EA has released a new patch for its 3D RTS Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth. This update brings your retail game (English & German) to v1.02 and a slew of game balance fixes, and the usual bug/crash fixes (thanks Patches Scrolls). Read more for detailed fix list and 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 :

• Stoked Rider - Trailer
• MoH: European Assault - Trailer
• Pariah - Trailer (2)

Variety is reporting that Al Pacino will have to "nod" hello to his little friends, as he is allowing his likeness, but not his voice, to be used in Vivendi's upcoming Scarface video game. Pacino's voicework will be done by an "unnamed low-profile actor." Fellow Scarface actors Steven Bauer and Robert Loggia, on the other hand, are lending likeness and voice to their respective characters.

Dutch Streamline Studios announce today that it is currently servicing several next-generation developments at its studio. "We've spent time refining our systems and field testing our pipeline to ensure a one-stop solution for next-generation development hurdles and the results have been superb" stated Harpp Seble, SLS CFO. Titles currently being serviced include two platform launch titles as well as developments that utilize Unreal 3 technology. Streamline Studios will be attending E3 this year and will be holding meetings with developers and publishers regarding their next-generation creative and engineering needs.

Control the fate of the galaxy in LucasArts' all new RTS game Star Wars: Empire at War. Set a few years before the events of Episode IV A New Hope, the game will let players rewrite history as well as experience the aftermath of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, the creation of the Rebel Alliance, and Darth Vader's rise to power. Read more for new screens ...

Stargate SG-1: The Alliance will be an action-based game playable in the first- or third- person perspective. Depending on the mission, there will be other tasks that have elements of team tactics, puzzle-solving and stealth. First and foremost, you will never walk alone – your team will be there to look after you, but you will also have to look after them, so it differs from most "straight" shooters.

The first game to reintroduce the Might & Magic universe to the public will be Heroes of Might and Magic V. Gamers will delve into a more mature, consistent fantasy universe that will appeal to fans of all fantasy genres. One of the most successful turn-based strategy* franchises, the Heroes of Might and Magic series, with its distinctive touch of RPG, is a benchmark in the Heroic Fantasy genre, with considerable commercial and critical acclaim.

Juiced immerses you in the lifestyle and culture of the real street modding scene. Starting as a new kid on the block, without a set of wheels to your name, build up your own crew of ‘driving gods’ and dominate the established street racing scene of Angel City. Earn respect by showing off you skills, race for pink slips, and eventually form a team and compete in crew races. THQ has launched the official website with news, screens, trailers, wallpapers, and full background on all parts manufacturers featured in game. A new demo is also coming soon ...

Hip Games today announced that Stolen has shipped and is now available in stores across North America. Stolen is an ultra realistic, third person, stealth-based, action game based around a high-tech female thief. Along with innovative high-tech stealth/robbery game actions and events, Stolen also boasts some truly amazing technical and presentational features to give it a spectacular look that will captivate gamers.

El Matador is a third person, stealth action game, where the player takes on the role of a DEA agent, whose aim is to bring down the narkomafia, an organised crime syndicate in South America. Driven by revenge for what the narkomafia did to his brother, the player will progress through a story which weaves its way throughout the adventure, combines all the essential features of surprise, unexpected twists and dramatic developments.

Playboy.com today has announced its next step in delivering digital and downloadable beauties with the launch of its newest feature "PlayboyStation Portable." Playboy.com has created a sci-fi themed pictorial of the Cyber Girl of the Year 2005 Amy Sue Cooper that was photographed and formatted specifically for viewing on this device.

Namco announced today that Popeye: Rush For Spinach" for the GBA has shipped to North American retail stores. "Popeye: Rush For Spinach" lets you compete in the ultimate race and features popular characters from the "Popeye" universe.

THQ and JAKKS Pacific today announced the release of the Xbox exclusive WWE WrestleMania 21. WWE WrestleMania 21 features for the first time ever Superstar voice-over, authentic ringside commentary from SmackDown! and RAW announcers, motion-capture technology and the ability to take a created Championship Belt online to challenge others via Xbox Live.

Got Game Entertainment today announced that it has reached a co-publishing agreement with Merscom to bring World War II real-time strategy game "Squad Assault: Second Wave" for PC to North American retail. The game is a significantly updated, enhanced, and expanded release of the critically-acclaimed "Squad Assault: West Front", with even more new campaigns, operations, and single mission scenarios than previously announced, for at least 100 new battles.

The June issue of PC Gamer has information about a new RTS title in the works over at THQ's Relic Studios. Company of Heroes will be set during WWII, be high on realism, have destructable terrain, and include ragdoll effect (thanks RelicNews). If more information becomes available, or the new PC Gamer arrives, we will update ...

Sony Online Entertainment today announced plans for Station Exchange, the official auction site for SOE games. Station Exchange, scheduled for launch in late June, will be the official, secure way for EverQuest II subscribers to buy and sell the rights to use characters, items and coin in a player-to-player auction setting. The community has already raised questions about how SOE is going to handle item farmers or incompetent players just "buying" a high level character without either knowing to play the game, or having earned it.

Namco today announced that United Media has awarded Namco the interactive entertainment publishing rights to "Peanuts," the renowned comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz. The partnership allows Namco to create and publish games featuring "Peanuts" characters and properties, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Linus and Pigpen for all current and upcoming game platforms through 2009.

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.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has awarded Majesco Entertainment a licensing agreement for video game rights to the Warner Bros. Animation Teen Titans television series, based on DC Comics characters, airing on Cartoon Network and Kids’ WB. Developed by Artificial Mind & Movement (A2M), the exciting superhero action adventure published by Majesco and licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is scheduled for release later this year on GBA and in 2006 for play on the Xbox, PS2, and GameCube.