Electronic Arts will be shifting to a higher gear this December with the release of the first downloadable add-on pack for Need for Speed: Shift's PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. Even better, it's gonna be free.

IO Interactive and Square Enix Europe (formerly Eidos) have confirmed the existence of the Kane & Lynch sequel, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days. Details for the game remain scarce, but gaming blog Kotaku was able to unearth a few. Hit the jump for more on this game.

I'm sure I'm not the only one curious about what exactly Alexander is. Sometimes, he's a castle, sometimes a machine, sometimes he's like a statue. For Final Fantasy XIII, the big boy's a mecha. New screens and info popped up again, featuring the Esper in action, plus some Chocobo-riding, and the new Crystarium system.

VidZone, the free online music video service for the PS3 will be expanding to 11 new countries in Europe this month.

Here's some good news for gamers in Europe. Konami Germany has apparently sent out a press release announcing the arrival of Metal Gear Solid on the European PSN this week.

Modern Warfare 2 came out this week. You know what that means. Lots of news about what is being claimed as the biggest entertainment launch of all time. From the good to the bad, the funny to the infuriating, it's in the PS3 Weekend Warrior. But that's not the only big news this week. Square Enix had been building up hype throughout the week for a Final Fantasy XIII announcement, and when that announcement came, well, it didn't disappoint. All this and more past the jump.

Good news, RPG faithful. Final Fantasy XIII (Xbox360, PlayStation 3) now has a North American and European launch date. Hit the jump to find out when Lightning strikes the West.

The guys behind Uncharted 2 needs your help. Naughty Dog is currently running a poll on their official site asking fans on what they want to see in the future multiplayer mode of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

Sega has some extra good news for our gamer friends across the pond. Sega Europe has put together a special edition bundle for Bayonetta that will be available come the game's January 8 launch. Details past the jump.

Good news, PS3 owners. DICE and Electronic Arts have officially set a date for Battlefield: Bad Company 2's PS3 beta: November 19. PC gamers, on the other hand, will get in on an open beta in December. There will also be a demo launching early next year. Beta details and an announcement trailer are available after the jump.