game 28 - Hitman 2 - Silent Assassin

Hitman 2 - Silent Assassin

The infamous game which puts you in the shoes of an international assassin is back. Once again you get to become pure evil and to enjoy the faces of your victims as you slowly pull the trigger. Corrupt and in some ways sick, this game is almost guaranteed success.

Improving on Hitman - Codename 47 is no small feat. The problem list, generated by the game, is long and the complaints many. Difficult controls, dumb enemies and chance missions were just some of the unpleasant features of the first Hitman. It seems however, that IO Interactive have been paying attention. Hitman 2 promises to improve on the first and will deliver a captivating, immersing experience.

Hitman 2 - Silent Assassin is scheduled for a possible Q4, 2002 release.

game 27 - C&C Generals

C&C Generals

Command & Conquer Generals puts your trigger finger on the pulse of modern warfare. Choose a General in control of massive armies of bleeding-edge military weaponry across a globe teetering on the brink of Armageddon. Command either the mighty U.S. Army, the Chinese war machine or the resourceful Global Liberation Army, each packed with high-tech arsenals ready to deliver unprecedented firepower on land or in the skies. Prepare your forces, Commander... it's time to engage in the next generation of 3D real-time strategy Command & Conquer Generals.

What is C&C?

If you have been residing under a rock or fighting for the Taleban for the past deacade you may not have heard about it, any other excuse, quite frankly, is unacceptable.
The C&C Universe first begun with the release of the first title in 1995, aptly named Command and Conquer. Seven games, including Generals, have followed and all have met with unparalleled success.

The basic premise of C&C is to create a captivating yet familiar background on which new titles may be based, thus providing gamers with a feeling of belonging and of knowing what they're doing, from the first moment they touch a new C&C game. As most of us can tell, the attempt has been successful and C&C has one of the biggest followings of any game series, with fan sites numbering in the hundreds.

In C&C games you always have the Global Defense Initiative Forces (GDI) and the bad guys, sometimes also known as the evil Brotherhood of NOD. So it is the basic warfare story od Axis and Allies or Coalition forces and rebels etc.

game 26 - Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy XI

The Japanese market has been slow to respond with online RPG's, even though games such as Ultima Online and Anarchy Online have been extremely successful in North America, Asia and Europe. Recent efforts however, indicate that times are changing, Final Fantasy XI is set to continue the Japanese onslaught on the genre, which was initiated by such titles as Phantasy Star Online.

Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the Final Fantasy series, producer Tanaka Hiromichi and director Koichi Ishii, are the team attempting to create a different massive multiplayer online RPG. The difference, according to them, is that it's usually up to the players to write their own story and background in massive multiplayer online RPG's. Squaresoft however, is making a special effort to ensure that FFXI's world comes with a gripping and structured storyline.

Final Fantasy XI will be released in March, 2002 in Japan for the PS2 and PC. No release dates have been announced for the rest of the world.

game 25 - Soldier of Fortune 2 : Double Helix (PC)

Soldier of Fortune 2 : Double Helix (PC)

Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix is the much-anticipated sequel to the explosive FPS hit!
Find out about the game and get a look in, on over 50 screenshots and the new game trailer.

Reprise the role of John Mullins: Weapons Specialist, Anti-Terrorist Mercenary, and "Military Consultant." A new and insidious threat has arisen in the form of a bio-terrorist organization and their two-pronged Gemini Virus. Now, you're off on a transcontinental mission to stop the terrorists and destroy the virus before it's unleashed on humanity.
Soldier of Fortune 2 brings unparalleled detail to PC gaming with vivid damage modeling and animations, accurate reproductions of actual weapons and missions taken from international hotspots, you virtually get to fight in, accurately depicted streets, in Prague, Colombia, Hong Kong and Kamchatka.

Full frontal assaults, stealth and subterfuge are your tactics. Sub-machine guns, assault rifles and grenades are your tools. The world is on the brink of disaster. Get ready for one of the most realistic military shooter gameplay experiences ever.

Failure is not an option.

game 24 - Unreal Championship (XBox)

Unreal Championship (XBox)

Pandora's stunning beauty opened many doors but curiosity led to her opening her gift box. Microsoft has laid upon us its very own gift Box and in many ways Unreal Championship is the key that will open it up, let's hope gamers survive.
Unreal Championship is a smart move, as we have come to expect, from Microsoft. Based on an extremely successful series of games, it will be one of the first titles to launch the XBox and gamers into broadband, multi-player heaven.

To view the Unreal Championship trailer press the download tab above.
To view all available screenshots press the Screens tab above.


Introducing Unreal Championship

Developed by Digital Extremes, Unreal Championship is an upcoming first-person action game built from the ground up exclusively for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, utilizing the latest Unreal technology by Epic Games.
Unreal Championship combines a brilliant single player experience with an unparalleled multi-player component.

