As a Christmas present, CryTek released three new screenshots from the highly anticipated shooter. These shots, staying true to the season, showcase the cold environments in the game and show the aliens for the first time. Enjoy.

As of this writing, the PlayStation Network is down. The online network for Sony’s PlayStation 3 is supposed to have been taken down by the early release of Gran Turismo HD, which clocks in at over 1GB. Apparently, everyone is trying to download the demo, causing severe overload for Sony.

Please refer to this story for more information on the free release.

Earlier this month it was confirmed that Gran Turismo HD would be released as a free demo in Japan. Now, Sony has announced that it will also be available for free to North Americans, starting December 24, for a “limited” amount of time, however.

Based on Gran Turismo 4, this demo runs in 1080p resolution and features online leaderboards, although there is no online multiplayer. GT HD supports video replay uploading as well, and will include the following ten cars and one track - the Eiger Nordwand - which will be available in reverse mode too.

• Suzuki Cappucino
  
• Mazda Eunos Roadster
  
• Honda Integra TYPE R
  
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR
  
• Infiniti G35 Coupe
  
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR
  
• Lotus Elise 111R
  
• Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Vspec II
  
• Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car
  
• Ferrari 599

Originally planned for release as a full PS3 title, Polyphony Digital wanted to focus on a true sequel to GT4 instead of working on a stopgap. No information has yet been released on Gran Turismo 5, and nothing is expected until late next year or 2008.

Worried your Xbox 360 might break before the warranty is over? Microsoft has you covered: the company has announced that it has expanded the warranty coverage of the Xbox 360 from 90 days to one full year; this applies to both the United States and Canada, and applies to those who have already purchased a console and are within one year of their ownership. The warranty applies only to the console itself, with accessories still retaining their 90 days coverage.

Microsoft noted that customers who have paid for repairs within the last year can expect reimbursement checks for the amount of their console hardware repairs in approximately 10 weeks. The whole process is automatic; therefore customers will not need to contact Microsoft directly regarding the matter.