In a new series of interviews (kicking off right now) we speak to some of the industry's most creative thinkers about what it takes to make great games in the modern era. First up is Martin Hollis, CEO of Zoonami, who talks about auteur theory, realism and his time working at Rare.

You're well known for having worked on both GoldenEye and Perfect Dark. What was it like working at Rare?

Martin Hollis: My time at Rare taught me many things. I am fond of saying that I learnt far more at Rare than I learned at University. My Computer Science course was actually amazingly great. But when it comes to games there is nothing like vocational experience.

Considering the high level only, I believe in organic design, in non-paper driven design, in iterative design, in instinctive design. I believe in team involvement in design, in shared vision rather than solitary vision, and in every person having game design expertise. Rare allowed, encouraged and shared my instincts, and helped me to develop them.

You were both the Director and Producer on GoldenEye and Perfect Dark. What did these roles entail?

Hollis: As producer I was responsible for producing the game, for actually making it happen, for en

UK, August 7, 2007 - Hello friends! It's Tuesday and time once more for the latest Chart Track official UK full-price videogames top 20! Hold on to your Pikachus though, Pokemon fans: it's more devolution than evolution for Nintendo's star franchise this week as the top spot is awarded to a decidedly less cuddly contender.

In Pokemon's place, there's yet another movie tie-in scratching the flanks of pole position in the form of Activision's decidedly disappointing Transformers: The Game. Less Autobots, more Autoballs, really.

There's a double Nintendo whammy at two and three for Pokemon Diamond and Pearl respectively, while J. K. Rowling's stroppy lovechild fiddles with his wand, still in the relative seclusion of number four. At five, Mario Party 8 breaks out the honkers to celebrate a chart re-entry and Shrek the Third slumps down one to six.

Proving that you just can't keep a fatty with a moustache down, New Super mario Bros. bum-jumps up one place to seven, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End performs a similar feat at eight, presumably making for an even jollier Roger.

Nine sees a fall of two places for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 and, finally this week, Rugby 08 fights its w

London, Ontario Canada - Shadowsoft Online, a division of Shadowcore, who have also brought you great sites such as FreeGameGiveaways.com, have officially launched their newest site, an online turn-based strategy game called Castle Conquest Online into beta.

Beta will run for the next week, to ensure all systems are balanced and in working order. As of right now, there are no restrictions on the number of players able to signup to try it out before it launches globally, but that may change depending on the volume that signs up.

For the beta round, cash prizes are not available, however, bonus turns may be awarded to those who signup before we go global. If you wish to partake in the beta, feel free to register a free account over at http://www.castleconquestonline.com.

So after an agonizing week of rumors, it's finally official: the second expansion for World of Warcraft is called Wrath of the Lich King. As its name implies, you'll face off against the baddest Arthas, arguably the baddest Warcraft villain of them all, on his home turf: the icy continent of Northrend. Though it's a safe bet to say that what was revealed at Blizzcon was merely the tip of the iceberg (har, har), we know enough already to say that Wrath of the Lich King will be making some pretty key changes to the game as we know it. Here are the five most compelling reasons to be excited about it.

While you may still be reeling from the 60-70 grind at the moment, depending on slow you are, you should start prepping yourself for another 10; Wrath of the Lich King will see the level limit increased to 80, and no amount of pining to maintain the status quo will change this. Expect new abilities and talents as you make your way to the new level cap, and as before, you'll be able to solo quest the whole way through.

Blizzard, at long last, will introduce hero classes to the game with the second expansion, and the implementation is probably not wha