Additional features include all new characters and weapons; land, air and team-based vehicles; exotic levels and environments as well as new game modes and some old favorites.

Players will be able to play through a series of matches in the single player mode against computer-controlled opponents (bots) or play online against human-controlled opponents. Both single-player and online aspects of the game will be rich with content and gameplay options giving the player a wide range of first person action experiences.

Designing the First-Person Shooter for Console

Unreal Championship is carefully being developed by Digital Extremes to provide console gamers with an adrenaline packed first-person action experience designed specifically for Xbox and Xbox controller, including jump and speed pads, double jump, weapon auto-aim, a high performance frame rate (60 FPS), unlockable features, and more to keep your appetite at its peak.

Bringing Unreal Championship to life
Unreal Championship will contain all new individualized characters who have their own abilities and origins, over 25 exotic indoor and outdoor locales, out of the box Internet play with up to 32 players online, 4-player split screen, system link capability, exciting gameplay modes, land and air vehicles, new and returning weapons, and a package of power-ups that will make you giddy with glee.

Follow the link below and to the right to find out how the Unreal Championship engine has been improved and how multi-player Internet gameplay becomes an XBox reality...

game 23 - Need for Speed : Underground

Need for Speed : Underground

EA's Need for Speed series has always been a popular racing title, it has managed to stay afloat in one of the most competitive genres in gaming. Most of the well established EA franchises offer exciting eye candy and simplified gameplay, that recipe has however been accused of draining the excitement out of the games allowing owners to grow tired of the titles very quickly. It was always certain that some change would have to be introduced with NFS Underground and in the same way Pro Evolution Soccer forced EA to review their FIFA strategy, games like Midnight Club 2, Project Gotham and Burnout have brought about changes in NFSU.

Need for Speed games have never really had a clear place in some racing game sub-category, are they illegal street racers, straight-forward racing games, sport racing, what? You'll be glad to hear that NFSU not only fails to solve that question but will probably leave you more confused than you were before.
Underground will introduce numerous changes to the series, placing emphasis on car customization and unlocking a wide variety of official parts as you progress in the game. Another change will be the variety of racing events which will include Drift, Drag and Circuit.

This time round EA understood the need to acquire a 3rd party developer and make them the backbone of the Need for Speed franchise. Blackbox games (now EA Blackbox) was the team that developed the award winning PS2 version of Hot Pursuit 2, so it made the most sense to develop all of the games there.

Need for Speed : Underground launches on 28, November and will be available for PC, GC, PS2, XBox and GBA.

game 22 - Halo 3 Beta - Hands On

Halo 3 Beta - Hands On

The Halo games have been the FPS darlings of the console world since 2001 and the debut of Halo: Combat Evolved. PC gamers have been slower to take to it (come on, it’s just an FPS), but with Halo 2 finally out on PC this month, the hype will be up for the release of Halo 3. Not that the franchise needs any help: according to surveys, Halo 2 is the most popular game played on Xbox Live with over 700 million hours logged. Bungie’s long-awaited Halo 3 hits shelves on September 25, 2007 (26th, if you’re in Europe). Those who purchased Realtime Worlds’ Crackdown can already sink their teeth into the multiplayer Beta through June 10, thanks to a magnanimous extension, a Bungie peace offering, following the download debacle that caused precious gaming hours to be lost. Though still a ways off and carefully guarded by Microsoft Game Studios, we bring to you a preview of Master Chief’s next (and maybe last) big adventure.

Halo 3 picks up where Halo 2 left off, with Cortana in the clutches of Gravemind, the Flood’s collective intelligence and Master Chief stowed away on a Forerunner ship carrying a Covenant Prophet to Earth. The Elites have left the Covenant and joined forces with humanity; and with all remaining Halos throughout the galaxy armed and on stand-by-to-fire, utter hell is set to break loose. Further tidbits hint at an artifact called The Ark, which is crucial to activating the Halos’ firing sequence and possible epic conflict between the ousted Elites and the Brutes to rival the civil war fought in Halo 2.

If none of that made sense, you’ve got three months to do your homework. But fear not; the primary pull of Halo 3 is not the campaign mode. Despite updated graphics, new weapons, and the possible conclusion to a relatively compelling plot being heavily touted pluses, it’s the multiplayer that will make or break Halo 3.

game 21 - Midtown Madness 2

Midtown Madness 2

Midtown Madness 2 delivers even more mad-cap racing excitement with all the wild and hair-raising racing challenges you've come to expect! Midtown Madness 2 features two all new locations (London & San Francisco) and 9 hip new urban roadsters!

London. Tear across Hyde Park and take a snap-shot of Buckingham Palace as you race in the twisting streets of ole' London town! Or dash your car into the 'Tube' for a quick short-cut… Just look out for that train!!!

San Francisco. Lombard Street and Union Square ain't seen nothing yet as your car leaps from hill to hill in San Fran's suspension bustin' streets. Look out for that Street Car!!!

