News

Theatre of War 2 staying on Broadway by way of Africa

Posted by: Randy at 8/7/2008 10:42 PM - Comments (0)
More On: Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943 Battlefront.com
Resident Evil 5 is going there.  Farcry 2 is exploring that savanna, too.  Afrika is giving itself away in the title.  The latest Game Informer magazine even declared that "Africa is the new Normandy" -- which would be unadulterated irony were they talking about a World War II game, because both France and northern Africa are prominent theaters in videogames about the Second World War.  And WW2 fans will be happy to know that Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943, just announced by publisher 1C Company, will put you in command of General Rommel leading Germany's Afrika Korps, or in command of Allied forces led by Montgomery and Eisenhower.  I think WW2 games have been around long enough for you to have figured out that much on your own.  But check the historicity:



1C and battlefront.com announce
theatre of war II: Africa 1943

 

One of the most accurate WWII simulations ever produced spawns a sequel

 

MOSCOW, Russia - August 7, 2008 - Leading Eastern and Central European publisher 1C Company and Battlefront.com, an independent internet publisher and developer of war and strategy games for the PC since 1997, announced today the sequel to Theatre of War, one of the most historically accurate RTS games dedicated to World War II ever published.  As with its predecessor, Theatre of War II is being created by one of 1C's own internal development studios.

Theatre of War II covers the events of 1943 during the operations in Tunisia. Recovered from losses after their defeat at Al-Alamein, Germany's Afrika Korps, supported by an Italian military contingent and new powerful weapons, marched against the Allies. The German troops were commanded by General Rommel and had the chance for a quick victory. However, their military operations were severely prolonged, and the plans of the German general were about to fail.  Players will have the option to lead the German Afrika Korps of Rommel in their last full-scale attack or be at the head of the opposing English and American armies, led by Montgomery and Eisenhower, during 15 missions in three campaigns.

"In Theatre of War II we not only improved the graphics and the AI system, we added new units and features. We wanted to make a game that would meet the expectations of our fans," said David Philippov, Head of internal Game Development at 1C. "After the original game was released we spent a lot of time reading comments and gathering opinions. I believe that Theatre of War II will become popular not only among old fans, but gain new followers. It is a real step forward for our team."

"When 1C approached us with their plans for a sequel, we knew that - just like with the first title that was successfully released by Battlefront.com - it would be a perfect fit for Battlefront's lineup of Superior War and Strategy Games", said Martin van Balkom, President of Battlefront.com. "1C's dedication and love for even small details was apparent in the first game already, and the sequel is even more ambitious. We're thrilled to be part of the ride and bring this game to our fans worldwide, via download as well as to stores."

The game presents more than 40 types of different vehicles, new types of units, improved graphics and sound, a new advanced visual system that considers observation angle and smoke screens, fights inside buildings and hand-to-hand fighting, a brand new interface, improved soldiers' AI, soldiers' independent search for cover and an improved infantry damage system. Special attention is being devoted to multiplayer and user created missions.

 

Official website for more info, screenshots and discussion:

http://theatre-of-war-2.battlefront.com

 

 

About Battlefront.com

Battlefront.com is an independent, internet-based publisher and developer of superior war and strategy games since 1997! Among our games you will find the award-winning 3D tactical combat simulation series Combat Mission (three successive Wargame of the Year Awards). Other titles include the ultimate WWII RTS game Theatre of War by acclaimed developer 1C Company, grand strategy classic Strategic Command 2 Blitzkrieg by award-winning designer Hubert Cater, the WWII air combat game Down in Flames by Dan Verssen, the uniquely "realistic" Sci-Fi combat game DropTeam and the famous TacOps 4modern combat simulation, a commercial version of the official tactical training tool used by the U.S. Army. Look out later this year for the ultimate Napoleonic combat simulation HistWar: Les Grognards from Jean-Michel Mathé! Besides computer games, Battlefront.com offers a selection of books, prints, and other warfare related articles to one of the world's largest and fastest growing wargamer fan communities!

 

Find out more at www.battlefront.com

 

 

About 1C Company

1C Company specializes in distribution, publishing and development of mass market software. Founded in 1991, 1C has become the leading publisher and distributor of computer games in Eastern and Central Europe. 1C Company is widely acknowledged as a game developer and has several internal studios. Internal developments of 1C include IL-2 Sturmovik, IL-2 Sturmovik: Forgotten Battles, Aces Expansion Pack, Pacific Fighters and Theatre of War. 1C Company works as a publisher and producer with over 30 independent development studios and has produced over 100 projects for PC and consoles. 

