Month: May 2020

HONK! Watch out: Act II is coming through and brings with it new missions, customization elements, and the return of tank horns

Last month, World of Tanks detailed plans for its upcoming 10th anniversary, and on the road to the big celebration in August, there will be many activities taking place as parts of “Acts”. On May 18, Act II will bring with it the return of a never-before-released feature which was part of one Common Test almost 9 years ago: the tank horn. While players are honking on the battlefield, they’ll also be able to enjoy a fresh set of anniversary missions, brand-new customization elements and much more!

Each of the thematic Acts revolve around a certain part of World of Tanks’ deep history, and Act II’s Time Warp will reintroduce the tank horn, seen briefly in 2011. For veterans, it will be a welcome return of an amusing feature from the game’s archives, and for those who are completely new to the concept, it’ll be something interesting to get to grips with.

“It was a strange request from the World of Tanks team. We normally work on staple battlefield sounds: shells, engines, metal hitting metal. It’s almost 9 years since we last worked with horns,” states Slava Skadorva, Audio Design Team Lead. “They wanted us to create special ones for the anniversary activities; it may be something a little different from our usual work, but we know the players are going to love it!”

Tankers can use the horns to let their teammates know they’re coming through. However, everyone—including enemies—within a 200m radius may be able to hear this unique form of battle cry. Depending on a player’s vehicle mass, they will hear one of three different horns which were created from scratch (as real-life tank horns, while historical, are hard to find) by Wargaming’s audio team. Tank horns will be available for one week only from May 18 until May 25.

“Players have been really enjoying the anniversary activities of Act I in a way we couldn’t even imagine. Many of them have regaled others with stories and memories from the old days of World of Tanks,” states Max Chuvalov, Publishing Director, World of Tanks. “Act I brought back General Chat, which tankers absolutely loved, and we hope that they’ll welcome the return of the tank horn with open arms. What’s coming next? You’ll see.”

Get more information about all the 10th anniversary celebrations HERE.

For more information on World of Tanks, visit the games official website.

First Japanese troops, fresh unit abilities, and Chinese Imperial warriors revealed!

BAFTA nominated developer Firefly Studios has revealed new units coming to Stronghold: Warlords, the upcoming entry in their classic ‘castle sim’ series. With the ability to land precision strikes, instantly clear walls of Archers, or simply deal high damage with powerful weapons, each unit introduces a new set of tactics.

See the new units in action HERE.

Samurai
With the ability to charge down enemies foolish enough to stand in their way and eliminate high priority units like Generals with their Precision Strike, Samurai have a unique role to play in the game. True to their historical roots, these disciplined feudal fighters are best used in combat against priority targets or to quickly shut down foes with powerful abilities of their own. With a steady movement speed and weakness to gunpowder, they are however susceptible to swarms of cavalry and gunpowder-fuelled missile fire.

Imperial Guardsman
An expensive but valuable unit, the heavy mace-wielding Imperial Guardsman will make a serious dent in any enemy siege force. Able to build up a Heavy Attack while in combat, the Guardsmen can then deal area damage in a wide arc when triggered. The Guardsmen can quickly tip the scales in your favour mid-siege—use him to clear castle walls, crush unarmoured skirmish troops, or dismantle siege weapons.

Imperial Warrior
While the Imperial Warrior lacks a unique ability like that of the Samurai or Guardsman, he makes up for it with a high armour rating and damage output thanks to his weapons of choice. Resistant to Archer fire, Fire Lancers, and all but the heaviest siege weapons, the Imperial Warrior should form part of the front line in any castle siege or any large scale open field battle.

Scheduled for release on Steam later this year, players can find out more about Stronghold: Warlords by visiting the game’s official website.

About Stronghold: Warlords

The latest ‘castle sim’ RTS from Firefly Studios, Stronghold: Warlords allows you to recruit, upgrade and command AI warlords across the battlefield. Each warlord under your command boosts your strategic prowess with their own unique perks, characteristics and upgradeable abilities. Use them to boost your industry, fortify defences or team up for a pincer attack! Each campaign mission, skirmish game and multiplayer battle means a fresh set of warlords to command and new strategic depth. Stronghold: Warlords is Firefly’s first game to recreate the castle economies of the Far East, allowing you to command Mongol hordes, imperial warriors and samurai clansmen as you lay siege to Japanese castles and fortified Chinese cities. Besiege historical warlords using new gunpowder-fuelled siege weapons and a completely new way to play Stronghold.

