The somewhat highly anticipated MoM-alike from Paradox, Warlock: Master of the Arcane, is ready for purchasing. Someone play the demo and tell me how it turned out.
Paradox Interactive and Ino-Co Plus are happy to announce the release of Warlock: Master of the Arcane, a fantasy strategy game of conquest and magic.
In todays launch trailer, the University of Ardania's most eccentric professor regales us with the glorious tale of King Rrat. A tale featuring exploration, expansion, exploitation, and fireball casting rat mages, of course.
Warlock: Master of the Arcane is a new fantasy strategy game from Paradox Interactive and Ino-Co Plus. Set in the universe from the “Majesty” series, you are challenged to build an empire of steel and magic and unite Ardania at the point of a wand.
Warlock: Master of the Arcane is released today, May 8th via retail and all major digital distribution platforms for a recommended retail price of $19.99.
This exciting new release is a faithful adaptation of the renowned Conflict of Heroes board game that won the Origins Historical Game of the Year, Charles Roberts Wargame of the Year and the James F. Dunnigan Design Elegance Award, as well as many others!
For most seasoned AGEOD fans the NCP2 announcement was a shock. But apparently not all is lost, as Paradox and AGEOD may not completely abandon turn based gamers after all.
According to this official unofficial announcement in the old AGEOD forum, fans of the series will get a new game based on the AGE engine and Roman Civil Wars, no later than Q3 2012!
The annnouncement also reveals the content of an additional expansion pack that will be released soon after (Birth of Rome 312 to 236 BC) and indicates that several more expansions are already planned.
The team is said to consist mainly of the same people involved in their previous games.
Features
The game enjoys most of the features and improvement from previous AGEOD games, plus some brand new specific features:
• Ancient Command and Supply System (based on the Wars in America system), allowing for a good representation of historical army command in the Roman era.
• Quick and simple system of Construction of Units, allowing players to choose and purchase their forces as they wish (or can) during the annual and grand campaigns.
• Decision features, playable on the map, like wild card assets.
• Diversified set of historical events, allowing multiple choices events and options, thereby enhancing flexibility and re-playability.
• Different updates and other rules, in particular a combat system adapted to ancient warfare and sieges.
• Map: all of the Roman Empire and neighboring lands, with over 2800 different regions and seas, giving a lot of room for maneuvers.
• Over a thousand of new leaders (main leaders have individual portraits) and hundreds units with accurate pictures.
Scenarios
Five scenarios, starting 87 BC till 200 AD, including the well-known “Caesar vs. Pompey” civil war between 50 and 40 BC, or the infamous “Year of the Four Emperors 68 AD”
Scenarios vary in length from a few months to quite a few years (in a monthly turn scale)
Release: Expected Q3 2012, based on the progress of the current Beta.
Price: it has to be confirmed, as the potential distributor has his say here, and talks are still under way now. Will be reasonable though…
First Expansion Pack
After the AJE release, the team developing the game has pledged to commit to its first Expansion Pack (Birth of Rome 312 to 236 BC, with many new scenarios and campaigns in the beginnings of the Republic), which will become available in a date to be announced after the game's release, the first of a series of planned expansions aimed at covering most of the Roman Empire history.
Scenario Packs
Also, in preparation, they have various sets of Thematic Scenario Packs, each covering scenarios or campaigns in a specific theater of operation or versus a particular foe of Rome (in various stages of production now: Longuinqua Britannia, Furor Germanicus, Regnum Dacicum and Bellum Parthicum, planned to be released in sequence over 2012 and 2013)
Modders Scenario Packs
Also, the team would love that some key beta and players have their say in producing original scenarios of their own choosing…the Roman era is large and long enough for this. The game Databases will be available shortly after release to help the volunteers…
The Team
The original team that created AJE consists of Bohémond, El Nino and GPepper & Pangi (artworks), all forum veterans and AGE experts. In addition, a few key forumites here are giving them help and assistance in finalizing the game…Can’t name them all, but they are from the most experienced of our players.
