Activision is giving gamers an all access pass to go behind-the-scenes for its highly anticipated stealth-based, ninja action game at the official Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven web site. The site will kick off with an exclusive cinematic trailer showcasing the game's epic storyline and heart-pounding stealth action featuring all three playable characters - Rikimaru, Ayame and Tesshu. Additionally, the site will be updated weekly and will roll out a host of other downloads and information including custom wallpaper, character and weapon features, links to the online Ninja community and news updates. Named one of GameSpy's "Most Wanted Console Games of 2003," Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven will be available at retail early next month for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Konami of America, Inc. today revealed a brand new title in the mega-popular Yu-Gi-Oh! series of videogames, Yu-Gi-Oh! Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel for Nintendo Game Boy Advance. Slated for release on April 15, 2003, Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel will ship with three limited edition Trading Game Cards inside the game box; Harpie's Feather Duster, Sinister Serpent and Valkrion The Magna Warrior.

Glen Dahlgren, Designer/Producer @ Legend Entertainment posted up a quick update on Infogrames Unreal II forum about what's going on (thanks Blues). Here is the full clip:

I wanted to give you all a quick update about what's happening on the home front. While we Legend guys haven't been posting here as much as we'd like (things are still pretty crazy here), I assure you we have been reading your comments and concerns, and we take them all very seriously.

As you may have read in the forum already, we're planning on releasing a patch sometime soon. It should address a number of the issues that people have raised in these forums. As well, we're going to be releasing a demo, especially targeted at those of you who want to 'try before you buy'. It should be a great benchmark to see how the game runs on your particular system.

In a later post, I'll try to get you some specifics about both of these, but it shouldn't be too long until you've actually got them in your hands.

Thanks to everyone for your support.

Shrapnel Games announced today that Stormcloud Creations' Interstellar Trader 2 has gone Gold. The game should be ready to ship in Early March.. More about it below!

Mr. Golf brings all the intricacies and challenges of golf to the Playstation 2 format and through a revolutionary swing control method can rightly claim to be as realistic an experience as you can get. Read more for features and screens!

The first official add-on for the massively multiplayer game Dark Age of Camelot, titled Dark Age of Camelot: Shrouded Isles.. This add-on, developed by Mythic Entertainment, will be published and operated by Wanadoo, and will allow European players to log-on the English, French or German servers of Dark Age of Camelot (2 servers for England, 3 for France and 4 for Germany).

Pro Beach Soccer is a fun, arcade game featuring cool-looking players, spectacular moves, laser shows and DJs playing hot tunes, set in the unique and exotic atmosphere of stadiums from Rio to Dubai. Beach soccer originated in Brazil and is a spectacular sport played on sand - which gives it a different dimension to standard football. Aimed at both football and arcade game fans, Pro Beach Soccer combines a wide variety of acrobatic feats with a light and sound extravaganza. In Pro Beach Soccer, the athletes and spectators create a unique vibe packed with action, sun and music.

Telia, one of Europe's largest telecom and Internet providers, and MindArk, the creators of Project Entropia, have entered into an agreement where Telia provides MindArk with access to the Internet backbone at various locations around the world. In addition to Internet backbone access, Telia provides server-hosting services for servers to be used for Project Entropia. Project Entropia is a three dimensional virtual universe available to download free of charge..

ARXEL TRIBE is proud to announce that the upcoming adventure RPG MISTMARE has reached Release Candidate status. The game is now entering the last phase of tests and shall reach final manufacturing green light before the end of February. Release of MISTMARE throughout the world is therefore scheduled for the end of March 2003. Developed on Lithtech's JUPITER engine (NOLF2) by Sinister Systems and Arxel Tribe, MISTMARE features a solid scenario, splendid graphics and more than 60 hours of gameplay.

Nexagon: Deathmatch is a fast paced action packed game of mortal arena combat emphasizing small unit tactics and featuring character and fortress building in a high stakes blood sport... Now Strategy First posted up a sneak peek at their upcoming Real-Time Tactical hit, Nexagon: Deathmatch, from the developers’ eyes. Take a look inside Producer Jay Podilchuk’s diary.

So, you’ve been playing the Dragon Claw Studio’s innovative and highly graphic web-based role-playing and strategy game for the past 6 months? You’ve had fun but felt that something was missing? All your soul-searching hasn’t led to any clear path? Rest your weary eyes and look no further...FaitH’s Era III has implemented changes and new features that will rock your world..! Read more for full pressrelease!

Turn-based magic moments from the life of Artemian, a budding mage... Sharpen your swords and gather up enough magic power because in the end of this summer a strategic delicacy arrives - Empire of Magic... Read more for game story and key features!

Infogrames just revealed details about a new upcoming title "Humvee Assault". Track down and eliminate dangerous forces from behind the wheel of the world’s most relied upon front-line vehicle — the HUMVEE. Whether rumbling through a sun-baked desert, steaming tropical jungle or frozen tundra, it’s up to you to deliver a knockout punch to America’s enemies. With simple pick-up-and-play controls and immediate arcade-style action, this is your war to win. This is HUMVEE Assault! Read more for details and a few new screens ...

