Week of June 11, 2006

We've been busy little bees here at GPM. We have another round of game reviews posted. We know how bored you get over the weekend. ;)

Gamespot has announced they will be hosting the Prey demo that due out next week.

GameSpot is proud to announce the world premiere of the Prey single-player and multiplayer demo. Defy the law of nature with gravity flipping, a feature that allows you to walk on ceilings and turns deathmatch mode upside-down. Explore unreachable areas with wall walking, and transport from one sphere to another through space-bending portals. With all these unique gameplay elements, you don't want to miss this highly anticipated FPS demo!

The demo will be available on Wednesday, June 21 at 9:00 pm PT.

The Prey demo will have one hour of gameplay and includes both a single-player mode and two multiplayer maps.

We also have five new high-res screenshots that 2K Games just released.

Another round of game reviews for you to enjoy.

Heroes of Might and Magic V for the PC

Half-Life 2: Episode One for the PC

Urban Chaos: Riot Response for the PlayStation 2

MLB Slugfest 2006 for the PlayStation 2

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for the PlayStation 2

Stardock Entertainment today released version 1.2 of its award-winning space-based strategy game, Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords. The second official update adds to the game’s already impressive feature list with an improved battle system, upgraded artificial intelligence, a huge number of user-interface enhancements, extensive modding support and more. The update is available via Stardock Central or as a direct download at GalCiv2.com.

An example mod is included in the v1.2 update, allowing would-be game designers to experience the vastness of the game’s modding options, with a new game interface, technologies, map features, starship modules, political parties and much more. A list of the more than 400 changes and improvements included in Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords v1.2 can be found here.

Galactic Civilizations II is the sequel to Stardock's hit turn-based strategy game of the same name. The game takes place in the distant future where mankind has become a space-faring civilization and now must contend with other galactic powers who strive for domination in the galaxy. For more info, visit GalCiv2.com or purchase the game online at TotalGaming.net.

2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., announced today that Major League Baseball® 2K6 for Nintendo GameCube™, the only official MLB® video game for the platform, is now available in stores across North America. Nintendo GameCube baseball fans will now be able to enjoy all of the landmark new features, high visual quality and innovative gameplay Major League Baseball 2K6 offers.

GameCube fans can now enjoy Major League Baseball 2K6, the most comprehensive baseball experience to date,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “With great control mechanics, fluid visuals, and unique features, Major League Baseball 2K6 is the most fun, authentic baseball game ever published for the Nintendo GameCube.”

Major League Baseball 2K6 for Nintendo GameCube features standard-setting innovations including Inside Edge™- powered A.I., Swing Stick™ batting control, the all-new Payoff Pitching™ system, and commentary from Jon Miller and Hall of Fame legend Joe Morgan. The most comprehensive franchise mode with all-new trading tools as well as the inclusion of the World Baseball Classic™ round out the most complete baseball title to date.

Major League Baseball 2K6 is rated “E” for Everyone and is the only officially licensed Major League Baseball video game available on every major gaming console, including Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system, and the Nintendo GameCube™.

The Nintendo GameCube version is now available for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

We have some exciting news for all you casual gamers out there. Alawar Entertainment is running a tournament where you can win some great prizes. Here are the details:

Alawar Entertainment is proud to announce the worldwide Mysteries of Horus tournament. Several prizes are on the line, including an Olympus 6MP Digital Camera for the winner and free Alawar games for several runner-ups! Mysteries of Horus is a casual puzzle game based on shape recognition. To learn more, visit http://puzzle.alawar.com/games/mysteries-of-horus/. The contest will run from June 9, 2006 through July 1, 2006.

Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment industry publisher and developer, today announced that Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War™, the innovative, hero–driven real–time strategy (RTS) game that allows gamers to control history's greatest generals, has shipped to stores nationwide, and is available for play on personal computers.

In Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War, players can choose from four of the ancient world's mightiest empires – Persia, Greece, Egypt or Rome – and then engage in awe-inspiring feats of heroism by joining troops during climactic battles, using an action/adventure-style third-person perspective to personally impact the outcome as Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra or other heroic and historic leaders.

"Rise & Fall is a graphically–stunning and easily–accessible game, offering something for strategy gamers of all levels," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "Rise & Fall's single–player campaigns and various multi–player modes feature a number of new innovations in addition to traditional RTS gameplay, including intuitive yet highly–detailed naval battles and, of course, Hero Command."

Today we have eight new game review for you.