The Lordz Games Studios (Battle Academy, Panzer Corps, and more) are offering a sneak peak at their upcoming Sovereignty: Crown of Kings, coming in Q4 2012 - Q1 2013.
Take up the mantle of power and rule your realm. The victor writes History. May the promise of glory and immortality go to you, sovereign. Long may you reign…
Sovereignty is being developed by The Lordz Games Studio and Gothic Labs.
The Game in 5 Words or Less: Risk meets Master of Magic.
Sovereignty: Crown of Kings is a turn-based fantasy strategy game for the PC. It offers a intuitive yet deep province system, allowing you to raise armies, conduct diplomacy, scout enemy battle lines, rally heroes to your banner, send them on quests, cast spells and go to war.
In Sovereignty, the player chooses one of 35 Realms in a bid for dominance of the map. Play is conducted in a series of turns as a single player game.
Though the game is rich and complex under the hood, it has an approachable and intuitive user interface. The core design has concentrated on streamlining the design and automating “the details”, allowing the player to focus on making the “big decisions”.
Each Realm has a unique culture and history, which translates directly into different play-styles. Each realm has its own mix of unit types and spell trees. Their diplomatic relations, economies and histories vary. A player may choose a new realm and experience the game in a very different way. Fantasy heroes, troops, races and spells complement the rise to power.
If you are a fan of fantasy worlds and stories like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, you will love the magical world of Sovereignty: Crown of Kings!
There is also this amazing sounding set of features.
- Map-view grand strategy game (province system)
- Take on the role of ruler in one of 35 Realms, each with its own flavor, culture and play style
- Multiple Races: Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs and Undead
- Recruit Heroes, lead mighty armies and a navy to rules the seas
- Resources, Trade Routes and Landmarks enrich the basic Economy of a Realm.
- Research and cast powerful Realm Magic with 100+ Spells
- Conduct Diplomacy
- PBEM Multiplayer
- Highly automated micro management
- Battle Cards
- Research magic and cast spells over your enemies
- 100+ unit types, 70+ combat modifiers…
With the proven track record of the Lordz this sounds like it could become a big hit at our beloved tacticularcancer.com.
According to the product page, it will also feature a new and improved game engine. Though judging from the information and screenshots it is rather improved but not new.
The development team behind the award-winning game Decisive Campaigns: From Warsaw To Paris is back with a new and improved game engine that focuses on the decisive year and theater of World War II! Decisive Campaigns: Case Blue simulates the German drive to Stalingrad and into the Caucasus of the summer of 1942, as well as its May preludes (2nd Kharkov offensive, Operation Trappenjagd) and also the Soviet winter counter-offensive (Operation Uranus) that ended with the encirclement of 6th Army in Stalingrad and the destruction of the axis minor armies.
Well researched and packed with depth, including detailed unit data down to vehicle level and historically realistic combined arms gameplay, Case Blue also features an easy-to-learn interface and a good AI. In the campaign scenarios, next to the victory conditions, you will have to deal with high command orders that can instruct you to hold or take specific cities. Do well and earn prestige that enables you to request reinforcements and influence high command decisions, do bad and you’ll have to be careful not to get sacked.
Once in the battle, players move regiments and divisions, coordinate attacks and manage logistics in what we feel is the definitive game on the fighting in the Ukraine and the Caucasus. There are also unique actions for individual historical generals to give a particular unit or HQ the extra needed push to victory. Decisive Campaigns: Case Blue includes Slitherine’s great PBEM++ system and also editor functionality.
Case Blue is unique in that it aims to not only give you the numbers but also to give you the feel of the time, the theater and its challenges.