The Battle of the Bulge or Hitler’s last gambit is the bloodiest battle fought by American soldiers in WWII. If it had succeeded, it would have led to the destruction of 4 Allied armies and, possibly, a separate peace with Germany. Wehrmacht codenamed it Wacht am Rhein.

Close Combat: Wacht am Rhein, originally released in 2011, is landed on Steam! This version benefits of many improvements and changes made specifically for this release, including new setting available for HD resolutions.

Revive the battle the could have changed World War II.

To celebrate this important event, we have created a Close Combat Collection Bundle (The Bloody First, Gateway to Caen, Panthers in the Fog, Last Stand Arnhem, Wacht am Rhen) at 30% off! Check it out!

Important note for Matrix users. Close Combat: Wacht am Rhein Matrix version will need to be uninstalled and installed again to get the improvements working.

Mark the date as The rising falcon is coming soon. Field of Glory: Empires – Persia 550 – 330 BCE will be out on May 21st!

The first DLC for the acclaimed grand strategy game Field of Glory: Empires showcases the epic journey of Persia, from its humble origins surrounded by older and bigger kingdoms to be one of the largest Empire in the Ancient World.

New Regional decisions, Units, Faction Perks and Special content awaits you. When the Gods call, how will you answer?

More information is available on the official Field of Glory: Empires – Persia  550 – 330 BCE webpage.

Paradox’s Medieval Grand Strategy Game to Release This Fall

The herald rides forth to make the announcement all have awaited. Court and commoners hold their breath in anticipation. Jealous rivals, thwarted in their plots, sulk in the shadows, for the glorious day is coming. Crusader Kings III, the heir to the crown of grand strategy gaming, will take its throne on September 1, 2020.

Now available for pre-order, Crusader Kings III is a medieval grand strategy role-playing game from Paradox Development Studio. Guide a royal dynasty through the centuries. Claim new lands through diplomacy and marriage, or use your armies to conquer your neighbors or unite a divided realm. When swords and seduction fail, however, spies and poison may still be effective.

Crusader Kings III is the sequel to one of the world’s most beloved strategy games. Rich with new historical content and character options, it has never been easier to wrap yourself in the ermine cloaks of power, writing your own story of castles, knights, crusades, and murder.

Watch the Crusader Kings III – Story Trailer – Real Strategy Requires Cunning trailer HERE.

Features of Crusader Kings III include:

• Character Focused Gameplay: Every character you play or interact with has their own unique personality. Events and options in the game are largely determined by the type of person you are.
• Infinite Possibilities: Play as any noble house from Iceland to India, Finland to Central Africa over five centuries. Interact with wandering guests, stubborn children, devious spymasters and saintly holy men in an elaborate tapestry of medieval life.
• Waging War: Rally your vassals and raise your men-at-arms to besiege enemy castles or put down rebellions. Personal prowess on the battlefield can win you great honor, but strategic planning is the path to victory.
• Royal Marriages: Spread your dynastic DNA throughout the world, stamping your royal seal on the crests of kingdoms and duchies far and wide. Marry for power and raise children to press claims on new lands.
• Saints and Sinners: Keep faith with your religious leaders or perform great crimes in the interest of the state. When the going gets tough, you can always embrace a heresy or craft a new religion more in line with your character’s priorities.
• Schemes and Skulduggery: Learn the secrets of your courtiers and vassals so you can blackmail them for their support. Seduce your way into a superior’s good books, or plot the untimely demise of an unfortunate relative.
• Events Inspired By History: Experience great holy wars, peasant revolts, cadet branches of dynasties, heretics, superstition, castles, knights and wars over inheritance.
• 3D Character Portraits: Characters age and change appearance as their traits take a toll on their body. The higher the rank, the fancier the clothing.
• And much more: Holy Orders, mercenaries, pagan and Viking raiders, easily customized rule sets and a beautiful new map to play on.

Crusader Kings III is available for pre-order at major online retailers and the Paradox store for a suggested retail price of $49.99/ £41.99/ €49.99 and will be available to desktop monarchs on September 1, 2020.

Wield New Instruments of Imperial Power Next Month

Who can restrain the ambition of rulers who feel called to greatness? Rulers chosen by their peers. Chosen by their people. Chosen by God. Test the limits of earthly power on 09 June 2020 in Europa Universalis IV: Emperor.