10 new vehicles
Smash and crash! Midtown Madness 2 puts you in the driver's seat of 10 all new campy urban roadsters ranging from the Aston Martin Vantage DB-7 to a cherry-red Freightliner

Fire Truck in addition to the madcap assortment of cars and trucks from the original (like the VW Bug and Ford Mustang)!

game 20 - Project I.G.I

Project I.G.I

You've survived worse...but not by much. Now you have to bandage your wounds, infiltrate a fortified Russian Base, disable the security system, and get the goods...then the real excitement begins! I'm Going In is the first military stealth shooter to stress cunning and covertness over firepower. Use all the latest spy equipment and weapons to get the job done without detection.

Battle your way through Eastern Europe in pursuit of a homicidal ex-Russian Colonel bent on turning Europe into a radioactive wasteland. An adrenaline producing plot keeps you glued to your mouse as you go behind enemy lines to save the world from nuclear terror.

game 19 - Need For Speed - Motor City

Need For Speed - Motor City

The Need for Speed Series has always been considered to be the best racing series for the PC. They have revolutionized the racing genre with almost every new game. Always adding more and more cars, until in NFS 3 and High Stakes, you were able to make your own cars. Finally in NFS Porsche they scored a big hit with the depth they went into by allowing you to play nearly every single Porsche ever.

Now those geniuses over at EA are working on the next revolution in racing for the PC. Need For Speed: Motor City promises to be the most innovative new game since perhaps Diablo. Set in a fictional city resembling Detroit, the heart of the American automobile industry, Motor City will allow users to customize almost every aspect of their hot-rod muscle cars and race them over the internet using an interface that has never been seen before.

game 18 - Gunman

Gunman

Gunman is a fast-paced futuristic 3D-shooter based on the Half-Life engine, by Valve Software. Although it uses the Half-Life engine, Gunman is a completely new stand alone game, taking place in a universe unfamiliar to Half-Life veterans. All Half-Life content has been replaced, and none of the plot, characters, or items has anything to do with Half-Life. It is a full stand-alone game, and not a mod. You will not need Half-life installed in order to play Gunman.

Features:

4 UNEXPLORED PLANETS keep the scenery changing, and provide a variety of habitats for your enemies. Hundreds of realistic new textures and fantastic architecture make the levels in GUNMAN some of the best ever!





ALL NEW MONSTERS, both alien and human, inhabit the GUNMAN universe. Hordes of startling xenomes, lurching machines, carnivorous beasts, and cunning soldiers employ a variety of hard-hitting new attack strategies based on the highly praised Half-Life AI code.

game 17 - Project Eden

Project Eden

Due to severe overpopulation, the planet Earth’s diameter is increasing with the growth of towering mega-cities, each inhabited by millions of humans. Buildings are growing ever-upwards, interconnected with a thick web of roads, walkways and service channels. In these giant human hives, only the affluent may feel the rays of the sun and breathe the cleaner air.

Descending thousands of feet through the echelons, conditions steadily decline to slum level. The inhabitants of these squalid areas barely glimpse the murky sunlight that filters through the dense infrastructure above. And below the slums lie even more repugnant conditions… an underworld occupied by criminals, cultists, the wretched and deranged. Assumed derelict, the very lowest of these areas is visited only by structural engineering teams when foundations require strengthening - in order to accommodate yet further elevations.





It is within one such city that Project Eden is set. The player(s) controls a team of 4 members of the UPA (Urban Protection Agency) - an elite force which deals with serious disturbances within the city. The team is initially called in to investigate problems at the ‘Real Meat’ factory, in which all the equipment has started to simultaneously malfunction. Technicians sent to repair the machinery have gone missing without explanation… Here begins The UPA’s sinister trail of inquiry…

game 15 - Unreal Tournament 2004

Unreal Tournament 2004

The Unreal series has set the standards by which online games are judged. Their popularity cannot be denied and even those who would criticize the games for their instinctive, almost reflex based gameplay, accept the fact that Unreal games are graphically stunning, highly addictive and basically well-crafted specimens of pure gaming fun.

Noting the above facts it becomes easy to understand why the latest installment, Unreal Tournament 2004, has created so much noise around its name.
The debate regarding the necessity of a UT 2K4 title only a year after the release of the successful UT 2K3 rages on but one thing UT developers have managed to do is evolve along with their community and they believe they had enough reasons to introduce a new installment. According to developers the game offers improvements which have been clearly requested by the thousands of dedicated players across the globe.

Megagames staff had their first real contact with the game at this year's ECTS show in London the game had been set up on the Atari pavilion in such a way as to offer a semi-cocoon in which players could better immerse themselves in the action. Within 5 minutes of joining play strange facial twitches and muscular contraction surfaced while a cry of KILL KILL KILL still haunts the Earl's Court venue.
It is therefore, obvious that Unreal Tournament 2004 continues in the tradition of its predecessors by tapping directly into the players Hypothalamus, bringing out the most basic and instinctive responses.