 

For more information on 1C please contact us at the numbers above or go to our website at www.1cpublishing.com.

 

The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements."  The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause the 1C Company's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. 1C Company and 1C logo are registered trademarks of the 1C Company.  All other company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.  Copyright ã 2008 1C Company, All Rights Reserved.

 

Dead Space banned in three countries

by: Chuck - posted: 9/7/2008 6:30 PM - Comments (0)
Despite what GamePolitics thinks, it looks like Dead Space has been banned in China, Germany, and Japan according to the game's official blog.  Germany isn't too much of a surprise but China and Japan are.  It does look like the gruesomeness of the game combined with the "would be suicides" are what pushed the game into the land of the banned.  Sucks for them as the game is looking to be one of the better games of the year.

Notes from the NHL 2K9 press call

by: Chuck - posted: 9/7/2008 3:50 PM - Comments (0)
For those too lazy to listen to Dan’s recording of the NHL 2K9 press call last week with Ben Bishop (Producer) and Jay Iwahashi (Online Producer) here my notes from the call:
-Virtual Concepts is replacing Kush this year
    -Felt like the first opportunity to rebuild the franchise, game had been extending old content for a while, chance to replace a lot of old code

-Fresh perspective to the game, try to bring the fun back to the game, The controls are really the focus, want people to be able to pick up and play right away
    -Lot of modern games are getting too complex, focus is on fun and making it easy to play
    -Old code base thrown out, completely re-worked
    -Simplified controls so that pass, shoot, check are all you need to know

-Zamboni and playoff beards coming to the game, along with custom Stanley cup celebrations
    -Can skate around the ice with the cup, can skate around, raise, kiss, and pass the cup to a teammate

-Some presentation content ported in from NBA 2K9 team, cross team sharing of resources
    -Game summary replays
        -Save and replay – make your own highlight reels
        -View all hits, goals, etc after game

-Should be a much different experience than last year
-Not concerned with being the underdog, the fans are the hardest audience to please
-Differences from NHL 09
    -Only Wii hockey game this year
    -Easier control scheme – bringing the fun back
    -Feels that the games are on a different path

-Had some issues with the Wii port, went from the 360 to the Wii
    -Trying to find memory and get the graphics to work

-Can switch between control schemes, can used advanced if you want to
    -Hybrid scheme
    -Pro-stick evolution – more focused on using right stick for shooting
    -Scheme from 2K8 not in the game
    -Cannot customize controls

More on the online modes and other changes after the break.

Here's the final teaser video for the game
[READ MORE]

Mount & Blade goes Gold

by: Elliot - posted: 9/7/2008 2:46 PM - Comments (0)
Get your saddles and riding boots all cleaned up because Mount & Blade for the PC just went gold. Look for the game online plus on store shelves September 16th for North America and September 19th for Europe. More information after the jump. [READ MORE]

New DS color launches today

by: Sean Colleli - posted: 9/7/2008 1:35 PM - Comments (0)
September 7th marks the release of the Metallic Silver DS Lite, so if you still don't have Nintendo's strangely popular portable this is another excuse to finally get one.  The silver DS joins a host of other colors already on the market, including a very limited edition gold Legend of Zelda DS.  I can imagine the lucky collectors with that piece of swag are comparing their DS bling to the new silver model.  Personally, I'll stick with my jet black DS, at least until Trauma Center makes me wear out the touch screen. [READ MORE]

New Puzzle Quest website launches

by: Sean Colleli - posted: 9/7/2008 1:30 PM - Comments (0)
D3 Publisher is gearing up to release the latest game in their popular Puzzle Quest series, Galactrix.  To get the fans excited and keep them informed, D3 has relaunched the Puzzle Quest website.  There is now comprehensive info for all the games in the series and preview material for Galactrix as well.  There is also a section dedicated to strategies for the XBLA expansion pack.  It's nice to see D3 supporting their fan base this much, and I know I'm looking forward to the new release even more. [READ MORE]

Dean Takahashi details the RROD problem

by: Chuck - posted: 9/6/2008 3:55 PM - Comments (0)
Dean Takahashi has published a long, in depth article that details the reasons behind the RROD problem that caused so many Xbox 360's to fail.  It's a long read (6 pages) but it's worth it just to get a look inside what went on and why there are so many defects.  There's some new information but the core reason of why the device failed was because Microsoft rushed it to market to beat Sony, even though they knew there were problems with the Xbox 360 when it shipped. 

While it certainly makes Microsoft look bad it's worth noting that the strategy seems to have worked as Microsoft is currently leading the PS3 right now.   The real question now is will people still line up to buy the next Microsoft gaming system when it comes out or will they wait until Microsoft fixes all the issues (real or perceived). 

