Microsoft Game Studios and Big Huge Games today announce Rise of Nations: Throne and Patriots, the expansion pack to the critically acclaimed, best-selling real-time strategy (RTS) game Rise of Nations. Developed by Brian Reynolds and Big Huge Games, Throne and Patriots adds a multitude of new features to Rise of Nations, introducing six new nations, a wide variety of new single player campaigns, more than 20 new units, new wonders and an innovative new Government feature. With the new Government feature, any nation, old or new, can choose exactly how to be governed, which has far-reaching effects on how units perform in various situations. All-new single player campaigns will allow gamers to control the course of history during historical events that changed the world. Rise of Nations: Throne and Patriots is expected to ship in Spring 2004. The original Rise of Nations game is available wherever games are sold and has been reduced to $39.99 (U.S.), just in time for the holidays.

Team17 Software has released a patch for European & Australian versions of their 3D turn-based strategy game Worms 3D. This upgrade brings your retail game to v1053 (aka service patch 1) is mainly for people who play online, improves Pigeon AI, addresses some bugs and fixes, as well as networking enhancements. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

On the official Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark forum @ Bioware, Robin Mayne MALE Web Developer posted up following information:

NWN: Hordes of the Underdark will be in stores Dec 2 and includes 6 new Prestige Classes! For those who desire power over undead, the pale master draws on a font of special lore that provides a macabre power all its own.

If you are interested in having a Dev Chat Session with the team working on Black & White 2, this is your chance! This Monday (24th November 2003) #bwgame channel on Quakenet will host its first chat... Read more for details!

The Gladiatorial clashes of ancient Rome are the inspiration for savage battles, gruesome deaths and bloody mayhem in the next-generation console game: Gladiator Sword of Vengeance. Due for release for the 28th November 2003, this epic adventure follows the fate of hero and Gladiator champion Thrax as he challenges fierce warriors and wayward gods of terror to a fight to the death. Gladiator Sword of Vengeance also boasts in intuitive fighting system that allows players to fight multiple opponents and unleash an array of deadly combo attacks and bloody finishing moves.

Simply Gaming is proud to announce that is it starting work on its first game, titled Operation Watchet Freedom.. Brief Story: Terrorists have taken over the small town of Watchet and none of the villagers know why. What they don't know is that the town's paper mill is a front for a secret government nuclear missile base which the terrorists have taken over. The terrorists are threatening to launch 3 nukes at London, Washington and Russia if the government doesn't pay them 500 million within 48 hours. So it's up to our hero to retake the town and secure the nukes.

Acclaim Entertainment International today announced World Championship Rugby for the PlayStation2, Xbox and PC. The game is being developed by Swordfish Studios, one of the UK's respected independent game development studios. Based in Birmingham and with over 10 year's development experience, the team was responsible for one of the most critically acclaimed rugby video games – Jonah Lomu Rugby. Read more for details and screens ...

kill.switch is an innovative military shooter that emphasizes realistic cover tactics and awesome firepower for the ultimate experience in combat gaming. Featuring the unique Offensive Cover System, and utilizing the Blindfire combat mechanic, kill.switch demands the use of conventional warfare tactics, forcing players to utilize surrounding environments, and quickly adjust on-the-fly through each intense and challenging mission.

With expanded Freestyle Control, authentic basketball gameplay, and stunning graphics, 'NBA Live 2004' delivers the definitive basketball experience. Whether running the point with one-button Quick Plays, spinning free in the lane for a vicious dunk, or locking down on defense, LIVE puts players in total control. With a dramatically enhanced Dynasty mode, the ability to take the court at every NBA arena and all-new commentary from Marv Albert and Mike Fratello, 'NBA Live 2004' is all about authenticity. Read more for the full review ...

Savage Eden, the US version of the popular Asian online multiplayer game Laghaim, is nearing its release in America. The Nako engineers from Korea are at the iENT center of operations in Cary, NC working hard to make final developments and fine tuning for the United States game launch. The closed beta registration for the game was well received by the RPG community with over 2,000 applicants in the selection pool. The beta stage is set to begin sometime in early December.

THQ Inc. today announced the release of "Star Wars: Flight of the Falcon" for the Game Boy Advance. "Star Wars: Flight of the Falcon" is now available at retailers nationwide.

In "Star Wars: Flight of the Falcon" gamers pilot the Millennium Falcon, X-Wing fighters, land speeders and other famous vehicles from the classic "Star Wars" universe in their battle against the Empire. Players will experience 14 combat-filled missions interweaving legendary movie storylines with all-new plot twists. Featuring highly detailed environments and ships, frantic battles and high-speed flying action, "Star Wars: Flight of the Falcon" lets gamers battle the Galactic Empire in the skies of Yavin, Endor and beyond.

