Strategy and Wargaming

System Requirements Revealed

Firefly Studios has just released the minimum system requirements for their long awaited ‘castle sim’ sequel Stronghold Crusader 2. Having entered closed Beta last week, most of the remaining developing time on Crusader 2 will be spent optimising the game’s performance on PC and tweaking gameplay.

“When we first announced Stronghold Crusader 2 one of the first pieces of information released was that the game will use a newly enhanced 3D engine. By this point the team was so experienced with the Havok Vision Engine that learning something completely new and moving away from 3D would be a waste of that knowledge. Our stated goal with Crusader 2 was to create the best 3D Stronghold game yet and that’s exactly what we intent to deliver.

Everyone here at Firefly wants the playability of the 2D Stronghold titles within a 3D space and our enhanced version of the Vision Engine has thankfully provided us with the tools needed to achieve this. Naturally a concern for players at the time was ‘Will the game run on my machine?’. This is a fair question and of course we are aiming to get the game running on a wide range of systems, performance being just as high on our list of priorities as bug fixing. With the game currently in beta and as such feature-complete, we have already had time to focus on optimisation and performance testing. As a result, we have been able to determine the minimum system requirements for Stronghold Crusader 2.”

The minimum PC system requirements for Stronghold Crusader 2 are as follows:

• Operating System: Windows® XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8 (latest service packs) with DirectX 9.0c
• Processor: Intel Core2 Duo 2Ghz or equivalent
• Memory: 2GB RAM
• Video: NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800GT 512MB or AMD Radeon™ HD 2900XT 512MB or better
• Storage: 6 GB available HD space
• Internet: Broadband Internet connection

The latest entry in Firefly’s best selling series of medieval real-time strategy games, Stronghold Crusader 2 is set to appear online and in store shelves on September 2nd 2014.

For more information please visit the official Stronghold Crusader 2 website.

Enhanced simulation mechanics, new features and expanded database.

Acclaimed by both modern warfare specialists and wargaming enthusiasts, Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations has swept the awards since its release last September, including the Usenet’s Wargame of The Year 2013 and the gold medal for Grogheads Game of the Year 2013 readers’ award. Developers Warfare Sims have not rested on their laurels though as they have been working on several updates since the release of the game. These patches, including the newest 1.04 released today, have included a whole host of new features, improvements on the simulation engine and user interface, bug fixes and a veritable avalanche of database updates and additions.

Here is the list of some of the major improvements implemented in this new version:

• Configurable strike auto-planner. Your planes plot intelligent paths for their missions (complete with multiple off-axis ingress and egress lines, split-to-attack and form-up waypoints, suitable altitudes for each leg etc.). As always you can tweak the strike plan to perfection.
• An extensive array of UI enhancements such as wireframe-only map view, selection-only range symbols, new hotkeys, menu list for quick-jump slots, additional information on the database viewer, configurable ghosted-unit visibility, configurable plotted course visibility, one-click jump to unit mission, single-icon enemy groups and more.
• AI and mission editor additions such as configurable sprint-and-drift, optional prosecution areas for patrols (goodbye fainted drawn-out patrol assets and edge-of-envelope SAM shots, hello true SAM-ambushes!), new doctrine options and more.
• Improved simulation mechanics such as multiple cloud conditions, refined offboard-sonar modelling, ABM/ASAT guidance refinements, realism improvements for anti-missile engagements, longer-range AI torpedo shots and more.
• Significant performance & stability improvements.
• A mile-long list of database additions including future Virginia SSGN versions, Tomahawk MMT, M982 Excalibur guided 155mm artillery, KC-46 tanker, MC-130 with the BLU-82 “Daisy Cutter” & GBU-43 MOAB mega-bombs, Chinese “High New” C4-ISR series, the entire Ukraine naval OOB, Oscar-III SSGN, JLENS, tons of Vietnam-era units, hypothetical systems like the F-19A, A/F-117X, Boeing 747 ALCM carrier and generic CATOBAR mini-carrier, and much more.

Grab the patch here.

Click here for the full changelog.

Get more information on Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations from its official product page.

SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that Company of Heroes 2: The Western Front Armies, the much-awaited first big content offering for the tactical strategy blockbuster Company of Heroes 2 is now available in store and online. Company of Heroes 2: The Western Front Armies brings players back to the Western Front first introduced in the original award-winning Company of Heroes. The Western Front Armies introduces two unique collections of new content – the US Forces and the German Oberkommando West.

