Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943
Excalibur Publishing Ltd is set to release ‘Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943’, a next generation real time strategy WWII battle on February 26. The battle is set in Tunisia in 1943 after the Second Battle of El Alamein.
The German Afrika Korps have finished counting their losses and reinforced by the Italian Army they are preparing to once again battle the Allied Forces. Lead by the legendary General Erwin Rommel the Axis Forces have a small window of opportunity to seize control and go up against the allied forces to secure the sector.
The player will lead Rommel’s Afrika Korps in the final campaign against Eisenhower and Montgomery. Adding to the realism of the game you must control anti-aircraft vehicles and stationary anti-aircraft mounts
Robert Stallibrass of Excalibur Publishing says: “The developers at 1C and Battlefront have put an incredible amount of effort in creating this sequel and making it as realistic as possible. They have listened closely to comments in the gaming world and used these to create this fantastic RTS that will not only appeal to strategy gamers but also to WW2 enthusiasts.”
The product will retail at £29.99, is available on pre-order at www.excalibur-publishing.com and will officially hit the shelves in all major game retailers on 26 February 2010.
Development of Arsenal of Democracy complete
Paradox Interactive announced that development of BL-Logic’s sprawling World War II strategy game, Arsenal of Democracy, has been completed, and that the game will be released via all major digital distribution outlets on February 23 for $19.99. A new trailer describing the game and its features has also been released.
Arsenal of Democracy was developed by BL-Logic, a team comprised of passionate fans of the Paradox’s landmark Hearts of Iron series. The game takes players to World War II with total economic, diplomatic and military control over the nation of their choosing, giving them the chance to rewrite history and change the course of history’s greatest global conflict. Arsenal of Democracy offers players unparalleled historical detail alongside the most in-depth and realistic representation of the multitude of challenges faced by the leaders of the time.
Johan Andersson, Executive Producer at Paradox Interactive, said of the game, “Arsenal of Democracy is proof of what happens when a group of dedicated individuals plays something for years and years – in this case, Hearts of Iron II – and then has the opportunity to add their own ideas, their own features—in order improve it… It’s a true labor of love.”
Arsenal of Democracy is scheduled for release on February 23 for $19.99. It will be available via all major digital distributors, including Direct2Drive, GamersGate and Steam.
A new trailer to celebrate the release-date announcement is available for viewing here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ8vef3GwUA
Arsenal of Democracy main features:
- Rewrite history at the helm of any nation during World War II in a variety of other scenarios in single-player or multiplayer modes
- Topple your enemies using advanced combat mechanics on land, in the air and at sea, based on historical research and the work of military theorists
- Master the most detailed and flexible economic and production systems found in any Hearts of Iron game
- Keep your war efforts operating smoothly with a realistic logistics and trading subsystem
- Engage in espionage, intelligence, diplomacy and global trade to give your nation a decisive edge
- Determine your country’s National Identity, Social Policy and Ethnic Culture
- Create your own campaigns, units, countries, minister traits, national ideas and more with extensive mod capabilities
- Experience classic Hearts of Iron gameplay improved with a fine-tuned technology tree, better game balance, advanced statistics and polished graphics
Grand Ages Rome Gold Edition
Kalypso Media confirmed that a special Gold Edition of the acclaimed PC strategy title Grand Ages Rome will be released across Europe in February. As well as the full version of Grand Ages Rome (including all add ons) the Gold Edition will also include the new official expansion pack Reign of Augustus.
Grand Ages Rome is the long awaited sequel to the bestselling strategy game Imperium Romanum and sees you taking on the role of Governor of a Roman Province during the time-honoured Roman Empire, its fortune very much resting in your hands.
The Gold Edition will provide fans with the ultimate ‘Rome’ strategy gameplay package with Reign of Augustus further expanding the Grand Ages Rome universe with the following new features:
• All new single player campaign with 12 Missions
• 12 new maps
• 6 new multiplayer maps for 2-4 players
• 4 new buildings: Senate, Tax Office, Odeum, Hospital
• 20 new estate bonuses
• Authority – certain buildings generate Authority that can be used to benefit the player or hinder opponents
• 21 new talents to acquire
• New decorations – statues and gardens
• God Mode – free build map with few disasters and unlimited resources
• New campaign intro video
• Additional multiplayer features including pre-built towns & pre-built town walls
• 3 new patrons (Agrippa, Nero, Drusus)
• Roads – connect your city to the major roman roads to gain or generate additional resources and enable units travel faster
• Removal tool for roads, trees, platforms and decorations
Grand Ages Rome Gold Edition will be available on PC across Europe from 19th February (RRP £29.99).
Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943
New Strategy War Title Set During 1943 Kharkov Defense Operation signals impending start of Paradox Interactive Convention 2010
Signaling the start of a week laden with announcements, Paradox Interactive is proud to announce – Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943, a new war strategy title that places players in the heart of the Kharkov Defense Operation during World War II. With the ability to play as either German or Russian forces, Achtung Panzer puts the destiny of the USSR and Wehrmacht armies in one’s hands.
Featuring a masterful reconstruction of the battlefront setting of Kharkov, players will engage in unique combat that offers the highest level of authenticity. With the incorporation of highly flexible AI, players will have the opportunity to choose new strategies based on opponent behavior with every new round of gameplay. The inclusion of realistic missile trajectories and destructible environments is set to keep all army commanders hanging on the balance of the historic struggle. Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943 delivers a thorough recreation of the battle with precisely detailed soldier units, weapons, artillery units and vehicles based on actual military archive materials and WWII chronicles.
Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943 Features:
• 6 scenarios taking place in 1943 during Kharkov Defense Operation
• 2 playable opposing forces: USSR army and Wehrmacht
• Play as up to 250 soldiers and officers and up to 40 vehicles in each tactical battle
• Detailed, destructible environments
• 87 unit types: infantry, artillery, support vehicles, battletanks and aviation units
• More than 40 carefully reconstructed weapons and vehicles of WWII armies
• 2 control modes: turn-based strategic mode and real-time tactic mode
Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943 will be available Q1 at major digital retailers.
View the announcement trailer for Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1Ka9zYGEzY
9th Company: The Roots Of Terror Afghanistan-based action RTS launched on Steam
Software publisher Strategy First Inc, and Valve Corporation, a developer of leading-edge technology and software announce that “9th Company: The Roots Of Terror” is now available worldwide on Steam®, Valve’s leading platform for digital content distribution and management. Anyone ordering the title between Dec.3, 2009 and Dec.10, 2009 will receive a 20% discount.
“9th Company: The Roots of Terror is an exciting title whose subject matter is relevant to millions of families today.” Said Strategy First Director Emanuel Wall “We feel that this title will offer hundreds of hours of game play while at the same time reminding each of us the sacrifice that many men and women in uniform carry out on a daily basis.
9th Company: The Roots of Terror is an action driven Real Time Strategy game based on the actual events that took place during the Soviet Union military campaign in Afghanistan under the Reagan administration.
9th Company: The Roots of Terror features include:
- Warfare on two tactical levels: use the area operations map to choose your mission or explore 12 unique and highly detailed tactical maps of Afghanistan.
- Stunning 3D graphics and a spectacular physics engine guarantee a one-of-a-kind experience in destroying any mechanized unit or building.
- Merit reward and in-combat morale system for every character and advanced hit location system for mechanized units make tactical battles even more realistic.
- A complex system of tactical behavior and firepower control for mechanized infantry, assault, reconnaissance and special operations units. More than 80 different unit types.
- Nonlinear mission structure.
- System of experience gain – the crew now become more and more experienced with every battle. A possibility of forming an elite military unit is available in the requisition screen.
Order “9th Company The Roots Of Terror” http://store.steampowered.com/app/12480/
A demo for Operation Barbarossa now available
Try your hand at commanding thunderous Soviet tanks in the battle for Berlin
Matrix Games and Binary Evolution Studios are thrilled to release a playable demo for their new WWII strategy release Operation Barbarossa – The Struggle for Russia. The demo is available from the Operation Barbarossa downloads page in addition to Gamer’s Hell and Worth Playing.
The demo will give players the ability to play through the tutorial and first scenario in the campaign as the Germans. A separate scenario is also available so players can command the mighty Red Army as they attempt to seize Berlin from its hardened defenders.
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “This new demo for Operation Barbarossa offers just a small snapshot of the fantastic “General” series style gameplay that comes with the full game and its campaigns and scenarios. Couple that with the powerful yet easy-to-use editor and you’ve got a remarkable game system with outstanding replayability! Operation Barbarossa has everything that made the old classics great, but as a new supported game series with a full editor, the sky is the limit.”
On June 22, 1941 an avalanche of 153 German divisions crash into the Soviet Union and the largest military operation in history is begun: Operation Barbarossa. In this elegant turn-based strategy game, compelling gameplay combines with gripping history to create an addictive mix.
