UGO: Will players be allowed to play as their existing characters in the DLC? Since “Broken Steel” takes place after the main story, how will this be addressed? Will it work similarly to Shivering Isles, where the new quests simply get added to your Pipboy, or will you have to load up a brand new game?

Jeff Gardiner: Yes, all of our DLC drops right into an existing game. Which is a double edged sword, or course, it requires a lot of testing and fine balance tuning on our part! In our third DLC, “Broken Steel,” we’ve come up with a way of allowing the player to continue on past the game ending… by changing it! You will not have to load in a new game to play any of the DLC material – though you will have to finish the main quest to experience most of what “Broken Steel” has to offer. That being said, we are raising the level cap, so even if you don’t complete the main quest you can experience the expanded content by leveling up past 20.

We are once again happy to announce that the next Patch for Crysis Wars will be available to download less than 1 month after the previous patch on December 17th at 7pm (19:00 CET). The patch will include a fix to the auto-downloader along with our Holiday Map Pack! This pack includes 2 great maps, a smaller PowerStruggle map; Frost. Along with a massive TIA battleground map; Savanna. Please take the time to update your game to the latest version when the patch is released to make sure you get the chance to play these epic maps!

New Power Struggle Map 'Frost' - The frozen jungle environment finally makes it into Crysis Wars! Make the best of your environment in this infantry-focused map which provides incredibly tight match-ups. Enjoy the new version of the small prototype factory, featuring a third, sneaky entrance for more tactical encounters.

New Team Instant Action Map 'Savanna' - Experience a new full vehicle Team Instant Action map, in a different, never-seen before setting of the African savanna. Will you be able to take advantage of the sniper positions or rule the map from the air? Use the destroyed train as an efficient cover or roam around the map with heavy tanks, this is your choice for fast, heart-pounding action.

To get in on the expanded action, pre-purchase at Impulse Driven.com.

Update: The 293MB beta is now available for download on Impulse!

Check out IGN's preview for further information.

Grand Theft Auto IV is certainly a challenge for today’s latest video cards, even though it is "only" a DX9 title. We are disheartened at the lack of AA and AF support in the PC version. It is quite clear, with the sparse graphics options available, and the lack of AA and AF support that this game is a console port. There really is no excuse for the lack of AA and AF support in 2008 in a new PC gaming title, especially one of this stature.

While those features are missing, the game still performs rather horribly compared to more recent games. There are theories as to why it may of course, but no real proof why it behaves like it does. One theory is that the engine itself just isn’t geared or optimized for the PC that well. Another valid theory is that the game relies heavily on the CPU, and thus that is what is holding the game back. We’ve seen this theory be the reality in a couple of games, such as Flight Simulator X and The Sims series in the past.

PC

• A Vampyre Story - PC.IGN - 7.6/10
• EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey - PC.IGN - 7/10

  360
  

• Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe - Test Freaks - 8/10
• Need for Speed Undercover - Trusted Reviews - 5/10

Aquaria is an award-winning action-adventure game set in a massive underwater world teaming with life and filled with ancient secrets. Join Naija, a lone underwater adventurer, as she travels from hidden caves shrouded in darkness, to beautiful, sunlit oases in search of her past. She'll uncover hidden treasures, explore uncharted waters, and do battle with massive underwater beasts to learn the truth about her family and reveal the secret of Aquaria.

Massive, beautiful world to explore

Compelling story woven through beautiful visuals, music and voice-overs

Innovative mouse-based control scheme and magic-based combat

175 unique creatures to discover, interact and do battle with

Dozens of treasures to attain

Cooking system for creation of powerful items

Unlock all the Steam Achievements

A demo can be found here.

Our young readers might know about the concerned company from hearsay only, because eight years are quite some time. De facto 3dfx has been dead for longer than it has been alive: The lifetime of the 3D pioneer lasted only six years, from 1994 to 2000. 3Dfx's story of success (with a capital D initially; pronounced like 3D effects) didn't begin before 1996 though. With the introduction of the Voodoo Graphics (Codename SST-1) the small company became market leader over night. This wasn't caused because a good product was sold for low prices. No, it started a downright revolution: With the first Voodoo, a 3D accelerator that was intended to work alongside the back then common 2D cards, 3dfx paved the way the way for modern graphics cards. For the first time it was possible to accelerate polygonal designed game environments with a dedicated chip and to interpolate the once blocky textures bilinear. With a Voodoo a Pentium 133 became a fast gaming system that even outclassed the most expensive Pentium 200 in optimized games.

