Strategy and Wargaming

The horrors of war seem an ocean away, but no major threat can be contained in a shrinking world. The influences of foreign ideologies and international pressure may force distant nations to take an active part in the global struggle against tyranny. Decide the fate of South America in Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance, available now.

This content pack for Paradox Interactive’s best-selling grand strategy wargame, players can write new histories of the major nations of South America in years around World War II. You can try to resist the pressure to join a costly conflict overseas, or take your chances with a major power bloc for help in pursuing your own goals.

Watch the official release trailer HERE.

Features of Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance include:

National Focus Tree for Brazil: Challenged by a decade of internal strife and constitutional crises, Brazil can follow the historical path as a late but valuable member of the Allied cause. Alternately, seek continental hegemony under a new government with new priorities.
National Focus Tree for Argentina: Rife with corruption, revolts and worker unrest, Argentina presents a difficult political challenge. Once you’ve settled the problems at home, you can contribute more on the world stage and help this nation reach its full potential.
National Focus Tree for Chile: Chile is a vigorous republic with a radical tradition that must face domestic fascist parties, the embers of ethnic unrest and the imposing influence of the United States. Chart a course of equality and renewal, pick up the banner of uniting the continent under one flag.
Paraguay and Uruguay: Minor content as well as several new releasable nations.
New Art: New 3D unit sprites for the Brazilian army, as well as new unique 2D art for National Focus trees and units
New Music: Six new songs, with two each for the major nations in the pack.
New Voiceovers: Voiceovers in Brazilian Portuguese, Argentinian Spanish and Chilean Spanish.

Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance is available for the suggested retail price of $14.99/￡12.79/€14.99 on Steam.

Absolutely Games and Team17 Digital have today launched WWII-based strategy epic Classified: France ‘44 on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S. An original take on the turn-based tactics genre, Classified: France ’44 authentically captures the challenges of World War II firefights, shining a light on a lesser known story. Players will take charge of the Jedburghs: a group of special forces dropped deep in the heart of Nazi-occupied France, working with the Resistance to disrupt and sabotage enemy forces in the lead up to D-Day.

Watch the Classified: France ’44 launch trailer HERE.

Key Features

Unique morale system: Every shot counts. Even if it misses, fire wears down enemy forces’ morale and can turn the tide in the heat of battle
Tactical stealth action: Infiltrate enemy positions; set up ambushes, and choose your overwatch targets wisely. Friendly fire can shape the battlefield, so position your squad and pick your marks carefully
Engaging and replayable campaign: Define the success of the historic ‘D-Day’ battle with a replayable campaign with 15 different endings. Form a specialist team, court the Resistance factions and aid them in building their strength, and make decisions that lead to game-changing outcomes.
Historically authentic gameplay: Mirroring real-world military tactics, missions are a thrilling, varied experience. Use your tactical toolbox of stealth, ambush, morale and flanking to outwit the enemy and aid the Resistance.
The Classified System: Built on the ‘Classified System’ players can access in-game tools to create their own missions to share with the community.

Arming players for victory, the Deluxe and Overlord editions of Classified: France ’44 come fully equipped for war. Available to purchase for £39.99/$39.99/€39.99, the Deluxe edition includes the base game and the first DLC, while the Overlord Edition, available for £49.99/$49.99/€49.99, includes the base game and the full season pass, granting players access to all four upcoming DLC’s. The standard edition is available to purchase for £34.99/$34.99/€34.99.

For more information on Classified: France ’44, visit the official website. PC users can download the demo, and also purchase the game via Steam.

Defy Plagues and Commission Propaganda in Legends of the Dead

Even the most ancient of bloodlines must be bolstered by stories of greatness. Why should one noble house dominate others, if it has no glorious past to claim? Warriors and diplomats, hunters and saints, all have a place in the chronicles of history and the songs of troubadours. Can you build a legend so powerful that people speak of it centuries later? Secure an everlasting legacy in Crusader Kings III: Legends of the Dead.

Watch the Crusader Kings III: Legends of the Dead release trailer HERE.

Legends of the Dead is the newest core expansion to Paradox Interactive’s award-winning grand-strategy role-playing game of the medieval world. Travel back in time to a world of scheming regents and rival monarchs as they compete for prestige and dynastic power. In Legends of the Dead, you can preserve the legitimacy of your rule through not only great deeds, but the publicity of these deeds, creating a worldwide memory of your actions long after death.

But death comes for us all, and, in this expansion, new epidemics and plagues, including the Black Death, threaten to overshadow the accomplishments of all humankind, covering the earth in sickness and despair.

