Strategy and Wargaming

panzer-corps-2-axis-operations-1944Captivating major ahistorical expansion to ultimate World War II strategy game launched with thirty new scenarios, “atomic” units, and much more

Experience World War II rewritten. The new major expansion Panzer Corps 2: Axis Operations – 1946 for the popular turn-based strategy game has launched on Steam. Renowned strategy publisher Slitherine invites players to explore a tantalizing ahistorical take on a massive Axis invasion of the United States with a new in-depth campaign, thirty new scenarios, hosts of new units, and more.

Watch the Panzer Corps 2 – Axis Operations 1946 in two minutes trailer HERE.

Panzer Corps 2: Axis Operations – 1946 uses the ahistorical campaign path established in previous expansions as a springboard, offering a massive and original strategic campaign exploring a joint German-Japanese invasion of the continental United States. It is the final, grand instalment and a fitting climatic ending for all those players who took the first steps in Panzer Corps 2 ahistorical campaigning.

To bring the necessary level of authenticity to this major expansion, expert historical consultants ensured all the details in this “what if” campaign were up to scratch. This means Panzer Corps 2: Axis Operations – 1946’s thirty new ahistorical campaign scenarios are anchored in a believable context, from the Battle of San Francisco, Alamo 1946, or the Second Battle of Wichita.

Panzer Corps 2: Axis Operations – 1946 is specifically designed to welcome new players next to returning veterans. A new tiered objective system is featured. Primary objectives influence campaign progression and are created to be manageable for all players. Bonus objectives are off the beaten path, purely optional, with players rewarded with extra prestige resources. Lastly, Elite objectives give an exciting, extra challenge, including massively overpowered enemy armies.

Players of Panzer Corps 2: Axis Operations – 1946 have the option to import their core forces, which completed the previous Axis Operation 1945 East campaign. They can also opt to use a preset core force to launch the Axis Operations 1946 Amerika campaign directly. Imported forces can seek additional challenges through increased difficulty settings, advanced game modes, and elite objectives. Preset forces contain a balanced amount of experienced units plus a variety of heroes suitable for new and returning players.

Panzer Corps 2: Axis Operations – 1946 expansion brings a host of new “what if” historical units:
Special extra large unit models for those awe-inspiring warships, including the Japanese Super Battleship Yamato.
American Atomic B-29 bombers and German Atomic-armed V-2 rockets.
Japanese 6-engine Fugaku bombers modified to carry guided Fritz X Missiles.
Several original unit designs created for Panzer Corps 2: Axis Operations – 1946.
Landkruisers

men-of-war-2Fulqrum Publishing and Ukrainian studio Best Way are happy to announce the upcoming Beta weekend for the highly-anticipated real-time strategy title Men of War II coming on 16th November and concluding on November 21st on Steam. This new beta showcases the progress in development and offers players a more polished experience, including match-making and leaderboards for each of the PVP match setup modes, shorter loading times, and various graphical improvements.

Launching next week, the upcoming open beta introduces “Officer” mode, a challenging PVE scenario that demands strategic prowess from players. In Officer mode, participants must skillfully balance offensive and defensive tactics as they strive to protect an NPC officer for a set amount of time; if the enemy manages to eliminate him, it’s game over. This intense mode will test players’ ability to coordinate their forces effectively and make split-second decisions to achieve victory. Alongside this new mode, all PvE and PvP modes from previous open betas will return for players to enjoy.

Watch the Men of War II Open Beta trailer HERE.

Additionally, players can look forward to two gripping new single-player missions that delve into pivotal moments of World War II history for the USA and German troops. These immersive missions provide players with a chance to experience the intensity and complexity of wartime decision-making, plus the Soviet campaign from previous betas returns for players to jump back into the action with all single-player missions.

This beta also introduces four new multiplayer maps, ‘Witch’s Vale’, ‘Village’, ‘Champagne’, and ‘Polesie’, with a total of ten available for players.

This open Beta has been based on feedback from thousands of players who have already played, tested and provided their thoughts on the previous three public tests. The developers will continue to work on polishing and balancing based on fresh player feedback from this Beta. Players’ progress and saves in this open beta test will not carry over to release.

Men of War II will launch for PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and other digital stores in 2024. For more information, visit the official Fulqrum Publishing website.

Men of War II Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |

crusader-kings-3Defeat Your Rivals and Claim the Legacy of Persia

The decline of Abbasid rule in the east has opened the door to new challengers. Powerful vassals, foreign chiefs and the caliph himself struggle to unite a land diverse in cultures, faiths and geography. Rise to the challenge and walk in the footsteps of mighty emperors before you, and claim the Legacy of Persia. Available today, Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia is a new flavor pack for Paradox’s award-winning medieval grand strategy game. New historical color and pageantry await you as you try to win the Struggle for the Iranian heartland as the once mighty Caliphate fights to keep control. Unite the divided lands under your new dynasty, or restore the Caliph to a place of strength and security.

