Tecmo announced today that the latest installment in its popular survival horror series, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Director's Cut on the Xbox, has shipped, lurking into retail stores nationwide throughout the week. The new Director's Cut version promises to be twice the terror with the addition of two new spooky modes, a creepy new setting, a variety of unlockable costumes, enhanced graphics and sound, and a never before seen ending.

Ubisoft today announced that Chessmaster is now available in North America for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Chessmaster is the first chess program available for Xbox where players will be able to improve their chess skills. Chess fans will be able to challenge other players and receive a player ranking via Xbox Live.

The newest installment in the award-winning Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Finest Hour takes console players to the frontlines of combat to experience the cinematic intensity, chaos of battle and epic moments of World War II across new campaigns across the North African, Western and Eastern Fronts. Read more for a couple of gameplay videos and the latest batch of screens ...

Gamers looking to get the biggest bang for their buck this holiday season are going to get that and more, as Microsoft Game Studios today announced the MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf Limited Edition. Supplies are limited, so gamers will need to hurry to retailers to order the limited edition, which includes two exclusive maps and a "making of " video feature showcasing interviews with Day 1 Studios and behind-the-scenes footage of the game's development.

Team17 has posted a msg in their official forums revealing a North American publishing deal as well as the fact that the European edition of Worms Forts went gold. "US Deal for Worms3D XBox (inc Live) and Worms Forts PC, PS2 and XBox is now complete. An official announcement will follow when the publisher decides (or on here when we can announce). Worms Forts PC, PS2 and Xbox have gone gold and will be released week commencing Nov 19th in Europe. North America/Rest of world territory dates to follow."

THQ, Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Interactive today announced the release of "The Incredibles" videogame based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, "The Incredibles." "The Incredibles" has shipped for the PS2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC/Mac.

"Iron Phoenix" is the title is the first ever 16 -player fighting game, introducing a new genre to online games as a squad-based kung-fu brawler. "Iron Phoenix" is slated for release on Xbox in Holiday 2004 and is not yet rated. Read more to check out some new screens & ingame footage trailer ...

LucasArts has launched a unique new website experience for Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords! The site contains a variety of new content such as new screensavers, wallpapers and buddy icons, in depth character, world and weapon information, and coming soon the "Chronicles of the Old Republic." Check out the official 'Knight Of The Old Republic 2' website!

Developed by Ubisoft's award-winning Red Storm studio, Ghost Recon 2 launches on next-generation consoles and PC this Holiday season. The game is set in the chaotic battlefields of tomorrow, and will offer gamers an insider's view of the way large scale conflicts will be fought in the near future.

Prepare to enter the nitrous-fuelled world of Crash 'n' Burn where dangerous driving is not only encouraged, it is the only way you'll survive. Crash 'n' Burn is being developed by Climax's Brighton studio, and will be available on PlayStation 2 and Xbox this autumn. Read more for details, screens & trailer ...

Bethesda Softworks today announced that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is currently in development for PC and future generation consoles (PS3 & Xbox 2). In development since 2002, Oblivion is another leap forward in role-playing with its combination of freeform gameplay and cutting-edge graphics.

Use destructive weapons and innate mental powers to take on the most feared enemy in the galaxy - Mankind! Play as Crypto, an alien warrior sent to Earth to clear the way for the Furon invasion force. Your mission is to infiltrate humanity, control them, harvest their brain stems and ultimately destroy them. You choose the method - infiltration or disintigration!

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory will offer a high adrenaline experience thanks to never seen before close range attacks, a totally open level design, a completely immersive and interactive environment, and challenging advanced AI. Ubisoft sent us a pre-made Q&A with community submitted questions, subject being Chaos Theory's game design technology.

Based on an updated version of the same engine technology used in Bungie's first person shooter "Halo," "Rebel Without a Pulse" puts players in control of a wisecracking zombie named Stubbs, "who takes on an ultra-modern city of the future using nothing but his own carcass and the weapons of his possessed enemies." The game is rife with tongue-in-cheek humor, a strong storyline and innovative combat techniques. Check the first screens...

For the first time, Sims are living in the city where reputation (rep) is everything. Players will custom-create these new Sims, called Urbz, by customizing their unique style and building their status to become the biggest "player" in the city. Read more for some new screens or check a new trailer.

Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes The Neighborhood places gamers deep in the heart of Small Town America, USA. Backyard Wrestling Inc. has announced "your town" as the location of its first live pay per view. They've put a million dollars cash prize on the line for the wrestler who's got what it takes to destroy every obstacle in their way to the main event and ultimately the unified BYW championship.

Prince of Persia: Warrior Within features a deep, mysterious storyline starring a darker, edgier Prince who is vigilant in his quest to unseal his mortal destiny. Read more for new screens showing off some of the enemies and monsters you will encounter in the game ...

Based on an updated version of the same engine technology used in Bungie's first person shooter "Halo," "Rebel Without a Pulse" puts players in control of a wisecracking zombie named Stubbs, "who takes on an ultra-modern city of the future using nothing but his own carcass and the weapons of his possessed enemies." The game is rife with tongue-in-cheek humor, a strong storyline and innovative combat techniques.

The Roots combines a classic RPG with dynamic gameplay and the fast paced plot characteristic of action-adventure games. The Roots has a complex, multi-threaded storyline and a vast world, which the player discovers whilst traveling with his party, fighting various monsters and living through great adventures.

Going where no previous James Bond game has dared to tread, the upcoming GoldenEye: Rogue Agent first-person shooter from Electronic Arts breaks all the rules by transporting players to the dark side of the Bond universe to experience life as a high-rolling, cold-hearted villain. Read more for new screens ..

EA today announced that Snoop Dogg's remix of The Doors' legendary rock song 'Riders On The Storm' will be available exclusively in Need for Speed Underground 2. The in-game soundtrack shifts seamlessly from rock to hip hop to techno with 26 additional hit songs.

The seventh installment of Japan's long-running series makes it's way to the United States. Equipped with an arsenal of modern weapons and technology, you can test your war strategies in land, sea, and air battles.

Conflict: Vietnam follows the progress of four US soldiers, Ragman, Junior, Hoss and Cherry, cut off from their unit during the 1968 Tet Offensive and tasked with fighting their way back to friendly lines.

BAM! Entertainment and developer Rebellion announced today that the legendary Judge Dredd comic book character is coming to life in Judge Dredd: Dredd Vs. Death. Under a distribution agreement recently signed, BAM! is scheduled to ship the first-person shooter for PS2, Xbox, GameCube, as well as for PC in November 2004.

Already revealed over the weekend, Electronic Arts has now officially announced that Lord of the Rings: the Third Age has gone gold and is scheduled to ship November 2, 2004.