Magic Hat Software has announced its new MMORPG Irth Online is scheduled for commercial release in the second quarter of 2005, and that Beta test applications are now being accepted on the Irth Online web site.

Ubisoft has released a new patch for Crytek's Far Cry. This update patch brings your retail version to v1.31, and addresses a multiplayer exploit. Read more for download links ...

Ubisoft has released a second demo for its action/adventure Prince of Persia Warrior Within. Details are a bit limited but apparently, this new demo features two levels different than those in the first demo - mixing intensive action and platforming - with CG cinematics and a trailer at the end. Read more for download links ...

Strategy First today announced an exclusive worldwide publishing partnership with Argentinean developer Evoluxion for their unique soccer management game, Football Deluxe. European release of Football Deluxe is scheduled for Q1 2005 with a North American release to follow.

Take2 announced today long-term, third-party exclusive licensing relationships with Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) which provide Take-Two with sweeping video game rights. Under these exclusives, Take-Two will develop, publish and distribute a broad portfolio of interactive, officially licensed video games that are expected to drive the MLB video game business to new heights.

Teaming up once again with the original Desert Storm Delta Force - Bradley, Foley, Connors and Jones - your four men now form part of an elite anti-terrorist unit tasked with minimising the worldwide threat from active global terrorist groups. The game takes place across the world, in a number of different and hostile locations and against a merciless and corrupt enemy; this is your squad's greatest challenge to date.

After four years in the making, the game that creator Kazunori Yamauchi called, "More than a sequel but, in fact, a redefinition of what a video game can be," is complete. Polyphony Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced that Gran Turismo 4 will blast onto the shelves across PAL territories on March 9.

In Inago Rage, players leap into the air to take on and destroy swarms of mechanical enemies. The demo includes nine levels, challenging players to fight within city streets, on the rooftops of skyscrapers, and above platforms in deep space. A storyline illustrated in graphic novel format introduces players to new challenges as they come. Read more for download links ...

Castlevania for DS will continue the storyline that first emerged in the critically acclaimed Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. Taking place a year after Aria of Sorrow ended, Castlevania for DS will take players on a harrowing and challenging journey of selflessness.

The stars of the hit Cartoon Network series Full Metal Alchemist finally make their North American video game debut in Square-Enix’s Full Metal Alchemist and the Broken Angel. Use alchemy to make the whole world into your weapon, and guide Edward and Alphonse Elric through swarms of deadly chimeras. Will they come one step closer to finding the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, or will this be their last adventure?

Metal Slug Advance will feature five, all-new, action-packed missions plus diverse areas and rugged terrain including subterranean dungeons such as mysterious ruins, limestone caverns, and lava zones. As an added bonus, Metal Slug Advance will feature 100 different METAL SLUG E-cards to enhance player's abilities and assist them in the completion of their missions.

In this new episode, you lead Team Rainbow, the world's most elite counter-terrorist unit, as they are called into action and unfamiliar territory to battle a bioterrorist threat. Stakes escalate as they are personally targeted by an evil terrorist organization. Used to protecting the lives of others, Team Rainbow must now embark on a mission to fight and save some of their own.

Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade, developed and published by SOE, will be one of the few original titles developed in North America, and the only multiplayer action role-playing game (RPG) available at the system's launch. Read more to check out some new screens...

In Battlefield 2, players will choose to fight for one of three military superpowers: the United States, China, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of any of the game's 30+ vehicles to engage in major conflicts with over 100 players in some of the largest online battles on the PC. Check these 20+ new screens...

Zoo Keeper is a puzzler making use of the touch screen, you tap the NDS stylus to swap the positions of animals on the screen to create lines of three or more of the same type. These animals are then "captured," allowing other animals to fall into their place. Zoo Keeper includes a variety of play modes to ensure that gamers have depth of gameplay.

Blitzkrieg II is created with a new focus on fast-paced gameplay, a strategic layer and new tactical opportunities. A completely new engine takes WWII into full 3D where players can command famous aces and units, strategically plan battles in multiple theatres, choose their reinforcements and use a wide range of new unit types such as aircraft and ships.

Valusoft has released the first patch for SCS Software's latest hunting game Hunting Unlimited 3. This update brings you retail game to v1.1 and fixes a few bugs, enlarges the trophy collection, and elephants no longer take a fixed number of shots to kill (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for details and download links ...

Hell Forces is a classical FPS in which the main hero, Stephen Geist, 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 can he find out the truth and stop the invasion.

Tekken 5 promises to deliver the ultimate, most visually stunning fighting game experience ever seen in a TEKKEN game. Tekken 5 brings back the popular cast of characters from the previous TEKKEN games, along with three new characters, for a total of 20 default characters to start and more to unlock as players progress in the game. Tekken 5 allows players to use their fight money to customize their characters with various accessories such as hats, glasses and an assortment of different costumes.

Freedom Force vs. the Third Reich is a comic book-inspired tactical role-playing game features a brand new league of heroes and villains, overhauled combat system, and spectacular graphic enhancements. Read more for new screens...

Tulga Games announced today that it has completed the purchase of the assets of Artifact Entertainment. Members of Artifact Entertainment’s development, technology and creative teams have been asked to join the new Tulga Games team and “the response to these offers has been overwhelming positive,” says Chris Tulumello, founding manager.

Shadow of Rome, an all-new action adventure game, transports players to one of the most perilous ages of man, an era when Caesar was hailed as the leader of the Roman Empire and whose sovereignty dominated all of western civilization.

CDV has released more info for Stormregion's Codename Panzers: Phase Two, which is expected spring 2005. Panzers: Phase Two sees the return of the Italian brothers Dario and Sergio, a deeper storyline, most of the Axis campaign will take place in Africa, with the Allies residing in Italy. Whoever finishes both campaigns gets to enjoy a bonus campaign in Yugoslavia (thanks Achim). Read more for some new work in progress screens ...

Jade Empire is set in a new fantastical world based on mythical China, where sinister events have upset the peaceful harmony of an isolated martial arts school. Featuring furious action previously found only in Hong Kong cinema, the game lets players master more than 30 fighting styles and a wide range of mystical powers.