Strategy First today offers a new patch v1.16b to their action role-playing game Prince of Qin. The 22.5MB patch Includes several game optimizations and bug fixes. Download and read more about bug fixes here.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today moved to quash speculation that it would be reducing the price of its PlayStation2 computer entertainment console before Christmas. The move follows news coverage of a reduction in the wholesale price of the PlayStation 2 in Japan, to bring it into general alignment with the current console price in Europe and North America. The Japanese price cut was made possible by increased production yields of the NTSC format console for the Japanese market (Europe use the PAL TV format). Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed today that there were no plans to reduce the price of PlayStation 2 in the PAL territories before Christmas. We are very content with the sales of PlayStation 2 in Europe following our price reduction at the end of August this year,” said David Reeves, EVP Sales and Marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “This Christmas sees a phenomenal line-up of PlayStation games, from Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, to The Getaway, GTA Vice City, This is Football 2003, Formula 1 2002 and WRC II Extreme.

Universal Interactive today announced that its shipped Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly for GameCube. Agetec also announced the shipping of Fighter Maker 2 to retail outlets across North America for PlayStation 2 and TECMO GAMES announced the release of Monster Rancher Advance 2 for Nintendo GBA. Activision has unleashed more high-speed driving missions and mayhem onto the PlayStation 2 and GameCube with the release of WRECKLESS: The Yakuza Missions.

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. announced today the acquisition of Angel Studios, Inc. a leading developer of next generation interactive entertainment software. Take-Two acquired Angel Studios for an aggregate $28 million in cash and 235,679 shares of restricted Common Stock. The Company does not anticipate the acquisition of Angel Studios to have any effect on its previously issued fiscal 2003 financial guidance. Angel Studios will be renamed Rockstar San Diego effective immediately.

"Midtown Madness 3" provides something for both the hardcore and casual gamer. With three challenging single race modes, Blitz, Checkpoint and Cruise, gamers will experience ambient traffic, pedestrians and voice-over effects particular to neighbourhoods.. Six new screenshots featuring a Mini Cooper that probably ought to be locked up.

Today we serve up 12 of the very freshest PS2 screenshots from Rages' upcoming racing title, Lamborghini. On top of that we also got 26 new PS2 shots from their "get your skates on" title, Rolling. Njoy!

I saw that 3DGamers tossed up a 72MB demo of Search and Rescue: Coastal Heroes.. This demo allows you to try out the new civilian rescue chopper simulation from InterActive Vision, but details on its contents are apparently first in line to be rescued as they're currently not available.

BAM! Entertainment a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, has teamed up with Buena Vista Home Entertainment, the home video division of the Walt Disney Company, in a unique promotion to offer a Reign of Fire cross-product rebate to consumers. With the release of the Reign of Fire movie on DVD, consumers who buy the DVD will find a rebate offer inside for $10 off of the PlayStation2, Microsoft Xbox or Nintendo GameCube versions of the video game and $5 off the Game Boy Advance product. Consumers who buy the video game will find a rebate to receive $5 off the purchase of the movie on DVD. The promotion is supported with an extensive television advertising campaign.

EA just released 9 new screens from their next title in the SimCity franchise. EA also notified us that they will be hosting a chat event on Thursday, November 21st at 3PM (PST) with SimCity 4 Producer, Sean Decker where he will answer all of your questions about the Region Play feature in SimCity 4. The event will be held in the SimCity 3000 Unlimited chat room. You must be registered at the SimCity 3000 Unlimited website so get there early to register and submit your questions. Read more for the new screens ...

Microsoft has release a demo of the recent PC version of Digital Illusions' racing game RalliSport Challenge. The demo contains two drivable Pro class cars, four tracks and two game modes from the full version of the game, and is a whopping 221 mb big! (thanks Homelan). Read more for links where to grab the demo ...

Ubi Soft today announced plans to launch the popular Japanese mech-based shooter, Murakumo: Mech Hunter, exclusively for the Xbox. Murakumo: Mech Hunter is a fast-paced, "pursue and destroy" action game that features a variety of innovative, original mechs and adrenaline-pumping action set in city street and skyscraper environments. Murakumo: Mech Hunter is targeted to ship in February 2003.

Dakar 2 is the all-action arcade version of the most radical endurance rally in the world. The game sees a radical departure from Paris Dakar Rally, offering a wealth of options and gameplay advancements which will leave off-road race fans gripped and on the edge of their seat as they battle for the finish line. Check out the PS2 screens gallery...

"ATV: Quad Power Racing has been one of our most consistent performing brands, having struck a definitive chord with mass-market gamers," said Evan Stein, Vice President of Brand. "We're excited to leverage our technological resources to bring this brand to the next-generation systems, and deliver an entirely new gameplay experience that will further entertain and captivate the masses." A few days ago we had new Xbox and PS2 screens, today we have a brand new load of screens for the Gamecube version. Njoy!

Encore today announced that Dragon's Lair 3D-Return to the Lair for the Nintendo GameCube™ has gone gold. This completely new, built-from-the-ground-up version of the legendary Dragon's Lair coin-op phenomenon is scheduled to ship to store shelves by year end; the "Teen" rated game will retail for approximately $50. The PlayStation2 version,­ which will have identical content and gameplay, ­is still scheduled for release at the end of first quarter next year.

Set during the Vietnam War, "Vietcong" is a first person shooter with tactical elements. Acting as an elite soldier, players of "Vietcong" command the A-team, part of the U.S. Special Forces, in realistically represented Vietnamese environments. Players will lead as many as six expertly trained soldiers through 20 dramatic missions, and follow a storyline that captures the danger, fear and unpredictability of the war itself. The full-featured multiplayer mode also allows gamers to play as U.S. Special Forces or Vietcong soldiers and to battle over specially designed levels. The game is expected to hit store shelves this fall.

All the excitement of the big screen has finally landed on your PC! Co-publishers Strategy First and Monte Cristo with Developers Digital Reality (Hegemonia, Imperium Galactica II) are happy to announce that their new tactical strategy adventure title, Platoon, has shipped to retail stores nationwide.

Jowood just let us know that they have update their Söldner – Secret Wars website with a new addition, the Soldier Weapon Systems (SWS). Mastery of weapons is one of the most important factors to becoming a successful Söldner (or Mercenary). Söldner – Secret Wars offers you a wide range of armaments via the Soldier Weapon Systems (SWS). It introduces the basic equipment like pistols and small arms, but also goes into detail with specialized items like sniper rifles, explosives and rocket launchers. Every week they will add new weapons and screens, so go check it out!

World of Warcraft is an "upcoming" online role-playing experience set in the award-winning Warcraft universe. Players assume the roles of Warcraft heroes as they explore, adventure, and quest across a vast world. Being "Massively Multiplayer," World of Warcraft allows thousands of players to interact within the same world. Whether adventuring together or fighting against each other in epic battles, players will form friendships, forge alliances, and compete with enemies for power and glory. Read more to check out 10 screens from the lands of Stranglethorn.