Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix Designer Diary #1 is online at PC.IGN.com, offering more insight into the development of Raven Software's mercenary first-person shooter. The diary is written by project administrator Kenn Hoekstra, who discusses the project moving into crunch mode and accounts for the efforts made by the programming and multiplayer teams to tweak and polish the game, his own contributions, and the craziness that comes with two games nearing completion at the same time.

• Mace Griffin Bounty Hunter
  Warthog has released 15 new screenshots of Mace Griffin Bounty Hunter, the just renamed (story) first-person shooter and space combat game for PC and Xbox.
• MARCH!
  BonusWeb has posted nine new screenshots of MARCH!: Offworld Recon, the 3D tactical arcade shooter by HBM and Buka that was unveiled last month (story).
• Jedi Outcast
  The official Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast site has been updated with new character and weapons images from Raven's upcoming 3D action title, as well as a pair of FAQ entries.
• Might & Magic IX
  Five new screenshots of Might and Magic IX are up at ToTheGame, showing off the first-person role-playing game in the works at New World Computing.
• BeamBreakers
  There is a German preview of BeamBreakers on Spiele-City that you may like to digest via Babel Fish, or you can check out the 38 new screenshots of Similis' sci-fi racer in the accompanying gallery.
• HoveRace
  Russian site Xaos has posted five new HoveRace screenshots, offering more scenes from the upcoming futuristic combat racer by GSC Game World.
• Dungeon Siege
  Another batch of Dungeon Siege screenshots captured from the ubiquitous press build of Gas Powered Games' 3D role-playing game is online at newly opened Dungeon Siege Heaven, and five more are up at VoodooExtreme.
• Cultures 2
  Back on ToTheGame there are also four new Cultures 2 screenshots, illustrating this isometric management strategy game by Funatics.
• Anno 1503
  Similarly, three new screenshots of the management strategy game Anno 1503 (aka. 1503 A.D.) can be found on Adrenaline Vault along with more gameplay details.
• Dominion
  As is their way, three new Dominion screenshots are served up at the Pharoah Productions website, showing more from their 3D online role-playing game for PC and Xbox.

Gamasutra serves up a postmortem article on Dark Age of Camelot (free registration required), looking back at the development of Mythic Entertainment's fantasy MMORPG. Penned by producer Matt Firor, the article chronicles Mythic's experience in creating online games, the early days of the Dark Age of Camelot project, the structure of their development team, and of course the usual checklist of what went right and what went wrong during the project's course.

GameSpot's Warcraft III Beta Report on The Orcish Horde continues their week-long look at the Warcraft III beta focusing on another of the playable factions in the upcoming RTS sequel, as they showcase orcs. Describing this race as "well known for their brute force as well as for their powerful magic," the profile contrasts the orcs this time out with those in Warcraft II, goes into how many different orcan units there are to choose among, and how orcs can hold their own in battles versus technologically superior foes, offering specific tips on strategies. Included are a dozen screenshots. Also, the Warcraft 3 Gallery on this German Warcraft Site has been expanded with more images from the beta.

GameSpot's Galactic Civilizations Q&A chats with Brad Wardell about Galactic Civilizations, designer on the upcoming 4X space game, as well as the original OS/2 version. Topics include a brief history of the project, other games they draw inspiration from, how it will stand out from similar competing games, whether the development has seen any changes from their original design, how far along they are in development, and more. Included are a handful of new screenshots.

The Eternal Arena website has a new version 5.7 of the Eternal Arena modification for Quake III Arena, featuring several new features and changes based on user feedback as well as a new InstaGib CTF game type (making for a total of 20 types offered by the mod). Additionally, they are offering version 1.0 of the Rocket Duel modification for Q3A, which is a special subset of Eternal Arena, that, true to the name, emphasizes rockets.

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year End 2001 Financial Results and Fiscal 2002 Guidance is a press release outlining the latest financials at this software publisher. HomeLan Fed has posted a summary of some of the woes that the report contains, including word that they are being investigated by the SEC, while in more pleasant (and game-related) news, also has word on plans for an upcoming Grand Theft Auto game (which will be called Grand Theft Auto: Miami, according to Gamers.com), a spring./summer release for GTA3 for the PC, and word that Duke Nukem Forever "is not factored into the Company's fiscal 2002 guidance," which means it is not likely to come out before October 31, 2002.

Although not yet noted on the WarCraft III Beta Information Center (unless listing v1.02 there today is a typo), Blizzard has released a new patch for the ongoing beta test of their 3D role-playing RTS. This version 1.03 can be applied via the Battle.net auto-updater or this manual download (7.7 MB), and WarcraftIII.net has listed the major and minor bug fixes as well as the balance changes that it brings.

Xenus Interview on GameSpyDaily talks with Deep Shadows' Sergey Zabaryansky about Xenus, their upcoming first-person shooter. Topics include Xenus' updated version of the Vital Engine ZL that he originally created for Codename Outbreak, mistakes they made on Codename Outbreak they are hoping to avoid, the way CO was received, the Xenus storyline, role-playing elements, multiplayer play, publishing rights, and more.

