PC.IGN has conducted a brief Q&A with Dmitry Zakharov of Nival Interactive, talking about their soon-to-be-released RPG Evil Islands. Dmitry talks about the game's overall premise, but as the game is complete and already out in some places, he also talks about its success overseas, as well as the challenges involved in translating the game into English.

A preview of Venom is up at PC.IGN, looking at this upcoming tactical shooter from GSC Gameworld, the creators of the recently released strategy game Cossacks: European Wars. Although it's hands-off, the preview contains a general look at the game as well as the features of its original 3D engine and some new screenshots.

Also new at PC.IGN tonight is a preview of Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare, the latest installment in this venerable survival horror series. Like the Venom preview it's hands-off, but nonetheless it has some gameplay details and new screenshots.

• Startopia
  GameSpyDaily has posted eight new Startopia screenshots, showing more areas from the quirky 3D management strategy game by Mucky Foot.
• Fighting Legends
  There is a new pair of Fighting Legends screenshots on BrokenPixel, illustrating the massively multiplayer RPS under construction at Maximum Charisma.
• Perimeter
  Adrenaline Vault has posted some details and concept art of Perimeter, a real-time strategy game by Russian developers K-D Labs.

Codemasters has sent out more playable builds of Operation Flashpoint, and so a pair of hands-on previews of the game are online this evening. XGR.com has a brief preview up, which makes up for its size by including 20 new screenshots, and Daily Radar has a preview of their own online, which offers a bit more detail but only three new shots from the game.

German developer SUNFLOWERS has released a German playable demo of TechnoMage, the top-down 3D action-RPG that was released in their home country last November. The demo clocks in at a reasonable 45.6 MB (also available in six smaller chunks) and offers several new levels that were not included in the retail edition of the game. Additionally, a version 1.04 patch for the full game was recently released, addressing a range of gameplay issues and bugs.

GameSpot has posted a new preview of Gangsters 2, Hothouse Creations' upcoming game of legitimate businessmen. The preview contains a general look at the game, with info on how it will differ from its predecessor, and naturally there are also plenty of new screenshots.

Also new at GameSpot this evening is a preview of Conflict Zone, the upcoming strategy game from MASA Group. The preview is fairly in-depth, and has lots of gameplay details and ten new screenshots.

The stack of video tapes that GameSpot brought back from the Game Developer Conference keeps growing, as they have now posted four videos of Throne of Darkness, in which Click Entertainment's Ben Haas is interviewed and demonstrates their upcoming isometric action RPG. The four movies take about 50 MB each to download but are of course also available in several streaming formats, and they show plenty of gameplay footage with Ben explaining the game's premise and features.

Loki Games has released a patch for the dedicated Linux server for TRIBES 2, updating it to version 22075 like the Windows client. The patch can be downloaded from their ftp server (2.7 MB) and details on the changes, which involve only the temporary disabling of voice over IP support, can be found in the README file. Also, while you should have no problem patching the Windows client via the auto-updater (story), if you'd rather apply the patches manually then those are now available on this Sierra ftp server.

The official Star Trek: Dominion Wars site sports a new .plan page by producer Mike Wallis on the development of the space-based strategy game by Gizmo Games. The game is described to be at the "Alpha +" stage, and the update then provides a more detailed overview of progress in the design, technology and art departments. Thanks A Talent For War.

To go along with yesterday's gameplay movie (story), Eidos Interactive has released eight new screenshots from Anachronox. The shots (some of which look a little familiar) show off some of the game's impressive environments as well as a few different characters.

Freelancer's TORN Interview talks with David Maldonado of Black Isle Studios about their upcoming RPG. David talks about how TORN will incorporate elements from Fallout, Icewind Dale and Planescape: Torment, the advantages of using the LithTech 3.0 engine, how large the game world is and more.

As promised, Blizzard has opened up the sign-up page for their upcoming Diablo II: Lord of Destruction beta. They will be choosing approximately 2,500 people for the beta, which will contain a near-complete version of the add-on (although it can only be played over Battle.net). For more information, refer to Blizzard's beta FAQ.

A new preview of Dragonriders : Chronicles of Pern is up at Eurogamer this afternoon. The preview is hands-on, and contains the authors impressions of the game, complete with lots of gameplay details and new screenshots.

