Tagged: strategy

Company of Heroes 2 announced, first screenshot

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Next year’s going to be great for RTS fans – Company of Heroes 2 is taking its wares to the Eastern front of World War II, challenging players “to take command of the iconic Red Army and repel the Nazi invaders from the very gates of Moscow.”

This PC exclusive is using Relic Entertainment’s proprietary Essence 3.0 Engine that offers “Dynamic Battle Tactics, increased graphical fidelity and new environmental destruction,” among other things. The first screenshot’s below.

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Download Star Prospector demo here

There haven’t been many playable demos for PC lately, so it’s nice and refreshing to see studios still cater for the platform seriously. Having said that, Crypstone Games has released a demo for Star Prospector, their recently released real-time strategy title.

It offers full access to the title’s features, and opens up all missions that are available in the first star system. Those looking for replayability won’t be disappointed: all the missions are randomly generated.

The developer offers regular download links, but you can save their bandwidth by grabbing the 156MB demo through this torrent. It’s hosted on a fast seedbox, so you won’t be disappointed. Seeding is highly appreciated.

Settlers continue to search for paths to kingdom, produces seventh prodigal son

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The explorers from Ubisoft sent out an expansive press release today stating that their exploitation and extermination series The Settlers will continue to increase its horizon come spring 2010 with The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom.

Developed by Blue Byte, the game will contain the usual fine-tuning of settlements to optimize transport and production as well as three paths to victory – military, science and trade – and a new victory points system.

Also, it will have a new graphics engine for you graphics whores and improved AI that will offer “unique behaviors”. Multiplayer is not ignored either, with new modes being added along with leaderboard and DLC support.

The Godfather 2 Getting Multiplayer Mode Post-release

EA sent out word that a new multiplayer mode for The Godfather 2 will be released as a free downloadable patch right after the game’s release on April 7 in North America and April 10 in Europe.

Called “Don Control”, the mode will take the strategic gameplay of the title into an online environment where players build a family, command them in battle and view the action from a bird’s eye view from above. Here’s more:

Don Control introduces an additional layer of gameplay on top of the four multiplayer modes and six maps already available in the game and invites players to compete to see who is the ultimate Don of Dons. Players can now challenge one another in 16-player battles for their in-game currency from the single-player game. As a Don online, players can recruit others to join their family by giving them a cut of the profits. But if a player loses as Don, the in-game currency they wagered will be removed in their single-player campaign and their empire can come crumbling down.

The Godfather 2 is being released for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Valkyria Chronicles Getting DLC

Sega has announced a batch of DLC for its critically acclaimed strategy RPG Valkyria Chronicles, revealing that three pieces of downloadable content will be released, each slated to arrive sometime this spring.

  • Hard EX Mode – fight your way once again through the entire Imperial army, where the enemies are more lethal and your main tank Edelweiss is unavailable. You’ll have to be more strategic in order to overcome your opponents.
  • Edy’s Mission "Enter the Edy Detachment" – six members have been separated from Squad 7 and on their journey to reunite with their squad, they stumble upon a tiny village under attack by the Imperial Army. Play as Edy and command your outnumbered team to defend the small village from annihilation.
  • Selvaria’s Mission "Behind Her Blue Flame"- Taking place right after the outbreak of Gallian battle lines, you play as Johann, a young and meek engineer assigned to Selvaria’s troop. See the action as it unfolds behind enemy lines and see the war play out through the eyes of the enemy.

No pricing was mentioned in the announcement.

Today’s Demos

The English-language demo for Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943 has been released by 1C Company and Battlefront. It offers an all-new mission from the US campaign, as well as one tutorial mission. Grab it from Battlefront’s website, AtomicGamer, ComputerGames.ro, FileFront, Gamer’s Hell and Strategy Informer.

A playable demo for Hysteria Hospital: Emergency Ward is also now available. The full game is due out on PC and Wii this May. Grab the 74MB demo from AtomicGamer, FileFront and Gamer’s Hell.

Today’s last demo is of The Maw, offering a sample of the recently released action adventure game. Grab it from Greenhouse, AtomicGamer, ComputerGames.ro, FileFront and Gamer’s Hell.

Helldorado Gets Co-publisher

Viva Media today announced that it is partnering with Spellbound Entertainment for the release of Helldorado, a gun-slinging tactical action-strategy game from the creators of the Desperados series.

“Helldorado is simply a fun game that has all the ingredients for success: super graphics, intense fighting and a thrilling story,” said Viva CEO Carlo Voelkar. “We are very excited to bring it to market.”

The game is expected out online on April 9.

Battlestations: Pacific Dated

You’ll be soaring through the skies of the Pacific this May, as Eidos Interactive announced that Battlestations: Pacific will be released in North America and Europe on May 12 and 15, respectively.

The sequel expands upon the strategic combat of the first, offering 28 missions and historically accurate campaigns. Online multiplayer makes appearances in the form of competitive and cooperative modes, as well as new gameplay modes.

The game is due out on PC and Xbox 360.

Sins of a Solar Empire Expansion Delayed to February 25

Publisher Stardock has finally given a solid release date for the first expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire: due to incorporation of beta feedback, the oft-delayed title can now be expected on February 25.

"The additional time will allow for Ironclad’s development team to incorporate feedback to date and allow for another round of beta testing," said a company representative.

Dubbed “Entrenchment”, the add-on is currently available for pre-order on Impulse for $9.95.