A new version 0.3 of UTMap is up on Unreality. UTMap is a utility that will rename and save maps to your map folder that you download in-game, can build maplists for DM, CTF, Domination, Assault and LMS training sessions and servers, gives the ability to play DM or LMS on any CTF, Assault, or Domination map, play CTF on any DM map (no flags, no captures), and more.

A new version 2.09 patch for BattleCruiser 3000 is available from the Galcom News Network. The new patch is believed to be the "last update to a legendary product," and offers "a couple of minor fixes and a few more enhancements to certain areas in flight dynamics, power allocation, threat systems etc." as well as two new Tour Of Duty mission scenarios, consisting of six brand new advanced missions. The update about the patch goes into a bit about the future plans for the series, which currently center around the upcoming BattleCruiser Millennium.

This bash script on LinuxGames (direct link) can be used by Linux UT server operators to properly link Unreal Tournament's map files from the CD to the UT map directory in the way the game expects. By using this script, Linux UT server administrators need not copy the map files to the server's hard drive. Thanks Jacek Fedoryñski.

There's a new installment of the Vampire The Masquerade--Redemption Design Log on RPGVault, this time authored by Maarten Kraaijvanger of Nihilistic's art department talking about designing elements for their upcoming third-person game that celebrates the joys of parasitism. Thanks Voodoo Extreme.

Better than yesterday, but undeniably a two-bit update:

• A new version 2.6 of the PowerStrip video card/monitor control utility is now available. Thanks 3D Files and Manuel Franz. The new version offers unified Win95-Win2K support.
• The Creative Labs 3D Annihilator Pro is reviewed on RIVA 3D.

The version 1.04 source code for the CronosBots for Hexen II is now available, apparently significantly changed, "so don't expect simple comparability, etc." Also available as a separate download is "a new version of the Hexen2 HexenC compiler hcc, which will exceed the 65536 statements."

• Age of Wonders on Adrenaline Vault.
• Driver on GameArena.Net.
• Half-Life: Opposing Force on Screaming3D.
• Odium on Adrenaline Vault.
• Quake III Arena on GameWire.Org and PCGN.
• Revenant on Glide Underground.
• Unreal Tournament versus Quake III Arena on Window Planet.
• Unreal Tournament on Damage Gaming and PCGN.

• ATFW interviews Peter Lazarus of Exile Entertainment, currently at work on Genesis Gate, a single-player and multi-player space sim...
• The Counter-Strike website has tips on editing your cfg for this Half-Life mod if you are have the problems some are reporting with increased lag. Thanks Concrete. Speaking of CS, 3D Palette interviews Gooseman about the mod, and what's up with beta 5...
• Synchroplay has made their monthly update to their extensive skin libraries, which now include nine Unreal Tournament Skins, 197 TRIBES skins, 344 Kingpin skins, as well as over 1500 Roller Coaster Tycoon Rides, and 25 NASCAR Racing 3 Paint Schemes...
• The TeamTNT Homepage has the release of hub one of Doom2000, their "megawad" for ZDoom (only), consisting of seven levels in a hub format. Thanks Jacek Fedoryñski...
• Speaking of TeamTNT, 3D Alpha interviews Mark Klem, talking with this musician whose work can be found in the famed Memento Mori and Memento Mori II Doom TCs...

Wow, the combination of the turning of the New Year and the weekend has made for what would so far seem to be a record slow news weekend. Hopefully one of the things this indicates is what a good time celebrating everyone is having. I finally got to the final level on Quake III Arena, and while I'm not going to give up hope without giving it some more effort, I have a feeling I am never going to beat that Xaero character on the Hardcore skill level, which makes me boggle at those of you who can take him out on nightmare... I feel like a duck in a shooting gallery .

Link of the Day: DSigns.com. Compare their disclaimers about Y2K compliance with their Y2K countdown calculator. Thanks Bradley "Producer" Ouimette.
Bonus Link: Cassini Now. Thanks Ron. Disclaimers or not, I suppose it's funnier when the date glitch occurs at NASA. After all, they are rocket scientists...
Story of the Day: Chernobyl virus author lands at Taiwan tech firm (CNET). Thanks Phil "Cain" Hall. "Our chairman felt he was a rare computer professional and we decided to accept him with an open heart,'' said Wahoo spokeswoman Vivi Wang.
Bonus Story: Prison guards sacked over birthday spanking of inmate. Thanks Nick.