Not the town – Google pointed it out to me on a map with a few clicks – but the game, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat. You see, GSC Game World’s latest entry to the cult-like franchise was released last Tuesday to much excitement and more than a few good review scores. Unfortunately, with the exception of a few copies scattered about like artifacts, the game seems to be missing in action. It cannot be located on any of the popular digital distributors, such as Steam or Direct2Drive, nor are copies turning up in the usual retail outlets (albeit, Target seems to have somehow scored the biggest load so far - go figure).

I find it ironic that a game that puts the player in the occupation of a post-apocalyptic scavenger has, in reality, put S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fans in the same occupation! It is more than a little amusing to peruse the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. forums and find players gathered around the virtual campfire talking about their often failed but occasionally successful attempts to...

Sword of the Stars was one of those quirky games that took a few expansions to find its feet, but once it did, the game shined as one of the best 4X strategy games to grace the PC.  It wasn’t just that it combined gameplay similar to the popular Total War series (i.e., turn-based strategy with real time battles), but also because it was clearly crafted by people who loved science fiction as much as they did gaming.  If you haven’t tried Sword of the Stars, I urge you to put on your space helmet and give it a try!  Or you could also read my review here.  Or my four part AAR here.  (Can you tell I really like this game?)

Not surprisingly, Kerberos Studios has now announced a sequel!

The recently launched joint venture between THQ and ICE Entertainment focusing on free-to-play online games, today launched Dekard, the brand new game server for the critically acclaimed, free-to-play MMO Dragonica Online. THQ*ICE welcomes players of all free-to-play MMO games to experience the best 3D side-scrolling game of the year in the new server.

Dekard provides Dragonica Online players a fresh start to begin their journeys anew with friends. To commemorate the launch of the new server there will be several special in-game events including experience boosts, gifts, races and new missions. In addition, new users that register during the launch of the new server will be automatically entered into the Dragonica Online Water Series Game Card Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $2,500 Best Buy gift card and limited edition Dragonica Online Water Series Game Cards loaded with ICE Cash.

Square Enix today announces FRONT MISSION EVOLVED, developed by Double Helix Games, will be available on the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC in Spring 2010.

The first of its kind in the series, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED is an action-packed Third-Person Shooter and the next instalment in the classic FRONT MISSION franchise. Players will take full control of the Wanzer, a massive humanoid, fully customizable war machine, in single player campaign and online multi-player.

Featuring Hollywood style production values and a totally immersive storyline, players are thrust deep into a swirl of destruction, conspiracy and crumbling alliances, and battle through intense combat situations as man strives to create the ultimate humanoid fighting machine in a war against terror.

Larry Sparks, Vice President Brands PAL Region of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “We’re pleased to be releasing the...