Sierra demonstrates l33t Gin Rummy skills in new video

by: Chuck - posted: 9/6/2008 1:19 PM - Comments (2)
Gin Rummy was released on Xbox Live last week and the folks at Sierra have put together a little video showing off some tips and tricks for how to play the game.  Personally I'm not much of a card game guy (no guns, not enough explosions) but the video does provide some sound strategies for the game if you're into that kind of thing.

What we're playing this weekend

by: Chuck - posted: 9/6/2008 12:21 PM - Comments (0)
Ben Berry
Seeing as my fiance already downloaded it, I am going to give Pirates of the Caribbean Online a try. A little Rock Band will probably be mixed in as i anxiously await the two NHL titles due on Tuesday.

Elliot Bonnie
Not much time for gaming this weekend, but what time I do have will be spent blowing up stuff in Mercenaries 2.

Dave Gamble
I'm reliving the Summer Olympics with Summer Athletics for the Wii.  Between events, I'm racing Dodge Vipers around famous European race tracks with Simbin's new racer, GTR Evolution.

Charles Husemann
It's going to be a quiet weekend of gaming for me as I get revved up for Spore and the NHL games next week.  I'm hoping to get in a little more Pixel Junk Eden this weekend and maybe a little Rock Band.

Randy Kalista
There are over 3.3 million creatures and vehicles uploaded into Spore's online Sporepedia.  I wish I was kidding.  I'm entirely too lazy to sift through all that player-created content to find just the right creations to import into my own world.  So I'll be spending a little more time with the Spore Creature Creator myself.  Plus, on Sunday, I'll try and help everyone crash the GOG.com server by rushing in for a download of Fallout 2.

Dan Keener
Looks like I can get my 360 back from Sean Cahill, so that means I can finally download Castle Crashers and the Rock Band Rush masters.  Toss in some more Oblivion, and time to do some serious testing with the Polk Audio iSonic.

Matt Mirkovich
I've gone back to Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow on the Nintendo DS. I've also picked up Infinite Undiscovery for the 360. It's RPG-mayhem at my place as I've also got Disgaea 3, and the Tales of Vesperia limited edition begging to be played. I've also got to get practiced up for my Forza Racing League, our final race is Monday and I'm looking to finish in solid 5th.

Nathan Murray
I have been playing Gutiar Hero III in preparation for the festivities this friday. I will be bringing my nifty new phone that has a 2 megapixel camera and an expandable memory card slot. What does that mean? That means recorded mayhem that will show up on my blog later this week mwah ha ha. Anyway I'll probably be playing more Call of Duty 4 this weekend. remember user name frophey is your ticket to a quick death.

Tyler Sager
I'll be waiting for the gathering gaming storm scheduled to arrive later this month, so I'll just be fiddling around with some old titles.  I've been playing a bit of Half-Life 2 and Portal lately, along with some strategy favorites. 

Eva Sines
After I get through canning crabapple jelly and crabapple butter, I hope to get in some solid time leveling my hunter on Silverlode in Lord of the Rings Online.  We'll also be playing D&D 4.0 Sunday evening.

GamingNexus writer appears on Game on! podcast (it's not Chuck)

by: Chuck - posted: 9/6/2008 9:16 AM - Comments (0)
Our own Eva Sines has graced the Game On! podcast with her presence this week to talk about MMO's and other gaming goodies.  Normally that's my role but Eva does have a special relationship with one of the hosts of the show.  Good stuff and well worth the listen.

Give me FUEL, give me fire, give me the screenshots I desire

by: Chuck - posted: 9/6/2008 9:08 AM - Comments (1)
Here are five pre-alpha screenshots from Codemaster's upcoming off-road racing game FUEL.  Codemasters has been on a bit of a tear with their racing games lately as last year's GRID was excellent.  I do wonder why they insist on capitalizing the name of the game though.
[READ MORE]

News Roundup: Skate Things On Wheels

by: Randy - posted: 9/6/2008 3:13 AM - Comments (0)
DEMOS, PATCHES
VIDEOS
SCREENSHOTS
ARTICLES Thanks to 3DXtreme, AtomicGamer, Cryptic Studios, TheTechLounge, Legit Reviews, Digit-Life, Techgage, and Tweaknews for today's News Roundup.