So what has changed then? If the core of the game remains the same why would a UT 2K3 owner buy the new game when it's released, latest E.T.A. being November 18, 2003? According to Cliff Bleszinski, Lead Designer of Epic Games there is one simple reason Vehicular Manslaughter.
This time around the design team working on UT 2K4 had to maintain a simple but very important balance. Keep the, much-loved UT gameplay core intact while adding enough to it to justify the release. According to EBGames they have succeeded since the popular games retailer claims that Unreal Tournament 2004 has double the content of Unreal Tournament 2003.

game 14 - Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica

Konami are a name which has for long been associated with a variety of very specific games, from Disney sports to Dance Dance titles and from Frogger to the atmospheric Silent Hill franchise. One very specific genre however, eluded them, the third person intense combat action game. Every chance they get, Konami are eager to remind us that Apocalyptica will be a non-stop, frantic action game.

Apocalyptica is scheduled for a September 2003 PC release with an XBox version following shortly after that. Interestingly the XBox version will support XBox Live and will feature support for up to eight combatants via the service.

In many ways Apocalyptica has the potential to become a Konami flagship title. It is ambitious and will attempt to create a unique, extremely coherent and very immersing world while drawing from real-world references and experience.

Produced by Konami's new European development studio and created by UK-based Extreme FX, Apocalyptica will have players putting their faith to the test as they confront malevolent bosses and divine forces of evil. The game's powerful proprietary engine has been specifically designed to allow players to experience swift, seamless free-roaming action and unforgettable combat sequences. Complete with challenging team-based quests and heart-pounding battles against enemy forces that are equipped with extremely advanced A.I., the game contains riveting gameplay that will keep players up deep into the night.

game 13 - Halo 2 - XBox

Halo 2 - XBox

As soon as anyone turned on, probably for the first time, their XBox and placed the Halo CD on the tray, they knew that a sequel was coming. The sweet anticipation, the trembling hand with the sore thumb and the sweaty sigh of release at the end of a session, were the signs that Bungie had got it right.
The success of its predecessor has all gamers hungry for any morsel, as tiny as it may be, of information regarding Halo 2. In fact the whole story surrounding the sequel has a lot more to do with what we all know rather than with what we do not.

You already know Halo 2 is the sequel to Halo. You already know Halo walked off with a ton of rave reviews and Game-of-the-Year awards. You already know the bar has been raised and expectations for a sequel are high. You already suspect that Bungie would not create such a game only to destroy it by its sequel.

game 12 - Colin McRae Rally 3

Colin McRae Rally 3

Colin McRae Rally 3 is set to give PC gamers the professional rally driver experience as this massive console hit gets a special PC edition.

Colin McRae Rally 3, coming to PC in June 2003, captures the emotions and consequences of being a professional rally champion. It's an unbelievably personal gaming experience, as you become the globe’s greatest rally driver – Colin McRae himself.

The Colin McRae Rally video game series has shipped 6 million copies to date and is recognised as one of the games market’s most valuable and acclaimed motor sport franchises.

Colin McRae Rally 3 makes a massive leap in terms of playability, motor sport detail, rich visuals and the perfect rally car handling the series is renowned for. Above all, it delivers a game that captures every drop of sweat, the 150 decisions a minute, and the teamwork that goes into actually being Colin McRae in recognition of his three years with Ford Rallye Sport.

Colin McRae Rally 3 has a level of visual and technical detail that surpasses any other racer. It provides a breathtaking sense of being on, and often, off the road in a fully weighted and authentically functioning Ford Focus RS WRC.

This level of detail effectively gives players a Focus simulator to take on the rally stages, which are all designed exclusively for intense gameplay. McRae’s co-driver while with Ford, Nicky Grist, personally pace-noted every stage featured in the game as he would for a real rally.

However, it’s not just the Ford Focus RS WRC that gets this incredible in-game replication. Beyond the main championship mode, you can drive all of the game’s featured cars, implemented to the same standard as the Focus. Featured cars include: Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 7, Subaru Impreza WRX 44S, Citroen Xsara Kit Car, Ford Puma Rally, Citroen Saxo Kit Car, Fiat Punto Super 1600, MG ZR and the Ford RS200. Also featured are classic and bonus cars.

The main championship game is a gruelling series of races across eight international rallies: Japan, Spain, USA, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Australia and the UK are all included offering tarmac, gravel, dirt, and rain-soaked road surfaces.