Aimed at all levels, from those who have never played a wargame before to those who know the history of World War II in detail, this is an entertaining and mentally challenging game of combined arms strategy. Your armor, infantry, artillery and air units will follow you through the most crucial battles of the Eastern Front. You will be able to choose from 47 different upgrades and improvements for your units as well as add new forces based on your success in the campaign.
Take command in two German and one Soviet campaign as well as individual scenarios and determine the fate of the Eastern Front. When you’ve played through all the campaigns and scenarios, try your hand at the editor to create new scenarios for yourself or to share with others!
Closed Beta phase of Avalon Heroes about to start
Starting now, all players can apply as Closed Beta testers and, with a little luck, be the first to immerse themselves in the impressive online strategy game
This is what adventurers have been waiting for: On November 25, 2009, the games publisher burda:ic will start the Closed Beta phase for the eagerly anticipated free-2-play online strategy game highlight Avalon Heroes. Starting immediately, all registered members can sign up for the one-of-a-kind Closed Beta at alaplaya.net/pages/ahcbapplication. With a little luck, this means that they will already get to marvel at the impressive skills and weapons of the game characters before the release date. Moreover, in the official Closed Beta forum at avalon.alaplaya.net/forum, players will be able to find more detailed information and share what they experienced in the game.
Avalon Heroes is a true genre highlight for adventure fans, combining real-time strategy and RPG with competitive elements. The title is primarily focused on the development of up to a hundred customizable characters whose skills players get to expand in classic role-playing tradition. Single player campaigns and multi-player modes alike prepare adventurers for the greatest challenge of all: fighting and developing a strategy that will lead to final victory. But it is impossible for players to prevail in impressive online battles unless they find the right allies. After all, it takes a team to decide the battle between the two factions, Oriens and Aeonia.
For more information, visit the official teaser website avalon.alaplaya.net.
The ultimate evolution of an acclaimed classic arrives this November
Following the recent announcement at Gamescom in Cologne, Paradox Interactive are excited and proud to provide further details on the release of a very special Europa Universalis game entitled For The Glory, set to release on PC in November 2009.
Developed by Crystal Empire Games, the newly formed Studio which includes some of the key members behind the renowned Europa Universalis II user mod AGCEEP (‘Alternative Grand Campaign’ / ‘Event Exchange Project’) which pushed EUII to its technical and graphical limits, For The Glory builds upon this in-depth and unprecedented knowledge of the game by expanding the boundaries and adding a huge amount of original content, to produce the ultimate evolution of an acclaimed classic.
Taking up the reigns of one of over 180 countries, For The Glory offers full historical immersion with a completely new in-depth experience, including the ability to interact with over 10,000 historically accurate events to determine what path your nation will take. Guide domestic and foreign policy, engage in numerous struggles, and attempt to lead your country to a prosperous future. But will you choose to follow the path of history, or take advantage of opportunities for change? Nothing is written in stone!
The first installment in an ongoing series of developer diaries can be found at:
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427184
KEY FEATURES
• Play as one of over 190 countries on a map covering the entire world in the era spanning 1419-1819
• Experience unparalleled historical immersion with over 10,000 historical events
• Unprecedented levels of mod-ability – unlimited timeframe and up to 1,000 counties
• Improved and modernized interface
• Adapt your playing style to the personality of your nation’s various historical monarchs.
• The AGCEEP mod comes bundled with For The Glory
ORDER OF WAR set to invade North America on September 22, 2009
Square Enix Announces Ship Date for Its First WWII Real-Time Strategy Game
Square Enix, Inc. announced that ORDER OF WAR(TM) will ship to North American retailers on September 22, 2009.
ORDER OF WAR is a brand-new IP set during World War II and is being developed exclusively for the PC platform by strategy game specialist Wargaming.net. This will be Square Enix’s first release of a western-developed game outside of Japan and kicks off the launch of upcoming titles being developed through partnerships, including SUPREME COMMANDER 2 by Gas Powered Games and FRONT MISSION EVOLVED(TM) by Double Helix Games(TM). These titles are part of Square Enix’s commitment to offer a broader variety of games across different genres.
As Square Enix’s first foray into the hugely popular genre of historical real-time strategy, ORDER OF WAR takes strategy games to new heights and features massive-scale battles brought to life with unprecedented cinematic intensity. Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all-out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns – American forces versus German forces in occupied France and German forces versus Soviet forces in Poland and versus American forces in France. Missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944.
