XS Games, in conjunction with Jack of all games (a subsidiary of Take 2), and Microïds have reached a distribution agreement for the publishing and distribution of three different titles from Microïds' 2004 catalogue, including the sequel to the Adventure Game of 2002, Syberia II.

Jeremy Heath-Smith and Adrian Smith, the creators of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series of games, today announced the formation of their new game development company, Circle Studio. Bucking the trend of numerous studio closures, Heath-Smith and Smith are confident that they can produce more world beating titles. Commenting on the new studio, managing director Heath-Smith said, 'Adrian and I are still passionate about games and have the experience and skills in-house to continue producing original and successful titles.' He continued, 'We've enjoyed working with Lara these past seven years but are looking forward to creating something or someone new.'

Sony announced today the upcoming 2004 release of Hot Shots Golf Fore!, available exclusively for the PlayStation2. Developed by Clap Hanz, Hot Shots Golf Fore! returns as the fourth installment in the extremely popular franchise that has sold more than 7.5 million units worldwide.

In a move that proves once and for all that European games players are more ferocious than their American counterparts, Digital Jesters has announced an exclusive retail pack, which contains substantially more 'Savage' than ever before. The game will be available for PC CD-ROM throughout Europe on February 20th 2004, with a SRP of £29.99.

Mutable Realms, Inc. today announced the launch of a climactic two-week Story Arc to close out the first phase of Beta of their acclaimed title Wish. The Story Arc has been written by Mutable Realms and will be implemented in cooperation with the Themis Group, and will offer a myriad of live events to the Beta participants.

Hell Forces is a classical FPS (First Person Shooter). Stephen Geist – the main hero of HF is trying to find out, what has happened to his missing friend. During this search he is mired in a satanic conspiracy, and is trying to stop dread forces of Baphometh, the servant of Satan. Infernal legions are uncountable, but Stephen is not. Only with Your help he can find out the truth and stop the invasion...

Nokia, together with Electronic Arts, today announced that The Sims Bustin' Out is in development for the N-Gage game deck. The Sims fans will be able to create their own characters and take them anywhere, while on the move and interacting with the mobile community. The Sims Bustin' Out on the N-Gage platform will have exclusive objects, as well as unique "mini games" where players can earn extra Simoleons.

Infinium Labs today announced the launch of www.phantom.net, a new web site for its next-generation Phantom Gaming Service. The feature-rich site offers consumers a preview of what lies in store when the Phantom is unleashed in 2004. The new web site provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about Phantom's products and services, specifications and developer program. The site also provides Investor Relations information about Infinium Labs, the management team, news releases, the stock symbol and links to trading quotes and SEC filings.

Interplay Entertainment Corp. announced today that the company has inked deals to include numerous metal bands for the upcoming Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel videogame, including the tremendously popular Slipknot. The much anticipated, gritty and darkly humorous third person action-adventure game is due in stores on January 13 for the PlayStation2 and the Xbox. Read more for details ...

NDL announced today that Gamebryo is being used in Irrational Games' award-winning Freedom Force sequel titled Freedom Force vs. the Third Reich. Scheduled to ship in spring 2004, the comic book-inspired tactical role-playing game features a new league of heroes and villains, streamlined combat system and spectacular graphic enhancements using NDL's Gamebryo engine and tools.

Shining Force is a strategic RPG battle game with incredible graphical detail and unique strategic battle system. Shining Force Resurrection of the Dark Dragon is the latest from the incredibly popular Shining Force franchise published on Genesis / Mega Drive in 1992. Shining Force is a strategic RPG battle game with incredible graphical detail and unique strategic battle system.

Logitech is introducing its latest controller for the PlayStation2 - the Logitech Flight Force joystick - during this week’s 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. With a suggested retail price of $49.99 in the U.S., this force feedback joystick lets gamers experience the sensations of flight combat, including weapon recoil, explosions and other effects, in compatible games for PlayStation 2.

Nyko blew away gamers last year with the introduction of the Air Flo controller, the world's first air-cooled video game accessory. This year the award-winning Air Flo goes wireless at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Nyko Technologies, manufacturer of innovative peripherals, introduces the Wireless Air Flo controller for Sony PlayStation 2, a cable-free unit that utilizes Nyko's patented Air Flo technology to provide gamers with a consistent flow of fresh air through the controller handgrips. Gamers can prevent problematic sweaty hands as well as employ increased mobility during competitive video games such as SOCOM 2 or Madden 2004.