Emperor is the newest expansion to Paradox Development Studio’s epic grand strategy game about the rise and fall of empires from the fall of Constantinople to the rise of Napoleon. This expansion opens up three central game systems, offering new gameplay opportunities for the Papacy, the Holy Roman Empire and Revolutionary movements, as well as a host of other changes.

See the latest trailer HERE.

Features in Europa Universalis IV: Emperor include:

• A Powerful Pope: Appoint cardinals, publish Papal Bulls and gather tithes. The Vatican and Papal Controller now have new abilities to sway the souls of Christendom.
• New Holy Roman Empire Systems: Imperial Incidents provide new challenges to the Emperor’s power and authority. Will your empire follow a course to a centralized monarchy or decentralized federation?
• Revolutions Revamped: The spirit of Revolution is a contagion that must be either embraced or vigorously opposed. Use the zeal of revolutionary guard units to fight reactionaries at home and abroad.
• The Hussite Faith: Bohemia has an early game chance to embrace heresy and stand alone against the Pope until The Reformation.
• Hegemonies: Seize the mantle of global leadership if you accumulate great wealth and armies, but be prepared to face great opposition from those who question your right to rule.
• New Missions: Over 20 new unique mission trees for a variety of European nations
• Defender of Faith: With great responsibility comes great power. Defending a major religion should be different from defending an insignificant one. Now it is!
• The Council of Trent and Counter-Reformation: Join other Catholic rulers to slow down the spread of the Reformation by making concessions to the unruly mob or harshly imposing the will of God.
• Provoke Rebellions: Risk a larger rebellion now while you think you can manage it instead of waiting for discontent to take its course

Europa Universalis IV: Emperor will be available on June 09, 2020 at the Paradox store and major online retail outlets for the suggested retail price of $19.99/ £15.49/ €19.99.

Check out these latest hardware announcements for today from around the web. Also included are some hardware news bits, and on some days, a few rumors tossed in for good measure. Click on the links below to read the official press release, visit the products web page, or to an independent news source.

• EK Expands on Quantum Kinetic TBE Series Products With DDC-Powered Variants
• EVE Distribution Announces the Spectrum Crowd-Sourced Monitor Lineup – Up to 4K 120 Hz IPS and FreeSync Premium
• AOC Adds Five 240Hz Displays with 0.5ms and 1ms Response Times
• Thermalright Intros TY-121BP FDB Low Impedance Fans
• Thermaltake NeonMaker Software Now Supports TOUGHRAM RGB Memory Series
• MSI Announces MPG GUNGNIR 110 and MAG Vampiric 100 Series Cases
• Asetek Rad Card – Industry’s First Slot-In PCIe Radiator Card
• MSI Announces MAG CoreLiquid Series AIO Liquid CPU Coolers
• MSI Outs Optix G series G241 and G271 Monitors
• ASUS Reveals ROG Strix Helios White Edition Case
• Logitech Zone Wired Headset Now Available For Purchase
• ADATA Announces the Falcon M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
• Abkoncore Rolls Out Cronos 450M Micro-ATX Case
• Gigabyte Releases UD Pro Series SATA3 SSDs
• Gigabyte Releases AORUS RGB Memory Rated 3600MHz
• ADATA Has Announced the XPG Core Reactor PSU Series
• Introducing EVGA Frostbite 2 – The Next Generation In Thermal Interface Material
• VIPER GAMING Launches VIPER 4 BLACKOUT 64GB Kits
• SilentiumPC Launches Grandis 3 EVO ARGB CPU Cooler
• BIOSTAR Announces Racing Z490GTA and Z490GTN Motherboards
• COUGAR Introduces MX331 Series Cases
• ASUS Intros RT-AX86U Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 Router that’s GeForce Now-Recommended
• Antec Launches its New Neptune AIO ARGB CPU Cooler
• Thermaltake Launches New TH120/TH240 ARGB AIO Coolers
• MSI Announces MEG Z490 Unify and MEG Z490I Unify Motherboards
• Cooler Master Announces the New SickleFlow 120 Series Fans

BattleGoat Studios has some big anniversaries to celebrate, and so we are excited to announce a major update to our Supreme Ruler Ultimate title as well as some limited time specials on all of our games!

