Several new 'gold' announcements (read: finished and shipping to stores soon) have emerged stateside today, with Firaxis' Civilization 3: Conquests first on the agenda. Sid Meier's latest will be released across North America on November 4th and in on November 14th. The add-on promises to take players on a provocative journey through the ages as they pursue victory in the most famous adventures in history. Which sounds rather fun, all in all.

Next up is Vivendi's latest outing - which, despite being cunningly timed to cash in on the launch of the latest movie, is actually based on the official licence purchased from the estate; and is therefore based on the books themselves. In the War of the Ring massive battles erupt as the Men, Elves, Dwarves, and Hobbits of Middle-earth(tm) battle Sauron's minions. Players can choose to play as the forces of good and valiantly fight for the One Ring's destruction or assume command of the forces of evil to claim control over Middle-earth forever.Out once again out on November 4th stateside, the War of the Ring also includes online/LAN modes.

Last but by no means least, Games Studios have also revealed that the latest add-on to the excellent Dungeon Siege has also reached 'gold' status. Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna will include many 'new foes and challenges', and will be with our friends in America on November 12th, with a European launch closely following. The new game will be set partly in the mysterious jungle region of Aranna, home to fierce creatures such as the Clockwork Beast and Doppelgangers.

By Luke Guttridge