Features of Crusader Kings III: Legends of the Dead include:

Legends: Commission an epic retelling of your family history or build your own heroic reputation through great deeds. Promote this legend, far and wide, and see how the stories of the past reverberate through the centuries, and add even more glory to legendary dynasties.
Legendary Playstyle: Leverage your living legend status through new Decisions and actions, keeping the stories of your family in the minds of a continent, strengthening the legitimacy of your rule and allowing further choices.
Legendary Buildings: Your legendary reputation gives you access to new elite buildings, cementing your legacy for future generations.
Legendary Feasts: Poets and bards can ornament your celebrations with songs and odes to your greatness, inspiring your guests to spread the tale of your legendary generosity.
Court Chroniclers: Hire an official historian to spread the story of your dynasty’s great accomplishments, or use your poets and musicians to turn your actions into art.
Two New Legacies: A new Heroic dynastic Legacy for the heirs of legendary characters, even using the great deeds of ancestors to justify claims from the distant past, as well as a Legitimacy Legacy that promotes your dynasty as the true rulers of the realm.
Illness and Mourning: New diseases like the Bloody Flux, Measles and Holy Fire may ravage your court, but you can honor your deceased loved ones with dignified Funeral rites, according to your faith.
The Black Death: The greatest scourge of the Middle Ages strikes down noble and commoner alike, radically transforming the political and social environment. Prepare your realm and prepare your soul, because a rampaging plague may be the strongest enemy facing your rule.
New Art: Both life and death are given new energy with the celebrated art style that Crusader Kings III fans have come to appreciate. A new exclusive Map Table, new varieties of clothing, unit models and holding designs for extra flavor.

Crusader Kings III: Legends of Dead is available for the suggested retail price of $19.99/£16.75/€19.99. It is also available as part of the Crusader Kings III Chapter III bundle which includes one Instant Unlock upon purchase, the Major Expansion Roads to Power and the Event Pack Wandering Nobles.

More game information is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.

Slitherine has released the first flight school video for its turn-based tactical dogfighting game Scramble: Battle of Britain.

The Battle of Britain opened in the summer of 1940 over the waters of the English Channel with precise, harassing attacks on shipping convoys, and eventually blossomed into massive raids of hundreds of twin-engined bombers targeting cities and industry.

Legends were made for cutting-edge airframes like the Spitfire and Me109, while more established, heavier types like the Stuka and Bf110 proved far more vulnerable than in previous conflicts. The Royal Air Force demonstrated that a nation could, indeed, mount a meaningful defense against heavy bombers with a force of disciplined and practiced fighter pilots equipped with fast, nimble planes.

Watch Flight School, Episode #1 “Airplanes” HERE.

In Scramble, players will pilot the most prominent fighter planes of the Luftwaffe and RAF and employ them in fighter patrols, bomber escorts, and raid interceptions.

The initial release will include 4 playable fighters and 5 AI bombers:

RAF Fighters
Supermarine Spitfire
Hawker Hurricane

Luftwaffe Fighters
Messerschmitt 109
Messerschmitt 110

AI RAF Bombers
Bristol Blenheim

AI Luftwaffe Bombers
Junkers 87 “Stuka”
Dornier 17
Junkers 88
Heinkel 111

Spitfires are quick and agile and can hold a high angle of attack. The Me109 can dive and roll faster than any aircraft in the game. Hurricanes pull the tightest sustained turn and can sustain more punishment than the other single-engine fighters. The Bf110 is the slowest fighter in Scramble, but its heavy armament and tail gunner make it dangerous from two directions.

The dogfights of Scramble simulate with real-time physics, and every aircraft is uniquely modeled with aerodynamics and mechanical subsystems that respond procedurally to location-based damage.

Bombers in Scramble are larger, slower, and better armored than any fighters, and full of subsystems and components to be riddled with bullets. Players will relish the sight of an unescorted group of sluggish single-engine Stukas or the undergunned Bristol Blenheims. Formations of Do17s and Ju88s may have enough pace to escape distracted predators, and even a single He111 sports enough turret gunners to defend itself against predictable attacks.

Click here for more game information.

Evil Twin Artworks, the creators of the acclaimed Victory At Sea series, are thrilled to release a captivating new gameplay trailer for their upcoming title, Victory At Sea Atlantic. The trailer provides an immersive glimpse into the naval battles that will define this epic World War II experience.

Watch the Trailer HERE.

Victory At Sea Atlantic takes players on a cinematic voyage through historical naval warfare. The new gameplay trailer showcases the meticulous attention to detail, historical accuracy, and dynamic gameplay that players can expect. From the vastness of the Atlantic to the intricacies of ship design, every aspect has been crafted to provide an authentic and thrilling experience.

