Hot "Brink" and "Rage" videogames set for release

The studio behind blockbuster videogame franchise "Fallout" on Thursday announced that eagerly anticipated new "Brink" and "Rage" titles would be unleashed by mid-year.

A first-person "Brink" shooter game, set in a near-future with a society stressed by too many people and too few resources, will debut in North America on May 17 and in Europe on May 20, according to Bethesda Softworks.

Early kudos being heaped on "Brink" include being crowned "Game of Show" at the Eurogamer Expo where it was previewed last year.

The weaponry-rich title crafted by Splash Damage for Bethesda boasts innovative controls and a smooth blend of single- and multi-player action as gamers increasingly turn to playing with others using Internet connections.

A "Rage" first-person shooter videogame made by renowned developer id Software with be available in North America on September 13 and in Europe three days later.

"Rage" was rated "Best Overall Game" at last year's major Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.

Bethesda promised "Rage" will feature intense action, "breakneck vehicle combat, an expansive world to explore and jaw-dropping graphics."

The ZeniMax Media company said that a "Hunted" fantasy action title with a fresh take on "classic dungeon crawl" style games will be released in North America and Europe the first week of June.

A new installment to Bethesda's fantasy epic franchise "The Elder Scrolls" will launch worldwide launch on November 11.

"We are particularly excited to present such a diverse lineup of high quality titles," said Bethesda president Vlatko Andonov. "2011 will be a great year for gamers."

The games are being released for PC users as well as for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation3 consoles.