Creatures on the loose
Norns, the "artificial life" from the Creatures series, can now make their own way across the internet. On May 4, Creature Labs in Cambridge is holding the worldwide launch of the Creatures Docking Station, which has just been "soft launched" on the web. The next step is a Creatures Internet Edition that will have the docking station built-in.

Once connected, the docking station opens "portals" between games, and individual norns can decide for themselves if they want to "warp" between them.

Now norns can walk, talk and travel through cyberspace, it is tempting to wonder what they will do next.

Drive ahead
In Tokyo, Sony has finally announced an upgraded version of the PlayStation2 games console that allows users to plug in a "broadband ready" hard drive. American and European users don't need to worry about the upgrade as their PS2s already include the expansion bay required. There is still no news about when the drives might arrive here, or what they might cost, but an announcement is expected next month. Also, it is not known if the capacity will be similar to the drive mooted for Japan: 40 gigabytes.

One on one
Networkleague says it can now give you a fair fight in an online game. It logs players' performances and matches you against opponents with similar network speeds. But if you want to take on the world, you can do that too. Networkleague has launched a £20,000 global Quake 3 competition. But it won't be easy. You have to play at least 20 games before tackling the regional and global finals. See www.networkleague.com .

Cheap thrills
Anyone who remembers Virgin Interactive's White Label range of budget games, launched in 1995, will be pleased to see the label's return. The first four PC titles, priced at £9.99, include Baldur's Gate and Messiah. The White Label range will compete with Sold Out's ranges. New £4.99 titles include Micro Machines V3 and Mortal Kombat 4. However, the company has just launched a Sold Out Extreme range at £9.99, featuring Resident Evil 2.