This post on the Civilization Fanatics forum serves up the README of the upcoming patch for Civilization III, the turn-based strategy sequel by Firaxis. This version 1.17f is slated for release on Friday, and the forum post details the many additions, changes and bug fixes that can be expected once it is actually released.

XGR's Escape From Alcatraz Interview is one of their occasional departures from the audio format to offer a print format discussion on the subject of Escape from Alcatraz, the upcoming game that puts you behind bars, at least until you win. Topics include previous experience at Philos Labs, the idea behind this game, the game' setting, their mix of genres, the different characters, missions and objectives, and more. Included are four new screenshots.

There's a Planetside Interview on Computer and Video Games continues their series of Q&As with Sony Online Entertainment, this time talking briefly with Dave Georgeson about progress on Planetside, their upcoming FPS MMOG. The conversation includes comparisons with TRIBES, vehicles and other features, missions and goals, the possibility of bots, and more.

There's a Civilization III Interview on GameSpyDaily talking with Fireaxis CEO Jeff Briggs about the latest installment in the Civilization series of turn-based strategy games. Topics include the history behind the whole Firaxis/Hasbro/Microprose crossover on this franchise, the respective roles he and Sid Meier filled during Civ III production, how they decided on which features to include and which to cut, the role of fan feedback in their design, their feelings about turn-based gaming's future, and more.

There's a Global Operations Interview on Computer and Video Games talks with Chris Mair, lead designer on Global Ops, Barking Dog Studios' upcoming tactical first-person shooter in part one of a two part Q&A. Subjects include his experience working on Counter-Strike for Half-Life, changes made to Counter-Strike as a result of Barking Dog's contribution, and a good deal of background that lead up to the design of Global Ops. Part two, promised for tomorrow, will discuss the finer points of gameplay.

Activision sends along a press release with word that Star Trek: Bridge Commander is gold. According to the latest intelligence on Gone Gold, the starship simulator is due in stores at the end of this month. The release is tiny, so here's the whole thing:

ACTIVISION'S STAR TREK®: BRIDGE COMMANDER(tm) GOES GOLD AND PREPARES FOR RETAIL

Santa Monica, CA - February 13, 2002 - Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Totally Games® highly anticipated space combat sim, Star Trek: Bridge Commander, has gone gold and is on its way to manufacturing. The game puts the player in command of a Galaxy-class starship tasked with identifying the cause of a mysterious solar eruption that destroyed a Federation colony. During the journey, players battle the Romulans, align with the Klingons, investigate the treacherous Cardassians, and reveal a secret plot that threatens the balance of power in the Alpha Quadrant. Star Trek: Bridge Commander is rated "E" for everyone by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Fans can learn more about Star Trek: Bridge Commander by visiting www.bridgecommander.com or for all of the latest Star Trek news and information, visit the official Internet home of Star Trek at www.startrek.com.

There's a Star Wars Galaxies Chat Log on SWGalaxies.Net recapping yesterday's official chat session with the developers on this upcoming MMOG set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Attendees of the chat were LucasArts' Anthony Castoro and Raph Koster, who answered questions on the topic of game systems and skills. In spite of a couple of false starts at the beginning, the log is fairly orderly, as the session was moderated.

CG Online's Warlords Battlecry II Preview takes a look at the upcoming Warlords RTS sequel. The article describes the game's emphasis on your hero, resource management, the ability to pause the action to give orders, the "technology treadmill," how they are evolving the RTS genre, the game's role-playing elements, and more.

Voodoo Extreme's Postal 2 Q&A talks with Vince Desi and Mike Riedel of Running With Scissors about Postal 2, their upcoming Unreal-engine sequel to their original politically incorrect game of carnage. Topics include where the game's story picks up in relation to its predecessor, the leap from 2D to 3D, their emphasis on the comedic value of violence, their goal of being even more over-the-top in the sequel, how far along they are in development, plans for beta testing, how they will cope with negative press, console plans, and more.

There's a Sea Dogs II Q&A on Subsim talking with the folks at Akella about their upcoming seafaring RPG that puts players in the waterlogged boots of a pirate. Topics include what's new and different in the sequel compared to the original Sea Dogs, NPC interaction, sword fighting, improvements to naval battles, music, the "quest generation system," AI, multiplayer play, quests, and more.

Activision Value's "Hundred Swords" for the PC Marches On to Retail Shelves Nationwide is the press release announcing that the PC port of this Dreamcast fantasy RTS game is now available in stores throughout the US.

The Adrenaline Vault's Army Men RTS Preview takes a look at the upcoming real-time strategy installment in the adventures of 3DO's little green and tan men in the works at Pandemic Studios. The article, based on play with a full preview build, explains the toys in the suburbs context of gameplay, the oddball resource management, the modified version of the Dark Reign 2 engine the game uses, the missions, gameplay modes beyond the campaign, replay value, and more. Included are ten new screenshots.