Tantalus Interactive today confirmed the release of three new titles, rounding out a stellar year for the company. Tantalus CEO Tom Crago chose the opening day of the annual Australian Game Developer’s Conference (AGDC) in Melbourne to make the announcement. “Gamers will be well aware of all of these titles, but with the occasion of the AGDC it’s fitting to set these releases within the context of the Australian game development community,” Crago said. “As an industry here we’ve gathered a lot of momentum in recent years, and at Tantalus we’re very proud of the contribution we’ve been able to make.”

As was promised, Activision has released the Mod/Editing tools for Infinity Ward's WWII FPS Call of Duty. A few weeks ago there was a leaked & then re-called (aahhhnold!) linux server, but they now also released the final version of that, including the required library and some minor docs. The editor includes the CoDRadiant level editor & tools, the Dawnville sample map, etc. A Call Of Duty retail game is required for both applications. Read more for details & download links ...

Another day, another batch of game trailers were released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for :

• Spellforce: The Order Of Dawn - Intro Movie
• Pirates Of The Burning Sea - Trailer
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

High-tension Battle : The graphic concept of Lineage II is made up assuming that there is a tremendous siege by dozens of charaters which has the most advanced 3D details like those in fighting games. Rampart standing high in the way of surging forces, Plains overlooked by one riding on dragon high in the sky, Archers on the rampart sniping at the coming enemy from far place. These powerful scene will be produced with the latest 3D technology. Read more for some nifty screens ...

The Sims Bustin' Out features an all-new neighborhood with over a dozen new unlockable locations and a cast of over 40 new zany characters to socialize with. Players will purchase a car or scooter in order to get out of the house and head to the Gym to work out with exercise fanatic Goldie Toane or to Club Rubb to rave with club owner Bing Bling. Players will be able to crash parties, create havoc, or just drive their neighbors crazy! Read more for some new screens ...

Battlefield Vietnam will drop players into some of the Vietnam War's fiercest battles. Fighting in theatres from jungles surrounding the Ho Chi Minh Trail to the city streets of Hue, players will choose from two well-equipped forces, the United States or the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Vietcong (thanks Andy). Read more for some new screens...

For the first time, players control The Sims over an entire lifetime for the very first time. Every choice that is made has a relevant and dramatic effect on the life of a Sim. More life-like Sims, all new gameplay, and the ground-breaking addition of genetics, with the DNA of Sims passed down through generations, gives players a more vivid, realistic, and in-depth Sims experience. All of this takes place in a new amazingly life-like 3-D world. Read more for some new screens ...

Electronic Arts announced today its choice for baseball’s MVP, tapping St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Albert Pujols as cover athlete and spokesman for MVP Baseball 2004. The game is scheduled for release on multiple platforms next spring under the EA SPORTS brand.

Vivendi Universal Games announced today Contract J.A.C.K. – the official prequel to GameSpy’s 2002 PC Game-of-the-Year, No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.’s Way is now available on store shelves. Contract J.A.C.K., developed by Monolith Productions, is a standalone expansion pack set in the No One Lives Forever universe that delivers non-stop action with new singleplayer missions, exciting multiplayer modes including Doomsday and Demolition, and a fully documented suite of mod-making tools.

Race Driver 2 will provide petrol head gamers with the most diverse range of challenging motorsports ever seen in one game. Over 30 global championships will be featured, with players competing in events including GT Sports Car Racing, Street Racing, Rally, DTM, V8 Supercars, Global GT Lights, Rally Cross, Formula Ford, Open Wheel Grand Prix and Classic Car Racing. Check out some new screens ...

GameSpot has gotten word that Big Huge Games is working on an expansion pack for Rise of Nations, called Throne and Patriots. 'Rise of Nations: Throne and Patriots' will include six more new playable nations to the original game's total of 18, along with more than 20 new units, and new features, like the expansion's new campaigns and its government system. The government system will let each nation in the game determine for itself how it will be governed--a decision that will affect its development over the course of history. The new campaigns will include scenarios based on real-world historical engagements.

Gearhand Studios has released Big Head Zed, a challenging Windows logic puzzle game that combines creative thinking with fun. The game features stunning 3D rendered art, an original music score, and creative sound effects.

With the creation of the transatlantic railway, built with blood, sweat and tears into the murderous wilderness in 1869, the American dream of freedom and prosperity was finally to be fulfilled. With "Railroad Pioneer" you'll be able to experience all this at close quarters and, at the end of a dramatic journey, leave your mark as a railway magnate in the eventful history of steamers and pioneers. Read more to check out some new screens ...