Activision, Inc. and Raven Software are giving gamers a chance to test their grit with the announcement of the Soldier Of Fortune II: Double Helix multiplayer compatibility test. The test, which will initially be available exclusively from GameSpy's FilePlanet on April 18, 2002, gives gamers a chance to compete in one map across four different game modes including deathmatch, team deathmatch, elimination and infiltration.

We got a packshot of Codemasters' PAL edition of "Soldier of Fortune - Gold" and a packshot for Codemasters' PAL editon of "Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force".

In 2334 AD, a descendent of Albert Einstein attempted to separate the good and evil present in humans into two different types of cells - the Black and White angels. The Black angels gave rise to special human cyborgs called CREATESE, while the White angels gave rise to the INTELION. Now the CREATESE, INTELION and the last Humans (HOMINIAN) on earth have to fight it out for their own land in the Real Time Strategy Simulation Game, ATROX.

Blizzard North is looking for a Technical Artist and a 3D Character Animator. They also today updated the Battle.net Status Forum.

NCsoft Corporation, the world's largest independent online game company, today announced that Lineage for the Mac has recently launched after a successful beta testing period. Full article below!

Thrustmaster is pleased to inform you about the 2002 FIFA World Cup Football Stadium, the first pitch dedicated to soccer games for video game consoles, an officially licensed product of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan.

Hercules is thrilled to announce its Gamesurround FortissimoT II Digital Edition. This sound card now combines a cutting edge digital audio processor, ultra realistic sound quality and all the software tools necessary for getting the best out of MP3s, CDs, games and DVDs on PCs.

Ask someone to describe a typical computer games enthusiast and many will paint a picture of kids in the back of a car playing with a GameBoy or teenage boys in their bedroom on their PlayStation. Few will think of the "twenty- and thirty-somethings" that actually make up the largest game-playing group. (I just think its a natural process of the "first" REAL gaming generation simply getting older .. nothing "new" ed.)

The original Lara Croft outfit, one of the rarest and most desirable items in video game history, is up for sale on eBay.co.uk. Donated by Eidos Interactive, the world exclusive sale runs from 26th April and will last for 10 days. All proceeds from the auction will go to UNICEF, United Nations Children’s Fund.

The Quake 3 Fortress Beta version 2.0 is now available for download. This release "140.2 MB" includes new maps, gametypes, player models, skins, special effects, and anti-cheat features. Grab it from FilePlanet or from the Q3F site.

GameSpyDaily today tossed up an interesting article about that the E3's brochure for this year's event has included a conference program titled "Sneak Peek: Inside the Development Process of the Hottest Upcoming Titles". The topic is of a "Command & Conquer RTS slated for 2004 release"!

Nihilistic Software Inc. is looking for a full time Texture Artist/Modeler to join their team. They are creating a next generation Action/Adventure console game based on an extremely popular property. They are looking to round off their team with an additional artist to help model and texture detailed environments. Read more below!

Wizardry Summoner is classic RPG game, in the style of the well-known and extremely successful Wizardry role playing series. The title is exclusively being developed for the Game Boy Advance by Natsume.

START! games is pleased to announce a partnership deal with Criterion Software to provide games developers with access to the acclaimed RenderWare platform. The new licencing arrangement supports developers in the crucial early stages of development without any up front costs.

A new report just published by independent market analysts Datamonitor, reveals that the next 3 years will bring buoyant growth to the electronic games market globally, spearheaded by console games.

Tiscali Games send us a note about that Activision announced Star Trek Elite Force II for PC. In this sequel to the critically acclaimed first person action game, players resume the role of Alexander Munro, chief of the Hazard Team, Starfleet’s elite security unit. Now assigned to the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC 1701-E, players will explore strange new worlds, battle against both new and familiar civilizations and go on the most dangerous assignments in the galaxy. Star Trek Elite Force II is being developed by Ritual Entertainment and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Full pressrelease here and first two screens here.

Car Battler Joe is an exciting action game around the futuristic "Car Battles" sport. These are autofights with the sole purpose to scrap opposing cars by using many different weapons and dirty tricks. In the story mode you slip into the role of the ambitious Joe Todoroki and work your way up from an inexperienced newbie to a genuine "Car Battler". Earn cash, by completing various functions, buy hundreds of new upgrades, in order to rig and tune up your auto. There are 3 million different combination options! Naturally you can play against your friends via link cable in Multiplayer mode. Expected in July 2002.

Konami of Europe and peripheral specialist Thrustmaster have joined forces to release a flightstick specially optimized for use with Konami’s highly anticipated Deadly Skies air combat title for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft.

TriLunar, LLC announced today their newest game title, Dragonkind. Combining the action and exploration of classic platform games with the depth of story and character found in console role-playing games, Dragonkind promises to deliver a unique experience that is only possible with the power and flexibility of today’s newest generation of console platforms.

Activision today sent out some of the first/awesome screen shots showing off their new SOF2 multiplayer random level generator. Gotta see it to believe it! Yummie!

Gamers can now unleash their animal rage with the launch of Activision, Inc.’s Bloody Roar: Primal Fury, the first fighting game available for the GameCube. This latest installation in the popular Bloody Roar series delivers fast and fluid fighting action, incredible special effects and amazing characters that have the ability to transform from humans into Hyper-beast life-forms with special attack moves. Bloody Roar: Primal Fury was developed by Hudson Soft Co., Ltd. and Eighting Co., Ltd. and is rated “T” (“Teen” – Blood, Suggestive Themes, and Violence – content suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB with a $49.99 suggested retail price.

The Amuze/Sega developed title Headhunter™ features what has been described as one of the most ambitious game soundtracks produced to date, utilizing an orchestra and a recording studio often used for feature film soundtracks. The forthcoming PS2 title features music composed, arranged, orchestrated and produced by Richard Jacques and recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, England.

On March 29th, Rangers Football Coach and Celtic Football Coach will be released on CD-ROM for the PC. So, while few fans will ever sit behind the managers’ desks at Ibrox or Celtic Park, any fan with a home PC will be able to take charge of either team through these unique simulations.

BAM! Entertainment today announced that its explosive racing game Driven for Nintendo GameCube is shipping to stores this week, making it the first true racing game available on the platform. Developed by BAM! Studios Europe, BAM!'s first GameCube project results from the company's multi-year, multi-title relationship with Franchise Pictures and is based on that studio's movie of the same name - starring award-winning actor Sylvester Stallone. In addition, Driven for GameCube is slated to ship in time for the European launch of Nintendo's next generation console in May of this year.

Entertainment software publisher NovaLogic, Ltd. released more details on the forthcoming stand-alone Mission Pack for the successful Delta Force Land Warrior, part of the Delta Force franchise that has sold over 3 million units worldwide.