Each individual army will also be available as a standalone purchase via digital download, providing new players with a minimal entry point into the massive Company of Heroes 2 multiplayer community, regardless of which content they own. A ll Company of Heroes 2 players can then battle across 31 maps (along with more than 1000 community maps available on Steam Workshop) in auto-match multiplayer.

The addition of US Forces has been the most requested army since Company of Heroes 2 first launched, by a large margin. Each new army has distinctive tactical gameplay options, new infantry, team weapons, vehicles, abilities and upgrades on a total of eight seasonal multiplayer maps set on the Western Front. They have been carefully balanced to ensure optimal game play with previously released armies.

For more information, please visit the official Company of Heroes 2 Website.

A stunning illustration of just how terrifying even the ‘quiet’ moments in war can be

Source: Gamer’s Hell

SEGA has released a new video for The Western Front Armies, a standalone multiplayer expansion for Company of Heroes 2 due to arrive on June 24th. Customers who pre-order The Western Front Armies will receive two unique vehicle skins (one for each faction) with matching faceplates.

Bringing players back to the Western Front first introduced in the original Company of Heroes, The Western Front Armies introduces two unique collections of new content – the US Forces and the German Oberkommando West. Each army has distinctive tactical gameplay options, new infantry, team weapons, vehicles, abilities and upgrades on a total of eight seasonal multiplayer maps set on the Western Front.

The Western Front Armies also includes a new progression system that introduces other unique content into the game and enables players to dive deeper into the tactical and strategic aspects of the game.

WATCH VIDEO IN HD (Hosted by YouTube – 01:17)

Today we are happy to share with you that Germany at War: Barbarossa 1941, the approachable and historical Eastern Front strategy title developed by Phobetor, is now patched to version 1.05. This patch fixes a number of issues, fine tuning the game more than ever before. Other than these fixes and changes, patch 1.05 includes several new additions, including a whole new multiplayer map!

Get the latest patch HERE. (Direct Link)

CLICK HERE for the full changelog.

CLICK HERE for more information about Germany at War: Barbarossa 1941.

“If we come to a minefield, our infantry attacks exactly as if it were not there.” (Georgy Zhukov – Marshal of the Soviet Union – 1945)

June 21, 1941 – Germany opens a new front in World War II with the launch of its ambitious military plan designed to lead its armies to Moscow. This was the starting point of a terrifying conflict that lasted almost 4 years and engaged millions of men, tanks, planes and weapons of all types.

In Battle Academy 2, players will be able to take command of Soviet and German forces at the tactical level. While this sequel includes everything that made the previous game so absorbing and accessible, it also introduces new features for a deeper and richer strategy experience. With more than 130 units, a brand new skirmish mode, random map generator, 4 single players campaigns, versus and cooperative multiplayer modes and enhanced with new tactical tools, players are bound to fight some unforgettable battles in Mother Russia.

Today, we are proud to share some screenshots taken from the current version of the game. They feature combat in various environments – from Russian frozen steppes to huge devastated cities – including plenty of historical units that fought on the Eastern Front between 1941 and 1945.

Director of Development, Iain McNeil, said “The Early Access Program for Battle Academy 2 has really helped focus in on what the players want and make sure we’re making the game they want to play. The improvements over the last few months have turned this from a good game in to a great one and we couldn’t have done this without the community.”

Battle Academy 2 is currently available with an Early Access Program on PC. By joining the program, the players will support the development and get a chance to contribute to the game directly.

Battle Academy 2 is set to be released July 2014. Get more information on the game from its official product page.

BattleGoat Studios is today pleased to announce update 1.1 for Supreme Ruler 1936. This new update features additional UI Elements, Updated Equipment List with new units, Update Tech Tree, Additional Historical Events and Campaign Improvements and, most notably, two new scenarios: Operation Sea Lion and Operation Compass. Operation Sea Lion gives players the opportunity to attempt the fall 1940 invasion of England that Germany never managed, while Operation Compass is the British effort to push the Italians out of North Africa in the winter of 1940/41.

David Thompson, Lead Designer and Co-Founder of BattleGoat commented, “Both new scenarios are pretty good challenges for our players, especially the resistance encountered on British soil once German troops begin to approach London!”

