A post to the Paradox Entertainment Forums has a link to a new patch for Hearts of Iron, updating the World War II RTS game to version 1.02. There are no details about changes, but they have posted a mirror as well as a link to the patch for the Scandinavian version of the game. Update: The patch page now has some info about the patch.

This N-Fusion.com Downloads Page has a new version 2.35 patch for Deadly Dozen: The Pacific Theater, bringing the demo code up to date with the latest version of the full retail version of the World War II combat game. The retail version 2.35 patch featured fixes for many multiplayer crashes, optimized bandwidth usage, small map tweaks, sound fixes, and more.

A post to the Ubi Soft General Discussion Forums (thanks Shacknews) has word that a demo of the stealthy third-person Tom Clancy game should be released at some point next week. Here's the deal: "I'm please to say that the PC Demo of Splinter Cell will be available to download from Thursday December 19th on the official website. We will confirm the exact time during next week."

A multiplayer demo for Vietcong, the upcoming Vietnam War shooter from Illusion Softworks has been released on the game's official website, and in spite of a completely swamped FTP server, has finally been mirrored by Worthplaying, and is now reasonably available. The description for the 72 MB demo is simply: "Death Match, Capture the Flag, Protect the Pilot up to 32 Players," and presumably now more mirrors will begin to appear. Update: The file is now mirrored on 3D Gamers, Gamer's Hell, Tiscali Games, and FileShack (registration required).

The Counter-Strike: Condition Zero Preview on GameSpy discusses progress on the upcoming single-player focused Counter-Strike game, which recently shifted production from Gearbox Software to Ritual Entertainment. Based on a visit to Valve Software to see the game first-hand, they also make some inquiries about the developer shift, eliciting this response: "Gearbox has completed its contribution to Counter-Strike: Condition Zero and Ritual will be running the day-to-day development responsibilities from here through launch" (though their own impressions seem to contradict this: "After checking out Condition Zero, it's quite obvious that Ritual has basically started from scratch"). The article goes on to describe changes in the upcoming version 1.6 Counter-Strike patch before offering impressions of gameplay, including the interface, the kinds of scenarios included, weaponry, AI, graphics, special effects, and more.

There's a Devastation Preview on PC.IGN.Com with a look at Digitalo's upcoming Unreal-engine cyberpunk shooter. They describe how the developer funded development themselves before hooking up with publisher ARUSH, the game's post-apocalyptic setting, the storyline, levels, missions, interactivity, linearity, AI, NPCs, enemies, AI, maps, multiplayer support, modification support, and more.

• Road to Rome
  The Road to Rome Q&A on Computer and Video Games talks with Digital Illusions' Anders Hoh about the recently-announced add-on they are creating for Battlefield 1942. Topics include their choice of campaigns for the add-on, new maps, new vehicles, addressing shortcomings in BF 1942 single-player play, progress on mod support, and more.
• Rise of Nations
  CanadianGamer.ca's Rise of Nations Interview is an audio conversation with Paul Stephanouk to discuss Big Huge Games' upcoming RTS game. The interview can be downloaded as a 10 MB .mp3 file, or streamed via RealPlayer.
• Massive Assault X2
  There's a Massive Assault Q&A on Jeux-PC.com (also available in French) and another Massive Assault Q&A on Australian Game Zone. The Jeux-PC Q&A is with an unnamed member of Wargaming.net and discusses the backstory of their upcoming turn-based strategy game, comparisons with C&C, management, the graphics, and more. The AGZ conversation is with Victor Kislyi, and topics include comparisons with other TBS titles, turn phases, units, resources, and more.
• Imperium Galactica III
  HomeLan Fed's Imperium Galactica III Q&A talks with Mithis Games' Robert Sugar about their upcoming installment in this science fiction game series. They discuss the game's story, races, star systems, professions, combat, graphics, future plans to merge Mithis and Philos, multiplayer support, and more.
• Postal 2
  The Postal 2 Q&A on ActionTrip talks with Vince "Dice" Desi of Running with Scissors about their upcoming Unreal-engine Postal sequel. Topics include the game, milk, and of course, all manner of envelope-pushing outrageousness. The Q&A is accompanied by what they claim is an exclusive gameplay movie.