The championship game pummels players through a three-year deal. Like the professionals, you'll compete in the full year and drive in every rally. Fall foul on a stage or damage the Focus beyond immediate repair and you’ll be retired from that particular rally without the all-important championship points. The driving seat beckons at the beginning of the next rally, but points will have to be made up to stand a chance of becoming a champion.

game 10 - Driv3r

Driv3r

In 1999 it was Driver, in 2000 it was Driver 2. Fans of those two games are surely familiar with Reflections Interactive, developers who seem to specialize in wrecking all types of vehicles. With titles such as Destruction Derby, Destruction Derby 2, Stuntman and the previous two Driver games, of course, you know that they have got car damage and mayhem down to an art.

Having sold over 12 million copies worldwide, the Driver series is as big as games come and even though Driver 2 never received the critical acclaim that the original enjoyed, it still became a favorite with gamers.
True to the current trend which wants games to resemble large-scale Hollywood productions, Driv3r or Driver 3, has a movie actor cast, a licensed soundtrack, three immense wide-open city environments: Miami, Florida; Nice, France; and Istanbul, Turkey and Ridley Scott's company producing short movie like teasers.

Developed by Reflections Interactive and published by Atari, Driv3r is expected in June 2004 for XBox and PS2 with a PC version being released some time after that.

game 9 - Full Spectrum Warrior

Full Spectrum Warrior

Many classic action FPS games have carried the title of military shooter and some have come very close to being one, Full Spectrum Warrior claims it is the definition of such a game. The game has an impressive background and has all the elements required for the creation of a blockbuster.

Originally a game commissioned by the U.S. Army to train light Infantry troops in urban combat situations, what we now call Full Spectrum Warrior (FSW), is a squad-based, tactical action game that focuses on critical decision making by the Squad Leader (the player). The game is based on a light Infantry training simulator designed by Pandemic Studios for the U.S. Army as a tool to reinforce Army doctrine and team effort among troops, simulating today's urban combat, peace-enforcement, and peacekeeping missions. THQ is publishing a commercial/retail version of the game which will build upon the Army deliverable with new features and gameplay. Full Spectrum Warrior promises a level of realism and accuracy that has never been seen in a military-based game before.

Story

FSW differs from its military counterpart by the development of a story which rather than just being a training scenario, attempts to involve the player offering purpose and interconnecting missions. For the needs of the commercial version of the game a new country was created, the tiny desert nation of Tazikhstan, nestled between modern day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China, occupying an arid landscape of desert plains and rugged mountains, is your arena.

Players act as the Squad Leader, providing direction to Alpha and Bravo fire teams. The successful Squad Leader effectively uses cover in the environment and moves his fire teams in a coordinated fashion so they can protect themselves from possible attacks that could come from any direction. Full Spectrum Warrior puts you in the dirt with your men, where danger lurks around every corner. You are faced with a variety of missions, all taking place from 6am to 6 pm, contained in approximately 6 chapters.

Pandemic Studios

Pandemic Studios was started five years ago by industry veterans Josh Resnick and Andrew Goldman, and are now working on four high-profile titles for leading publishers, three of which have not yet been announced. They're located in the Westwood area of Los Angeles. Previous Pandemic titles include Battlezone II, Dark Reign 2, and Star Wars: Clone Wars.

The FSW Xbox version will be released in early 2004 in the U.S. and will be closely followed by a PC version. Dates for other territories have not yet been announced and GameCube or PS2 versions are not expected.

game 8 - Prey

Prey

Find out all you need to know about this summer’s most anticipated offering, Prey. Join us as we investigate the past, present and future of Tommy Tawodi, formerly known as Talon Brave, the reluctant Cherokee whose destiny it is to save our world.

Anyone walking outside the LA venue of E3 2005 would have little difficulty in picking up the buzz from visitors regarding the exhibition showstopper; it was Prey, the new game from Human Head and 3D Realms. That information however, is inaccurate as Prey may be a lot of things but it’s definitely not new. Had the same person been outside the E3 1998 venue in Atlanta, the same buzz could have been heard. Gamers exiting the show would have immediate spasms of joy at the mention of 16-bit Radiosity and portal technology and would have sworn eternal allegiance to 3D Realms for making such high-tech dream games as Prey and Duke Nukem Forever.



It’s all about portals, I’ll have you know

The premise upon which Prey was conceived has captured the imaginations of millions of movie-goers in the past; a reluctant savior, a regular guy, much like you and me that is asked to save the world and refuses to accept his heroic destiny. Die Hard and John McCLane come to mind when considering the insurmountable odds that the young Cherokee is asked to face.

The story of Prey begins over 10 years ago in 1995 when 3D Realms, hard at work on Duke Nukem 3D, were considering what their next title should be….

game 7 - Battlefield 2

Battlefield 2

The Battlefield franchise high tech and will take gamers to the frontlines of modern warfare in the new sequel, Battlefield 2. The game will keep many of the features that made Battlefield 1942 such a success but will also try to convey the true experience of modern warfare with enhanced team play and the latest, most technologically advanced vehicles and weapons systems available to man.

