Not long after Grand Theft Auto 4 (Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3) rocked the world, and a few weeks before Metal Gear Solid 4 does the same, we're left with several decent titles that can't be dubbed as mere distractions. This week marks the release of Myst on the Nintendo DS, while Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King is set to build a kingdom on the Wii. The rest await at the full article, so hit that jump!

* Article originally posted May 12, 2008 at 12:05AM

Here's a heads up for all our European readers out in QJ land. If you want to get a hold of portable versions of your favorite board games, then you're in luck. We've recently found out that Ultimate Board Game Collection is now out in Europe. Learn more about this release after the jump!

It's been two months since you guys feasted your eyes on the PSP trailer video for Empire Interactive's upcoming racing title, Ford Racing Off Road. That particular video might have left you guys wanting more, but today's update will fill you up just right with the Tracks Trailer. Catch the clip after the jump!

Remember PipeMania (a.k.a. Pipe Dream), folks? It's back, and the plumbing problem is worse than ever. Prepare for the flooze when the game hits this summer. Details on the game in the full article. You might also want to read the full article if you don't know what flooze is.

In this day and age of next-generation gaming, we can't help but reminisce about the good ol' days where gaming was more simple, but oftentimes more fulfilling. So when we heard that Empire Interactive is going to bring PipeMania to the current consoles, we can't help but flash a sentimental smile. Check out more details in the full article.

Henry Ford was certainly a great visionary during his time, but we wonder what he would've thought if he had known that certain 4WD vehicles would bear his name and be part of a racing game many years later - Ford Racing Off Road, to be exact. While Ford may no longer be able to watch this little video that Empire Interactive has cooked up, you certainly can. It's waiting for you in the full article, right after the jump.

Ford Racing Off Road. The title says it all really. Ford Racing Off Road is the latest installment to the Ford video game franchise from Empire Interactive. Read more in the full article.

Valcon Games LLC's Ultimate Board Game Collection for the Sony PSP, Sony PS2, and Nintendo Wii will finally see the light of day in Europe and in all PAL territories Q1 2008 as Empire Interactive takes responsibility to publish the game outside North America. The Sony PSP version of the game has 24 classic board games while the Nintendo Wii version has 12 games players will enjoy more with the Wiimote. Check out the full article to see what games are included in the collection.

And the Games Convention Developers Conference (GCDC) for 2007 is rolling to a good start as another company has officially announced, via press wire, games that will be offered for gamers, media and retailers at the Leipzig Business Center come late August. Deep Silver (X3: Reunion Game of the Year Edition, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos) and its partners have listed ANNO 1701, Ferrari Challenge, Final Fantasy Tactics, Secret Files 2, Flatout Ultimate Carnage, Heroes of Mana, Perry Rhodan, and Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria as featured games for gamers.

 

ANNO 1701 is Deep Silver's upcoming add-on to the ANNO (PC) real-time strategy series, published by Ubisoft. Ferrari Challenge (PlayStation 3, DS, Wii), published by System 3, will be there to tout realistic modeling and racing simulations of the Italian sports car and the motor sports series of the same name.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War (PSP) under Square Enix' supervision will also be at the Leipzig Convention, enticing fans of the Square Enix Final Fantasy and tactical action persuasion to give the game a try over handheld. Mystery fans might want to to stop by to take a gander at the sequel to the classic German adventure Secret Files: Tunguska, Secret Files 2 (PC) - the predecessor being a winner of several local and regional game of the year awards.

And if you're a fan of Mana, you could check out Heroes of Mana (DS), a real-time strategy title published by Square Enix and based on the Mana series. Empire Interactive's Flatout Ultimate Carnage (Xbox 360) will be smashing its way to Leipzig, too, after a well-anticipated, timely launch for the destructive driving title.

Perry Rhodan (PC) will feature the famous astronaut of the same name in a fictional adventure game published by Brain Game. And if Heavenly Sword coming out for the PlayStation 3 just shattered your day, worry not, because Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria (PS2) by Square Enix will be brandished at the event to satisfy the Sony current generation console gamers.

But wait, Deep Silver isn't done yet, because more games will be announced when the second part of the European-centric trade fair highlights by the developer is polished before the curtains rise by August 23. Catch them, and their games, at stand A12 of Hall 3 of the Leipzig Business Center.

 

Is it just us or did you notice that today is turning out to be "Confirmation Day?" Empire Interactive just released a few important details regarding FlatOut: Total Carnage and likewise, THQ verified the rumors surrounding Saints Row and its appearance on PlayStation 3. Even Nokia itself had a workshop with devs and pubs concerning N-Gage II.

This time, it is Sega's turn to confirm the release date for its much awaited game Sonic and the Secret Rings. Well, it was released on Xbox 360 a couple of months ago and the PS3 version is expected on March 27. Now, the release date for this title had been sorta controversial. Sega is still marking it under Q1 of 2007 while some are saying that February 20 or 27 should be the date.

For the record, Sega has released an update and announced that Sonic and the Secret Rings will be available in retail stores on February 20. Its suggested retail price is US$ 49.99 and was rated E by ESRB. There. We don't want you hanging around stores on the 27th, okay?