In PC news, Microsoft announced an expansion pack for the fantasy RPG, Dungeon Siege, the expansion pack will not be released until late this year. Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna will have all new characters, maps, campaigns, spells, weapons, and some other really cool additions. As you already know, Vivendi has announced the prequel to No One Lives Forever 2, which will be titled Contract J.A.C.K. The prequel will include an all new storyline and experience, but it should not disappoint NOLF lovers. The game will include online gameplay, new weapons, vehicles and all kinds of other cool stuff.

The official release date has not been announced yet but it should be released in late 2003. With so much other news this one really stands out for me, Rockstar has announced the sequel to Max Payne, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne. To check out some news and updates check it out here. The official release will be sometime this autumn. EA has released a downloadable map for Battlefield 1942 entitled the Battle of Britain. With new weapons and massive aerial fighting this should be a rockin map. To download it go here. Along those lines, EA has announced Battlefield Vietnam. Its obvious that EA will be using the same engine from BF 1942 for BF Vietnam, but with a different storyline and time. The hype has been much for this awaited title, so keep looking for that in the future.

In console news, Xbox Live has released another new map for Return to Castle Wolfenstien: Tides of War. Activision and id Software will release the final map later this summer. With the final episode in the trilogy due out this November, EA is excited to release the anticipated title Lord of The Rings: Return of the King. EA has stated that it will be a lot more action packed with better visual graphics, and co-op game play. EA has said they have out done themselves from their previous title "The Two Towers." ROTK will be released this November on PS2 and Xbox. EA is also gearing up for a new year in sports games with Madden 2004 along with NCAA 2004. I personally cannot wait for NCAA 04, last years title was amazing. I can't wait to see what EA has put into the 04 titles. Ubi Soft will release the first FPS that uses cell shaded graphics. The title XIII will have online gameplay and will be available on all consoles. Keep your eyes open for this title, it looks like its going to rule. With street games being a hit, why not just go another step further with NFL Streets. Yes football like the good ol days. Choose from NFL former legends to present NFL stars. Play on various locations from your front lawn to the asphalt, and even the rooftops. This new addition to the street genre should be due o ut early in 2004. Midway has announced a new FPS entitled Area 51. Area 51 will support online gameplay for the PS2 and the Xbox and will be released in 2004. In mobile gaming news, The Sims are due to hit the GBA along with the Power Puff Girls this winter. THQ will release a Star Wars Flight Simulator for the GBA this summer. Make sure you folks save up some cahs for the weeks to come. Theirs going to be a massive release in games so be prepared for some reviews.

Well folks that's all I got for gaming news to wrap up the WIR. Please check out the WIR next week as Soda has a few things to rant about in the gaming world. Again folks, make sure you check us out in a few weeks at the Austin Gaming Expo on the 26th , for it will be so PHAT!!! Also the hammer will be dropped pretty soon on you Snackbarians and will witness some fresh new stuff to the site. See you peeps on the flip side!!