The free, single-player demo – “Road to Paris” – is currently available for download at http://www.orderofwar.com/. In this introductory demo, players are tasked with commanding American troops in an attempt to destroy German outposts amid tank and infantry attacks and clear the road to Paris.
ORDER OF WAR
In the summer of 1944, the Second World War entered its endgame when the Allies launched two major operations that would drive back German forces on both the Western and Eastern Fronts at once.
In the ultimate test of military strategy, ORDER OF WAR will challenge you not only to lead America’s finest to victory in the west, but also place you in command of German forces charged with repelling the Red Army’s seemingly unstoppable offensive in the east.
Even the keenest military minds will find that it’s one thing to make history, but quite another to change it.
Do you have what it takes to command?
Features
– Experience WWII warfare on an epic, cinematic stage; that truly captures the intensity and scale of the battlefield
– Take command of an entire armed force consisting of up to 1,000 soldiers, tanks, armored vehicles, artillery and airplanes
– Players can choose between two different campaign modes offering completely different storylines, missions, objectives and environments
– Experience the unique dynamic camera that allows players to command troops over huge geographical scale whilst maintaining movie-like vistas and detail
– In-depth gameplay modes: two different campaign modes, multi-player, Deathmatch and Skirmish
For more information on ORDER OF WAR, please visit the official website at http://www.orderofwar.com/.
gamescom 2009: Cologne eagerly awaits the gamescom premiere, with more than 420 exhibitors from 30 countries expected
Fans of interactive entertainment can look forward to world and European premieres of games, action, events and entertainment in Cologne at gamescom, already the international meeting place of the industry at its very first staging
Gamescom is under starter’s orders and the stands are already being set up in Cologne. Organiser Koelnmesse and its ideal partner the German Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (Bundesverband Interaktive Unterhaltungssoftware – BIU) are eagerly waiting to greet more than 420 exhibitors from 30 countries from 19-23 August. With foreign participation at 45 per cent, gamescom has become the industry’s international meeting point at a stroke. Over a total of 120,000 square metres of exhibition space, the industry community, from developers to publishers and trading partners all the way to the large group of gamers, will meet in halls 4 to 9 of Koelnmesse.
Fans and friends of interactive entertainment can look forward to a grand show of game premieres, a spectacular event and entertainment programme on the entire trade show grounds – indoors and outdoors – and in the city itself at the gamescom Festival. Already well over 100 world, European and German premieres of games in all genres are on the bill. With more than 30 exhibitors from the areas of media learning and expertise, and the gamescom congress organised by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Europe’s largest event for interactive entertainment and games is also giving a huge boost to child welfare. Koelnmesse, the German Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (BIU), the City of Cologne and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are ready to launch the premiere of gamescom. “The games can begin,” say Oliver P. Kuhrt, Managing Director of Koelnmesse, and Olaf Wolters, head of the BIU, in unison.
Industry meeting place
With foreign companies making up 45 per cent of exhibitors – including firms from the UK, France, the US and Canada – gamescom is already the new international industry meeting place right from the start. Games producers from France, Italy, the UK, Scandinavia, Taiwan and Thailand will present their products on six shared stands. The business area (halls 4 and 5) will see the European games industry do business with their trading partners, while the entertainment area (halls 6 to 9) is devoted to companies presenting their new products to private visitors. For example in hall 6 of gamescom, companies including Activision Blizzard, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Square Enix and Take Two will showcase their latest titles. In hall 7, Konami, Sony and Ubisoft, Bigben Interactive, Hama, Koch Media and others will cater to fans of interactive entertainment. In hall 8, next to the north entrance, firms including Nintendo, Namco Bandai, Sega, Warner Brothers, dtp and Tivola will present their innovations. Hall 9 puts e-sports, core gaming and the dynamic online gaming segment centre stage. Here, Turtle Entertainment, GOA, NcSoft, Funcom and others will show their products in the best light. To ensure that visitors to gamescom have as much active gaming time as possible, themed game zones (lifestyle, sport, action & adventure, e-sports) will complement the exhibitor stands. This is where the virtual world of games meets its real-world counterpart.
World premieres and interactive supporting programme
In the entertainment area, visitors to gamescom will experience a festival of new computer and video games. It will feature new products in just about every genre, from infotainment and edutainment games, to casual, sports and music games, all the way to action and adventure. In short, video and PC, online and browser games producers and hardware providers, too, will be presenting their latest developments, with exhibitors presenting more than one hundred world, European and German premieres. Sports fans, for example, can look forward to the premieres of Pro Evolution Soccer 10, FIFA 10, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and Tony Hawk Ride, while racing aficionados will be treated to Need for Speed Nitro and Forza Motorsport 3. The pulses of music-lovers will also be quickened by titles such as Guitar Hero 5, DJ Hero 5, The Beatles Rock Band, Band Hero, LIPS – No. 1 Hits and Just sing.