I saw that Geek News posted up information about that Bill Gates did some talking to the French press, revealing tantalizing tidbits about the Xbox 2. Here is the cut and past:

Gates says the new box will have a lot of multimedia functions beyond just gaming. "The next-generation Xbox will feature digital media capabilities such as video and photo editing in addition to games," Gates was quoted as saying. This isn't very surprising, since the future of home console gaming seems to be moving more and more toward becoming multimedia devices that can replace everything but the TV in your entertainment center.

Coming to the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Tenchu 3: Wrath of Heaven features impressive new stealth attacks, an enhanced fighting engine, new weapons and tools, larger levels, improved character animations and new multiplayer options... 12 new screenshots to take a look at.

NASCAR Racing 2003 Season has shipped to retail locations nationwide. Developed by Massachusetts-based Papyrus Racing Games and published by Sierra Entertainment, NASCAR Racing 2003 Season features new 3D graphics, an enhanced physics model developed with the input of official NASCAR team engineers, and informative driving aids for both seasoned and novice drivers. In addition, the game is the first to include 2003 NASCAR Cup series teams, sponsors, and tracks.

Electronic Arts Inc. and Swedish developer Digital Illusions, C.E. (DICE) today announced a strategic investment and long-term publishing agreement for video games made by DICE studios. EA has purchased a minority interest in DICE and licensed the worldwide publishing rights for future products developed by DICE. In 2002, DICE and EA partnered to release the global blockbuster, Battlefield 1942. The critically acclaimed online multi-player game is in distribution in more than 36 countries and has shipped more than 900,000 games to date. In January 2003, EA released a Battlefield 1942 expansion pack titled Battlefield: The Road to Rome, with all new content to accompany the original game.

Codemasters, a UK-based videogame publishing giant, today announced that its upcoming title, IndyCar Series, will feature Penske Racing, the most successful Indy car racing team in history. Read more for details and a batch of fresh screens ...

Infogrames Europe and Thrustmaster are pleased to announce that they have joined forces to take aim at the world of Xbox gaming with two exclusive new offerings for hours of adrenaline-filled excitement. Thrustmaster will launch its Beretta 92FS light gun for Xbox to coincide with Infogrames' European release of The House of the Dead III, the latest installment in Sega's blockbuster series and the first Xbox title to feature light gun support.

'Nam - Tour of Duty, is Atomic Planet's exciting new take on the first-person action game: an innovative blend of adventure and tactical gameplay recreating all the tension and ferocity of combat in the Vietnam War. 'Nam - Tour of Duty is currently in development for the PlayStation2 and all other major platforms. Today we got some screens and a trailer to show you what its all about ... Read more to check out the candy!

BigWorld Pty Ltd, Micro Forte's official licensing agent for BigWorld massively multiplayer technology today announced its Early Access Program for the highly anticipated BigWorld Technology. With over $8M and three years in development, the technology offers the world's most scalable, fault-tolerant, and customisable MMOG middleware available. Microsoft is using BigWorld technology in its eagerly-awaited new title by MicroForte on the Xbox.

Software giant Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday said it would cut the price on some best-selling titles for its Xbox video game console, a week after rival Nintendo cut some game and hardware prices in a bid to spur sales.

Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft said the "Platinum Hits" program would start with more than a dozen titles at a price of about $19.99 each. Top titles for the Xbox, which holds the No. 2 position in the U.S. market, usually retail for $49 or in some cases $39. Among the titles to be offered at the discounted price are Xbox hits like Microsoft's "Amped Freestyle Snowboarding" and "Project Gotham Racing" and third-party titles like Electronic Arts Inc.'s "Bond: Agent Under Fire" and Activision Inc.'s "Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions."

Mindscape is pleased to announce the release of O.R.B (Off World Resource Base), licensed from Strategy First. O.R.B will be released in March 2003 for PC CD-ROM, priced at £19.99... More about Off World Resource Base below!

UPDATE: Six screenshots added to celebrate the imminent UK release.

Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick allows players to assume the role of Ash, the chainsaw-armed hero from the Evil Dead trilogy. Players will fend off hordes of Deadites with several weapons including the shovel, gatling gun, shotgun and chainsaw. Massive game environments include all new Evil Dead locations as players attempt to save the town of Dearborn from the influence of the Necromonicon ex Mortis – the Book of the Dead. Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick mixes the comedy and fun of a campy horror movie with intense combat missions for the most complete Evil Dead game yet. Another batch of screens for you to enjoy!

Sammy Europe Ltd. today announced the release of two upcoming action-packed titles in PAL region for Sony PlayStation 2. Guilty Gear X2, the newest sequel in the exceptional 2D anime fighter series, and Galerians: ASH, a third-person 3D action game that continues the sci-fi horror saga that began on the PlayStation, will be available in Spring 2003.