In Battlefield 2, players will choose to fight for one of three military superpowers: the United States, the Chinese, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of any of the game’s 30+ vehicles to engage in major conflicts with over 64 players in some of the largest online battles on the PC. Additionally, persistent character growth allows players to rise through the ranks and attain the ultimate rank of General.

An all-new game engine and physics system brings the modern battlefield to life like never before. The new material penetration feature measures weapons’ ability to fire through barriers based on their composition and players will need to know the difference between concealment and cover in order to survive.

You can access a few videos of Battlefield 2 in action by following the download tab above.

Battlefield 2 features immense, richly detailed, destructible environments, from city streets to remote forests, in some of the most notorious hot spots around the world. Each map in Battlefield 2 adjusts in scale to support the number of players in the world, providing the ideal vehicle- to-player ratio and an optimized gameplay experience.

Enhanced team play features allow players to enter the action on the front lines as part of a formal squad, or work behind the scenes in Commander Mode to direct the strategic assaults of their teammates.

Soldier kits now affect vehicles that players utilize on the battlefield. For instance, the medic kit can transform a vehicle into a mobile aid station and the support kit can make helicopters into flying ammo dumps.



Key Features

- Online multiplayer action with up to 64 players on the PC.
- All-new gameplay engine brings the immense locations to life complete with realistic physics and dynamic lighting.
- Maps scale to the number of players engaging in battle for a unique and intense experience every time.
- Take control of over 30 land, sea, and air vehicles, including tanks, helicopters, hovercraft, fast attack vehicles, and fighter jets.
- Choose to battle as U.S., Chinese, or Middle East Coalition troops, each with their own unique arsenals.
- A variety of solider classes including Assault, Sniper, Special Ops, Combat Engineer, Medic, Heavy Weapons, and Anti-Tank units.
- New state-of-the-art weapon systems, including wire-guided missiles and laser designated bombs.
- Material penetration feature makes sure players know the difference between cover and concealment.
- Character Persistence and Growth. With in-game success, players increase their rank from recruit all the way to General and unlock new weapons, medals, and more.
- Join a squad or select the new Commander Mode to assume the strategic role of a battlefield commander directing his forces.
- Full in-game community support including, buddy lists, stat tracking, live chat rooms, and in-game clan creation.
- Voice over IP supported with headset.

With 3 armies to choose from and with the game focusing heavily on high tech warfare, it becomes clear that the equipment inventory involved will have to be both exhaustive and authentic if the developers are to achieve their goals.

game 6 - Brothers in Arms

Brothers in Arms

A Tale of Brothers


Texas-based Gearbox software and publisher, Ubisoft, promise to deliver a different World War II experience with their latest, first person tactical shooter, Brothers in Arms. Three and a half years in the making, Brothers in Arms will attempt to re-create the tension and drama of some of the most horrific moments of human history, while focusing on the better human qualities of friendship and loyalty.

Exactly how Gearbox hopes to achieve these ambitious goals and the combination of technology and research used, to that end, is the main focus of this preview of a title, destined to dominate game's charts for the PC and XBox, with a PS2 version also very likely, in Q4 of 2004.

The Basics

Brothers in Arms tells the story of a paratrooper who never wanted to be squad leader, but is thrust into a position leadership during the largest amphibious invasion in the history of the world. His name is Sgt. Matt Baker and he’s leader of 3d Squad, 3d Platoon, Fox Company, 502 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne.

In BiA you become Baker and you must learn to lead your men. Baker discovers the meaning of brotherhood between soldiers and he has to deal with decisions about putting his men in harm’s way in order to get the job done.

game 5 - Grand Theft Auto : San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto : San Andreas

It is not often that a game's success is guaranteed but when Rockstar North are about to deliver a GTA title, we all know who's going to top the holiday sales charts. Following usual Rockstar policy, the developers have been releasing a steady, carefully-controlled stream of GTA:SA details but never enough to satisfy the numerous fans of the franchise.

According to Rockstar this time round the GTA series is getting a full make-over, the biggest one since the title moved from 2D-to full 3D.

The biggest change is, of course, scale. GTA has moved from the tiny and rather flat Liberty City to the well-rounded but limited Vice City to an entire state, San Andreas. A state named after a fault may not sound like the best idea but it's the first in a long line of clues reminding us that San Andreas is based on a real state. If that doesn't ring any bells how about cities with names such as Los Santos and San Fierro?

This time round the series stays true to its roots by tackling the controversial theme of gangs and urban violence, in its usual very tactful and subtle way. If you thought the mob that run Vice City was ruthless you will be shocked by the hailstorm of carjackings, drive-by's, hold-up's and general acts of random violence that GTA:SA will throw your way.

