Computer and video game publisher Gathering and renowned software developer Illusion Softworks, today announced that Hidden & Dangerous 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the successful World War II tactical strategy game, has shipped to stores in North America. The game will ship to stores in Europe on October 24, 2003.

The Battle for Middle-earth utilizes the Generals game engine, and in the game players can select from the different "good" or "evil" campaigns, where they will be given the freedom to command a variety of major armies from the films, each with their own distinct strengths and weaknesses. Prepare for war by creating offensive and defensive strategies set in the memorable battle locations taken straight from the big screen. The Battle for Middle-earth RTS game will utilize the digital assets created for the films and will feature exclusive voiceover from the real actors as well as actual movie footage from the three films.

"P2" (working title), being developed by creators of Project Earth, morphed it's genre to action space game. The new official name is "Project Freedom". Becomming pilot of latest space fighter your task is to infiltrate enemy moves and fuffill missions given by generals of your army in the second cold war crisis in late 21st century. The action take place in our solar system and promise to deliver realistic environment across Earth, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Io - the Jupiter's moon and planetoid Ida. The game features never seen break through graphics and solid, 100% adrenaline pumping gameplay. "Project Freedom" is scheduled to be released in January 2004. Read more for details & screens ...

NDL announced today that its Gamebryo technology is being used in Mythic Entertainment's highly anticipated Dark Age of Camelot: Trials of Atlantis. The latest expansion pack for Dark Age of Camelot, which has been named "Online Game of the Year" by both Computer Games Magazine and Computer Gaming World, immerses players into the mysterious underwater city of Atlantis. NDL has been assisting Mythic with innovative 3D graphics software and tools since 1999.

Phase: Exodus is 3D RPG with strong strategy element, which takes the player to the possible future of the Earth, to the world which went through the catastrophe of the global scale. The game will be interesting both for the hardcore RPG fans and those who are new to this genre - the mix of step-to-step combat, non-linear solving of the problems, classic 3rd person view, day cycle and intuitive controls, interesting plot, good graphical appearance makes it gripping for most of the players.

As we draw closer to Halloween, Eidos felt it's time to divulge more information about their vampire/demon duo, Kain and Raziel, by updating the Legacy of Kain: Defiance website. You'll find a multitude of updates ranging from exciting new screens and concept drawings, to information about important characters and enemies. They also opened up a Fan Art section where fans of the series can submit their drawings of the Legacy of Kain universe. Head over to www.legacyofkain.com and seek out their updates.

Ryzom is a third-generation 3D game that features a highly original poetic universe designed for the general public. Online gaming aficionados will discover innovative game mechanisms, along with sumptuous graphics. Read more for new screens ...

Matrix Games is pleased to announce that Massive Assault by Wargaming.Net and Eric Young’s Squad Assault: West Front by Freedom Games have completed production, are shipping and will be available in the next few days through major software retailers and online stores. Read more for details ...

Age of Mythology: The Titans is an expansion pack for Age of Mythology. Using familiar elements of classical mythology, Age of Mythology casts players as one of nine unique civilizations from ancient Greek, Norse and Egyptian mythologies. Players can reinforce their armies with mythological creatures like Cyclopes and Medusas or call upon the mighty powers of gods such as Zeus to rain down lightning bolts on unsuspecting enemies. Read more for the full review ...

Smash the opposition with missiles and mines, gain the advantage with turbos, strategically trigger off barriers and avoid falling objects as you scream through the house of fun. Just when you think you've mastered the game, you'll find a whole new lease of life in the giveaway track editor. All the best features of the game are in here and it couldn't be simpler to construct exciting and daring new tracks for you to race on against your friends. Read more for the full review ...

Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain is the next installment of the Syphon Filter storyline. Elsa Weissenger has come to Gabe Logan with evidence that a multinational corporation has been behind the Syphon Filter conspiracy from the beginning. Mara Aramov is connected to this consortium in some way that Gabe does not understand. But here is what Gabe does know: Mara has escaped custody, outbreaks of a deadly new mutation of the virus are appearing all over the globe, and Chechnyan rebels are selling the virus to other terrorists. Some new screens just infiltrated our offices ...

Gran Turismo 4 further demonstrates its mission to provide the most authentic driving simulation available in the marketplace. New features will extend above and beyond just pure automotive racing, providing a unique destination for automotive and PS2 enthusiasts to enjoy car culture in every dimension – extending that goal will be highlighted through the new "GT Photo Mode."

Ubisoft is glad to announce that a Live chat with Jordan Mechner, the creator of the Prince of Persia series, will take place on Thursday, October 23rd.

Seize this chance to ask your questions to a living legend, a man who has shaped video games history! Jordan Mechner was involved in the development of Prince of Persia the Sands of Time as a screenwriter and creative consultant and will be able to answer all questions on this highly anticipated masterpiece !

All participants in the chat will have access to an exclusive Prince of Persia the Sands of Time goody... Read more for details!