There are some Star Trek Bridge Commander Impressions on PC.IGN.Com based on getting to play the upcoming simulator that puts you in the velour tights of a Starfleet captain. The article offers thoughts on the graphics (including some "bratty gripes") and gameplay, which is described as "very directed and linear in nature." Aspects of gameplay they go into include the intense action, the pacing, how you are introduced to your job, ship management, strategies, and more. Additionally, there are some brief Bridge Commander impressions on Bridge Commander Universe with more hands-on experiences from playing with the beta, intended for "fans of Bridge Commander."

The Neocron Files Volume 3 on GameSpy.Com offers another report from their resident participant in the ongoing beta testing of Neocron, Reakktor's upcoming science fiction MMORPG. Today's topic at hand is the weapons that will be available within the game, offering details about the Artifact Pistol, the Assault Rifle, the Flame Thrower, the Artifact Claw, the Frag Grenade, the GBS Raygun, the Rocket Launcher, the Double Edged Sword, the Laser Pistol, the Plasma Rifle, and the Grenade Launcher.

• Linux nForce Driver
  NVIDIA's Linux nForce Driver Page has the debut release of a Linux nForce driver.
• New 3DMark 2001
  The MadOnion Website has the release of 3DMark®2001 Second Edition, "a major enhancement to its 3DMark® benchmark solution." Thanks Savage News.
• New CPUCooL
  A new version 7.0.11 of the CPUCooL utility is now available. Thanks File Flash.

GameSpot Previews Shadow Man: 2econd Coming with a look at the upcoming 2econd (huh?) installment in the adventures of the comic book hero. This media page has been updated with another three new 2econd Coming movies. This Planet GameCube Article offers updated status on a couple of upcoming GameCube titles as well as an RF wireless controller. HomeLan Fed's Buffy The Vampire Slayer Interview chats with Christopher Golden about Buffy's upcoming blood-curdling adventures for the Xbox.

Console Reviews: Halo (Xbox) on Four Fat Chicks and Final Fantasy X (PS2) on ESCMag.

CPL Announces Summer Championship Event is the press release with plans for a five-day CPL Summer Championship event planned for July 13-17, 2002 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in downtown Dallas, Texas. The main tournament will feature Condition Zero, the upcoming Counter-Strike game, and the secondary tournament will use the Day of Defeat Half-Life modification.

The Tropico Patches Page has a teensy (6 KB) file that offers three texts explaining new editor functionality in Tropico: Paradise Island, now that the Tropico add-on is available. Also, Dteam 3d Design Guild Interviews Dominic "Hydra" Clifton talking with the programmer behind Counter-Strike support in GTKRadiant.

• Black & White (for Mac) on MacGamer.
• Black & White: Creature Isle on GamePen.
• Heli Heroes on MGON.
• Return to Castle Wolfenstein on Lost Hours.
• Serious Sam: the Second Encounter (Multiplayer) on Jolt.
• Soul Reaver 2 on t-break.
• The Settlers IV Expansion (in German) on PC Games Portal.
• The Sims: Hot Date on Game Power Australia.
• Tropico: Paradise Island on Games Domain.
• Uplink on tüplay.com.
• Wizardry 8 on CG Online.

• ATI All-In-Wonder Radeon 8500DV Video Card on I am not a geek.
• Colorcases 400 Eclipse S Case on Little White Dog.
• GlobalWin TAK68 Dual Fan HSF on Tweakers Australia.
• Logitech Z-560 Speakers on The Tech Zone.
• NVIDIA GeForce 4 MX Video Card shoot-out on GamePC.
• Soyo P4S Dragon Ultra Motherboard on VIAHardware Dot Com.
• Swiftech MCXC370 Cooler on SubZeroTech.
• Thermalright AX-7 Cooler on Amdmb.com.

• Part two of Computer and Video Games' Sony Online Entertainment Interview is up, talking with Gordon Wrinn, associate producer on EverQuest about the addictive MMORPG...
• EA's Medal of Honor: Allied Assault Website now offers downloads of a screensaver based on the World War II shooter...

First off, there are a couple of dates I failed to note yesterday amid honoring our three great Americans. Yesterday marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year (thanks Ant), this is a two week long celebration, so I guess I'm not technically late, but I certainly don't want to forget to wish a happy Year of the Horse. Yesterday also was Fat Tuesday, which makes today Ash Wednesday, and probably also makes for some Mardi Gras celebrants who are reaching for the aspirin this morning.

Finally, you may have seen this elsewhere already, but if you haven't, the folks at Can't get enough Futurama send word that Fox Broadcasting is planning on making Futurama a thing of the past, and there's A Future For Futurama Petition online with an attempt to save the animated series (and unlike The Family Guy petition, this one does not threaten an impractical boycott of sponsoring products).

I highly recommend today's media of the day. The mind-mending adventures of Steve Elvis America and Go-Go Morningstar Perfect Assassin are not to be missed.

Story of the Day: Boy Run Over by Train, Survives. Apparently without a scratch. Thanks theAntiELVIS.
Media of the Day: Terrible Cosmic Death. Thanks Mr. Coffee.