Several ESPN shows now taking a page from new EA Sports Virtual Playbook

by: Randy - posted: 9/6/2008 2:58 AM - Comments (0)
In a convergence of video game graphics and ESPN television, EA Sports Virtual Playbook launched today and will integrate into ESPN's Monday Night Countdown, NFL Live shows, and will debut this Sunday, September 7th, on Sunday NFL Countdown.  "EA Sports Virtual Playbook is born out of our deep football heritage at EA Sports and our drive to expand the impact of our innovative sports technologies beyond gaming," said Peter "F*** You, Yuji Naka" Moore.  And, not to get lazy, but I'll let the EA press release try and explain what's going on, in typically-convoluted EA language:
EA Sports Virtual Playbook is created using feeds from in-studio real-world cameras as well as an in-game camera that captures EA Sports in-game graphics depicting real game scenarios.  The real-world studio and game images of virtual characters are combined to create the effect of "augmented reality" -- virtual players appearing in the studio alongside real life hosts and analysts.  Both real and virtual people are able to move realistically around the studio set to demonstrate plays and scenarios.  The system accommodates, and in fact is controlled by, the multiple real-world cameras that are typical in today's sports analysis television programs.
Essentially, the aforementioned programs will use the EA Sports Virtual Playbook to analyze game matchups, demonstrate offensive and defensive schemes, and highlight mismatches. [READ MORE]

Rock Band DLC for next Week is All that Remains

by: Dan - posted: 9/5/2008 9:05 PM - Comments (0)
Well, Harmonix announced in their forums today that we will be getting another week of speed metal crap at a discounted price. Hopefully Harmonix is just cleaning out the coffers prior to releasing Rock Band 2 later this month when some real songs will start to show up.  For those that care, the All that Remains 3-pack will be 80 pts each or 240 for the pack for the first month (What...no discount!?!)

ALL THAT REMAINS 3 PACK - $2.99 (240 Microsoft Points) 

THIS CALLING - $.99 (80 Microsoft Points)
CHIRON $.99 (80 Microsoft Points)
TWO WEEKS $.99 (80 Microsoft Points)

Origins '08 late but still great interview: D20 Pro

by: Nathan - posted: 9/5/2008 7:10 PM - Comments (0)
What is D20 Pro? It is one of the greatest examples I have ever seen of the evolution and blending of traditional table top game with the interactive software experience. D20 Pro is software that gives players the ability to play Dungeons and Dragons or similar D20 (a specific type of table top game) games on a virtual game board. The software doesn't just look good but this very functional and can be a very powerful tool for any Game Master. The greatest advantage though of using D20 Pro is the ability to play online with anyone over a secure line making table top gaming possible from across the country. Now that's what I call progression. Check out the software at D20Pro.com
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Chronicles of Spellborn Music Featured in Black Symphony DVD

by: Eva - posted: 9/5/2008 6:01 PM - Comments (0)
The Chronicles of Spellborn MMO features three songs written by gothic-rock band Within Temptation. Spellborn International has alerted gamers that live performances of "The Howling", "Hand of Sorrow" and "The Heart of Everything" are featured in the band's upcoming CD/DVD release Black Symphony performed by Within Temptation and the Metrople Symphony. The full story behind the landmark fusion of a videogame developer and band is retold on the Within Temptation site. Here's an excerpt from the page:
In the end of 2005 Within Temptation started a corporation with game developer ‘The Chronicles of Spellborn’. This is the first time in history a rock band and the developers of a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game have announced such collaboration, marking a new era in the fusion of the arts of music and making games.

"The Chronicles of Spellborn" is a MMOR- Playing game, players from all over the world will be able to interact through the internet with each other in an original fantasy setting, experienced through a unique graphic style.

Robert Westerholt comments:”Since there are quite a few game fanatics in our band we didn't hesitate long when we were given the opportunity to work together with a game-developer on the music for a videogame. Especially since a game like 'The Chronicles of Spellborn' is graphically, as well as story-wise, very inspiring.”
The Black Symphony DVD will be available in Europe September 22 and September 23 in the US. You can get the latest information on The Chronicles of Spellborn at the official website which will be relaunching later this month.

Personally, I would like to see more collaborations of this type in the future. It just builds a more solid foundation for both the music and games industries as well as being a big win for gamers. I leave you with the trailer for Within Temptation's Black Symphony.

Warhammer Online Ushers in Age of Reckoning with Preview Weekend Plus

by: Eva - posted: 9/5/2008 5:55 PM - Comments (0)
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is ringing in the Open Beta by extending its preview weekend event. Preview Weekend Plus starts today Friday, September 5th and runs until the September 7th kick off of the Age of Reckoning.
In order to make this world-wide event the best it can be we're welcoming all Preview Weekend attendees back for two more days to rev things up and get the party started. We invite all Preview Weekend players to join us for Preview Weekend+ this Friday, 9/5 and Saturday, 9/6 starting tomorrow morning.
As a reminder, this event is for Closed Beta participants, Collectors Edition Pre-Order customers, and the first lucky 50,000 Standard Edition Pre-Order customers to register their accounts in the new Mythic Account Center. All of you lucky qualifying gamers gird yourselves for battle to usher in the Age of Reckoning. The rest of us will join you Sunday.