Key Features in Focus:

Historical Authenticity: Victory At Sea Atlantic faithfully recreates World War II’s naval theater, with realistic ship models, historical campaigns, and dynamic weather conditions.
Strategic Depth: Commanders must make critical decisions, from ship selection to tactical choices, as they navigate the challenges of wartime naval operations.
Community-Driven Development: The trailer reflects the invaluable feedback from the community, who have actively participated in shaping the game’s features and mechanics.

Evil Twin Artworks invites players to embark on this thrilling journey when Victory At Sea Atlantic sets sail in Early Access on Steam. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to explore the intricate mechanics and features of the game.

Slitherine has announced the upcoming release of Panzer Corps 2: Frontlines – Bulge, the latest DLC in the Panzer Corps 2 series. The DLC is scheduled to launch this spring.

A Strategic Onslaught

Beginning just days before the infamous December 16th, 1944, the campaign kicks off with a smaller-scale US offensive, setting the stage for the tumultuous 4-6 weeks of the Battle of the Bulge.

Dive into the Details

Panzer Corps 2: Frontlines – Bulge cleverly divides the entire operation into smaller, focused battles, each spanning just a few days and a limited area. This approach allows you to relive crucial moments with unprecedented detail.

New Challenges and New Rewards

As you face a surprise German offensive in adverse weather conditions, you’ll be outgunned and outnumbered. Earn heroes and extra units to tip the scales in your favor. Plus, tailor your experience by selecting easier or more challenging battles – it’s your call.

Key Features:

Experience the Battle of the Bulge within a more zoomed-in scale, featuring the famous Siege of Bastogne

Unique Campaign Structure divided into smaller battles for detailed, focused gameplay.

Allied airpower is restricted for a few turns due to adverse weather conditions.

Earn heroes and extra units as rewards.

Tailor the experience by selecting easier or more challenging battles.

Enjoy a balanced gaming experience with rewards and scenario selection.

Adapt difficulty to individual skill levels and preferences.

Join now the Beta

You can now apply to the beta and help us in developing the game. If you are willing to test it, find bugs, offer feedback and criticism and you love Panzer Corps, we definetely could use your help. What are you waiting for? Click here to sign up.

As the launch of Victory At Sea Atlantic in Early Access draws near (Date to be announced), Evil Twin Artworks are thrilled to unveil a captivating new feature: the Black and White Cinematic Mode. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the evocative atmosphere of classic war films as you navigate the perilous waters of World War II.

Catch a glimpse of the first trailers below:

Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Trailer 3

Black and White Mode Unveiled:

Evil Twin Artworks wants the player to experience the game in a novel light with their meticulously crafted Black and White Cinematic Mode. Players will witness fleets, ships, and battles unfold in a style reminiscent of historic war documentaries.

“We wanted to capture the essence of classic cinema,” said James Carroll, Director of Evil Twin Artworks, “It was Originally designed to separate tutorials from the main game, the Black and White Mode captivated us so much that we decided to make it an option for the entire gaming experience. For me, it brings to mind the cinematic brilliance of ‘The Cruel Sea.‘

Whether you’re a seasoned admiral or a fresh recruit, the Black and White Mode offers a unique perspective on the challenges of World War II naval combat. It’s more than just a feature; it’s a journey through history.

Evil Twin Artworks invites players to embark on this thrilling journey when Victory At Sea Atlantic sets sail in Early Access on Steam. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to explore the intricate mechanics and features of the game.

Today, Paradox Interactive unveiled its 2024 plans for Crusader Kings III, its award-winning grand strategy game about the medieval era, known for its captivating story-telling and character-rich plotting. Chapter III of Crusader Kings III will feature two expansions, including a long-anticipated Byzantine-themed Major Expansion, as well as an event pack and a free cosmetic clothing add-on, which is available for download now – for everyone who pre-purchases the Expansion Pass.

Crusader Kings III: Chapter III includes:

Couture of the Capets (free): Unveil a world of opulence with Couture of the Capets. Available immediately upon purchase of Chapter III, this cosmetic pack introduces new fashions and styles inspired by French royal culture in the High Middle Ages (13th century).
Legends of the Dead: Turn yourself into a figure of legend in this Core Expansion, where great feats and effective propaganda can enhance the power of your bloodline through the centuries. Direct the course of your dynastic legend through Court Chroniclers, and use your growing reputation to build a lasting material legacy. But beware of the growing threat from distant lands as the Black Death builds a legendary legacy of its own.
Roads to Power: The majesty of the Byzantine Empire takes center stage in this Major Expansion. Rule from Constantinople through a new Administrative Government form and experience various Byzantine-themed events and flavors. Or, be truly daring and live a life where your noble reputation is not tied to the land, roaming the map as an adventurer for hire.
Wandering Nobles: Building on the travel system introduced with Tours & Tournaments, this event pack introduces a new Travel Lifestyle and new ways and reasons to travel – incidents and stories related to roaming far from the safety of your court.