Unfortunately for most fans, developers have gone on record confirming that GTA:SA will not feature multiplayer, sad news for fans of MultiTheftAuto (MTA) a modification for GTA:VC which gave PC users hours of online mayhem. Another GTA fact which makes some gamers uncomfortable is that GTA:SA, being a PS2 first title, may not fully exploit the technical capabilities of the PC and may just end up a simple PS2 to PC port. Is Rockstar planning to change the game for the PC? How exactly can GTA:SA improve technologically on GTA:VC if the hardware remains identical? All reasonable questions which will be addressed by this preview.

GTA:SA is expected October 26 2004 for the PS2 and sometime in the New Year for the PC with an XBox version also suspected.

game 4 - World in Conflict

World in Conflict

There’s good news for RTS fans, finally an addition to the genre that is not WWII related; so is it World War III? World in Conflict, by Sierra Entertainment and Massive Games, introduces players to an alternate reality where the Cold War has led to massive global conflict; WWIII.

Developer, Massive Games, has had extensive and successful experience at developing non WWII RTS titles, as the Ground Control series will confirm. This is their most ambitious, and first non-sci-fi, title however as the scale is simply immense.
World in Conflict presents a chillingly authentic Cold War scenario where the Berlin Wall never fell. Created by Cold War authority and best-selling author Larry Bond, the story begins in 1989 as the Soviets, fearing certain collapse, boldly advance into Europe. NATO responds in force only to be met on a second front - a full-fledged invasion of the American homeland. Players take on the role of field commander, leading the era's most powerful military machines in the campaign to retake America's cities and suburbs.

With World in Conflict, our focus has been to create the maximum number of tactical choices, climactic battles and other game-shifting events that occur during each scenario or multiplayer match, said Martin Walfisz, Founder and CEO of Massive Entertainment. We've done this through a focus on the one thing people love most about strategy gaming – the combat.



This is gonna hurt in the morning

Features in World in Conflict include:
- Super-Powered Warfare: Unleash the arsenals of the great military superpowers in the gripping single-player story created by Larry Bond
- Bleeding-Edge Graphics – The latest version of Massive's proprietary Masstech engine allows for a full 360° range of camera control and features advanced lighting and physics effects
- Complete Destructibility – As the battle rages, the world environment pays the price - every object in the game will crumble under the force of war, including cars, buildings and forests
- Deep Multiplayer Modes: Using Massive's proprietary Massgate multiplayer server system, World in Conflict will support up to 16 players for head-to-head, team-based battles
- Real World Units: Players will take control of the most devastating arsenal of military weaponry ever created, including Soviet, American and NATO tanks, planes, trucks, troops and helicopters as well as nuclear weapons
- Player Roles – Players will choose to play as Infantry, Armor, Support Forces, or Aerial specialists; multiplayer teams will need to master each role for maximum effectiveness
Originally slated for a Spring 2007 release, World in Conflict is now expected on September 18.

game 3 - Assassins Creed

Assassins Creed

Truer words were never spoken about Assassin’s Creed. Ubisoft Montreal’s action adventure platformer boasts a free-form world where Assassin Altair can take any path and use any piece of his surroundings to accomplish his objectives. But this ain’t Grand Theft Auto: Crusades; innovations in A.I. and gaming engineering have created an all-new gameplay experience with an evolving environment that reacts to the player’s actions. And oh-so-much salivating has been done over the in-game graphics and cinematic scenes, with good reason. Assassin’s Creed has already won several industry graphics-related awards, long before its release.



Swap A Finger for a Dagger?

Everyone and their mother have seen the E3 official trailer, but for those of you who aren’t everyone or a mother, here’s a taste of the scenario: High noon in 1191 A.D. Acre (a.k.a. old school Israel). A public hanging is taking place in the city’s town square. A white-hooded figure moves through the crowd, gently pushing aside some and shoving others as he makes his way towards the gallows where a knight paces back and forth, shouting to the crowd about what happens when order is disobeyed. All in one instant, the hooded figure hops onto the gallows, grabs the knight by his throat, and plunges his mechanical wrist dagger deep into the knight’s face. What follows is a mad dash through a deliciously rendered Third Crusade-age city and an enigmatic ending where the white-hooded figure is protected by a cluster of white-robed monks.

Who cares if it doesn’t make sense? It looks ridiculously awesome. And because it’s from the same guys who brought us Prince of Persia: Sands of Times, there’s no doubt that Assassin’s Creed will be of the highest action adventure quality and not just another sandbox game with a weak central plot.

Originally a PlayStation 3 exclusive, Assassin’s Creed is coming to PC and Xbox 360 shortly after the PS3 release. The decision to make Assassin’s Creed multi-platform has caused a stir in the gaming community, upsetting those who would believe that PlayStation chief Ken Kutaragi cost the PS3 its best shot at a console-selling title by dragging his heels on second-party contracts. Complains have also been lodged against an Xbox 360 version, arguing that Ubisoft would go for a “lowest common denominator” instead of using the PS3’s full next-gen capacities.

