Editor's Comments: As it gets later in the year, time marches towards winter. It also means we're going to get buried in an avalance of games. Michael showcases a few titles bearing down on us just before the freeze sets in.

Editor's Comments: No, Josh hasn't gone on a murder spree...just yet. Instead, he takes a stab at something that's killing us all slowly: the wait between installments of our favorite RPG sequels. Oh, the agnony!

Editor's Comments: Be they symbols of faith, the sigil with which a monarch displays his legitimacy over a kingdom, or just your local adventurer's usual modus operandi, swords are a vital part any RPG, especially for the lead character. But why?

Editor's Comments: In many of today's games, the phenomena of the "Collector" or "Perfectionist" gamer have led to all sorts of battle gauges that require you to do more then just win a fight to succeed. Derek examines the concept of these Bonus gauges.

I love strategy games. Love them. Might actually dump my girlfriend if the perfect one ever comes along. Well, maybe not. Well, on second thought...but moving away from that, I really do love them. Especially RTS. I mean, turn-based has its advantages, but I like a battlefield that's constantly evolving and forcing me to adapt and change with it. Must be why I'm such a Warcraft/Starcraft fan. Oh, and Dawn of War. I just downloaded the Dark Crusade demo today, I can't wait! I'm a Space Marine kinda guy myself, but I'd like to see how the Necrons and Vespid handle things.

So in today's update, I'm going to strategically deploy four new articles to assault you. Michael's taking point and marching in the dead of winter to tackle the tide of titles coming our way. Josh digs in and sets up the trenches, waiting for the next installment of his favorite serials. I charge in with a rant about an overused weapon in games today, and Derk supplies rear guard with a tough match against those pesky bonus gauges.

As always, I appreciate comments and feedback both in the form of the message boards and fan submissions alike. Please feel free to contact me at Editor@rpgamer.com and bring your forces to the battle.