Close Combat: Panthers in the Fog is the first new release (not a re-make of a previous games) in years in the critically acclaimed Close Combat series. It details the desperate German counter-attack at Mortain, the last chance of the Wehrmacht to stave off defeat in Normandy. Can you match the tenacity of the American defenders of Hill 314? Or can you succeed where the Panzers failed, driving through to the sea and changing history? Improved 32-bit graphics and the ability to control more squads than ever bring the Close Combat engine to a new level.
According to Eric Rutins, "brand-new" means that this will be another re-release of the CC5 engine but for the first time with a distinct setting and new features like an improved graphics engine (32 bit) and UI. In the same sentence he also pussyfoots around the issue if there will be a completely new engine after Panthers in the Fog (read very carefully).
This is both a brand new CC game (not a re-do) and also the last CC game using the current engine. That sentence is carefully phrased.
Ok ok so Panthers is still using the old engine I got that. The statement is still a riddle to me. If this is really the last game using the current engine, why make such a substantial update to it? To learn how it's done before making your own engine? Or because there needed to be yet one more game with the old engine? Speculate. Or simply wait until they have sorted their things out.
Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com), Slitherine (www.slitherine.com), Western Civilization Software (www.west-civ.com) and Academy Games (www.academy-games.com) are thrilled to announce the official computer release of the multiple award-winning tactical WWII game, Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear! This exciting new release is a faithful adaptation of the renowned Conflict of Heroes board game that won the Origins Historical Game of the Year, Charles Roberts Wargame of the Year and the James F. Dunnigan Design Elegance Award, as well as many others!
This was inofficially announced some time ago, and unlike the Heroes of Stalingrad game looks like it will be finished.
Short answer: role-playing meets turn-based strategy, wrapped into an adventure mini-series about vikings.
Travel through stunning landscapes straight out of an animated film as your party escapes what could be the end of everything. Battle painstakingly hand-animated foes in strategic, turn-based combat. Make decisions with real consequences in conversations with people you'll actually care about.
The Banner Saga is a mature game aimed at gamers who appreciate art, story and strategy. Hope you'll join the caravan
The Banner Saga is a new project by three former Bioware developers. They promised more information would be coming soon.
There is also a website: Stoic Studios http://stoicstudio.com/index.html
If they can deliver on their promises this looks like a game to watch out for.
Game News - posted by Jason
on Fri 10 February 2012, 06:31:28
bitComposer's non-turnbased take on JA, Jagged Alliance: Back in Action, snuck out behind our backs last week in demo form. Head here for a list of download mirrors. Expect a tutorial mission, one later game mission, and plenty to rage about.
Or just enjoy this list of features:
The Jagged Alliance series achieved numerous awards and is considered to date as milestone in the genre of real time strategy
Unrivaled mix of combat (tactics), roleplay, business and strategy
Innovative "Plan & Go" combat system combines RTS gameplay with turn-based elements
Liberate a fictitious island from a dictator
Realistic war setting with authentic-looking firearms
Laptop/computer menu as a central anchor point for the player
Assemble your own unit of mercenaries from over 60 unique mercenaries
Simultaneous control of multiple squads using a strategic map
Every mercenary has a detailed set of likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses
Convincing characters who interact with and comment on the game events
All the dialog has audio
Train your mercenaries to improve their effectiveness
Acquire resources by capturing mines and encampments
Game News - posted by Jason
on Tue 07 February 2012, 09:19:27
Pre-orders are open for Crusader Kings II but more importantly, there's a demo to be had. Get to it.
In advance of the royal coronation that is the release of the strategy/RPG Crusader Kings II on February 14, Paradox Interactive have today announced that the pre-order campaign has begun!
The Crusader Kings II pre-order includes free bonus content for all loyal subjects: a full game in Crusader Kings Complete, along with two additional DLC packs;
Crusader Kings II Mongol Families DLC
The Mongol Families DLC contains thousands of unique face combinations for male and female characters of the Mongol cultures. It also contains seven new unit sprites for Archers, Horse Archers, Heavy Infantry, Pikemen, Light Infantry, Light Cavalry and Heavy Cavalry.