Co-Founder of BattleGoat Studios, David Thompson, points out “This month marks 15 years since the release of our groundbreaking Geo-Political Real Time Strategy game, Supreme Ruler 2010. It’s also 12 years since the release of our follow up game, Supreme Ruler 2020, and of course it is the year that we set out to simulate with our ‘future crisis’ storyline!”

Although it is clear that the world of 2020 is turning out much crazier than anything we had originally predicted, as discussed in our “Heading into Quarantine” studio video on YouTube.

As part of our Anniversary celebrations, we’re launching a special limited promotion for our titles – Supreme Ruler 2010, Supreme Ruler 2020, and the WW2-based Supreme Ruler 1936 are all on sale for only $0.99 cents each! Supreme Ruler Ultimate and the Century Bundle (with gameplay from 1914 to modern day) are also on sale for 60% off.

George Geczy, Co-Founder and Lead Programmer, adds “The major new Update just released for Supreme Ruler Ultimate also adds a lot of new features and content. We are particularly pleased with the addition of full Steam Workshop support, allowing our community to continue to expand and mod the game well into the future.” This free update is available to the public as of May 8th 2020.

The Supreme Ruler franchise continues to be the longest-running game franchise currently still in development, having started with the original text-based strategy game on the TRS-80 in 1982, and now continuing with the work on Supreme Ruler Next Generation (working title) to bring significant new updates and features to the series.

Progress also continues on our new space-based strategy title, Galactic Ruler, working towards an early access release in the next few months. We look forward to sharing a lot more information soon with our community on these exciting projects!

Find out more about Supreme Ruler at the BattleGoat Studios website, and to purchase visit the Supreme Ruler Steam Page.

War Thunder developers reenacted the real Berlin Victory Parade to honor those who fought against evil 75 years ago

75 years ago, the world celebrated the end of World War II in Europe and one of the most important events of that days was the Berlin Victory Parade. In honor of the Victory anniversary, Gaijin Entertainment has created a virtual reenactment of the Berlin Victory Parade of 1945 inside War Thunder – an online game featuring hundreds of historically accurate military vehicles from that era and beyond. The video will be available on War Thunder’s YouTube channel today at 22:01 (UTC), precisely 75 years after the World War II in Europe ended.

The historical Berlin Victory Parade saw thousands of soldiers and officers from USSR, United States, United Kingdom and France marching together in the presence of Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov, General George S. Patton, General Brian Robertson and General Marie-Pierre Kœnig. It was one of the few moments in history when almost all of humanity stood united.

“75 years ago the whole world came together to celebrate defeating the ultimate evil. It’s important to remember this moment because nowadays the world needs to come together again to defeat a new common enemy that is attacking us all,” said Anton Yudintsev, founder of Gaijin Entertainment.

War Thunder’s version of the parade was made as close to the original as possible, with all military vehicles looking exactly as they were at that moment. The only major change is the air component of the parade that was absent at the real parade 75 years ago and was added to the virtual one in order to honor the pilots of Mustangs, Spitfires and Yak-9s who served in World War II.

At all stations, Maximum Alert!

We are receiving multiple reports coming from the Aegean Sea about an increase of hostility between the Greek and Turkish Armed Forces. Intel says that Ankara is quickly mobilizing Air and Naval units over Cyprus and other contested territories in what they consider their EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).

Greek authorities are still evaluating the situation, but an escalation seems unavoidable if they want to re-assess their presence in the area.

Command LIVE – Aegean in Flames is the newest LIVE scenario for Command: Modern Operations, depicting a fictional scenario where new tensions between Greece and Turkey escalate to a point of no-return amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

KEY FEATURES

• Playable as Greece (main side) and Turkey (opponent force)
• Vast Theater of Operations covering the whole Eastern Mediterranean from Crete to the shores of Lebanon
• Spec Ops Ground Units for Reckon/Sabotage and Laser Designation (PGM Guidance) missions
• SAR script for downed pilots
• Dense IADS network on both sides including Patriot PAC-3 (MIM-104), S-300 PMU-1 (SA-20), Crotale NG, HAWK (MIM-23), Buk M1(SA-17), OSA AKM (SA-8), Tor M1 (SA-15) on the Greek side and recently delivered S-400 (SA-21b), upgraded Rapier B1X, Altigan and HAWK (MIM-23) on the Turkish side

Get more information from its official Product Page.