Watch the release trailer for Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia HERE.

Features of Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia include:

The Iranian Intermezzo: The Abbasid Caliphate is on the decline, and strong-willed Iranian rulers are set upon independence and a new future for the region. Will you forge a new Empire, subjugate the faltering Caliphate for your own benefit, or see a resurgent Caliphate bring order to the region?
More Historical Flavor: New decisions, interactions and buildings for rulers in the Persian region, as well as special content highlighting the importance of clan leadership and protecting the frontier regions.
Changes to Iranian Cultures: New Iranian traditions include innovative Court Scholars, unique Men-at-Arms, and powerful new buildings to bring riches out of barren lands.
New Art and Music: Persian characters get new clothing, Persian buildings get a redesign and the UI can take on a more Iranian appearance in this Flavor Pack. There are also 8 new music tracks, some cued to events and some to set the mood.

Available now, Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia is the final piece of the Crusader Kings III Chapter II Pass, which also includes the Tours & Tournaments expansion and the Wards & Wardens event pack. Legacy of Persia can be purchased separately for the suggested retail price of $12.99/£10.99/€12.99.

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

Build New Empires on Old Ground in King of Kings

As the Early Modern Age dawns, rising empires collide against faded glories. The divided lands of Persia hold great promise for any who can unite them. The imperial seat of Constantinople rules only the rump of a once mighty empire. The wealth of Egypt makes the Mamluk Sultanate an attractive target for enemies. Rise to the challenge of the ages in King of Kings, a new Immersion Pack for Europa Universalis IV, available now.

Europa Universalis IV: King of Kings adds even more historical flavor and alternate historical possibilities to Paradox’s celebrated grand strategy game, with a specific focus on the kingdoms and empires that challenged the Ottoman Empire in Asia and Africa. With hundreds of new missions and dozens of other changes, King of Kings is a substantial addition to Europa Universalis IV, a game that has been challenging amateur strategists and history buffs for over a decade.

Watch the Europa Universalis IV: King of Kings release trailer HERE.

More game information is available at the official Europa Universalis IV website or vial the games official Steam page.

total-war-pharaohSEGA® Europe, Limited and The Creative Assembly™ Limited. are proud to announce the launch of Total War™: PHARAOH on Steam for Windows PC. A return to the historical roots of the iconic strategy game franchise, Total War: PHARAOH immerses players in the turbulent events of the Egyptian New Kingdom period where they’ll determine the fate of three great cultures as they fight for survival amid the cataclysmic Bronze-Age Collapse. ​

Watch the release trailer HERE.

A strategy game where turn-based civilisation management and real-time strategy battles collide, Total War: PHARAOH empowers players to rule an iconic Bronze-Age civilisation and rewrite history in their own vision. Manage your empire in matters of diplomacy, economy, and military strength, before commanding thousands strong legions of soldiers and war machines in intense tactical conquests across a vibrant recreation of this turbulent age.

For more information about Total War: PHARAOH and the other Total War games in development, visit the Total War or Total War: PHARAOH website.

crusader-kings-3The tottering Abbasid Caliphate struggles to maintain its grip on the eastern core of its empire. Disputed successions, cultural disharmony and poor circumstances conspire to undermine one of the great realms of the Middle Ages. Navigate the challenging world of Medieval Iran in Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia, coming on November 9.

Inspired by the historical Anarchy of Samarra, Legacy of Persia uses the Struggle System to provide a new setting and new rulesets for the Iranian Intermezzo – a conflict that tests personal, cultural and religious loyalties. Establish your own new dynasty in this cradle of empires – ending Arab domination over Persia, or steer the Caliphate through the crisis, strengthening the power of Baghdad.

Watch the Release Date Announcement Trailer HERE.

Features of Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia include:

The Iranian Intermezzo: The Abbasid Caliphate is on the decline, and strong-willed Iranian rulers are set upon independence and a new future for the region. Will you forge a new Empire, subjugate the faltering Caliphate for your own benefit, or see a resurgent Caliphate bring order to the region?
More Historical Flavor: New decisions, interactions and buildings for rulers in the Persian region, as well as special content highlighting the importance of clan leadership and protecting the frontier regions.
Changes to Iranian Cultures: New Iranian traditions include innovative Court Scholars, unique Men-at-Arms, and powerful new buildings to bring riches out of barren lands.
New Art and Music: Persian characters get new clothing, Persian buildings get a redesign and the UI can take on a more Iranian appearance in this Flavor Pack. There are also 8 new music tracks, some cued to events and some to set the mood.

