PC Game News

A "Codename Panzers: Cold War" multiplayer demo has been released, giving players a chance to try out the multiplayer portion of the upcoming strategy game by Stormregion.

"With support for online and LAN play, the multiplayer demo showcases the Domination mode and features the Islands of Hope map in which the players are charged with seizing control of a nuclear weapon. Players will have access to the full range of units available in the multiplayer game, and will be able to capture several Points of Interest including a radar station, HQ and radio station, each of which affords special strategic and tactical advantages.

The multiplayer element of the full game features 20 varied maps and three gameplay modes: Domination, Co-op and Deathmatch.

Codename Panzers: Cold War represents the pinnacle of Cold War era conventional warfare including real world post-war heavy armor battles between heavy tanks like the American M103 and the Russian Troyanov. The signature Codename Panzers ‘Point of Interest’ system takes the gameplay beyond build-and-rush, while special urban warfare tactics and dynamic weather create even more gameplay depth and realism.

Codename Panzers: Cold War is scheduled to ship March 10th in North America and March 13th in Europe. For more information and to download the single player and multiplayer demos please visit the official website at www.codenamepanzerscoldwar.com."

The 522MB demo is also mirrored on AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer’s Hell, GameUpdates, or Worthplaying.

A new patch for "Team Fortress 2" has been released, fixing some minor things.

Updates to Team Fortress 2 have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client is restarted. The specific changes include:

Gameplay changes

• Added a duck timer that prevents duck spamming while running around on-ground
• In-air, players are only allowed to duck once before they touch ground again
• Fixed several bounding box issues with jumping, falling, and rocket jump air-walking. Bounding box should be much more accurate there now
• Increased backstab check so that Spies can side-stab again
• When disguising, Spies now always start showing the primary weapon in their disguise, and can then switch it with the last-disguise key

TF2 Fixes

• Fixed flamethrower loophole that resulted in the flame effect being stuck on while the flamethrower wasn’t really firing
• Fixed exploit that allowed players to circumvent the force-fire timeout on the pipebomb launcher
• Fixed a bug that caused Natasha’s slow on hit effect to be inverted from 75% to 25%
• Restored sawmill_logs.mdl file, fixing some user maps that used it
• Fixed some localization issues with Scout achievement strings
• Removed the "Final" phrasing in the map loading screen

Engine fixes

• Fixed a server crash on startup under Linux
• Fixed a buffer overflow issue related to network string tables
• Gamestats uploading is now done asynchronously. This fixes the client timeout issues on map changes

CP_Junction

• Fixed an exploit where engineers could build a teleporter exit in an invalid area
• Fixed a few bad overlay assignments and other minor issues

There many details on the "BioShock" sequel yet but we have seen a teaser trailer and the game was confirmed in financial releases. Now, a new viral teaser site has been launched, which is located at https://www.somethinginthesea.com.

It doesn’t appear that there is much on the site at the moment. After arriving, you’ll see an X on the map over Ireland with the date 2/20/67, a picture of the Big Daddy doll, a news story about the kidnapping of Maura Clune, and a handwritten letter with possible clues about the kidnapping.

There will surely be more to come.

The "Men of War" website has been updated with three new trailers, giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming real-time strategy game by Best Way and Digital Mindsoft.

"Three new action packed videos from Men of War show off actual game play footage including the destruction of an entire town, in-game physics including fire and action aspect of the title. The videos are available to view here.

Men of War has been recently released in Europe and will be released in North America on March 17, 2009."

Midway and Epic Games have released the promised Titan Pack for "Unreal Tournament 3", adding new maps, gameplay modes, units, characters, and more. In addition, a patch was released, bringing the game to version 2.0.

"This massive free download includes:

New Maps – 11 new multiplayer maps for Deathmatch, Capture the Flag (CTF), Vehicle CTF and Warfare modes, plus eight maps from the first UT3 bonus pack and Xbox 360 version of the game.

New Gameplay – Two new gameplay modes make their debut in the Titan Pack: Greed, a "tug of war" styled kill points fight, and Betrayal, a cutthroat style of combat where alliances can turn on a dime.

New Units – The X-Ray Field deployable can be used to waste enemies, while the Link Station can be deployed to keep your vehicles in fighting shape. The new Stealthbender vehicle renders itself invisible for surprise attacks, and comes with a Link Station, X-Ray Field, Spidermine traps and a powerful EMP mine. The Eradicator and Stinger are deployable turret units allowing players to rain death on their enemies and protect their bases during combat.

Titan Mutator – This mutator turns you into the dreaded Titan, a 15-foot tall destructive juggernaut possessing all effects from game power-ups at once. Morph into the thundering Behemoth, a 10-meter tall demon of devastation, to deal a temporary yet deadly blow to enemies.

New Characters – Nova and Kana are two new merchants of death joining the multiplayer mayhem."

The 309.4MB patch can be downloaded from AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer’s Hell, GameUpdates, StrategyInformer, or Worthplaying.

The 916MB Titan Pack can be downloaded from AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer’s Hell, GameUpdates, StrategyInformer, or Worthplaying.

Mythic Entertainment has announced a new free 10 day trial for "Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning", giving potential customers to try out the MMORPG that was released in September.

"Potential recruits to the armies of WAR are invited to spend ten action-packed days hunting Squigs, stomping Stunties, exploring massive capital cities, and battling opposing players in thrilling Realm vs. Realm™ combat.

“A call to arms has been issued! With the new free trial we are making it possible for everyone to experience non-stop Realm vs. Realm combat wrapped up in a next generation MMO,” said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager of Mythic Entertainment. “What started out as a great game has only gotten better as the team has added an incredible amount of content with our first live expansion. For gamers that have yet to experience the glory of WAR, there is no better time to join the battle!”

Players that sign up for the 10-day free trial are eligible to participate in the current Bitter Rivals live event to unlock the soon-to-be-released Orc Choppa and Dwarf Slayer careers for head start play. To download the 10-day free trial, visit https://www.warhammeronline.com/trial.

Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm conflict that will provide players with an engaging battleground for years to come. Available now for PC, WAR is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information about the game, visit www.warhammeronline.com."

Mezmer Games, a label of Paradox Interactive, has announced "Legio", an upcoming turn-based strategy game by Ice Game Studios.

"Legio is a turn-based strategy game for one to two players. The game takes place in a mythical fantasy world where magicians, warriors and monsters battle for domination.  Playing Legio is an intense experience, requiring careful strategic thinking, rewarding both courage and cleverness!

The game is a mix between chess and a turn-based war game. Both players control an equal army of characters, with the goal of eliminating the other player’s army. Learning to play Legio is quite easy, but it is a great challenge to master all the various strategies.

Read more about Legio and get in touch with the developers at: https://www.mezmergames.com/group/legio"

There isn’t an official announcement but it should be noted that "Empire: Total War" has been shipped and is now available in retail stores. In addition, the game has launched on Steam with Steamworks.

"Empire: Total War™ will see the debut of 3D naval combat within the Total War™ franchise. PC Gamers will be able to intuitively command vast fleets or single ships upon seascapes rich with extraordinary water and weather effects that play a huge role in your eventual glorious success or ignominious defeat. After pummelling your enemy with cannon fire, close in to grapple their ship and prepare to board taking control your men as they fight hand to hand on the decks.

Along with the revolutionary introduction of Naval Combat, Empire: Total War™ will see further enhancements to the Total War™ series signature 3D battles and turn based campaign map. Real time battles will pose new challenges with the addition of cannon and musket, challenging players to master new formations and tactics as a result of the increasing role of gunpowder within warfare. And the Campaign Map – for many the heart of Total War™ – will see new improved systems for Trade, Diplomacy and Espionage with agents, a refined and streamlined UI, improved Advisors and extended scope taking in the riches of India, the turbulence of Europe and the untapped potential of North America."

Launch Trailer:

2K Sports has announced that "Major League Baseball 2K9" has been shipped and is now available in retail stores.

"This season, Major League Baseball 2K9 offers fans improved two-step Precision Pitching™ controls, deeper Swing Stick™ batting and quick fielding responses for even greater control of the game. The improved batting controls provide the ability to influence hits with timing and aim, improved hit distribution and variety to deliver more hit types including spray shots, pulls, line drives and long bombs. With more than six years of scouting reports infused into the action on the field, Inside Edge produces remarkably accurate player tendencies to ensure players react to in-game situations as they would in real life. Major League Baseball 2K9 also features new commentary, as Gary Thorne provides the play-by-play calls alongside color analyst Steve Phillips giving a new perspective and more depth for a true-to-life, insightful broadcast. In addition, Living Rosters has been added this season to provide fresh and active roster updates that guarantee every game is current and automatically updated behind the scenes, so players are never late on a trade and always have the hottest players in their starting lineup.

Major League Baseball 2K9, developed by 2K Sports’ Visual Concepts studio, is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and now available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 systems, Wii, and Windows PC. Major League Baseball 2K9 will be coming to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system this spring. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com/games/mlb2k9"

The list of new PC game releases, DVD releases, and movies opening the week of March 2nd, 2009.