The Orange Smoothie team has released version 0.99t of their OSP Tournament mod for Quake III Arena (thanks Stomped). This latest release adds new anti-cheating protection, lag reduction for clients running Q3A 1.271 (which hasn't been released yet), customizable server-side map decals and lots more.

A new Q&A with Neil Young, the producer of Majestic is up at Stomped, talking about this upcoming anti-game from Electronic Arts and Anim-X. Neil talks about the various features of the game (which is played via e-mail, fax, phone and instant messenger) as well as its overall scope, and he says that they have plans for two "seasons" each of which contains nine "episodes" which range in size from 15 to 25 days of gameplay.

PC Gameplay has posted a Q&A with two members of the Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown team at Cinemaware on their news page. There are lots of gameplay details here, as the duo explain how the plot unfolds, how its mini-games function and more.

Voodoo Extreme has conducted an interview with Human Head's Timothy Gerritsen and Chris Rhinehart, talking with them about Halls of Valhalla, the soon-to-be-released add-on for Rune. The questions deal with the features of the add-on (which also functions as a multiplayer-only standalone game) as well as their plans for the future, and they say that, "we'd like to see a Rune 2 someday, but it's not next on our plate."

3DActionPlanet has conducted a lenghty interview with Terminal Reality's Jeff Mills and Joe Wampole, talking to the pair about their new Nocturne engine. Topics on the table include the engine's features, the recently released movie trailer (story), the platforms they are targetting, the as yet unnamed game they're developing with the engine, as well as the reactions to the Blair Witch games, and lots more. A handful of new screenshots is also on display.

Tribalwar.com has posted info on the version 22075 patch for TRIBES 2 that was released late last night via the game's auto-update system. Here are the details:

1) There was a case where some players would enter into a game in observer mode and be unable to spawn (left-click) into the game. This is fixed.

2) The server refresh (on the JOIN screen) is handled better now and is faster.

3) The "Immersion I-Force Feedback Mouse" fixes are in for that peripheral...making it function properly.

4) The "T2 Technical Information" link is added to the web link list on the NEWS page.

5) Deployable turrets now properly fire when placed underwater.

6) The Redjack bug is fixed. The problem occurred when our network packets were being asked to carry too much information at one time and some info was getting lost.

7) Players were getting their team assignments switched when cycling missions. This is fixed now and will not occur.

On a related note, Tribalwar has also reprinted a news item from the TRIBES 2 (in-game) news page where Dave Georgeson says that starting next week, the CD will be required to play online. Here's the deal on that:

As you may have noticed, Tribes 2 doesn't currently require the CD to be in the drive in order to play on-line, but it *does* require it to be there for Training missions and LAN play.

Due to retailer pressure, we're going to have to start requiring the CD check even when playing on-line as of the patch mid-next week. I know that's a tad annoying for y'all...but quite honestly...we were having a bunch of people buying the game, installing it, and then returning it to the store because they could "play for free" thereafter. So, because a number of people were cheating the system, we have to put the CD check into on-line play. We here at Dynamix & Sierra hope you understand. And keep track of that CD!

P.S., This will NOT require the CD to be in the drive when hosting dedicated servers. Only when playing as a client.

After a long hiatus, the EAX enhancements for Unreal Tournament page by Creative Labs now offers the second EAX Library for download, updating the Capture the Flag levels in Epic's multiplayer shooter with "environmental reverberations, occlusion and obstruction effects" if your soundcard supports the extensions. More details on the effects are available on this Highlights page.

The official Kingdom Under Fire site offers a new version 1.09 patch for the English edition of Phantagram's isometric role-playing RTS for download. The 10.7 MB patch addresses a few more gameplay issues and adds some cheat codes.

EBgames.com interviews Chris Taylor (thanks RPGvault) talking to the main turbine at Gas Powered Games about progress on Dungeon Siege, GPG's upcoming RPG. The conversation covers many general topics about the game and offers the opportunity to pre-order it, unsurprising given the nature of the site.

Computer Games Online previews Operation Flashpoint with a look ahead at Codemaster's upcoming game that still feels the chill of the cold war. The preview, based on playing with a "75 percent finished" build of the game, feels Op Flashpoint offers an advance over previous infantry simulations because of the realistic touches it includes, including "a well-defined command and control structure, a system for advancement in rank and responsibility, mission driven scenarios, 'real-world' weapons modeling, and things like fatigue, aiming difficulties while on the run, and wounds." Included with the article are nine new screenshots.

