Post a video or screenshot of your best trick/run on Amped 3, and you could win a Xbox 360 console. The second place will receive a prize pack that includes the Amped 3 game and a Yamaha-branded hat and t-shirt. The contest will last until May 1rst, 2006. Visit this thread for details.

The latest version of Ultima V: Lazarus, a true from-the-ground-up remake of the classic RPG Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny powered by the Dungeon Siege engine, is now available for download. Enjoy :)

Codemasters released a teaser trailer along with some screenshots from ArchLord, an epic adventure in which players band together as they quest for the ancient relics of the Archons. Each relic bestows incredible power on those who possess it and when relics are combined they deliver ultimate mastery over the fundamental forces of creation for there can only be one Archlord. Developed by NHN Games, Archlord will be available across North America and Europe during Q3, 2006.

Electronic Arts confirmed that the Xbox version of Black, the latest game developed by Criterion Software, is now backwards compatible with the Xbox 360. When you will insert the Xbox version of the game in your Xbox 360, you will be prompted to download the latest backwards compatibility update which requires Internet Connection, Xbox Live account and hard drive or MU. Black will then be playable on the Xbox 360.

Frogster Interactive released the Bet on Soldier dedicated server for Windows, which doesn't require a game CD to run. They also state that work continues on a third patch, planned for this April and that next week we will be able to see the first screens from B.o.S. Blood OF Sahara, an add-on shipping on May 31st.

The Steam news section now informs that preloading for SiN Episodes should begin soon and that new updates to Counter-Strike: Source will arrive in the near future in the form of new models and a HDR version of de_dust.

The Heavy Duty website is reporting a Q4 2006 release for this 3rd person action shooter under development at Primal Software (thanks: Blues) - you will pilot a huge and devastating battle robot through a non-linear story-driven campaign with hundreds of fierce battles against a host of enemies to final victory. The game is set on a real spherical and fully interactive planet, where you can move every little rock, climb every mountain, and destroy any object. Your chief opponent is an evil dictator who has gathered a tremendous armada of villains from all over the Galaxy and is preparing to attack your home world. Your mission is to foil this evil scheme by crushing the scoundrel and his army. Check these new screenshots.

Stardock Entertainment announced that Xpand Rally is now available for purchase on TotalGaming.net, ahead of the game's retail release in North America. TotalGaming.net members will be able to purchase the game for $19.99 or for two tokens. Just visit their website for more details.

LucasArts sent us the second in a series of feature stories about LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, the sequel in the works at Traveller’s Tales. This second diary presents the plans and efforts to improve the characters from the original game, Lego Star Wars, released last spring (press 'read more' for details). LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (working title) follows the Rebel Alliance’s battle to dismantle the Galactic Empire and rebuild a galaxy in pieces. For the first time ever, levels feature vehicles and creatures that players can ride or exit at will. Also, in LEGO Star Wars II’s Free Play mode, gamers can customize more than 50 new playable characters by mixing and matching body parts, to build their own LEGO Star Wars heroes. Thre new screenshots have been added in our gallery.

Our Stranger gallery has been updated with new screenshots from this game developed by Fireglow Ltd and scheduled for Q3 2007. Stranger is a RTS game with elements of RPG with a world created in a traditional fantasy style. It is split in two parts, the surface one and subterranean one, which are in a tenuous balance. These parts are different in appearance and each one dictates its own rules of living. The lower world is dark, quiet and stern; it attracts you with its mysteries and treasures. The upper world is cold and full of light, it has more life and more conflicts. The opposition and co-operation of the upper and lower worlds create the battleground for the player and provide numerous opportunities for the character development. The economical model includes constant movement of resources from the lower part of the world to the upper one and vice-versa, which requires constant interaction of the two parts. Resource and equipment trading, recruiting fighters and magicians and manufacture of the armor and weapons are an integral part of the game. Pres 'read more' for details about the game.

