Expanding upon the distinctive features that were the hallmark of its predecessor - fast-paced acrobatic combat and supernatural powers - BloodRayne 2 includes new in-game dynamics such as pole combat, rail sliding and advanced melee fighting with fatality moves. Read more for some new screens ...

EverQuest II returns to the culturally diverse world of Norrath in the future of the original EverQuest, with the sheer size and graphical detail greater than ever seen before. Larger in scope than its predecessor, EverQuest II will allow players from every corner of the earth to explore familiar areas and new, undiscovered territories of Norrath. Read on to check out 24 new screens ...

Test Drive: Eve of Destruction blends the best elements of racing and demolition and is packed with 25 different events, including Demo Derby, where the last car standing wins; Gauntlet, where the player climbs behind the wheel of a hearse and tries to finish a set number of laps while the rest of the field attempts to stop them; Trailer Race, a new brand of racing event, where players compete while towing various types of trailers and must finish the race with something resembling a trailer still attached.

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 :

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl - TrailerPack
• Burnout 3: Takedown - Trailer (2)

Koch Media announced today the UK release of Crusader Kings from Paradox Entertainment. Set during medieval Europe, this grand strategy game lets players re-enact the Crusades, take control of the Knights Templar and defend against the marauding Mongol hordes. Published and distributed by Koch Media in the UK, Crusader Kings is launched on Windows PC at £19.99 SRP (UK) on 27th August 2004.

Codemasters has released the first patch for Best Way's 3D RTS/RPG Soldiers: Heroes of World War II. This update brings your (English only) retail game to v1.12.2 and increases multiplayer performance and stability, adds new control options, and the usual slew of crash/bug fixes, gameplay tweaks, etc. Read more for download links ...

Sign-ups for the European Closed Beta Test of Blizzard Entertainment’s highly anticipated MMORPG, World of Warcraft, start today, 5th July 2004. The sign-up period will run for 3 weeks and potential testers can register online via the sign-up pages on the official Blizzard European Web sites: www.blizzard.co.uk /www.blizzard.fr /www.blizzard.de.

Chessmaster 10th Edition will attract both brand-new and experienced chess players. Animated chess pieces, a simplified learning section and skill-appropriate AI-controlled opponents will entertain new and casual players. Intermediate players can take advantage of the opportunity to hone their skills by learning the best attacking moves as taught by chess champion Larry Christiansen in the Academy. Read more for details and screens

Today Buka continuous their announce streak with yet another new title, the racing game Moscow Rush. Have you ever been to Moscow? Even if you have been, but moved around in a taxi, you will certainly enjoy the experience of street racing around the real Moscow in the Moscow Rush game. Read more for details and screens ...

Novalogic has released another update for their recently released online multiplayer shooter Joint Operations. This update brings your retail game to v1.2.0.6 and adds a smaller wedge to incoming sniper shots, filters to the game list in the NovaWorld menu, optimizations to player models, and various bug fixes. Read more for a detailed fix list or download links..

UPDATE :Novalogic has released a small "optional" v1.2.0.7 patch fixing 2 glitches (2mb), which requires the v1.2.0.6 to be installed FIRST.