Crusader Kings III: Legacy of Persia will be available on 09 November, 2023. It is the final piece of the Crusader Kings III Chapter II Pass, which also includes the Tours & Tournaments expansion and the Wards & Wardens event pack. Chapter II provides a 27% discount compared to buying each item separately.

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

Rewrite the Wartime History of Nordic Europe

Hearts of Iron IV expands the range of new histories you can write in Arms Against Tyranny, a new addition to the best-selling grand strategy wargame from Paradox Interactive. The northernmost countries of Europe take center stage as they resist, unite against or collaborate with more powerful and aggressive neighbors. Sometimes, winter is your only ally.

Watch the Hearts of Iron IV: Arms Against Tyranny release trailer HERE.

Relive the dramatic Finnish struggle against Soviet invasion, plot a neutral course powered by arms trading or explore alternate histories for Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Arms Against Tyranny also adds more decisions about the production of weapons, giving players newer tools to test their mastery of modern warfare.

Features of Hearts of Iron IV: Arms Against Tyranny include:

New Finnish National Focus Tree: Walk the diplomatic tightrope of a democratic nation trapped between threats, develop a capable defensive army, or pursue alternate historical paths of collaboration with the neighboring tyrants.
New Swedish National Focus Tree: Resource rich and fiercely independent, Sweden can be the center of a unified Scandinavian resistance, or a game-changing ally in the ongoing battle of ideologies.
New Danish and Norwegian Focus Trees: With the benefit of hindsight, can you prepare these small nations for the storm of war that is about to wash upon their shores?
Military Industrial Organizations: Customize your armaments industry by encouraging national corporations to specialize in the types of weapons and technology you desire for your armed forces.
International Arms Market: Become the quartermaster of the world by selling arms and equipment to the warring nations, receiving civilian factory capacity in return.
And more: New unit art, 10 new songs, customization of Special Forces units and greater divisional specialization.

Hearts of Iron VI: Arms Against Tyranny will be accompanied by a major free update available to all Hearts of Iron IV players. Arms Against Tyranny is available now via Steam for the suggested retail price of $19.99/£16.75/€19.99.

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

victory-at-sea-atlanticAs the highly-anticipated release of Victory At Sea Atlantic approaches, Evil Twin Artworks is thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking feature that promises to revolutionize the gaming experience: the dynamic weather system. Set against the backdrop of World War II’s Atlantic theater, this system introduces a level of realism and strategy never before seen in naval warfare games.

The Unpredictable Elements of War

During World War II, the Atlantic Ocean was infamous for its unpredictable and unforgiving weather conditions. In Victory At Sea Atlantic, players will experience firsthand that the elements are not merely a backdrop but a formidable force that can shape the outcome of battles.

Real-Time Weather Dynamics

The Evil Twin Artworks development team has dedicated extensive effort to create a dynamic weather system that authentically mirrors the unpredictable nature of the Atlantic. Weather patterns evolve in real-time, affecting every aspect of gameplay, from visibility to ship handling and combat tactics.

The Fury of the Seas

Imagine the scenario: You’re on the brink of a crucial naval battle, and reports indicate a ferocious storm approaching. Massive waves relentlessly pound against your ships, causing them to pitch and roll dramatically. Water splashes dynamically interact with your vessels, immersing you in the chaos of battle. The sensation of saltwater spray hitting your face is palpable as you navigate through the tempest.

Night Battles Ignite the Darkness

Night battles take on a new level of intensity as ships set ablaze emit a fiery glow that not only adds visual drama but also impacts visibility. Players will face the challenging task of spotting enemy vessels through the darkness and smoke, making split-second decisions that can tip the balance of power.

Depth Charges and Explosive Water Plumes

Submarine warfare becomes even more thrilling with the introduction of depth charges. When detonated, these charges send massive plumes of water spray into the air, obscuring vision and introducing an element of danger to underwater combat.

Environmental Challenges

In Victory At Sea Atlantic, the weather itself becomes a formidable adversary. Navigating through heavy rain, dense fog, and treacherous storms presents constant challenges. Visibility can change from combat to combat, making surprise attacks and ambushes a constant threat.

Strategic Adaptation

Adapting to these ever-changing weather conditions becomes essential for victory. Players must make crucial decisions, such as risking a night engagement with reduced visibility to take advantage of cover or waiting for clearer weather, even if it means allowing the enemy to slip away. Submarines are especially elusive in adverse weather, requiring players to exercise caution when deploying sonar.

Community Collaboration

Evil Twin Artworks has always valued the input of its dedicated community, and the dynamic weather system in Victory At Sea Atlantic is no exception. Player feedback has been instrumental in shaping this feature, ensuring that it aligns with the expectations and preferences of our players.

