Galactic Civilizations II takes place in the distant future, when mankind has become a space-faring civilization and must contend with other extraterrestrial powers for domination of the galaxy. The sequel is a true evolution for the series, with rethought fundamentals and exciting new changes.

Building upon Monster Hunter and Monster Hunter G (Japanese release only), which were originally released on the PS2, Monster Hunter Freedom is the ultimate package, including new missions, additional features and content adapted for the PSP system.

An article on Gamemag.ru, translated by GGMania, seems to indicate that STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl might be in some serious trouble. THQ is said to have cut off financing back in November, a team developing a new graphics engine left shortly after being brought on board, taking with them the source and part of the original develpment team has either been fired or moved onto another project. End of last year THQ ordered an audit of the project and a representative is expected to be on site shortly, and possibly take STALKER to another developer.

Update : GSC's Oleg Yavorskiy says "only 5 people were let go as the new graphics engine nears completion, others went to Heroes of Annihilated Empires. STALKER is almost finished."

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

• Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach - Trailer #7
• The Godfather - Trailer (2)
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  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent will completely revolutionize and reinvent the spy action genre by introducing an unprecedented double agent concept and an entirely new breed of game play that adds an exciting new dimension to the gaming experience.

Koei is working on a sequel to last year's Dynasty Warriors, a battle/strategy game based on a novel of Ancient China. Dynasty Warriors 2nd Evolution ups the ante with over 300 generals, a ton more stages, and a path branching system, 16:9 widescreens and 4 player wifi. All new will be the horse customization allowing you to personalize your ride with items you win in the game.

Guilty Gear Judgment offers players 2 great games in 1 unbelievable gameplay experience: the fast paced arcade fighting of Guilty Gear X2 # Reload plus a brand new side scrolling play experience in Guilty Gear Judgment!

The long blue bar. The yellow block. And those darn zigzag things whose images stay on your brain. These familiar Tetris shapes started a generation of video game fans. Now Nintendo is putting a new spin on the classic with Tetris DS, available March 20 exclusively for NDS, using Nintendo's wireless gaming service, Wi-Fi Connection.

StarCraft: Ghost is a tactical-action console game that refines the epic experience of StarCraft to the level of the individual soldier. Engage the StarCraft universe face-to-face as a deadly Ghost operative in the employ of the Dominion.

Rugby 06 will challenge gamers to compete in a host of the World's most prestigious rugby competitions including the Six Nations, Lions Tour, Tri Nations, Guinness Premiership and the Super 14. In case our batch of 50 wasn't enough, here are a few more ...

UberSoldier is a high-tech first-person 3D shooter, which takes place in an alternate universe where the fascist Germany won in the Second World War. A soldier of the German Resistance, Karl Stolz, turns out to be involved in the deadly play of mysterious powers, and at stake is control over the entire world.

Shadow Hearts: From The New World takes place in the US during the Great Depression. Featuring a gripping and inspirational storyline, players can expect to run into a unique set of characters at famous, real-world locations including Chicago, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and New York. The addictive Judgment Ring System has been improved, adding even more excitement and strategy to the overall gameplay.

Fight Night Round 3 brings the most intense boxing experience to gamers. Film-quality graphics showcase devastating punch impacts unparalleled in any game or film. On the way to becoming boxing's greatest legend, train to fight like the best including Muhammad Ali or create a boxing style unique only to your boxer.

Battlefield 2: Modern Combat will drop players into the heat of battle on the high tech frontlines, entering a new modern era of combat with more firepower and new expansive environments. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of over 30 vehicles, including tanks, helicopters and fast attack vehicles, to engage in major conflicts in some of the largest online battles.

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

• Metal Gear Ac!d 2 [PSP] - Trailer #2
• Splinter Cell Double Agent - Trailer (2)
• Titan Quest - Trailer
• ÜberSoldier - Trailer #2
• Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop [NDS] - Trailer
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

SOE announced their preparations for the 19th update to EverQuest II, slated to launch on game servers Feb 2. This update will bring significant changes to the game, and is a precursor to the launch of the new Player vs. Player game servers, scheduled for late February. Read more for more details and massive fix list.

Based on the teen spy movie Stormbreaker, players embrace the role of Alex Rider to out-spy, outwit and out-cool evil in this thrilling action adventure, featuring third-person stealth game play, fast-paced racing action, intense fighting and engaging, and gadget-based mini-games.

Xboxic received word that Microsoft is diligently working on a patch to fix various issues with the Xbox 360. "An inside source at Microsoft informed us that Microsoft is currently finishing off one huge update for the Xbox 360 that is going to put an end to all the common problems in both games and the system itself. It will contain fixes for all currently known lockups in games, missing or impossible to get achievements and a bunch of new functionality in the Dashboard." A Call of Duty 2 X360 patch is also expected to be released next week.

Both EBGames and GameStop today adding product listings for a yet unannounced Battlefield 2: Deluxe Edition product. No details are provided but the Battlefield franchise is not unfamiliar with bundles as has been proven in the past. BF2 Deluxe Edition most likely combines the original Battlefield 2 and its recently released Special Forces expansion pack, all patched up to the latest version (maybe even the new v1.3). Both online retailers seem to differ regarding release date as EBGames has it pegged down for end of March, while GameSpot lists May.

Vivendi Universal Games is pleased to announce that SWAT 4: The Stetchkov Syndicate, the expansion pack to SWAT 4 -- one of the highest-rated PC shooters of 2005 -- has gone gold and will ship to retail outlets in North America on February 28.