Zoo Tycoon 2 gives you the chance to build the ultimate zoo and enjoy it firsthand. You can explore your 3D zoo world as a zoo guest or even care for your animals as a zookeeper. Microsoft has released a demo allowing you to try out the South Asian "Tropical Rainforest" map in campaign and freeform mode.

German publisher dtp will distribute Empire Interactive's Xplosiv Premium games Hello Kitty, Big Mutha Truckers 2 and Taito Legends in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Hamburg based company is also responsible for PR & Marketing for these games in the German speaking countries, cooperating with the agency Marchsreiter Communications.

Etrom is an epic adventure among realms and cities, democracies and “nazi” dictatorships, a journey through space-time portals, among the Thrones of the Abyss, beyond the gates of the City of Light and many more locations, situations, rituals, secret-services plots, dark spells.

EA announced today that it has signed a co-publish agreement with Namco to bring Namco Museum 50th Anniversary on the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, GBA and PC to Europe.

SCI confirmed today that several companies have expressed interest in a possible takeover, but gave no details. "The board notes today's press comment and confirms that it has received approaches from various parties which may or may not lead to an offer for the company," SCI said in a statement. The Daily Mail said SCI was a target for three firms: Midway and EA, and private equity firm Apax Partners. Earlier this year, SCI bought Lara Croft-owner Eidos for £74m. SCI now brands its games under the Eidos name. In lunchtime trade, SCI shares were up by 140.5 pence, or 29.4%, at 619p.

Sailing simulation that lets you create your own tropical paradise and set sail. Marvel at the beauty of your creation and share it with friends. Race people from all over the world in online regattas, team or private races. Originally scheduled for October release, it has now been slightly pushed back to November 10.

Atari and Rising Star Games today announced a deal which will see Atari distributing Rising Star's five upcoming titles. A joint venture between Japanese publisher Marvelous Interactive Inc. and long-standing Japanese Nintendo distributor Bergsala AB, Rising Star's mission is to bring the very best Japanese titles to PAL territories worldwide.

Midway today announced the release of Midway Arcade Treasures 3 for Gamecube, a compilation of eight classic Midway arcade racing games, shipping to retailers nationwide.

Sword of the Stars is a breakthrough Space Strategy game that seeks to reinvigorate the sub-genre. Players will explore planets, manage their empire and research new technology. Sword of the Stars provides quick, intuitive play, state-of-the-art graphics and tactical combat that make the game instantly involving and rewardingly fun.

THQ announced tpday that it has signed a agreement with Aspyr to distribute Stubbs the Zombie in PAL territories. This third-person action game is an original IP by Bungie Studio veterans that uses an updated HaloTM engine to deliver a stirring tale of one man's hunger for love, justice... and brains.