Egosoft posted up some information on their forums that let us know X² - The Threat for Europe got a new releasedate set to Feb 6th, 2004. Here is the full clip:

The localisation process requires more additional time for testing and Q&A than was expected. Due to the importance of a simultaneous pan-European launch in all the major territories (UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy). Egosoft and Koch have agreed to set a new street date of Feb 6th, 2004. This new street date will also allow the developers to enhance even further, key aspects of the game-play and graphics and make the European version of X2 worth waiting for.

To those that have pre-ordered via Egosoft’s website we can only apologise for this unforeseen delay. We therefore suggest that you either wait for the European release and your copy will be shipped, together with your complimentary pack of “X² - The Card Game”, as soon as we take delivery or of course, accept our deepest apology and cancel your order with us. All pre-orders will receive an email in the next few days detailing this.

It is not possible for us to ship other localised copies (for example, United States of America or Australian) via our European operation due to our contractual obligations.

Beware! Your Sims have Magic! In The Sims Makin’ Magic Expansion Pack, your Sims are granted magical powers to cast playful or mischievous spells. Venture to an all-new magical, carnival-themed destination, experience exciting new gameplay, gain over 175 new items, and encounter a whole new cast of quirky characters in this powerful pack of magical high jinx. See what happens when the fate of the Sims is challenged and magic spells are cast with good or bad intentions. In The Sims Makin’ Magic, expect the unexpected. Check the new magical screens ...

"Metalheart: Replicants Rampage" is a cyberpunk role-playing game in which you lead your team to success using smart tactics; explore a huge isometric world, experience unique cybernetic body implants and tactical, turn-based combat. Under development at Akella (Pirates Of The Carribean) it is scheduled for 1Q 2004, no publisher has been signed yet. Read more for details and screens ...

ClownKeep today announced the development of The Chronicles of Ny. This unique, multi-part, role-playing game will be released for the PC. An evil returns from the past, bound by a hatred that the grave could not kill. A dark shadow is falling on the frontier province of Racorr. Enter a land forged in the crossroad of many cultures and uncover the threat that binds them all. Can you uncover and defeat a sinister conspiracy that preys on weakness and despair? Welcome to Racorr, the easternmost frontier province of the Great Kingdom of Ny. Read more for details and some screens ...

The award winning tactical role-playing game La Pucelle: Tactics comes to North America on the PS2, courtesy of Mastiff LLC. La Pucelle: Tactics is the tactical RPG from Nippon Ichi, creators of Disgaea. La Pucelle: Tactics is a tale of betrayal and double cross, monsters in human form and humans in monster form, set in an alternate medieval Europe. The unlikely hero is a smart mouthed and undisciplined sixteen year old who just passed her exorcism exams and her comrades in La Pucelle, a demon hunting squad. Read more for details ...

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 :

• Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm - Trailer
• Hidden & Dangerous 2 - Intro Movie
• Rolling - Trailer
• Beyond Good & Evil - Trailer
• Pacific Assault - Trailer
• Rainbow Six 3: Athena Sword - Trailer
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

In the world of brave knights and powerfull monsters there roams a lonely creature Agavaen – an ancient fairy with broken wings. Humans are afraid of her and despise her so she found her place among the thieves. It is not a fairy-like life but however… at least she belongs to someplace. Until a day when it all changes. Most of the thieves are gone as well as all the money and the drunk captain decides to turn his anger on her. It has to be mentioned that just before he died, he realised his mistake, but Agavaen stays alone again to step on her uncertain journey for happinnes in the magic world of Neverend.

JoWooD and Independent Arts announced today that Against Rome is finished and ready for production. Set in Europe at the time of the migration of nations (about 200-450 AD), Against Rome takes the player to that part of the continent that has not yet succumbed to the Roman Empire. This vast territory, which the Romans disparagingly called barbaricum, is the home of numerous primitive nations. The player takes control over one of these barbarian tribes, who as a whole stood out for a pronounced lack of cultural achievements, combined with a ferocious belligerence. Skirmishes, raids and plunderings were the order of the day for these barbarians and are, therefore, the great theme of this game.

Got Game Entertainment today announced a new name, new price, and new release date for "Adam Blaster: Atomic Enforcer". Now known simply as "Atomic Enforcer", the third person, real-time 3D action-adventure for the PC will be released in Q1 2004 as a budget title ($19.99 USD).

One of the most explosive franchises for the GameCube returns as Majesco is gearing up to release Bomberman Jetters, the Japanese smash-hit and newest installment to the 'Bomberman' series. The sequel to the widely-popular Bomberman Generations, Bomberman Jetters is scheduled to ship in time for the holidays, at a suggested retail price of $19.99. Read more for some screens & download the trailer...

Microsoft has issued a demo for Ensemble Studios' recently released RTS Age of Mythology: The Titans. In the trial version, you assume the role of the mighty Atlantean god Kronos as you advance through the third age on the random map The Marsh or play the tutorial and first scenario of the brand-new single player campaign. You don’t need to own the original Age of Mythology to play this trial version (thanks Bluesnews). Read more for download links ...