Bioware announced this afternoon that Mass Effect will be released for the PC in May 2008. Published by EA and re-designed for the PC, Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction. Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling storyline.

This could potentially cause quite a stir among many gamers. BigPond have officially announced that Pirates of the Burning Sea will be distributed for free to Australians when the game is released on 27th February 2008.

Gamers are told to pre-register at BigPond's Game Area Website where they'll be the first in line to download one of the 100,000 copies of the game. Once you've registered and received your copy you'll be able to use a seven day trial subscription, but after those seven days are up you'll be required to pay $15.95 per month if you want to continue playing.

Square Enix general manager, Taku Murata, will be hosting a special GDC 2008 session entitled, “The Technology of Final Fantasy”.

Murata will be talking about the new common technology platform which will be a new game engine that is to be used across a range of titles. Final Fantasy XII is thought to be using this new engine, but we now know that Square is also developing a new MMO title that will take advantage of it.

Simon Priest played Pirates of the Burning Sea from Flying Lab Software. With not too much to choose from when it comes to Pirate-based MMO's, does Flying Lab Software's title give one all that's needed to satisfy one's swashbuckling, fortune seeking desires? Read the review to see what he author thinks.

Read the Pirates of the Burning Sea review.

Ubisoft announced this morning that Assassin's Creed on the PC will contain new content that isn't available to console users when it's released in March 2008.

Ubisoft have entitled this the Director's cut edition, and gamers will have access to four new types of investigations, providing additional ways for players to explore the various locations of the Third Crusade.

Funcom and Eidos announced this morning that over 500,000 gamers from all over the world have signed up to become a member of the Age of Conan: Hydorian Adventures community by either joining the ongoing beta test or by signing up to the Clan of Conan official fan club.

“The massive attention Age of Conan is generating throughout the international gaming community is simply amazing,” says Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas. “The game seems to be already striking a chord with gamers across the world and we are thrilled and motivated by all the positive feedback we have been getting from both the press and the community.”

Linden Research, Inc has released the latest client files for their virtual world "game" Second Life. If one is unfamiliar, Second Life is similar to The Sims, but much more life-like in scope.

Download Second Life 1.18.5.3.

We've published 13 new screenshots for Jumpgate Evolution, which is in development by NetDevil and is currently set for release on the PC.

ESTsoft has finished the closed beta testing of their MMORPG Cabal Online. The game is now available for download, but will not be playable until 1 Feb, 2008.

Download Cabal Online.

The Adventure Company brings to you another game based off of an Agatha Christie novel. Evil Under the Sun follows the recurring protagonist Hercule Poirot, this time investigating the murder of an actress on a tropical island paradise.

Download Agatha Christie - Evil Under the Sun demo.