Nevertheless, as the release date for Assassin’s Creed gets pushed back futher and further, fans have been getting more excited about the prospect of a whole new gaming experience that will showcase next-gen consoles in all their updated glory. From ground-breaking technology to an epic sci-fi fantasy storyline, this game looks to have it all and it’s nowhere near hitting the shelves yet.

game 2 - Oblivion: Shivering Isles

Oblivion: Shivering Isles

Lavish in detail and heavy with new content, Shivering Isles is well worth the USD 30 price tag. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has seen a PC-only expansion before with Knights of the Nine, but nothing in that meager add-on compares to the experience that Shivering Isles brings to the fantasy world of Tamriel. Visually captivating graphics rounded out with a well-designed environment combine to make this expansion feel like a separate game with the same old ground-breaking RPG flavors we’ve come to love since last year. It’s not all grand, however, as collision detection issues, flawed physics, and the rare absence of content mar an otherwise cohesive gaming experience.

Your new adventure begins 24 hours after you’ve loaded into Oblivion with Shivering Isles installed; a doorway to the realm of the Daedric Prince Sheogorath appears smack in the middle of Nibben Bay, and in the spirit of adventure your character is urged to investigate. You can take a brand-new character on this wild ride a day after finishing the training dungeon, or bring along a more seasoned veteran. Either way, one look at the creepy Easter Island style doorway shaped like a gaping mouth should be enough to pique your curiosity. And the raving NPCs you encounter outside the door are also a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
Enter the doorway in any case and you’ll find yourself in The Fringe of Sheogorath’s kingdom with the possibility to enter either Mania (the lurid and “happy” side of his realm) or Dementia (the gothic and depressing side). You’ll soon get your fill of both domains as you venture deeper into Sheogorath’s twisted kingdom. The main quest of Shivering Isles has you running all over the Madgod’s realm to accomplish tasks set to you by the raving, semi-Scottish Prince of Madness. And, like all other faction quests in Oblivion, you rise in status as you work your way through – eventually becoming the Madgod in your turn.

game 1 - Haze

Haze

Haze made a triumphant, yet detail-lacking debut during E3 2006 and has, since, managed to intrigue F.P.S. gamers by its combination of promise and vagueness. Since the many fans of the genre may still be doing some headscratching over Haze, we will offer you a refined look at what you may expect from Ubisoft’s blockbuster.

Initially billed as a PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 title, Haze now carries a PS3 exclusive tag although it is likely that we will, eventually see a version for other platforms.

The game finds our hero as part of an elite fighting unit while during its progress the player will get to play for both sides of the same war and experience two unique game systems.

Set in the year 2048 in a world where governments have outsourced military operations to private military corporations (PMCs), you play as Shane Carpenter, a newly enlisted soldier seeking fulfillment and thrills by fighting for a good cause. As the leading PMC, Mantel Global Industries offers an array of cutting-edge military equipment, including a high-tech arsenal of vehicles, deadly weaponry, and the performance-enhancing drug Nectar.

Your conflict begins in a war-torn country where you have been sent to fight a vicious rebel faction, the Promise Hand. At first all is well, but things quickly begin to look a little strange…

Uncover the truth, switch sides, and break away from Mantel’s manipulative grip when you join your former enemies, the Promise Hand.



MGI Provides High Tech and Snazzy Outfits

Key Features

- Impeccable FPS credentials from the developers of the critically acclaimed TimeSplitters series and the publishers of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter and Far Cry. Free Radical and Ubisoft have proved their ability to create innovative, platform-defining FPS titles.

- Play both sides of the same war: Evolve from a ruthless high-tech Mantel Trooper to a cunning Promise Hand rebel, each featuring distinct game systems, weaponry, and abilities.

- Experience the power of a Mantel Trooper. You'll be equipped with the most advanced gear and deadliest weapons and empowered by Nectar, Mantel’s battlefield-optimized performance-enhancing medication that lets you boost your fighting abilities and experience the highs and lows of drug-laden warfare. Perform fighting abilities such as Nectar Focus, Nectar Foresight, and Melee Blast

- Expose the truth, switch sides, and break away from Mantel’s control. Join up with your former enemies, and lead the rebels against the Mantel army. Use your knowledge of your former teammates’ weaknesses and new abilities and techniques such as Play Dead, Weapon Stealing, and the deadly Nectar Grenade.

- Cutting-edge gaming technology exclusively developed for the PS 3 system featuring the Disparity Rendering System which shapes players’ views of the world on and off Nectar. Haze also features an entirely streaming experience and the groundbreaking Conspire AI System, in which all enemy behaviors are entirely dynamic – nothing is scripted.

- State-of-the-art multiplayer modes. Fire up your console for online battles and choose from a variety of online modes, including furious four-player co-op action! Play as both Troopers and Rebels and unveil hidden secrets from the single-player campaign.

Still confused? Read on to find out how Haze expects to use psychedelic drugs to enhance your fighting skills…