PC Games:

• Empire: Total War
• Grey’s Anatomy
• Major League Baseball 2K9

Movies Opening This Week:

• 12 (limited)
• Phoebe in Wonderland (limited)
• The Horsemen (limited)
• Tokyo (limited)
• Watchmen

DVD Releases:

• Australia
• Beverly Hills Chihuahua
• Chowder, Vol. 2
• Fight Science
• In the Electric Mist
• Mighty Machines: Making Tracks
• NFL Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers Champions
• No Better Place: Live in Chicago
• SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob vs. the Big One
• Taken: Extended Harder Cut
• The Inauguration of Barack Obama: A Moment in History
• Tribal Fusion Fundamentals
• Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic
• Wonder Woman 2009 [Blu-ray]

Paradox has released the opening cinematic for "Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim", giving players a bit of a background from the upcoming real-time strategy game by Ino-Co.

"Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim will follow closely in the footsteps of the original game as well as bringing all key elements up to date. The charm and humor that made fans out millions of gamers worldwide will remain at the core of the title along with the indirect control aspect of the game."

CDV Software released a new trailer for "Sacred 2: Fallen Angel", giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming action role-playing game by Ascaron.

"In Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, T-Energy is the force behind all living things, and in today’s new video, you will see that it’s something many find worth fighting for. Today’s new cinematic trailer, available at the link below, illustrates some of the fierce battles that take place over this powerful element that’s at the core of the upcoming action-RPG from cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment."

Ubisoft has released a "H.A.W.X." demo, giving players a chance to try out the upcoming flight combat simulation game by Ubisoft Bucharest.

"Tom Clancy’s HAWX delivers an intense and authentic aerial combat experience by fully leveraging the benefits of the next-generation platforms. The story begins in the year 2012. As the era of the nation-state draws quickly to a close, the rules of warfare evolve even more rapidly. More and more nations become increasingly dependent on private military companies (PMCs), elite mercenaries with a lax view of the law. The Reykjavik Accords further legitimize their existence by authorizing their right to serve in every aspect of military operations. While the benefits of such PMCs are apparent, growing concerns surrounding giving them too much power begin to mount."

The 1.24GB demo can be downloaded from AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer’s Hell, or Worthplaying.

Lots of gamers use various "game cards/tags" in forum signatures across many, if not all gaming forums. The Xfire Miniprofile is usually the most prominent, Games for Windows Live offers their Gamertag, and there’s even SteamCard, which is nice but could be better. It really just doesn’t make sense to me why Valve just doesn’t give Steam users a forum signature card to use. With all of the community features added to Steam over the years, it just seems like a logical step along the way. Giving gamers an even easier way to connect and play online with each other, while promoting Steam in a sort of “word of mouth” fashion, could have great benefits for both Valve and the community.

Uforia has announced that the beta for "Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins", an upcoming MMORPG by G-rex Soft that is based on a popular Asian novel, has begun.

"Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins is a new free-to-play MMO based on one of the most well-known Asian novels of all-time.

"We strongly encourage players to join the beta for Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins so they can be among the first to experience this exciting game." said JK Kim, CEO of Uforia.

In the beta all players will be able to experience the cash shop mall.
Players will be able to increase the amount of experience and gold they gain, purchase powerful armor, and have access to special mounts.

Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins, developed by G-rex Soft, chronicles the tragic last reign of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), when the Chinese empire was divided into three kingdoms at battle. This important period in Chinese history became a subject of extreme and continuing interest to historians, poets, and dramatists. Three
Kingdoms: The Battle Begins narrates this account and provides players the opportunity to choose from 4 gripping and distinctive character classes to help battle through 200 extraordinary levels packed with boss monsters and their relentless followers. As players undergo the world of Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins, they can reshape the story by carefully planning and executing political assassinations.

Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins offers a one-of-a-kind quest system that delivers missions to players while they are still in the battlefield, maximizing the player’s enjoyment of and involvement in the battle. This unique feature enables the player to continue their travels while having the benefit of receiving items from completing quests. Player vs. Player (PVP) battlegrounds are available on the hour every hour 24/7, allowing the winners of the battle to become Lords who are granted access to exclusive skills and items. Honor points are awarded during these battles and can be used to purchase unique items and equipment from special merchants.

An exciting Player Kill (PK) system is also part of this epic adventure which includes a unique "Death Note" feature. This element exists so if a player is killed by the same opponent multiple times, the opponent is added to the player’s death note. The opponent’s location will be specified on the player’s map as a blinking signal, enabling the player to execute revenge more easily.

For more information about Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins and to sign up for the Beta visit https://threekingdoms.uforia.com"