The line-up of global players from around the world is already being hotly awaited by the European gaming community in the focus area of online, browser and mobile games. Besides browser game market leaders gameforge and Bigpoint, more than 20 companies from Germany, Europe and South Korea will present the entire gamut of games and latest blockbusters, among them World of Warcraft and “Celebrities”.
Away from the screens and monitors, the interactive supporting programme at gamescom will provide the best in entertainment. Creative costumed action fans and friends of relaxing entertainment at gamescom will certainly get their money’s worth in the real world too. For example, from Thursday the best case modders will battle it out in the German case-modding championships, which will award prizes to the most inventive homemade PC housings. People looking to enter the games industry or move within it will want to head straight to the job and career centre in hall 8. There visitors will also find the “Retro Gaming 1972-2009″ exhibition, showcasing almost four decades of gaming history. Outside, cosplayers – costumed players – will be awaiting their turn. On Saturday, the south entrance will be the setting for a cosplay world record attempt, which has been officially registered with Guinness World of Records. Another outdoor event will see the most daring motorcyclists take their racers through the freestyle course. In hall 8, the German Motorcycle Trade Association (Industrie-Verband Motorrad Deutschland – IVM) will showcase the fascinating world of motorbikes and scooters. Participation is the order of the day in other supporting events too. The outdoor course will test entrants’ mettle in overcoming obstacles and becoming the fastest and most effective in getting from A to B, a skill that comes first and foremost in many games, after all. Trade show visitors can also attend small workshops to learn the basics of this trend discipline straight from the pros. From Thursday to Sunday, the other outdoor exhibitor events will provide perfect entertainment for fans and families alike. Those in need of a break from the hubbub in the halls and the grounds can escape to the gamescom beach, where they can relax and recharge before the next round of show highlights.
“gamesCompetence” unites teaching content and expertise
Youth protection, media learning and instruction in media skills come under the “gamesCompetence” heading at gamescom. This event throws the spotlight on offers from young people for their age group, associations, clubs and institutions, as well as the gamescom congress organised by the state government. Almost 40 exhibitors, among them associations, clubs, and educational facilities, will actively participate in the “gamesCompetence” event highlight. The NRW 2009 Youth Forum in hall 8 hosted in collaboration with Cologne Youth Welfare Office will centre on offers from young people for young people. Also taking part in the “gamesCompetence” programme: the Federal Centre for Political Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung – BpB), the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (Kommission für Jugendmedienschutz – KJM), the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons (Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien – BPjM) and educational facilities including the University of Cologne. The main highlight of the gamescom days under the sign of youth protection, media learning and expertise is the gamescom congress to be staged under the state government’s auspices on 20 August in the Congress Centre North. The congress, which is free to all, is devoted to the latest debates revolving around the world of computer gaming. The topic of age-appropriate use of interactive media does not only play a role in the specialist part of gamescom – the right way to deal with games will also be demonstrated live in the trade show grounds. To ensure young people are protected at gamescom itself, visitors will be given coloured armbands according to their age. This follows the guidelines of self-regulating software body the USK and enables exhibitors to ensure that games are only played by the age groups they are intended for. Games for players aged 16 and over will be demonstrated in a closed-off area of exhibitor stands. All in all, the offers for parents and teachers, educators, politicians, media and other interested parties at “gamescompetence” range from practical applications and tools all the way to top political discussions.
The gamescom Festival takes the games into the city
The supporting gamescom Festival takes the games into the city where it will address the target group of casual gamers, leisure and occasional players after the trade show closes with lots of fun. The city centre around Rudolfplatz, Friesenplatz and Neumarkt will feature two stages with an entertaining line-up of live acts, while the area between Rudolfplatz and Friesenplatz will be given over to interactive gaming with show trucks and game modules. The festival will open its doors on 19 August with top European music act Die Toten Hosen who will appear with Gentlemen and other top names to rock the audience in the dancing zone adjoining the trade show grounds. Following the opening ceremony on Wednesday, the city festival in downtown Cologne will provide spectacular entertainment from Friday to Sunday. National and international music acts, interactive gaming and the BÄM Awards will showcase fun from its best angle over three days true to the gamescom motto, “Celebrate the games”.