
We're only a week away from E3, and the news faucet has tapered off to a mere drip. And yet, despite the drop-off in quantity, Monday has provided us with unprecedented quality. In today's Roundup, there lurks a reason for big-time excitement, as well as another. Let's just say that for some of you, this week may very well be more exciting than E3. No, you're not hearing things; that's the "Read More" link beckoning.

When was the last time we heard anything about BioWare's latest PC-centric, Baldur's Gate-inspired RPG? Two years ago. To think, there was a time when BioWare pegged the game for release in 2007. But now, here we are in 2008's warm summer months, and we're not even close to beginning our seventh play-through as a tough-as-nails dwarf mage who only picks the snarky dialogue choices. However, a new teaser over at Dragon Age's website indicates that we will presumably learn more about BioWare's second best-kept secret on Wednesday, July 9. This week. If you're not dancing with joy right now, I'm forced to assume that you're legs were amputated. Or that you hate games, but then, why would you even be reading this?
"Hey Flagship, did it hurt?" "Did what hurt?" "When you fell from grace, and presumably landed on a NeoGAF-user's newborn kitten." Yeah, ever since Hellgate flopped and floundered right out of Flagship's door, they haven't been so well-regarded. Fortunately, Max Schaefer, the studio's co-owner, says that Flagship is far from flying the ol' white flag. With their dungeon crawling hack 'n' slash Mythos, Schaefer thinks the house that Diablo thought it could build might have a shot at "putting a dent" in some of the more well-known MMOs. When I helped test the game, it showed some serious promise, so I'm pulling for Flagship to turn things around.
According to Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling, the developer has decided to reup on their contract with Activision. While he points out that the news may not seem important, he notes that one stipulation in their spankin' new deal allows Infinity Ward a new IP that they'll have complete control over. With new-school Activision's tendency to farm out franchises ('Sup, Call of Duty 5?), this certainly comes as a relief. Shame we won't be hearing any details about Infinity Ward's exciting new prospect for "quite a while."
Chrono Trigger DS' website "officially" unveiled Chrono Trigger DS this weekend, shocking even the website's staff, who presumably meant to take the wraps off of some other Super NES port that involves clocks and features the initials "CTDS."
According to English newspaper The Daily Mirror, Xbox 360 Elites are, in fact, fully-featured -- even including the ever so popular Red Ring of Death. Microsoft is, of course, paying even more money to assist its beleaguered customers.

Nintendo: "It's purely rumor and speculation." Everyone else: "Riiiiiiiight."
Links:
[1] http://www.maximumpc.com/user/vahn16_0
[2] http://news.bigdownload.com/2008/07/07/dragon-age-reveal-on-july-9/
[3] http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/flagship-hopes-to-put-a-dent-in-mmo-rivals
[4] http://iamfourzerotwo.com/2008/07/03/the-future-of-infinity-ward/
[5] http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/chrono-trigger-ds-countdown-ends-reveals-chrono-trigger/
[6] http://www.videogaming247.com/2008/07/07/500m-bill-for-xbox-red-ring-of-death/
[7] http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=171073
[8] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/gaming_roundup_7308_gaming_rocks_but_led_zeppelin_isnt_game
[9] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/gaming_roundup_7208_all_pc_most_time
[10] http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/gaming_roundup_7108_fallout_3_vs_diablo_iii_pc_vs_console_vs_vs_versus
[11] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/activision
[12] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/bioware
[13] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/flagship_studios
[14] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/gaming
[15] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/gaming_software
[16] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/news
[17] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/nintendo
[18] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/software
[19] http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/software_news
[20] http://www.maximumpc.com/articles/news
[21] http://www.maximumpc.com/articles/news/gaming
[22] http://www.maximumpc.com/user/login?&commentfragment=comments_top_anchor