Leading up to the events of "X-Men," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" tells the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe.

Raven are developing the accompanying game, details of which can be found here.

Check out the new trailer here.

Based on the long awaited “Watchmen” film directed by Zack Snyder, Watchmen: The End is Nigh will be released as a long-form downloadable game timed to the March 2009 film release. Watchmen: The End is Nigh will go beyond the film and delve into the characters, rivalries and challenges in a mature action-brawler. The game features bloody, visceral combat in rich settings while it explores the crime-fighting partnership of urban vigilantes Rorschach and Nite Owl.

From the developers of the award-winning Mafia comes Mafia II, a beautifully crafted look into the dark and unforgiving world of the Mob. Expanding upon the original hit that captivated more than 2 million gamers around the world, 2K Czech takes players deeper into the Mafia with a mature and exciting experience that will immerse players like never before.

Powered by 2K Czech’s next-generation engine built specifically for Mafia II, players will experience the true evolution of the Mob game that defined a genre. Gunfights, hand-to-hand combat and vehicular exploration feature new depth and dimension that allow players to experience the world of Mafia II in a way that will keep them coming back for more. Mafia II will be available for PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 come Fall 2009.

Story

Born the son of a poor immigrant, Vito is a beaten down Italian American who is trying to secure his piece of the American Dream. Looking to escape the life of poverty that consumed his childhood, Vito is soon swayed by the lure of power and wealth that a life of Organized Crime can bring.

A petty criminal his whole life, Vito, along with his childhood friend, Joe, will descend into the world of Organized Crime. Together, they will work to prove themselves to the Mob as they try to make their names on the streets of a cold and unforgiving city.

Key Features

Gangster-Movie Experience: Through strong, authentic characterization and compelling narrative, the mature storyline will make you understand the pull and impossible escape of life in the Mob.

Action-Packed Gameplay: Take part in heart-stopping car-to-car gunfights, white-knuckled hand-to-hand combat and intense gunplay, all of which come together to form an intense and exciting experience.

All-New Engine Powers the Next Generation of Mob Videogames: 2K Czech’s next-generation engine, allows gamers to travel from beautifully rendered outdoor environments to intricately designed interiors seamlessly without the need for loading times.

Authentic Script From the Writer of Mafia I: The writing team from Mafia I returns to deliver another powerhouse script that portrays a stunning tale of survival, camaraderie and the pitfalls of pursuing the American Dream.

Music as Environment: Players will be immersed in the Golden Era of America as Mafia II features tracks from some of the era’s most influential artists.

Q: How did this game come about?

Flores: I think their interest in the project really fueled it. Both Lars' and (singer) James (Hetfield's) kids play Guitar Hero and they were really excited about it. They wanted to do it and, of course, we wanted to do it, so it made sense.

Ulrich: I think my kids decided for me. I was first introduced to Guitar Hero in my house about a year ago by my kids (sons Myles, 10, and Layne, 7; he also has a 1-year-old son, Bryce, with his girlfriend, actress Connie Nielsen). They became big fans of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath and all the bands I grew up on. It seemed like this was the first video game that really brought the family together.

We were all sitting there and we were all sharing it. It wasn't something that was just about the person playing, it was about everybody. It became a collective thing. This thing on a worldwide basis was obviously turning into a phenomenon. There is a saying in Metallicaland: "This is what we call a no-brainer."

Hammett: I don't play video games very much, but I love what Guitar Hero does for young kids, actually kids of all ages.

Time Warner has purchased another 10 million shares in Eidos, bringing its total stake in the troubled publisher up to 52.5 million, approximately 20 per cent of the company.

The news is relatively unsurprising given the interest that Warner has shown in SCi - recently renamed Eidos - and rumours of a takeover have been rife for some time.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, and global videogame publisher, 505 Games, announced today a new partnership to develop next generation console and iPhone videogames. The first title is scheduled to release in spring 2010 and will be developed by 505 Games’ newly formed U.S. operations in Los Angeles.