Crusader Kings II Dynasty Shield DLC
Containing 50 unique dynastic shields for the 50 most famous families of Medieval Europe
In addition to the pre-order bonus, a playable demo for Crusader Kings II has also been released and can be downloaded here: http://www.crusaderkings.com/media/demos
Crusader Kings II is slated for a launch on February 14th 2012 for 39,99 USD
Game News - posted by Jason
on Mon 30 January 2012, 09:24:39
TCancer is still without a front page, but the news rolls on regardless.
At long last, the time to free the war-torn land of Britannia from evil has come! Paradox Interactive and Neocore Games today announced that the highly anticipated dark fantasy RTS/RPG King Arthur II - The Role-playing Wargame is now available in English on PC for $39.99 in retail and through all major digital download portals. Other language versions will follow soon.
King Arthur II - The Role-playing Wargame features a new and dark fantasy setting. No longer a valiant ruler, King Arthur has become the Maimed King, trying to mend a land that lies almost beyond repair in this stunning new plot.
More heroic, large-scale battles with bigger armies are now at the player’s disposal, with both strategic brilliance and bravery required to defeat the powerful foes that players will encounter on their quest to restore Britannia.
As an early Christmas gift the devs at Neocore have made this King Arthur II adventure quest book for you.
In this quest book you will choose your own adventure, and enter the world of legendary Britannia, where you’ll take the role of one of the brave knights from King Arthur’s court. During your quest you’ll have to make important decisions that will change the outcome of the events and might even influence your own traits and resources. Luckily, you won’t have to face these challenges on your own: over the course of your thrilling adventure you’ll have the chance to gather knights to aid you in your struggles. Get hold of your character sheet and let the adventure begin!
It's a choose your own adventure book based on the upcoming King Arthur II "the role-playing war game". If you don't know about the Total War-esque series, watch this douche explain it to you. Something to keep you distracted I guess.
Overall I'd heavily recommend Unity of Command for all wargamers, both wet-behind-the-ears type and the grizzled grays. Unity of Command is easy to get into, yet one of those wargames that challenges you in a way to not make you walk away, but to make you sit up straight and huff some steam out of your nose and say, Alright, lets try that again! The AI in some of the harder scenarios can definitely put some of the more experienced wargamers through some heated moments, but not in a cheating fashion. With the added benefit of quick scenarios and a branching campaign, Unity of Command is definitely one to put on your radar.
Preview - posted by Trash
on Thu 01 December 2011, 09:36:52
After all the usual plotting, backstabbing and ruthlessly invading unsuspecting neighbours of another Machiavellian day Trash also found some time to preview the upcoming Crusader Kings II
What made Crusader Kings great for me was the fact that a playthrough invariably provided Shakespearean drama in spades. Crusader Kings 2 upped the ante with the improvements regarding character interaction and the plotting mechanism together with an AI that's constantly fighting to get ahead. In a single playthrough my first noble was assassinated by an unknown party, my heir was excommunicated through the machinations of a vassal, a brother tried to usurp an important title and my wife killed my spymaster because she wanted the office for herself.
Preview - posted by Trash
on Thu 01 December 2011, 09:36:52
After all the usual plotting, backstabbing and ruthlessly invading unsuspecting neighbours of another Machiavellian day Trash also found some time to preview the upcoming Crusader Kings II
What made Crusader Kings great for me was the fact that a playthrough invariably provided Shakespearean drama in spades. Crusader Kings 2 upped the ante with the improvements regarding character interaction and the plotting mechanism together with an AI that's constantly fighting to get ahead. In a single playthrough my first noble was assassinated by an unknown party, my heir was excommunicated through the machinations of a vassal, a brother tried to usurp an important title and my wife killed my spymaster because she wanted the office for herself.
Game News - posted by Jason
on Tue 29 November 2011, 09:48:59
Sega is springing for a standalone Total War: Shogun 2 expansion, Fall of the Samurai. Too bad they couldn't spend a little extra on hosting their images somewhere other than Photobucket.