New beautiful screenshots from Test Drive Unlimited have been added in our gallery, illustrating the exterior and interior of the legendary automobile Aston Martin, featured in this racing game in the works at Eden Games (press 'read more' for details). Test Drive Unlimited will offer more than 125 licensed vehicles from exclusive manufacturers including Lamborghini, Ducati, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Saleen, Shelby, and Jaguar. It will also feature more than 1000 miles of Hawaiian roads, and realistic cars and bikes. Test Drive Unlimited will be released by Atari for Xbox 360 and PC. The Xbox 360 version is planned for an earlier summer release, while the PC version will be available this fall.

MindArk announced the release of Project Entropia’s Version Update (VU8.2) which includes various player tools for developing a variety of interactive online advertising campaigns and live content, including the creation and hosting of assorted events such as contests, conferences, shows and more. We remind you that a recently announced partnership with Massive Incorporated allows MindArk, Project Entropia game developer, to now offer virtual and real world businesses access to a massively growing online gaming market through its innovative in-game ad program (story).

Midway Games Inc. announced that NBA Ballers: Phenom has shipped for Xbox and is scheduled to be available on April 5 for PS2 - the PSP version is scheduled for release on May 2. NBA Ballers: Phenom is a sports video game that introduces an entirely new open world and interactive environment, featuring an exciting story mode and even more player customization opportunities than its predecessor, NBA Ballers, released in 2004. For the first time ever in the NBA Ballers franchise, the NBA Ballers: Phenom story mode allows the unique opportunity to develop both on and off-the-court adventures. Players can follow the Baller’s dream by getting noticed on the court and drafted into the NBA, as well as become an entrepreneur off-the-court complete with clothing line, record label and movie deal.

Pocketwatch Games released an updated demo for Wildlife Tycoon: Venture Africa, giving you a new opportunity to try out their sim game set in the African Serengeti. Players build a unique ecosystem by buying and breeding animals and by balancing the food and water needs of each diverse species.

A new week, a new load of news, a new load of downloads. Check out the most important articles and most popular downloads of this week in our weekly summary. Welcome to Best of the Week 27 March - April 1st.

Top Stories

CDV announced that ÜberSoldier, the WWI FPS developed by Burut CT, has shipped to stores across North Ameria. UberSoldier promises tactical supernatural powers, a veritable arsenal of historically based weaponry and rich mission diversity. Check out the original article here.

Steel Monkeys released a new batch of screenshots from 2 Days to Vegas, a 3rd person action-adventure game for the PC. 2 Days to Vegas promises car chases, shootouts and unexpected twists. The action is set in several major cities across the USA and takes place during an intense 48 hour period. Check out the screenshots here and the full article can be found here.

EA has released some new screenshots from Battlefield 2: Modern Combat, a FPS for the Xbox 360 which is sheduled for April 11th. In Battlefield 2: Modern Combat you will fight for one of three military superpowers: the United States, China, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of any of the game's 30+ vehicles. You can check out the original article here.

Eidos Interactive announced that Tomb Raider: Legend has gone Gold and will be available in North American stores on April 11th, for PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360 and PC. The sexy Lara Croft's character model will feature natural structure, realistic textures, detailed facial features, reactive eyes and fluid motion. Her equipment will consist of magnetic grappling device, binoculars, frag grenades, personal lighting device and communications equipment. The original article can be found here.

EA has released another batch of screenshots but this time from Battlefield 2142, illustrating the next installment in the Battlefield franchise. The game is sheduled to ship this winter for PC only. Check out the full article here.

Downloads of the Week
New demos, trailers, patches and much more have been released this week. Here is a list of the most popular files.

Demos:

Condemned: Criminal Origins Demo

Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII Demo

Tomb Raider: Legend Demo

GTI Racing Demo

Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends Demo

Patches:

Battlefield 2 v1.22 Patch

World of Warcraft v1.10.0 UK Patch

Trailers:

Crysis GDC 2006 Hi-Res Trailer

CellFactor Trailer #2

Black & White 2: Battle of the Gods Trailer

Hitman: Blood Money Trailer #5

Terra: Formations Tech Demo

Game Clients / Programs / Drivers / Mods :

Battlefield 2 Infantry Mod 2 v1.0

Planetside Reserves Client