“505 Games is proud to partner with Michael Phelps to create innovative new game play experiences that celebrate active lifestyles, the spirit of competition and the inspirational dream of becoming a champion,” said Adam Kline, president of 505 Games U.S. “Through swimming, Michael has become an international superstar and role model for people of all ages. With 505 Games’ global reach, we look forward to leveraging the powerful digital entertainment medium to bring Michael’s passion for sports and competition to new audiences around the world.”

505 Games and Phelps are currently in the development stages for the first-of-its-kind videogame that may also include some of his teammates. In addition, 505 Games will donate a portion of the videogame proceeds to the Michael Phelps Foundation.

“I am really excited to partner with 505 Games and work with them to develop a game that is reflective of my personality, lifestyle and competitive nature,” said Phelps. “I believe this will be a tremendous opportunity to help continue my quest to raise the profile for the sport of swimming.”

Building on the critically acclaimed Ferrari Challenge racing simulation engine, SuperCar Challenge heralds the addition of the sexiest supercars on the planet while improving on its spiritual prequel in every way.

Over 40 cars will be available to throw around the most celebrated corners on the racing calendar. Experience the thrills and spills that come with harnessing the full grunt of an Aston Martin DB9, the Lamborghini Murcielago RGT, the McLaren F1 and many more! Of course, the game caters for the Ferrari fans too with a selection of favourites making the cut from 2008’s Ferrari Challenge.

More than 20 tracks will also be available, with old favourites such as Silverstone and Spa mixed in with the joys of N¸rbergring. More new tracks will be announced over the coming months.

Further information about the enhanced $20 port can be found here.

Unfortunately, supply-chain issues have caused the retailer to stop game-related sales on their website, so you'll have to head down to your local store to grab a bargain.

"We have large shoes to fill following the success of the previously released God of War titles," said Stig Asmussen, Game Director for God of War 3. "But with refined gameplay and jaw-dropping visuals, I guarantee that God of War will give fans what they have been eagerly waiting for, and much more."

Set in the realm of Greek mythology, God of War 3 is a single-player game that allows players to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he treads through the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus and the dark depths of Hell once more to seek revenge on those who have betrayed him. Armed with double-chained blades, Kratos must take on mythology's darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus.

Utilizing a new game engine built from the ground up and state-of-the-art visual technologies, the development team behind God of War 3 have made significant strides in giving players the realistic feel of actually being on the battlegrounds. With texture resolutions being quadrupled since God of War 2, God of War 3 will feature fluid, life-like characters, as well as dynamic lighting effects, a robust weapon system, and world-changing scenarios that will truly bring unmistakable realism to Kratos' fateful quest. Players will have a chance to join battles on a grand scale with many more enemies on-screen and be able to interact with levels like never before.

An abducted soul, a lifetime of sins, a journey to the depths of despair. Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that EA Redwood Shores, the studio behind hit horror game Dead Space, is making Dante’s Inferno – a third-person action adventure adaptation of the medieval epic poem The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. The dark fiction gave birth to the Tuscan Italian dialect and is widely considered to have defined the western world’s contemporary conception of hell and purgatory. The poem tells the tale of Dante who journeys through the twisted, menacing nine circles of hell in pursuit of his beloved Beatrice.

Written in the 14th Century, The Divine Comedy was published and read aloud in Italian (unlike the Bible), thereby making the poem accessible to the mass public. The poem delivers a striking and allegorical vision of the Christian afterlife and the punishments of hell. In part one, known as Dante’s Inferno, Dante traverses all nine circles of hell; limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, wrath, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery.

“The time is right for the world of interactive entertainment to adapt this literary masterpiece, and to re-introduce Dante to an audience that, until now, may have been unfamiliar with the remarkable details of this great work of art,” said Jonathan Knight, executive producer for Dante’s Inferno. “It’s the perfect opportunity to fuse great gameplay with great story.”

PC

• Defense Grid: The Awakening - Frictionless Insight - 3.5/5
• Gothic 3: Forsaken Gods - D Minus - 1Up
• Grand Theft Auto IV - 1Up - B
• Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge - PC.IGN - 5.9/10

  360
  

• Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway - Gaming Nexus - B+
• Fable II - Megawarp - 7/10
• Need for Speed: Undercover - ActionTrip - 5.2/10