQ today announced that the fourth installment of the epic Broken Sword series of games will be entitled Broken Sword: The Angel of Death. Created by Revolution Software, this latest epic adventure is due to launch on PC and is expected to hit stores around the world in summer 2006.

Ape Escape 3 is pached with more content than any previous Ape Escape titles, a full 28 stages (136 total areas, compared with 84 for the previous installment) and tons of mini games. Family-friendly Ape Escape Academy makes its PSP debut and features feature ad hoc wireless functionality and more than 40 mini-games that are diverse and range in difficulty. Both titles will be available on January 17, 2006.

The Interactive Entertainment Institute, announce today that Ray Kurzweil is the plenary keynote speaker for the G.A.M.E.S. Synergy Summit 2006 (GSS06) held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on January 17-18.

Valve's SteamPowered website has been updated with details regarding the latest update for its online delivery system Steam. This release updates Counter-Strike Source with the previously announced new de_nuke with High Dynamic Range (HDR) lighting, as well as a slew of enhancements and bug fixes. Just restart Steam for the effects to take place.

Gamers will delve into a more mature, consistent fantasy universe that will appeal to fans of all fantasy genres. Heroes of Might & Magic V will benefit from the features and characteristics that established the success of the initial saga while offering a wealth of innovations such as a highly immersive scenario, a variety of appealing factions, modern 3D graphics, a revolutionary tactical combat system, and a story-based campaign mode.

Southpeak Interactive signed a publishing agreement with DCStudios for State of Emergency 2. Taking place 10 years after the original SOE2 has Spanky, Bull and MacNeill again up against the Corporation. This time, they not only have access to guns but also - for the first time - helicopters, speedboats, Tanks and APCs and new team members.

Valve's SteamPowered website has been updated with details regarding the latest update for its online delivery system Steam. This release updates the DoD:Source with the previously announced new map dod_argentan, and Rag Doll Kung Fu gets fixed up so you can now play past the second level transition. Just restart Steam for the effects to take place.

A Battlefield 2 community update reveals that EA/DICE are keeping up the BF2 patch works. "We wanted to let you know that we're already hard at work on a post 1.12 update. While we can't go into details about it, yet, rest assured that we're checking the forums, listening to our customer support teams and working hard on the features that YOU'VE asked for. As soon as we can give more concrete details, we will. Just know that we're all 100% into making Battlefield 2 the very best that it can be."

If the "three strikes and you're out" rule would apply to games, DoA4 would be dead before arrival. Initially scheduled as an X360 launch title on November 22nd, it was slightly delayed for a week until December 1st, then another week, and now it seems online retailers have postponed Tecmo's brawler for another seven days until December 14. DOA4 features online capabilities via Xbox Live, new interactive stages, an all-star lineup of old and new favorite characters, and the most complex countering system yet.

Already available in Europe, SCEA announced today Spring 2006 release for its PSP exclusive action game Pursuit Force, bringing Hollywood-style movie action to life by delivering high-speed vehicle chases and thrilling shootouts, all in the quest for justice.

THQ today announced the franchise that redefined the off-road genre will debut for handheld and PC when MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On the Edge comes to the PSP and MX vs. ATV Unleashed ships for PC.

Kingdom Hearts II follows Sora, Donald, and Goofy on their continuing quest to find their friends and King Mickey. Sora and friends are joined by a vibrant new cast of characters, including the king himself! In the effort to help Mulan and stop the villain Hades' devious plots, they will encounter countless dangers both familiar and brand-new.

SCEI announced today that cumulative worldwide shipment of PS2s had reached 100 million units, within 5 years and 9 months since its launch in Japan in March 2000. Previous record was set by PSOne which reached the same mark in 9 years and 6 months since launch, thus making the PS2 3 years ahead of schedule.

East Front is a high-tech first-person 3D shooter, which takes place in an alternate universe where the fascist Germany won in the Second World War. A soldier of the German Resistance, Karl Stolz, turns out to be involved in the deadly play of mysterious powers, and at stake is control over the entire world.

This fall, come to a fantastic realm of magic and wonder where a young hero strives against ancient evil. Lead him on a perilous quest to find a talisman of great power and restore the lost majesty of a fallen kingdom.

Is the video game on your son's holiday wish list too violent? What types of messages is your daughter receiving from the game she wants? Who is creating these games and what are their ethical and moral responsibilities? These questions and more will be addressed at "Video Gaming: Playing with Ethics?, which starts tonight. Read more for details ...

DropTeam is a truly Sci-Fi multiplayer tactical simulation of mechanized ground combat using a new groundbreaking and powerful 3D engine. DropTeam is all about fun, fast and furious tactical action – but not at the expense of realistic physics and a credible combat experience, and now with even better graphics due to advanced lighting and postprocessing effects including High Dynamic Range rendering and full-scene glow.

Sony has released yet another new update for its PSP firmware, bringing it to v2.60 for the Japanese, North American and European PSP editions. The new v2.60 update adds Windows Media Audio (WMA) audio support, RSS Channel has been added as a feature under Network, copyright-protected video data can now be downloaded directly to a Memory Stick Duo, and volume adjustment has been added.