Smart Watches for MSN® Direct are now shipping for broad retail availability, as announced by Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates during his keynote address at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

In their immeasurable greed and constant thirst for power, the thirteen most powerful Mages of all time doomed the land, hurling it into an endless spiral of chaos and despair. Entire countries were wiped out in the blink of an eye when the devastating power of the Elements was unleashed – Elements summoned by dark rituals. Continents shattered like glass, the pieces strewn about like leaves in the wind. Huge armies, bound by the the power of ancient runes, brought war and destruction to the lands that survived the initial onslaught. All that was left were a few islands, connected by magic portals. Read more for 4 tasty new screens ...

Noticed on The Fall official website that Silver Style's message boards seem to have an interesting announcement about one of the Black Isle developers teaming up with Silver Style to work on The Fall: Last Days of Gaia . "We're glad to welcome Game Designer Damien Foletto in our team! Formerly he worked at Black Isle on Hits like Baldur's Gate 2 or Fallout 3. He will support Lead Designer Carsten Strehse on the development of The Fall: Last Days of Gaia." No further details are available (as to whether he would move from the US to Germany and such), but we will keep you posted!

Further extending its already deep ties within the entertainment community, Atari, Inc. today unveiled another "convergence first" between Hollywood and the interactive entertainment company. Atari announced that it has retained Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) - the commercial production company owned and run by legendary filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott - to produce an original three-minute live-action film inspired by Atari's highly anticipated upcoming game, DRIV3R. The film short, which is the first of its kind in the video game industry, is titled "Run The Gauntlet" and will be the core component of both the DRIV3R web site, www.DRIV3R.com, and an extensive marketing and advertising campaign for DRIV3R being launched globally by Atari, beginning in late January.

Ubisoft today announced its most impressive retail promotion ever. During the month of January, anyone who purchases Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time for the PlayStation2, Nintendo GameCube, the Xbox video, or the PC, will receive a copy of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell on the same platform - PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox (platinum edition), or PC - for FREE! This special offer will be available at all major retailers.

Exclusively for the PlayStation 2, 'Transformers Armada: Prelude To Energon' is a revolutionary 3rd person 3-D action/adventure game. Players enter the world of Transformers as they become one of three AUTOBOT robots and control their character's every move and decision. The massive robots can explore numerous rich 3-D environments on foot or convert to vehicle mode for high-speed maneuvering. Players will battle DECEPTICON forces with an arsenal of weapons including cluster rockets, homing missiles and vortex cannons.

As the US army’s elite special operations soldiers you are the most potent ‘smart weapon’ known to man. You are the ‘tip of the spear’ for covert operations around the world - you are the first line of attack. Nothing stands in your way. From the war torn streets of Somalia you have been re-deployed to take out targets in Colombia and Iran. As the US military’s preemptive strike force you must work with your team to get the job done. Novalogic has released a few small trailers (thanks Tiscali) and some new screens, read more to check them out ...

Enter the world of urban street racing and high performance tuner cars with the latest title in the hit Need for Speed series: Need for Speed Underground. Take on today’s most popular tuner cars from Mitsubishi Motors, Subaru, Toyota and many more, building the ultimate street machine by earning cash to pay for custom body kits and a host of licensed car performance mods. Read more for the full review ...

The player starts of as a normal citizen in the society governed by the UCF. The "Freedom Front" offers the player a chance to join the group. The player can either join, or decline and join the UCF group. The player is then assigned the post of an army general, commanding a small army. From here, the story can go in any direction based on the way the player plays (thanks 3DGamers). Raptor Entertainment released some new screens & trailers with in game footage ...

Acclaim Entertainment today announced that it has entered into an exclusive global publishing agreement with Reno-based developer BattleBorne Entertainment, Inc. for their soon-to-be announced video game for the next-generation gaming systems. Comprised of former members of the celebrated Fallout 2, Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon teams, BattleBorne is currently utilizing the critically acclaimed Snowblind Studios technology and their own proprietary tools to develop the game.

Jowood have now released a new patch for Phenomic Game Development's 3D RTS/RPG game SpellForce: the Order of Dawn. This update patch brings your retail game to v1.05 and addresses a few Avatar issues, Quickload function key, and more .. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

Featuring everything from Fantasy Bowling on a Pirate Ship to authentically detailed tournaments, Crave Entertainment announced today Strike Force Bowling for the PlayStation2. Blurring the line between fiction and reality, this multi-player arcade game offers something for everyone.