Fall of the Samurai explores the conflict between the Imperial throne and the last Shogunate in 19th century Japan, 400 years after the events of the original game – a dramatic clash of traditional Samurai culture with the explosive power of modern weaponry.
New on the scene will be America, Britain and France, whose arrival incites a ferocious civil war to decide the fate of the nation. You’ll be able to play one of six new playable clans, supporting either the Imperial throne or the last Shogunate.
In Fall of the Samurai, we’ll be supporting features like railway networks, ironclad warships, improved siege battle mechanics (with upgradable tower defences, each with their own speciality).
Matrix Games, Slitherine (www.slitherine.com) and Code Force (www.codeforce.co.nz) are thrilled to announce the release of Distant Worlds – Legends. The hotly awaited second expansion to the famed 4x strategy series, Distant Worlds!
With our massive holiday sale currently going strong, now has never been a better time to jump in a starship and head to Distant Worlds. The base game is now on sale for $26.99 and its expansion Return of the Shakturi is $16.99 (both prices are for the digital download) – that means both titles are selling for 33% off until January 8th!
As an added bonus to existing Distant Worlds fans, through the duration of the holiday sale Distant Worlds – Legends will be priced at $5 off the regular price, or the same discount given to newcomers to the series who take advantage of our bundle discount. That means that anyone can receive the price reduction and buy Legends for $19.99 without having to purchase another Distant Worlds title along with it to activate the bundle discount. Note that Distant Worlds – Legends REQUIRES the full Distant Worlds game and the Return of the Shakturi expansion.
Game News - posted by Jason
on Tue 22 November 2011, 09:44:22
Kwanza came early this year as Matrix is giving you a Panzer Corps demo and sale.
It all starts with the release of a demo version of its critically acclaimed and award winning strategy game, Panzer Corps. The demo includes 6 missions from the Bootcamp Campaign, plus the invasion of Poland and the first few turns of the Norway scenario. The transition between the first two scenarios of the main campaign allows players to upgrade their army between scenarios and get a feel for how units improve and gain experience as they travel from battle to battle. Also packaged with the demo is a limited version of Panzer Corps’ powerful scenario editor so modders
The demo release also coincides with some jolly good news for Panzer Corps newcomers: the base game of Panzer Corps is available for 50% off the original price for the first two weeks of the sale. After two weeks Panzer Corps will jump to a still-fantastic 25% and the heavy discount will last until the end of the Christmas season.
This year’s holiday sale also expands to most of the store catalogue becoming one of the largest in company history. There are fantastic savings to be made on some of the most popular titles in the Slitherine/Matrix lineup. The sale will run from midnight EST at November 22nd until midnight January 8th and will include up to a 33% discount of all Slitherine and Matrix Games titles released during 2010 and earlier and even some released this year.
Gary Grigsby’s War in the East will be included among these titles, marking the first time this epic wargaming masterpiece has had any type of discount!
Game News - posted by Trash
on Mon 21 November 2011, 10:02:44
Anno 2070 , the new game in the rather nifty Anno series has come out on friday together with a pretty trailer. Word is that Ubisoft hasn't debased this one with an overly restricted DRM but instead opted for a one time online activation. That's good news as Destructoid's review seems to suggest that the game is worth it.
Story-hungry players might feel unfulfilled by the campaign, but Anno 2070's mechanics provide enough food that their bellies will be bloated by the time they move on to another game. While it may bewilder players new to the genre with the sheer complexity of it all, Anno 2070 succeeds at giving the decade-old series a fantastic makeover. Fans of the franchise will feel right at home as the formula hasn't changed all that much, but the myriad additions and improvements have been expertly crafted to fit right into the core gameplay. Moreover, it manages to do what A Nightmare on Elm Street may have done to you as a child: you won't want to go to sleep and when you do, you'll dream of even more efficient island layouts to try out the next day.
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