There's also a Project Eden Preview on Computer Games Online this morning, offering thoughts on Project Eden, an upcoming shooter that "combines third-person action-adventure with first-person shooter action," all while controlling a team of four characters. The preview is based on checking it out along with Adrian Smith, co-founder of Core (Tomb Raider series), and offers his thoughts on the project, as well as a bunch of screenshots. It should probably be noted for the record, at least, that unless it is by a different Tricia Gray than the one I am familiar with, the author of this article used to be PR Manager at Eidos Interactive, publishers of the game.

Beta Bites previews Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising with their impressions of this upcoming action-oriented real-time strategy game. The preview is based on playing with their beta copy, and offers impressions of the full experience from installing the game, running the tutorial, and, of course, gameplay. Included along with the write-up are 10 new screenshots.

There is a trio of new Project Entropia screenshots on RPGDot showing off Project Entropia, MindArk's upcoming science fiction-themed MMORPG. The shots are a precursor to their Project Entropia interview, which they plan on posting tomorrow.

RPGPlanet and Destination: Morrowind are holding a chat session with the Morrowind development team today at 8:00 PM EDT on IRC server irc.gamesnet.net, in the channel "#Morrowind." Project Leader Todd Howard, Lead Designer Ken Rolston, and Lead Artist Matt Carofano will be among the attendees. Also, the ION Storm news page has word that tomorrow night marks the monthly AnachroChat with the Anachronox team, the festivities kick off at 9:00 PM Eastern time, and are accessible via the online section of the ION Storm website, or using an IRC client using www.ionstorm.com as the server and joining channel "#ion." Finally, the GameSpy Arcade page has a recap of their chat session with the team behind Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns, described as a "small, intimate affair," while they also have word on their next event, which will be at 7:00 PM EDT today to talk with the folks behind Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel.

The MechWarrior 4 website has posted a request for information from players that are being told they are "warping" in multiplayer MechWarrior 4: Vengeance games as part of their effort to eradicate the problem (hopefully they've already checked the dilithium crystals, often the source of warp drive difficulties).

A new public test version 1.4 of the Art of War mod for Quake III Arena is now available, described as "the Quake 3 Mod that combines Quake 3 teamplay with strategic class-based combat and assault." The new release offers new graphics, an enhanced radar, and a new 'shackles' spell for the Lich.

Though it's not clear on the main Quake 3 Server Wizard page, they have released a new version 1.3 of the Quake 3 Server Wizard that offers "much-requested" support for Rocket Arena 3.

The Red Faction preview on PS2.IGN.com offers 15 new gameplay movies for download. Also, there's a Giants PS2 Update on FGN Online that talks with Chris Pasetto, the producer on the PS2 conversion of Giants "about the feedback from PC gamers, which will be used to tweak the PS2 version." A report on Computer and Video Games says "Gamecube Japan in July? 'Not a chance'," while Nintendo's Game May Be Over on Forbes.Com predicts a last place finish for Nintendo in the upcoming three-way console war (thanks Daily Radar). Finally, Core Magazine has some movies for download showing off upcoming Xbox titles being developed by third-party developers.

Word on the Cyberathlete Professional League site is that Valve's Multicast Spectator Mode will make its public debut at SPEAKEASY.net's Counter-Strike Tournament (Dallas, TX, April 12-15, 2001), described as "unparalleled for tournament coverage," this utility is for "Allowing the masses to watch the action in real-time and follow game strategies from a bird's eye view."

OperationFlashpoint.com's Demo Tactics page is up with tips on how to succeed in the Op Flashpoint demo. Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft III Scroll of Knowledge (FAQ) has been updated. Also, part two of MY TechValley's Serious Sam Tweak Guide is online.