Weekly PSN store update

by: Chuck - posted: 9/5/2008 12:41 PM - Comments (0)
It's not a bad week on PSN this week as you can purchase NFL Head Coach 09, download a demo for NHL 2K9, and check out the latest edition of Qore magazine (which includes access to the MotorStorm Pacific Rift demo) along with a host of other goodies.

Achilles wonders if you are entertained in new Rise of the Argonauts video

by: Chuck - posted: 9/5/2008 12:37 PM - Comments (0)
Rise of the Argonauts was one of the games that surprised me the most at E3 this year.  The re-working of classic mythology stood out and it doesn't  hurt that the game looks fantastic.  If you don't believe me check out this new footage from the game that shows of Achilles having a little gladiator fun.

Gaming Gibs for 9/5/2008

by: Chuck - posted: 9/5/2008 12:30 PM - Comments (0)
Here are a few things I missed while learning how to operate a super-collider:
  • Atari lists the things that are different in the PS3 version of Alone in the Dark, I hope fun is one of them
  • Sins of A Solar Empire sells 500,000 copies, costs less than $1M to make, and is the case study for how to treat your customers  with respect
  • Respect for Peter More ++
  • Resistance Fall of Man 2 gets more awesome
  • Destructoid talks about how to not look like an idiot in Castle Crashers
  • Devs have concerns about Gamers Bill of Rights
  • Publishers talk about their side of the game journalism business
  • Blu Ray only has 5 years of life remaining according to Samsung, probably more like 7 but digital is certainly the way to go
  • Edge lists the top 50 ZOMG events in gaming history

MSNBC offers advice on getting you girlfriend into gaming

by: John - posted: 9/5/2008 10:48 AM - Comments (1)
Say you have a girlfriend and you want her to game. Well MSNBC has some words to help you out. But why follow their advice when you can read one of old alum's article. Charlie Sinhaseni wrote this piece four years ago and gives you his advice on getting your girl to play games with you.

Volition shows off the joys of environmental kills in Red Faction: Guerilla

by: Chuck - posted: 9/5/2008 8:20 AM - Comments (0)
One of the main reasons Volition switched from a first person to a third person view in Red Faction: Guerilla was because people were blowing stuff up and having it kill them in the game and didn't realize they couldn't see things taking them out (check this interview if you don't believe me).  Here's a short video on the game that shows you how you'll be able to use the environment to kill others and hopefully not yourself. 

Origins '08 late but still great interview: Warhammer Online

by: Nathan - posted: 9/5/2008 2:42 AM - Comments (0)
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning may have already gone gold but you may still be a doubter or just starving for more details about this new MMORPG.
At the Origins 08 games fair I got to talk with a representative from Mythic and ask some detailed questions about the game.
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Origins '08 late but still great interview: Beyond Protocol

by: Nathan - posted: 9/5/2008 2:37 AM - Comments (0)
The interview for the Origins 08 games fair are editing and ready for your listening pleasure. Check ‘em out!

A little bit about Beyond Protocol developed by the Beyond Protocol Team :
Talk about ambitious projects. Beyond Protocol is an MMO of epic proportions, a RTS where the players have control over almost every aspect of an entire galaxy! To check out some videos and to get into the beta (requires a pre-order) you can head over to their site.
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Update (Chuck) - We just heard that the game's release has been pushed back to November 21st to allow for some more QA and polish.

An open invitation to party with the band of brothers!

by: Nathan - posted: 9/5/2008 2:30 AM - Comments (0)
Gearbox Software the developers of  Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway and Samba de Amigo are holding a party open to the public. Now kids don't get too excited because this one is for adult's only and you 18,19,20 year olds are also SOL because attendees must be 21 or older. The party is in Dallas, Texas at the Palladism Ballroom and will feature musical guests and probably alchol consumption. Any fans of Gearbox can RSVP HERE . But you got to act fast since the party is September 5 at 8:30 pm and once enough people RSVP they won't be taking anymore. Now should I pack my M1 or my Maracaes? hmm.... [READ MORE]

War Journal from the development lines

by: Nathan - posted: 9/5/2008 2:21 AM - Comments (0)
The developers and designers at 1C Company are writing their own war journal