Electronic Arts and Pandemic Studios announced that Mercenaries 2: World in Flames will be releasing on August 31 ^st of this year using a fresh trailer for the game and a fake news poster. The trailer, below, shows off a fair mix of video and actual gameplay footage and, as expected, a lot of explosions. Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is currently scheduled to release on Xbox 360, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, PC and the mobile platform and is not yet rated.

This week's Xbox Live Arcade update brings the hit Japanese arcade scrolling shooter, Ikaruga , and two new downloadable content packs for Void Star Creations' Poker Smash . Ikaruga 's fast-paced action will have players on their toes, as they will need to constantly switch their ships polarity to maximize their damage output, while avoiding enemy fire of the opposite polarity. This new version of the game features a two-player co-op mode for online, over Xbox Live, or offline. There is also a slow motion training mode for new players. This version also features a record and replay function and high definition graphics. Ikaruga will be available for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Independent developer Void Star Creations will also be unveiling two new downloadable content packs for their hit Xbox LIVE Arcade title, Poker Smash. The new content includes two Action Mode Environments in the Environment Pack and an additional 15 Puzzles in the Puzzle Pack, giving Poker Smash players a total of 13 immersive environments and 70 mind bending puzzles. The packs will be available for 100 Microsoft Points each. Poker Smash is rated E for Everyone. The new Poker Smash downloadable content packs and Ikaruga will be available tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. GMT.