A Game-Changer in Naval Warfare

The dynamic weather system in Victory At Sea Atlantic goes beyond mere visual aesthetics; it fundamentally changes how players experience naval warfare. It immerses them in the harsh conditions faced by sailors during World War II, adding an exciting layer of realism and strategy to the game.

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.

victory-at-sea-atlanticEvil Twin Artworks is thrilled to announce a significant expansion of naval firepower in our upcoming release, Victory At Sea Atlantic. In this highly-anticipated World War II naval warfare game, players will have the opportunity to command some of the most iconic and historically significant British ship classes from the era.

The Powerhouses of the Royal Navy

Victory At Sea Atlantic brings to life the naval theater of World War II, and at the heart of the action are the mighty British ship classes that played pivotal roles during this historic period.

County Class: The County-class heavy cruisers, known for their versatility and powerful armament, will be at your disposal. These ships served with distinction, and players will have the chance to command vessels like HMS London.

Queen Elizabeth Class: The Queen Elizabeth-class battleships, armed with formidable 15-inch guns, will be a cornerstone of your fleet. These battleships, including HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Warspite.

Ark Royal Class: The Ark Royal-class aircraft carriers, including the iconic HMS Ark Royal, provided crucial air support during key naval battles. Players will have the opportunity to utilize these carriers for air operations, much like the Ark Royal’s involvement in the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck.

Flower Class: Small yet vital, the Flower-class corvettes escorted convoys across the Atlantic, protecting them from U-boat attacks. These nimble vessels, with their distinctive “flower” names, played a significant role in safeguarding vital supplies.

Hood Class: The Hood-class battlecruisers, epitomized by the renowned HMS Hood, were symbols of British naval might. Players will relive the history of these mighty vessels and perhaps even the fateful encounter with the German battleship Bismarck.

Hunt Class: The Hunt-class destroyers, known for their speed and maneuverability, served as effective escorts for convoys and played a significant role in the Battle of the Atlantic.

J Class: The J-class destroyers, like the HMS Javelin, were versatile vessels serving in various roles, including anti-submarine warfare and escort duties.

King George V Class: The King George V-class battleships, featuring the impressive 14-inch guns, were among the most potent battleships in the Royal Navy. Players will have the honor of commanding vessels like HMS King George V, instrumental in the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck.

Town Class: Town-class light cruisers, such as the HMS Belfast, were known for their speed and firepower. These cruisers served in various theaters, earning a reputation for their versatility.

Ruler Class: The Ruler-class escort carriers, exemplified by the HMS Activity, were essential in providing air cover for convoys, countering U-boat threats, and protecting vital supply lines.

York Class: The York-class heavy cruisers, typified by the HMS York, were formidable vessels with powerful armaments. Their service spanned various theaters, including the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

Victory At Sea Atlantic offers players an immersive experience where they can command these iconic British ship classes, each with its own rich history. The game faithfully recreates the challenges and triumphs of naval warfare during World War II, allowing players to make history on the high seas.

Visit the Victory at Sea Atlantic Website for more information.

men-of-war-2Fulqrum Publishing and Ukrainian studio Best Way announce today that the highly-anticipated next instalment in the beloved strategy franchise, Men of War II will see its full release next year, in 2024 via Steam, Epic Games Store and other digital store fronts. The decision to postpone its originally planned September 2023 release date was made after a careful analysis of the large amount of data and feedback gathered through a series of public playtests running through March to August, as well as issues found in the final rounds of internal testing.

The game is already content and feature complete and the public playtests confirmed the high quality of the core gameplay. However, the sheer scope of the title, which contains 3 narrative and 2 historical campaigns, Conquest and Raid dynamic campaigns, each playable in 4 variations of competing nations, 15 PvP and 8 PvE multiplayer modes with over 20 maps and more, means that the developers were not yet able to bring Men of War II to the state of technical perfection they strive towards for its release – especially when faced with the continuously difficult conditions in their home country of Ukraine.

Maxim Kamensky, Producer of Men of War II at Best Way, explains:

We loved working with our dedicated community of fans during multiple Playtests and we gathered immense amounts of data and feedback. In fact, we received so many great suggestions we decided to implement, that the original schedule did not allow us to iron out all the bugs and issues in time for the September release. We feel that our fans deserve to receive a game in a completely polished and bug-free state and ask them for just a little more patience to allow us to deliver such a high quality product.

Men of War is a franchise that helped define the WWII Strategy genre, and players rightfully have extremely high expectations of Men of War II,” said Nikolay Baryshnikov, CEO of Fulqrum Games, “Best Way is as passionate about the game as its fans and we are happy to support them in their endeavour to create the best game in the series to date. Delaying the launch is never pleasant, but it is always the preferred option to releasing a product that might not meet the players’ expectations.

More game information is available on the Men of War II webpage.

Men of War II Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |