New Screenshots

Paradox revealed details on the trading and advisor systems for "Commander: Conqest of America" at E3 and released new screenshots and a trailer.

"With the new innovative trading manager, players can create automatic trade routes with multiple ports of call. To create a powerful trading empire, players need to manage their newly found colonies from rags to riches, by constructing new buildings and developing production chains. The new trading manager will allow players to maximize their trading capabilities in an attempt build the most powerful empire possible.

In Commander: Conquest of the Americas, the player now has four advisors to guide the player in the right direction but will also hold the player accountable that certain benchmarks are met. This feature allows players room to maneuver and change their focus even during the same campaign.

Scheduled for release on July 30, 2010, Commander: Conquest of the Americas features elements from both trading and strategy games. Choosing from 7 different European factions, take charge of a European power aiming to conquer the New World. Found new colonies and manage their resources, production, military, and much more as they develop into a full blown empire. Choose to command ships in RTS fashion or take direct control as your fleet engages ships of an enemy nation or blood thirsty pirates at a highly detailed tactical level.

For more information, please visit www.cota-game.com"

More new screenshots can be found in the game's gallery.

Hi-Rez Studio announced "Global Agenda: Sandstorm", the first expansion for the game that introduces new player weapons and armor, additional character customization, larger PvE Raids, ability to play PvE solo, new PvP and PvE content, updated User Interface, and enhanced Agency vs. Agency campaigns.

"One of the more anticipated items being demonstrated is the Quest-Driven Open Zone gameplay.

"Sandstorm introduces players to two new NPC factions, new Bosses, new instanced missions, and story-driven quest lines within the Sonoran Desert outside Dome City", says Executive Producer Todd Harris, "This expansion preserves our intense, shooter combat but adds story and immersion elements that we think players will really appreciate"
Hi-Rez Studios offers a unique pricing model for Global Agenda allowing players to experience much of the game's content after a one-time purchase, without a recurring monthly fee. Players who choose to subscribe will receive the benefits of ongoing free expansions, additional game modes, the power to form agencies, and access to Agency vs. Agency gameplay on a persistent single-world map.

Sandstorm covers a large set of new features, content, and devices that will be added to Global Agenda throughout the summer of 2010 – all available at no extra cost to Global Agenda subscribers."

The Games Company released new screenshots and a trailer for "Afterfall: Insanity", the upcoming horror shooter game that's scheduled to be released at the beginning of next year.

"Players face their destiny in the desolate ruins of once thriving cities and well-known areas – or to be more exact: in the sewers and tunnels beneath them. Decaying shelters and hideaways stage mankind’s struggle for survival after the nuclear holocaust from October 2012. Facing horrible mutants, bloodthirsty mercenaries and other threats, humanity fights for existence.

In this derelict world Afterfall: Insanity tells the hair-raising tale of a psychiatrist – the story’s hero – with unrivaled intensity. The intricate plot, defined by unpredictable events, story twists and narrative nuances are coupled with breathtaking graphics. Thanks to the latest Unreal engine, Afterfall: Insanity is full of stunning effects and skillfully crafted levels, which creates a dark and coherent atmosphere packed with thrilling fights against impressive enemies.

Afterfall: Insanity is scheduled for a release at the beginning of 2011 for PC and next-gen consoles."

SEGA released new screenshots of "Shogun 2: Toatal War" at E3, giving viewers more of a glimpse of the upcoming strategy sequel.

SEGA provided the following descriptions of each of the images:

"Battle Overview UI – This screen shows an overview of a Shogun 2 night battle as seen in-game. The Takeda Clan forces are arrayed outside their fortress, ready to fight to the death in its defence. The new simplified HUD makes the game more accessible and easier to control. We’ve also devoted more of the screen area to the in-game visuals, allowing the player greater engagement with the game. A simple, stylistic unit card control system emphasises the new artistic direction of Shogun 2. You can also see the new differed lighting system in action here, with each unit carrying its own lantern into battle.

Ships ready to land: Several Japanese vessels sit just away from the shore, having landed a number of troops for a seaborne invasion of the province. Here the brand new elements of combining the land and sea is seen in full effect, a first for a Total War game.

Sunny castle meadow: This environment is a beautiful example of the new seasonal battlefield system. Japans landscapes offer unique mountains and flat hills, as well as rice paddies, all of which will be affected by the seasons. No other Total War environment has been this detailed and this dynamic."

New E3 screenshots for "H.A.W.X. 2" were released yesterday, giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming flight combat sim sequel by Ubisoft Bucharest.

"Aerial warfare has evolved. So have you. As a member of the ultra-secret H.A.W.X. 2 squadron, you are one of the chosen few, one of the truly elite. You will use finely honed reflexes, bleeding-edge technology and ultra-sophisticated aircraft – their existence denied by many governments – to dominate the skies.

You will do so by mastering every nuance of the world's finest combat aircraft. You will slip into enemy territory undetected, deliver a crippling blow and escape before he can summon a response. You will use your superior technology to decimate the enemy from afar, then draw him in close for a pulse-pounding dogfight. And you will use your steel nerve to successfully execute night raids, aerial refuelings and more.

You will do all this with professionalism, skill and consummate lethality. Because you are a member of H.A.W.X. 2. and you are one of the finest military aviators the world has ever known."

The LEGO group today announced that "LEGO Universe" will launch on October 26th. Customers who purchase the game through specific "LEGO" distribution partners will have early access on the 12th of October.

"The Founders release makes LEGO Universe available to LEGO fans before the official launch, with the game sold exclusively through LEGO channels including LEGO Stores, LEGO Online Shop and LEGOLAND. On October 26th, the MMOG will officially launch through all retail channels via a distribution partnership with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Planned for global release, LEGO Universe will be rolled out to additional territories after the initial launch.

“Our vision is to provide LEGO fans of all ages with a whole new quality play experience and creative platform, and LEGO Universe will open up exciting new opportunities for fun and expression this October,” said Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, Vice President, LEGO Digital, the LEGO Group. “The dedicated LEGO fan community has contributed to the development of LEGO Universe since the start of the project, and we show our appreciation with the early Founders release.”

LEGO Universe will be available for PC and Mac, with the Mac version enabled by TransGaming's (TSX-V: TNG) Cider™ Portability Engine."

Ubisoft today released new screenshots and a trailer for "Assassins' Creed: Brotherhood" for E3, giving viewers a look at the upcoming next installment in the series.

"Live and breathe as Ezio, a legendary Master Assassin, in his enduring struggle against the powerful Templar Order.  He must journey into Italy’s greatest city, Rome, center of power, greed and corruption to strike at the heart of the enemy.

Defeating the corrupt tyrants entrenched there will require not only strength, but leadership, as Ezio commands an entire Brotherhood who will rally to his side.  Only by working together can the Assassins defeat their mortal enemies.

And for the first time, introducing a never-before-seen multiplayer layer that allows you to choose from a wide range of unique characters, each with their own signature weapons and assassination techniques, and match your skills against other players from around the world.

It’s time to join the Brotherhood."

Focus Home Interactive today revealed the norse team in the upcoming "Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition", which is scheduled to be released at the end of the year.

"Coming from the Old World's coldest lands, the Norse have proudly made a stadium from their own lands available for the new Blood Bowl season! Make sure you take warm clothes, as it is a snow-covered, outdoor pitch! Norse teams are composed of real heavy-hitting warriors. Although their teams include traditional ‘ball-handling’ players such as throwers, blitzers and runners, the Norse feel more comfortable in all-out assaults utilizing their brutish Ulfwerners. They aren’t afraid to block even the strongest of opponents! And if their natural berserk playing style is not enough to take down a particularly tough opponent, they can still count on a little helping hand – or huge helping claw to be more precise – from the Yhetees, shaggier, fiercer and much wilder than many of the big-guys from other teams!

A brutal team sport unfolding in a fantasy world based on Warhammer and American football, Blood Bowl is an incredible, brutal game in which no holds are barred as you lead your team to the Blood Bowl final! Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition is the ultimate Blood Bowl edition! 11 new playable races join the 9 races already available in the 2009 edition: Undead, Amazon, Ogres and 9 other races enter Blood Bowl's tournaments. All 20 races have their personal style, tactics and unique skills which give each game a diversity rarely seen in a strategy game. New and more impressive stadiums welcome all these new teams: from the snowy Norse stadium to the creepy interior of a crypt, a change of scenery is guaranteed!

A new Story mode is also introduced, in which players will play as a freelance coach. They will have to lead several famous teams and take up many challenges through a story revealing the origins of Blood Bowl, the Old World and its many races that relentlessly compete with each other in merciless games. A newly scripted tutorial will teach all new comers everything they need to know about coaching a Blood Bowl team! In order to stay as close as possible to the official rules, many additions and updates have been made to better match the latest Blood Bowl Rulebook, used in all official board game official tournaments.

Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition is planned for release on PC Q4 2010. "

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today released new screenshots and a trailer for "F.E.A.R. 3", giving viewers a look at Paxton Fettel.

"The new trailer features more gameplay footage and dives deeper into the F.E.A.R. 3 story.

Set to release on the Xbox 360, PS3, and Windows PC, F.E.A.R. 3 is a heart-pounding paranormal horror first person shooter unleashing intense combat, compelling narrative and co-op play that evolves the franchise. Alma returns in F.E.A.R. 3 but this time her sons Point Man and Paxton Fettel are characters available to play in divergent co-op, giving players distinctly different abilities affecting their own play as well as the experience of their co-op partner. Gamers participate in single player or co-op modes as Point Man, and they can play cooperatively as his conniving brother Paxton Fettel whose incredible telekinetic power has given him life beyond the grave.

The game is developed by Day 1 Studios, developer of the original F.E.A.R. console games in collaboration with Monolith Studios."

ISOTX today announced "Iron Grip: Marauders", the next installment in the strategy series.

"Marauders will once again take players straight to the core of civil unrest – this time in the form of airship piracy.

The game is set several years after Warlord and Lords of Atelia, and the world of Iron Grip is plagued by conflict. Superpowers aspire to control smaller nations, plunging the land of Iron Grip into a continent-wide war. In the tradition of the Iron Grip series, Marauders once again employs strategy elements: the medium this time is your browser window, with strategic army and base-building to make your soldiers your own. Players take up the reigns as opportunistic Marauders – bands of militaristic pirates controlling armies that serve no nation, instead seeking riches, infamy, or any other number of private goals. The objective is simple: build the strongest army and conquer. But as easy as that sounds, when your primary opponent is other clever players – nothing is ever quite as simple as words make it out to be.

Marauders is a long-term, ever-expanding project. The game will feature an intricate, detailed universe built upon steadily over time, and ISOTX is committed to updating the game regularly with new features, support and fixes. As the community grows, so too will Marauders.

Some of the key features the game offers are:

• A free-to-play environment: With no monthly or registration fees, anyone has the option to join Marauders!
• Aside from a one-time download, the entire game available immediately to be played straight from a browser window and is compatible with all browser types – as long as you’ve got an internet connection, it’s possible to play.
• Spectacular 3D graphics in your browser – watch your troops fight before your eyes!
• Take part in a battle against AI or participate in our ever-growing multiplayer experience!

Like many browser games, Marauders will feature both a closed and open beta, with signups beginning as early as this month. Players will be offered an opportunity to test the game long before it reaches public eye and help shape the production with productive feedback. The exact release date of the beta has not yet been announced, but is expected to be in the summer of 2010. The game’s website is already online and visible at www.igmarauders.com."

Tradewest Games and JoWooD Entertainment today announced "The Guild 2: Renaissance", an upcoming stand-alone expansion scheduled to be released in quarter 2 of this year.

"The Guild 2 – Renaissance begins in the last day of a dark age when clergy and nobility had a stranglehold over all of Europe and the vast wealth of a few noble families was obtained through the blood and sweat of the commoners. Now however, as the 14th Century draws to an end, the first rays of a shining new age appear on the horizon: Common artisans and traders are gaining wealth and influence. More and more common people learn how to read and write, and the gentry loses many of its privileges. This is the onset of the Renaissance, an age of adjustment where ‘common’ people gain valuable individual freedom – and an age where trade, art and artisanry begin to bloom. “The Guild 2 – Renaissance” invites the player into a fascinating age of societal change. Can you keep up with this challenging new age?

This brand-new add-on hugely increases both the size and diversity of the game world – there are innumerable, often unexpected challenges for the player. Nine completely new careers (character classes) allow the player unprecedented freedom in creating the ultimate Guild 2 dynasty: Mercenary, undertaker, mason, entertainer, innkeeper, banker, miller, fruit farm proprietor and more, and the game also includes a wholly re-worked Title system offering a brand-new gameplay element to the player – e.g. in order to reach the next title, you’ll need to either supply your King with lansquenet mercenaries – or serve as an officer in a war yourself.

The vastly improved AI means that enemy dynasties no longer die out easily, and the world of “The Guild 2” was made to look and feel much more alive than previously – wild animals roam the game world, and NPC characters such as dockworkers, drunkards and beggars add to the game’s realistic and detailed atmosphere.