“It’s very exciting to be able to talk about our plans for 2024,” says Crusader Kings III Game Director Alex Oltner. “We’ve been working hard on trying to find ways to introduce major historical content like the Black Death and the Byzantine Empire’s distinct form of government into CKIII, and we know that our fans have been wanting these as well. Chapter III promises to be one of the biggest phases in the game’s history.”

The first piece of content of the third Chapter is coming on March 04. Legends of the Dead is a new core expansion for Crusader Kings III that adds many new activities, events, and features to Paradox’s award-winning medieval role-playing grand strategy game.

War, disease, and scheming relatives can bring an end to even the most illustrious of rulers. How will you ensure that your fame and reputation survive after you are gone? Nothing burnishes the glory of a royal house like the fame of its ancestors, so it may be wise to invest in the future by singing of your past. In Legends of the Dead, guarantee that stories of your great deeds live after you’ve shuffled off the mortal coil through propaganda perpetuated by chroniclers and troubadours. But even legendary greatness is challenged by the greatest peril of all – the Black Death, a dangerous plague that threatens the foundations of the medieval world.

Watch the Crusader Kings III: Legends of the Dead Announcement Trailer HERE.

Chapter III for Crusader Kings III can be purchased now for the suggested retail price of $43.98/£38.48/€43.98. Once purchased, owners can immediately download the Couture of the Capets cosmetic pack for free. More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III: Chapter III webpage.

The explosive new demo will see players dive into the heat of action during the game’s gripping German campaign

Slitherine Software and Starni Games are airdropping a free new demo for their much-anticipated turn-based strategy title, Headquarters: World War II during Steam Next Fest. Available 5th-12th February, the demo will offer the first glimpse of the game’s fast-paced turn-based gameplay across two playable missions.

The missions contained in the demo include a tutorial mission and the first battle to be featured within the game’s gripping German campaign. The tutorial represents the perfect training ground for new recruits to brush up on their skills before they reach the frontline. The demo’s second mission will see players relive one of the most iconic battles in history from the perspective of the Germans, as they wage war against the Allied on D-Day.

Planned to release in Q2 2024, Headquarters: World War II covers the Battle of Normandy in three plot-driven campaigns, (the USA, the UK, and Germany) that span nine missions each. Alongside these three campaigns, the game features a Skirmish Mode, a Map Editor tool, a random map generation tool, and a Multiplayer Mode for up to four players.

You can find out more details about Headquarters: World War II HERE.

Trial of Allegiance Brings the World War to a New Hemisphere

When a war goes global, no one is safe. The oceans and distance that once kept nations secure are now crossed by ships in days and ideology in minutes. The countries of South America have their internal problems, but face pressure to choose a side in the ongoing world war. Prepare a glorious new future for the continent in Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance, coming March 07.

Trial of Allegiance is a new content pack for Paradox Interactive’s best-selling grand strategy wargame about the climactic years around World War II. In this add-on, the major nations of South America take centre stage as they ensure stability at home in an unstable world. Follow the historical course of action or explore dramatic new alternate histories in three new National Focus Trees.

Watch the Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance Official Announcement Trailer HERE.

Features of Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance include:

National Focus Tree for Brazil: Challenged by a decade of internal strife and constitutional crises, Brazil can follow the historical path as a late but valuable member of the Allied cause. Alternately, seek continental hegemony under a new government with new priorities.
National Focus Tree for Argentina: Rife with corruption, revolts and worker unrest, Argentina presents a difficult political challenge. Once you’ve settled the problems at home, you can contribute more on the world stage and help this nation reach its full potential.
National Focus Tree for Chile: Chile is a vigorous republic with a radical tradition that must face domestic fascist parties, the embers of ethnic unrest and the imposing influence of the United States. Chart a course of equality and renewal, pick up the banner of uniting the continent under one flag.
Paraguay and Uruguay: Minor content as well as several new releasable nations.
New Art: New 3D unit sprites for the Brazilian army, as well as new unique 2D art for National Focus trees and units
New Music: Six new songs, with two each for the major nations in the pack.
New Voiceovers: Voiceovers in Brazilian Portuguese, Argentinian Spanish and Chilean Spanish.

Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance will be available on 07 March 2024 for the suggested retail price of $14.99/￡12.79/€14.99 on Steam.

For more game information please visit the official Hearts of Iron IV website.