After having caused a major speculation storm, PC Gamer has confirmed that Diablo 3 is not the big reveal contained within its August 2008 issue. Apparently they’ve got two major announcements in the issue, none of which are from Blizzard, developer of the classic series.

Some new downloadable content is coming to Lost Odyssey this weekend for 400 Microsoft points. The DLC adds a new area along with a single rare item and a new boss encounter at the end. Full details of the ‘Seeker of the Deep’ dungeon pack can be found here.

Square Enix has announced that action-RPG Infinite Undiscovery will be released exclusively for the Xbox 360 in North America on September 2. Europe will get it three days later.

The game has been developed by Star Ocean creator Tri-Ace; it features a real-time world where every decision and action has an impact on the surrounding environment as well as the battle.

Square Enix has announced Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, a remake of the classic SNES RPG for the DS. It is in development at Japanese studio ArtePiazza and will hit North America on September 16.

As expected, the remake features an overhauled 3D graphics engine, new quests and plot developments, as well as a revised battle system.

The publisher additionally put up a new Dragon Quest hub site that lists the logos and translated subtitled for two more DS remakes - Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Maiden and Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie.

Remember how Gothic 4 was rechristened Arcania: A Gothic Tale yesterday? Gamespot follows up on their coverage of the game by offering a preview of the upcoming title, offering a segment that explains the name change for the North American version of the RPG. Here it is:

The name change serves two purposes. First, it hints at a world rich in magic and fantasy. Second, and completely from a marketing perspective, it helps give the Gothic franchise a fresh start in North America, where it has failed to gain significant popularity. And gaining popularity in the good old US-of-A is goal one for DreamCatcher. The team invested months of research into the differences between European and American gaming preferences, so much so that there will be two different color palettes for Arcania: North American (bright and beautiful) and European (muted and gritty). Truth be told, we didn’t notice much of a difference when DreamCatcher stopped by our office to show off a very early build of Arcania, but you have to admire the attention to detail.

The game is due out later this year.

From Gamespot comes word that the fourth installment in the Gothic series has received a new name - it will be known as Arcania: A Gothic Tale in North America. The reason for the name change comes from the series’ unpopularity in the region compared to other territories.

The game is being handled by Spellbound Entertainment this time around instead of being at the hands of series creator Piranha Bytes. Additionally, they revealed that the North American and European versions of the game will feature different color palettes featuring bright and colorful graphics and gritty muted colors, respectively. Apparently, months of research have shown the gaming preferences of either territory, showing that American gamers are more attracted to brightly colored games than their European counterparts.

The Two Worlds universe is being expanded with “The Temptation”, an upcoming add-on that adds a new gameplay feature allowing the player to influence the environment more than before. Players will be able to use chests, barrels and other items to defeat opponents as well as reach higher ground; there are also ladders.

New environments will also be present. Two have been disclosed - a Savannah and a Jungle. “So with ‘The Temptation’ we’ve succeeded in realizing a truly intensive gaming experience - an experience that also includes the refining of the ‘older’ elements together with truly stunning new features,” commented Zuxxez CEO Alexandra Constandache. “When you move objects, for example, the possibilities are almost endless… you can use all your creative talents and enable very interesting quests at the same time.”

Below are the first four screenshots:

KDV Games Company has announced Amphibian Man, an action-RPG based on a popular sci-fi novel by Alexander Belyaev. Here’s the deal:

In the XXI century science has made a breakthrough that has changed humanity forever. Mankind was finally able to function under the water without any kind of equipment. Mankind rushed to explore the underwater universe. But the discovery has also escalated old conflicts and problems. Things are coming to a crisis: the civilization is about to split and global war is about to break out.

Throughout the game the main character and his team will explore the unique and contradictive world of the future, solving mysteries of new civilizations. Colossal conspiracy has bound maverick scientists and their dangerous research, governments and even members of a dark religious cult, and only our hero is able to burst it.

The game is being developed for release on PC and PS3. It is powered by an in-house engine called VistaGame Technology; the game is said to combine hi-tech with futuristic and cyberpunk styles.

Catering to die-hard Final Fantasy fans in Europe and other PAL territories, Square Enix has announced that it will release both Final Fantasy I and Final Fantasy II in the region on February 8, 2008 on the PSP.

The portable version of both games will retell their stories, as well as feature updates including redrawn graphics and character art, all-new dungeons, full widescreen visuals and an updated camera view.

Details on the story and the updated game can be read after the jump.
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Microsoft announced that Mistwalker’s upcoming sci-fi RPG Lost Odyssey will be released for the Xbox 360 on February 12, 2008. Those who pre-order the game will receive a card with a download code for an additional mission and unlockable weapon in-game. The content is said to be made available to the public, but those who have the card will get access starting day one.

While talking to GameDaily BIZ, Microsoft corporate VP of marketing Jeff Bell revealed that Halo 3 has sold more than 5 million copies since the game’s release in September. The game totaled over 3 million copies in its first month according to sales figures from September.

Bell also noted that Mass Effect, BioWare’s Xbox 360-exclusive action-RPG, has also seen mass sales, shifting over 1 million copies within its first three weeks on the market.

We can get a first look at Borderlands, an upcoming action-RPG from Gearbox Software, through this newly released trailer. Enjoy.

Today sees the release of two new games on Xbox Live Arcade - Arkadian Warriors and GripShift. Here’s the deal:

Three heroic shape-shifting warriors fight to release the Land of Arkadia from the evil Gorgon’s stony gaze. In the uniquely expansive “Arkadian Warriors,” randomly generated dungeons and cooperative multiplayer hack & slash action enhances a deep single-player campaign. The robust cooperative multiplayer mode is available for two players both locally and over Xbox LIVE. Upgrading is key as players hone their skills, acquire loot and master powerful magic spells and numerous deadly weapons in a journey of mythical proportions. “Arkadian Warriors” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E10+ by the ESRB.

Through a mix of sky-high platforming and stunt driving, “GripShift” combines automotive and puzzle solving skills across 120 challenging levels, 25 rubber burning race tracks and 20 deadly deathmatch arenas across four themed worlds. Zoom to victory with four players over Xbox LIVE or race solo, all while enjoying a customizable music experience! Choose your driver, unlock faster vehicles and customize your ride with new skins. Developed by Sidhe Interactive, “GripShift” is a gravity-defying thrill ride every racing fan must experience! The game will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E10+ by the ESRB.

The games are being sold for 800 Microsoft points each.

German metal outfit Blind Guardin has announced that it is composing a special song for Sacred 2, the upcoming sequel to the action-RPG by Ascaron Entertainment; the band will also make an in-game appearance. The song will be released as a separate single next year, with the music video featuring sequences taken straight from the game itself. Additionally, players can solve a quest in the game, which will unlock a bonus event where the motion-captured band performs their new song “live”.

Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel is the sequel to the most successful German RPG of all time. The game will feature two entirely different ways of playing - the light and shadow campaigns. The official website carries more information and media on the title.

Bethesda has announced that it will release Shivering Isles, the expansion pack to Elder Scrolls IV, for the PS3 through retail. The standalone disc will allow gamers the chance to experience the expansion of the award-winning RPG.

This retail release follows the October release of the Game of the Year edition of Elder Scrolls IV for the PS3, which includes the Shivering Isles pack. The expansion offers more than 30 hours of new gameplay, allowing players to explore an entirely new plane of Oblivion.

Shivering Isles will hit PS3 on November 20.