Welcome to the penultimate Video Games Update for 2003. And what better way to do it in style than at a new location, Wrestling 101. The Video Games newsboard at W101 is already buzzing, with the hottest scoops and rumours posted there as soon as the news breaks. So don't be afraid to keep checking the board so that you're kept in the loop when it comes to new wrestling games. Right, that's all the formalities aside, let's cut to the reason you're here. News!

Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain was released in the States this week, and is selling like hot cakes. In fact, it's selling better than hotcakes, as a small bakery couldn't compete with chains like Electronics Boutique who have thousands of retail outlets all over the country. American gamers seem to be loving the new game from Yukes, which features a new grappling system, an Elimination Chamber mode and an updated roster. Thankfully, it's just a matter of days until the fifth Smackdown! game hits UK stores, and I simply can't wait to take the game for a spin. As usual, I'll review the game as soon as I can, so expect the low-down on Smackdown! HCTP to be up at W101 within a few days of release.

One of the biggest news stories this week in the world of wrestling was the notice posted on Ultimate Warrior's website, citing his return to wrestling. A huge wave of anticlimax swept over the Internet as it turned out that Warrior will be returning to a ring in cyberspace, as he stars in Acclaim's latest Legends Of Wrestling game, LOW Showdown. The wacky nut who believes in "Destrucity" (whatever that is) seems to be getting all the attention from Acclaim, as the official LOW Showdown website features nothing but Ultimate Warrior content. It's believed that other legends like Jake Roberts, Curt Hennig, Bret Hart, Andre The Giant and of course, The Hulkster, will feature in the game too. LOW Showdown is set for a April 2004 release, and let's hope it's worth the wait.

The controversial Backyard Wrestling game will launch in the UK on 7th November, which is coincidentally enough the same day that Smackdown! HCTP will hit UK stores. Will the less-than-impressive looking Backyard Wrestling take a hit out of Smackdown! 5's sales, or will it just be brushed aside like any other competition (See WCW Backstage Assault).

Unfortunately, we're approaching the off-season of wrestling video games, as all the games have pretty much been released with plenty of time before Christmas, and companies will wait until early next year to announce their next titles. There's not much need for a comprehensive round up of release dates this month, as the only wrestling games that are confirmed have been mentioned above. So to recap, Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain and Backyard Wrestling will be out on the 7th November, while you'll need to wait until April 2004 before you can recreate Hogan Vs Warrior in Legends Of Wrestling Showdown.

As always see the Video Games Shop for purchasing links.

That's all the news that I can bring you for this month then. Join me next month where I take a nostalgic look back at 2003, which will no doubt go down as one of the greatest years for wrestling games. Enjoy the rest of November, and don't forget to keep checking the W101 Video Games Newsboard.

Russ