• Black & White on Game-Guru and GameAddicts.
• Clive Barker's Undying on Gamesmania.
• Colin McRae Rally 2.0 on Adrenaline Vault.
• Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel on Gamer's Pulse and Gaming Age.
• Fate of the Dragon on GameSpot.
• Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter on GameOver.
• In Cold Blood on GameSpy.com.
• Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns on PC.IGN.com.
• Operation Flashpoint Demo on Gamer's Pulse.
• Outlive on GameOver.
• Serious Sam: the First Encounter on PC.IGN.com.
• Star Trek: Away Team on ActionTrip and GameZone.
• Star Wars: Episode 1 Battle for Naboo on GamePower and 3D Games Zone.
• Waterloo: Napoleon's Last Battle on GameSpot.

• Arctic Silver Thermal Compound 2 on UK Gamer.
• ECS P6SSM motherboard on the Technoyard.
• Gigabyte GA-7ZXR motherboard on NeoSeeker.
• GlobalWIN WBK38 Cooler on Tech-Planet.net.
• Max Cool Computer Case on The Tech Zone.
• MaxGate Ugate 3300 Wireless Router on hardCOREware.Net.
• MSI K7T Turbo-R motherboard on PlanetHardware.
• MSI K7T Pro 2-A motherboard on Madness PC.
• OCZ Extreme Cool Copper Spacer on I am not a geek.
• Thrustmaster: Firestorm Dual Power Gamepad on eUniverseGames.com.

• Birdman's Lair has posted the files required for SpaceOrb owners to get full support for the retail version of Serious Sam...
• Stomped's Pencil Whipped Interview talks with the developer behind this unusual shooter that was named Oldmanmurray's game of the year...
• Sony Online Entertainment Relaunches Most Successful Online Role-Playing Game With a New Look and a New Price is the press release announcing that EverQuest can now be purchased for under $10, though you'd think with a nearly $10/month subscription fee they'd be even smarter to give the game away...
• Our best wishes to burley Steve from Hypothermia, who it turns out hurt his back chugging Kegs, or some such thing (thanks Greg). Get well soon, Steve...

Well, there was one April Fool's joke that ended up in the news after all, as yesterday's Link of the Day for caffeinated meatlof turns out to be a gag (thanks Gabe Nell), though if one man's ceiling is another man's floor then in this case, one person's joke may be another person's opportunity, as I can't imagine there isn't a market for an actual product.

Uh, oh, label this one under 'All your attachment are belong to Microsoft.' Rick ^DragoN^ Brewer sends along an interesting installment in the ongoing saga of your rights versus the Internet, pointing out that the Microsoft® Passport Terms Of Use (which now covers HotMail email accounts as well, as noted in the Hotmail FAQ), uses language that could easily be described as draconian, and gives Microsoft an unprecedented amount of access to, and in fact, ownership of, materials transmitted using the service! Here's a bit:

LICENSE TO MICROSOFT

By posting messages, uploading files, inputting data, submitting any feedback or suggestions, or engaging in any other form of communication with or through the Passport Web Site, you warrant and represent that you own or otherwise control the rights necessary to do so and you are granting Microsoft and its affiliated companies permission to:

1. Use, modify, copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, publish, sublicense, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any such communication.
2. Sublicense to third parties the unrestricted right to exercise any of the foregoing rights granted with respect to the communication.
3. Publish your name in connection with any such communication.

The foregoing grants shall include the right to exploit any proprietary rights in such communication, including but not limited to rights under copyright, trademark, service mark or patent laws under any relevant jurisdiction. No compensation will be paid with respect to Microsoft's use of the materials contained within such communication. Microsoft is under no obligation to post or use any materials you may provide and may remove such materials at any time in Microsoft's sole discretion.

After reading the rest of that, the end where they use the phrase "Microsoft's sole discretion" gives me a genuine shudder.

Link of the Day: Guide to Shooting Rubber Bands. Thanks Drew Dorton. Now don't go shooting anyone's eye out.
Story of the Day: `Sopranos' bus tour visits show's hot spots, hit spots (Fox). Sort of a combination of the Seinfeld tours given by the "real" Kramer and crewman Guy who hosts conventions on Galaxy Quest. Thanks theAntiELVIS.
Auction of the Day: eBay item 1128624503 - RARE VINTAGE Maxell Audio Cassette Near Mint. Thanks AugustWest.
Weird Science: Size doesn't matter for new supercomputer (CNN). Thanks Ken Davey.
Weird Scientists: Scientists place bet on living to 2150 (Annanova). Thanks Chris Johnson.