Activision today announced that it has acquired game developer Vicarious Visions, most recently known for Spider-Man 2 on NDS. Vicarious Visions' proven proprietary Alchemy middleware technology and tools will be combined with Activision's next-generation tools and libraries to further enhance the company's overall development efforts.

Ubisoft and Sony Online Entertainment today announce that an EverQuest II character creation tool is available for players who want to introduce to the world of EverQuest II. This tool is free and can be downloaded from the official Everquest 2 website. The tool sizes 365 Mo and the languages available are English, French and German. Players will be able to create and save their own hero. Please note that a full version of EverQuest II (sold separately) is required to use the character.

Champions: Return to Arms introduces two new playable races, a whole new non-linear storyline letting the playing chose to team both with the forces of Good or Evil, the ability to import characters from the original game, more character customization options with up to level 80 levelling, thousands of new items, weapons and spells, beautifully detailed environments, innovative medal system which unlocks secret gameplay modes, more online and multiplayer options and much more.

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 :

• Second Sight - Trailer [PC]
• Splinter Cell Chaos Theory - Trailer #9
• Blitzkrieg 2 - Trailer #3
• Close Combat: First to Fight - Trailer
• Iron Phoenix - Trailer #3
• LotR: Battle for Middle-Earth - Trailer #10

EBGames is now offering a Jade Empire Limited Edition which will feature an extra character and combat style w/ Foil Outer Wrap. Order and receive a Jade Empire demo and "Making of" DVD! Disc also includes demos of Forza, MechAssault 2, and Conkers. 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.

Based on Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Dynasty Warriors series of action games takes players back in time and onto the battlefields of Ancient China. In the games, players experience the thrill of fighting single-handedly against nearly endless legions of enemy soldiers in historical battles that shaped an empire.

Hunted by Dahaka, an immortal incarnation of Fate seeking divine retribution, the Prince embarks upon a path of both carnage and mystery to defy his preordained death. His journey leads to the infernal core of a cursed island stronghold harboring mankind's greatest fears. Only through grim resolve, bitter defiance and the mastery of deadly new combat arts can the Prince rise to a new level of warriorship - and emerge from this ultimate trial with his life.

Over the weekend Blizzard updated some of the World of Warcraft database hardware in order to improve performance. This update required extended downtime for certain realms as data was transferred from the launch servers to the new servers. Due to the extended nature of the server issues, Blizzard will be providing a free 48-hour extension of play time, which will show up as free extra time on your current billing period. You can read more about it on the official World of Warcraft website...

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 :

• Champions of Norrath: Return to Arms (PS2) - Trailer #2
• Shadow of Rome (PS2) - Trailer #7
• Fight Night Round 2 (PS2/Xbox) - Trailer #2
• The Punisher (PS2/Xbox/PC) - Trailer #6

Crave Entertainment today announced the upcoming release of their first game for the Nintendo DS - World Championship Poker: Deluxe Series, with an MSRP of $29.99. WCP is currently available for the PS2, Xbox and GBA.

GTR: The Ultimate Racing Game represents the most intense and immersive racing experience ever to grace a PC or games console. Already released in Germany, the international version introduces five totally new car models for the player to choose from. In addition to these, there are also several additional team entries running the Viper, Ferrari 360, and Porsche 911/996 GT3 cars, so 16 uniquely designed opponents are waiting on the track.

DreamCatcher Games today announced it will publish Domination, a 3D turn-based tactical strategy game previously known as Phantom Renaissance. Domination is slated for release during February in North America and during April in Europe. Read more for details and screens...

Dutch publisher Project Three Interactive today announced it has signed the European rights for the racing game Cross Racing Championship for PC. The game has a scheduled pan-European releasedate of April 15th 2005.

In Playboy: the Mansion you step into the virtual slippers of world-famous Playboy Founder Hugh Hefner, building Playboy Magazine and the Playboy Mansion into dynamic cultural icons. Gamers also will live the lifestyle, rubbing elbows with stunning women and popular celebrities, and share the mystique of the Mansion by hosting extravagant, exciting parties. This preview features nudity, so parental discretion advised...

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 :

• Blitzkrieg 2 - Trailer
• Universal Combat: A World Apart - Trailer

Based on Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Dynasty Warriors series of action games takes players back in time and onto the battlefields of Ancient China. In the games, players experience the thrill of fighting single-handedly against nearly endless legions of enemy soldiers in historical battles that shaped an empire.

Based on Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Dynasty Warriors series of action games takes players back in time and onto the battlefields of Ancient China. In the games, players experience the thrill of fighting single-handedly against nearly endless legions of enemy soldiers in historical battles that shaped an empire. KOEI has released the first section of what promises to be a multipart revealing of the game features.

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 :

• Brothers In Arms - Trailer
• Legend of Kay - Trailer #4
• Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure - Trailer
• Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - Developer Diaries (3)
• Starfox Assault - Intro Movie

Sony Online Entertainment today announced the addition of LucasArts' Star Wars Galaxies to the Station Access subscription plan. Now, all SOE-developed massively multiplayer online games are available to subscribers for US$21.99 per month. Star Wars Galaxies will be added to Station Access on Feb. 1, 2005.

Act of War: Direct Action, developed by Eugen Systems, is Atari's new action game with a storyline and game universe created in cooperation with Dale Brown. This demo features the 6th campaign operation from the full game, with 5 missions to be completed. Read more for download links ...

The current offer would have made EA the owner of more than 50 percent of the total number of shares, representing a majority vote in DICE after outstanding employee stock options have been exercised. Even though the extended acceptance period has not yet expired, EA has waived the above-mentioned condition.

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 :

• Close Combat: First to Fight - Trailers (2)
• The Sims 2: University - Trailer #2
• Star Wars Republic Commando - Trailers (2)

Legion Arena is an online RPSG or Role Playing Strategy Game, and blends core gameplay elements from the RTS & RPG genres. Set in ancient Rome, Legion Arena puts the player in charge of their own army, which they must develop, nurture and train, transforming a bunch of peasants into a fearsome fighting force.

Hip Interactive today announced that the North American version of the multi-platform video game release, "Playboy: The Mansion," has been sent off for manufacturing, and is expected in stores January 25, 2005. Developed by Cyberlore Studios for Playboy, Playboy: The Mansion invites players to virtually step into Playboy Founder Hugh Hefners slippers and run the famous Playboy empire.

Oxygen Interactive announced today that UK developer Kuju is working on a new FPS 'Conspiracy: Weapons of Mass Destruction.' Using the Fire Warrior engine, Conspiracy: Weapons of Mass Destruction, is under development for PC, PS2 and Xbox, and is scheduled for March 2005. Read more for details and 100+ new screens ...