In the past couple of weeks in Tales from the Front, we’ve talked a bit about the importance of the campaign map – and how it means that the whole war is player-generated and therefore impossible to predict.

We’ve also described some of our in-game exploits, which have been both exhilarating and at times hilariously inept. I’ve even been asked if we’re faking the stories, trying to set up the action we’re describing or merging the action from a number of battles.

I’m happy to say that the answer to all three of those points is no – we’re not. It’s a part of the fun of Heroes & Generals that because of the way the game works, the options are pretty much unlimited. The maps are big enough, and offer variety in terrain, cover and approach, that even after dozens and dozens of battles you’re not likely to have experienced anything like the same battle twice…

But enough of that – on with the action. This week, I decided to go with something a little different. Over the past week or so I’ve been saving up my credits from battles to open up another character slot, and buy a Recon character. This means having a choice of two soldiers to fight with – my more experienced Infantry character (that I’ve accumulated some decent skills with), or my new Recon character, who’s green as grass… but carries a scoped sniper rifle. /excited.

The map we played this time was focused around a factory complex, and we were trying to defend it from a German assault. The first step on this map was to get a foothold in the industrial stronghold, which we duly achieved, before racing on to try and nip the attack in the bud.

It didn’t work out that way… and we were pushed back to the factory pretty quickly. On this map the assaulting team need to capture both factory spawn points, and that almost happened in the first five minutes – but we dug in and held onto one of them… there ensued a gritty game of tug-of-war as both sides battled for supremacy.

No hilarious tales about Ben riding bikes into trees this time, as he actually did pretty well – even earning his Stealth Capture ribbon at one point.

As for me, spending a lot of time looking down the scoped sights yielded good rewards, particularly once I’d managed to find a decent rooftop vantage point, and I finished second in the team honours list, with 19 kills.

While it’s my infantry character that’s my main investment of time so far, the first foray with my recon guy felt like a lot of fun – and a different type of gameplay. It cost a fair few credits to unlock that second character slot, but so far so good…

You can check out Heroes & Generals for yourself by bagging yourself a beta key. Jump in, and tell us about your exploits!

If you want to get 100% completion in Tomb Raider you're going to have to search the deepest, darkest corners of Yamatai to discover some hidden tombs. Ancient treasures and lucrative XP await those brave enough and intelligent enough to traverse their way through their treacherous paths.

Now that Tomb Raider is out, Kyle Peschel, Senior Producer at Crystal Dynamics, is eager to share which you his favourite tomb - The Tomb of the Unworthy. If you've yet to play Tomb Raider (what's wrong with you!) then worry not, we won't be spoiling the puzzle for you. 

Which has been your favourite challenge tomb?

Windows Phone users can now join their iOS and Android brethren in enjoying the critically-acclaimed RPG, Chaos Rings.

For those of you who haven't yet heard of Chaos Rings; you're in for a treat! This turned-based RPG pits teams of pairs against each other in a fight to the death. Why? The ultimate prize, the survivors are awarded eternal life! Players pick from four couples to play as - each with their own unique story - and must explore the mysteries of the Ark Arena. Fighting their way through random battles, puzzle rooms and bosses, they must discover the truth behind this gladiator-esque tournament. 

Chaos Rings offers great pick-up-and-play gameplay - perfect for when you're on the go - with a narrative that teases you to complete each character's story arc to unlock the ultimate true ending. Got what it takes?

Chaos Rings is available from the Windows Phone Marketplace for £7.99/$9.99/€8,99. Currently Chaos Rings is only available for Windows Phone 7.5, with support for Windows Phone 8 currently in development.

Twenty years after its original release in Japan, Final Fantasy V makes a welcome return to iOS mobile devices. Whether you're on the bus or on your lunch break, you can now play this classic RPG on the go.

As always, you won't just be getting a straight port of the original; the graphics and characters have been lovingly recreated by veteran character designer Kazuko Shibuya, and new intuitive touch controls have been carefully crafted for a stunning experience tailored to iOS mobile devices. We've also packed in a tonne of extra features, including "The Sealed Temple" from the 2006 version and the Tetsuya Nomura-designed optional boss, Enuo.

The latest expansion for MMO Final Fantasy XI – called Seekers of Adoulin – is now available for players in Europe.

It’s been released for PC and Xbox 360 gamers in the UK, and for PC gamers in France and Germany, and challenges players with new areas to explore and develop – plus two new jobs to master.

The expansion is set as the eighth century comes to a close and the Royal Family, in partnership with the Eleven Knightly Orders, has agreed to abolish imperial rule. As a result, Adoulin has grown to be a maritime metropolis, with a mercantile prowess rivaling that of Jeuno – and it’s here that you’ll find yourself working to explore and unlock the secrets hidden in the nearby jungles.

The new jobs added to the game are geomancers (which harness the elemental energies of Vana’diel to aid comrades and attack enemies alike) and rune fencers, whose quick blades and incantations can sway the course of battles.

More information on the Seekers of Adoulin expansion is available on the official website, An Ultimate Collection, which also includes the main game plus all previous expansions, is also available!

Meanwhile, check out the trailer!