RPG Vault's Lethal Dreams Development Report #2 features project director Alexey Alexeev of Ukrainian developer Boolat describing how the design ideas for their upcoming RPG have evolved during the life of the project, discussing the process of analyzing concepts in light of the spirit of the game, and what causes one idea to give way in favor of a newer one, offering specific examples of problems they've solved and other changes they've made along the way.

There's a SimCity 4 Preview on GameSpot describing what's new and different about the next installment in the classic city-building series, as well as aspects of the successful formula Maxis will not be changing. They discuss how the emergence of the SimCity-inspired Sims is influencing the project, the way cities now interact with their regions, newfound variety in city types, new interface options, maintaining balance, new buildings, improved graphics, and more.

This Sierra FTP directory now offers downloads of a Mace Griffin Bounty Hunter trailer in a higher and a lower quality version in a choice of QuickTime or Windows Media Player formats. The files are mirrored on 3D Gamers. There's also a new Highland Warriors trailer showing off the game of Scottish combat in German on Gamer's Hell. Meanwhile, Gamer's Hell has also posted local copies of new trailers showing off gameplay from Speed Challenge and Lock-On.

• G.I. Combat
  A new version 1.02e patch for G.I. Combat is now available, though as 3D Gamers point out with their mirror, the list of changes is the same as for the previous version 1.02d patch.
• Delta Force Land Warrior
  A new version of the Delta Force Land Warrior version 1.00.42 patch is now available, fixing some crash problems with the prior patch, but not iterating the version number. The files for four different language versions of the game are available from the official website, 3D Gamers, and Gamer's Hell.
• Battlecruiser Millennium
  A new version 1.0.08 RC29 patch for the retail version of Battlecruiser Millennium is now available. The patch is hosted by 3D Gamers and mirrored on Gamer' Hell.
• Op Flashpoint: Resistance Beta
  The Operation Flashpoint Website has a new beta version 1.91 patch for Operation Flashpoint: Resistance and the Op Flashpoint GotY edition. "Codemasters and Bohemia Interactive Studio accept no responsibility for problems caused by downloading or installing this patch." A supported non-beta version is also forthcoming. The files are mirrored on 3D Gamers.
• German AquaNox 2
  AquaNox Central is offering downloads of a new beta version 2.13 patch for the German version of AquaNox 2. The new version offers automatic speed adjustment, fixes a few bugs, and more. Thanks YiYas. A mirror is up on 3D Gamers.
• German Grom
  A new version 1.1 patch for the German version of Grom has been released by Rebelmind. The file is also available from 3D Gamers.

Exactly one year following the release of the Windows version, the Macintosh demo for Return to Castle Wolfenstein is now available. The 108 MB demo offers single-player play only, and requires OS X.

• A Tale in the Desert on RPG Vault.
• FireStarter on Action Vault.
• Gothic II on Worthplaying.
• Lionheart on RPG Vault.
• Speedway Grand Prix on Blackhole Motorsports.

Xbox may boost Microsoft earnings (thanks Mike Martinez) has word that "Microsoft should see its current quarter results lifted by the strong holiday season performance of its Xbox video game console and related game software, an analyst said Wednesday."

• Microsoft warns of Java flaws. Thanks Mike Martinez.
• The Wi-Fi Boom (NY Times free registration required). Thanks Jonathan C. Forster.

A thread on the 3D Buzz Forums has word that they will be creating some of their video tutorials for Unreal Tournament 2003 with official approval of Epic Games. Like their predecessors, these videos will be freely distributed.

The Starfleet Command III Model Contest "will run for 8 weeks with a new winner selected every other Friday." Also, there are some CPL interviews on GameZone, where they talk with CPL head Angel Munoz and with competitors Siege and SirScoots. Meanwhile, the CPL has also released a floorplan for their Winter event.

The Boomer Employment Page has a listing of the openings that Frozen Lung is looking to fill as they create their upcoming ballistic nuclear submarine simulator.