In addition to the new update, BattleGoat is pleased to be participating in the Steam Summer Sale where Supreme Ruler 1936 is currently 33% off its regular price!

Game information available at the official Supreme Ruler 1936 Website.

The Alea Jacta Est series expands with a standalone release centered on Hannibal’s campaigns.

Hannibal – the legendary Carthaginian military commander – is reviewing his troops before the battle. Today he’s waging one of his most important campaigns with the release of  Terror of Rome, the latest installment of the Alea Jacta Est Series!

In this new Grand Strategy game using the AGEod engine(www.ageod.com) , you will be able to join the Roman or the Carthaginian forces and relive one of the biggest clash of Ancient History with only one goal in mind: vying for hegemony in Mediterranean territories.

Hannibal: Terror of Rome is a true simulation that puts you in the place of the main commanders of the Ancient World. You will be in charge of building, managing, organizing and maneuvering armies, whilst taking into account the economic, military and political situation. The game is built on the renowned AGE engine and offers a comprehensive level of detail and historical accuracy.

The game features five historical scenarios:

• The First Illyrian War (230-228 BC) sees Rome opposing the aggressive Illyrian pirates and the Greek cities of the South in the Adriatic Sea. To contain the pirate’s activity, military forces were sent by the Achaean League and even Rome. For the first time the Roman consuls focus on the East.
• The Cisalpine War (225-222 BC) confronts Rome with a ferocious Celtic tribe. It’s time for revenge as these Gallic warriors sacked Rome in 390 BC.
• The Second Punic War (219-201 BC) is a major campaign that starts even before the clash between Rome and Carthage; with Roman legions fighting in the Second Illyrian War, and Carthage finishing its conquest of Hispania…
• Cannae (216-201 BC) begins with panic in the Roman army after its catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Cannae. The scenario starts with the withdrawal of Syracuse, Capua and Taranto from the war in Italy. The situation is critical!
• Scipio Africanus (211-201 BC) narrates the Spanish campaigns of the best Roman general of the war, and his final fight against Hannibal in Africa.

Note this is a stand-alone game that does not require the Alea Jacta Est base game to play.

Get more information on Hannibal: Terror of Rome from its official product page.

Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio today revealed the third expansion for Europa Universalis IV, the award-winning grand strategy game of empire-building and global domination. The new mini expansion, entitled Res Publica, will introduce new systems of governance and trade to the game, including an all-new government type and several new Idea Groups for ambitious strategists to explore. The mini expansion is scheduled to release this summer for Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs.

Res Publica, a Latin phrase meaning “Public Affairs,” expands upon the critically acclaimed strategy game Europa Universalis IV, providing players with even more ways to rewrite history and tell their unique stories of conquest. In Res Publica, dictators and diplomats will discover new ways to manage and govern their empires, including additional ways to influence growth, sway the balance of power, and maintain – or shatter – a nation’s stability.

For more information and screenshots, please visit the official Europa Universalis IV Res Publica product page.

The time has come! Stronghold Crusader 2 is now in beta and set for release on Steam on 2nd September 2014. To celebrate reaching this stage in development we have put together an E3 trailer with fresh footage of the game at beta, including many of the new features that set Crusader 2 apart from the original game.

The game is essentially finished with all our core systems in place including co-op, unit abilities and dynamic events like the tornado and locust swarm. Self-publishing comes with its own set of challenges but one of the great advantages is that we can release when we are ready, when the bugs have been squashed and the game is worthy of the Crusader name. After taking the game to several public shows over the past nine months we are very happy with the game’s feel. The team has been tweaking areas of gameplay such as unit balance and castle destruction in direct response to feedback received at these shows and it has made a huge difference. Players are telling us it feels like the original Crusader in terms of moment-to-moment gameplay and just hearing that is hugely encouraging.

The whole team feels as though we have managed to make a game that expands on the original Crusader without changing what people found so enjoyable about the original. It is mission accomplished on that front and we still have time for a lengthy beta period to polish everything off before launch. Having to be so vague about our release date, at least until recently, was frustrating but we only wanted to give a specific date once we knew the game would be finished and up to the kind of standard players expect. Soon there will be a great Stronghold game available on Steam, one we can’t wait to get into the hands of players.

More game information can be found on the official Stronghold Crusader 2 Website.