New Features:

• New scenarios – Additional scenarios set in “The Alps” and “The free Republic of the Netherlands” add detail to the world of “The Guild 2“
• Nine new careers – The player can decide between nine additional professions and thus decide which kinds of character to play.
• Maps expanded – The maps are up to four times the size of those in the original “The Guild 2“
• War and Peace – War keeps breaking out in the new game world – you’ll need to plan your tactics accordingly!
• God-Measures – Various tasks, such as purchasing a new title or running for an office (or forcing someone to marry you), can now be performed without having to have the main character present, which will save players lots of time.

With a plethora of new details such as entirely new buildings, a soundtrack especially composed for the add-on, and a completely re-worked judicial proceedings system, “The Guild 2 – Renaissance” offers a breathtaking gaming experience for Guild noobs and veteran Guild players alike."

New screenshots from "RAGE" have been released, giving viewers a look at the upcoming first-person shooter by id Software.Originally set to be published by EA, it was announced in December that Bethesda will now publish the game, which is currently scheduled to be released some time next year.

Bethesda today released new screenshots from "Brink", giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming first-person shooter in development at Splash Damage.

"Brink is an immersive shooter that blends single-player, co-op, and multiplayer gameplay into one seamless experience, allowing you to develop your character across all modes of play. You decide the role you want to assume in the world of Brink as you fight to save yourself and mankind's last refuge for humanity. Brink offers a compelling mix of dynamic battlefields, extensive customization options, and an innovative control system that will keep you coming back for more."

New media from the upcoming Rapture Metro Pack DLC for "BioShock 2" has been released, giving viewers a glimpse at add-on. It was originally supposed to be released this week but has been delayed for unknown reasons.

When it's released, the pack will include:

Six all-new maps built, some built from the single-player portion of the game
Three new Achievements/Trophies
Rebirth Feature – Players who reach rank 50 have the option to rank down to Level 1 and receive a special mask

Bohemia Interactive today announced that "ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead", a stand-alone expansion, is scheduled to be released worldwide on June 29th.

"Developed as a massive standalone expansion pack enlarging Arma 2 to a completely new level, Operation Arrowhead promises to deliver yet more of the highly authentic military simulation gameplay the series is famed for, while shifting the action to an all-new environment and adding key new features to Arma 2’s already vast palette.

Set in the fictional region of Takistan and taking place three years after the Arma 2’s campaign, Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead features three new world maps with radical new terrain; sandy deserts, a dense city with surrounding countryside and a rocky mountainous region. Also included in the standalone expansion pack is support for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to observe, strike and rescue from afar, along with a fully-modelled FLIR thermal imaging simulation with unprecedented realism to give the player advantages while working at night, going as far as to model vehicle engine heat, tyre friction and even glowing weapon barrels after being fired. A new campaign is included, with Bohemia Interactive taking the experience gained from its previous games, combined with real world events and political intrigue, to create a storyline that serves as a chilling reminder to the geo-political situation the world finds itself in on a constant basis. Other new features include a detachable backpack system for carrying more weapons and ammunition, and an overhauled optics system allowing keen marksmen to ‘zero in’ their scopes to account for ballistic fall-off.

ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead employs a third-generation engine benefitting from more than a decade of continual development and unique experience in implementing new technologies and procedures. Named the Real Virtuality engine, it is widely recognised as the premier platform for modern military simulations where realism and technical accuracy are crucial. Bohemia Interactive Studio’s Real Virtuality engine is used as a base for real-world training simulators implemented by numerous governments and militaries around the world including the United States Marine Corps, the United Kingdom Minstry of Defence and the Australian Defence Force.

ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead features in full:

• New Playable Content: New story campaign for both single and multi-player gameplay. Wide range of new tutorials, single scenarios and multiplayer modes.
• Massive Game World: Three brand new Central Asia-style large maps including expansive urban, desert and mountainous terrain, featuring a fully destructible and interactive environment.
• Extra Units and Vehicles: Multiple factions for all sides including US Army, United Nations, Takistani Army and Guerrillas making a collection of 300+ new units, weapons and vehicles.
• Ultimate War Simulation Experience: Fully integrates with the original ARMA 2 for unmatched warfare simulation.
• Unique Gameplay Elements: Detachable backpacks with equipment, advanced weapon optics, material penetration modeling, remote real-time simulation of Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV), freedom of decision and repercussive actions.

Arma 2: Operation Arrohwead will be released on 29th June exclusively for PC. For all the latest information please visit www.arma2.com"