• Arx Fatalis on AllOutGames.
• Fighter Ace 3.5 on PC.IGN.com.
• MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries on 3DAvenue.
• No One Lives Forever 2: A Spy in H.A.R.M.'s Way on GamersClick.
• Silent Hill 2 on Games Domain.
• The Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal on RPG Vault.

• Acer AL922 LCD Monitor on Digit-Life.
• Antec 330w True Power PSU on OCAddiction.com.
• Antec 80mm Variable Speed SmartFan Remote on Bjorn3d.com.
• Antec Plusview 1000AMG Case on MonkeyReview.
• Asetek VapoChill Mk2 Premium Edition Cooler on [H]ardOCP and Overclockers Australia.
• ASUS P4G8X Motherboard on [H]ardOCP.
• Coolermaster VAC-H81 Cooler on UK Gamer.
• EPoX 8K9A2+ Motherboard on NeoSeeker.
• Gigabyte GA8PE667-Pro Motherboard on OverclockersClubCanada.
• Gigabyte MAYA II GV-R9500 64MB on HardwareZone.com.
• i845PE Motherboard Shootout on HotHardware.
• MAGNUM Graphic Cards Water Cooler on Tobitech.
• Saitek X45 Digital Throttle + Joystick on gamingNEXT.
• Sapphire Ultimate RADEON 9700 Atlantis Pro Video Card on got apex?
• Shuttle’s SK41G XPC Chassis on GamePC.
• Socket A Motherboard Comparison on bit-tech 4.
• Superflower SF-402 Aluminum Case on [M]adshrimps.
• Vantec Nexus NXP101 MultiFunction Controller on FrostyTech.com.
• Xoxide Mods PC Tachometer on Overclocker Warehouse.

• A Trailer Park Tycoon demo is available for download from FilePlanet (registration required) and Gamer's Hell...
• Wired 11.01 The Unreal Estate Boom (thanks Mike Martinez). On MMORPG economics...
• Honduras bans Quake etc. on The Register (thanks Jamie), "The move comes in reaction to rising levels of violent crime in the country"...
• The Zoo Tycoon Downloads Page now offers an Atlantis Theme Pack for free download...

It's getting on to chili season here in the Blue Tower, as I am gearing up to fix my first fiery feast of the winter. For those looking to play along at home, here's Blue's Own Texas-style Chili Recipe (just please heed the warnings about habanero peppers). Although I have never entered it into a contest, this is now officially an "award wining" recipe, as a couple of readers have used it to win local cook-offs. One recent messageboard comment from one of those award winners described a bit of meat substitution that he used on his variation, which included bacon, which I think I will add to the mix this time around to see how that comes out. A final thought on the subject of hot food: my latest hot sauce discovery is Tropical Pepper Company's Green Jalapeno Sauce, which is not overpoweringly hot, but is quite flavorful, and can be added to a wide variety of foods. MrsBlue thinks I'm over-focused on this stuff, because every time we're at the supermarket they only have one bottle of this on display, which I buy every time, because I'm convinced this means it's been discontinued and this is my last chance to get some... meaning I now have about eight bottles in reserve (which is not a terrible thing either... it's always good to have back-ups).

Play Time:	Bike Trials returns, with new physics tweaks. Thanks D2.
Link of the Day:	Video Review: Turkish Star Trek. Thanks Rade.
Stories of the Day:	Aunt is shot, stabbed after nephew complains about chili. Thanks Dan Ledbetter. Obviously not my recipe.
Wild Science:	El Niño to bring warmer winter to Northern U.S.. Thanks Mike Martinez. Not Again!! Butterflies point to micro machines. Thanks Mike Martinez.
Weird Science:	Fish's re-grown heart gives hope for humans. Thanks [MP] Wolverine [MP].
Media of the Day:	SmilePop's Internet Soapbox (Flash required). Thanks Kenneth Cheung. Man Catches Fire While Pumping Gas. Thanks Roy Garza. They have warnings about this on every pump.
Images of the Day:	Gender Bending. Thanks Ben Lowry.
Follow-up:	Segway Owners a Small, Happy Club. Thanks Mike Martinez.