The three factions in the game--the Romans, the Germans, and the Egyptians--have distinct looks to their units and buildings and each side seems to have different strengths: the Romans naturally have the best infantry, the Germans have strong cavalry, and the Egyptians have tough chariots and better special abilities, particularly the commander, which can summon a mirage to create decoy units. Stealth, ambushes, and scouting also play an unusually important role in Praetorians' battles.

For more see Eidos Interactive. #

Rome Total War" by developer Creative Assembly continues to look very promising with the release of additional screenshots. "Tim Ansell, managing director of The Creative Assembly claims "The cinematic battles are beyond anything ever before seen in a game!" Creative Assembly continues to collect kudos for its award-winning strategy game "Medieval Total War" with the announcement of its 2002 EMMA International award for technical excellence in sound. #

A very talented artist, beall_c@denison.edu, has graciously provided a wealth of objects and "skins" to help Sims enthusiasts introduce their virtual characters to the Roman Empire and its neighbors. He developed some Celt ruffians and suggests: "For real fun, get a group of these ruffians and make them live like barbarians-- no toilets, beds, entertainment; then invite them over to your legions fort and watch the fun begin." He has even produced skins based on the film "Gladiator"! #

Wildfire Games experiments with collaborative game development       ( 8:42 AM ) Libitina  
In an effort to "put a face" on independent game developers, Wildfire Games, original developer of the Age of Empires: Age of Kings module, has launched a project to collaboratively develop a freeware game. The title, 0 A.D., is a historically-based strategy game that will focus on the years 500 B.C. to 500 A.D. The game will feature the classic civilizations of Greece, Rome, Carthage and Persia as well as Germanic tribes, and Celts. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 8:42 AM | link

Explore Viking mythology and discoveries in "Valhalla Chronicles"       ( 8:10 AM ) Libitina  
Four heroes, four faiths, four adventures - prepare for a journey deep into the dangerous Viking world of 800 - 1000 A.D. and meet the challenges of Valhalla Chronicles. Interact with humans and gods and choose your allies with caution in order to complete your mission. You will meet the powerful and short fused Thor; god of thunder, the wise Odin; god of magic and wisdom and the vile and deceitful Loke, half god and half-giant. To be released Spring 2003 for the Windows PC.
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posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 8:10 AM | link

"Templar" from Starbreeze commands your attention       ( 11:14 AM ) Libitina  
"You must find what has been lost. You have been chosen. It lies beneath that that was destroyed by the heirs of Aeneas and is guarded by the poor, the chaste, the obedient and the powerful. Seek help among the children of Isaac and Ishmael. They are all Gods creation and they need to unite. The eve of destruction and atonement is upon us.

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posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 11:14 AM | link

Mystery of the Mummy inspired by Sherlock Holmes       ( 12:38 PM ) Libitina  
As Sherlock Holmes, explore a Victorian mansion with 35 rooms containing over 100 ancient artifacts as you attempt to solve the Mystery of the Mummy. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 12:38 PM | link

"Warrior Kings-Battles"       ( 3:23 PM ) Libitina  
Warrior Kings sequel offers improved enemy AI and a new skirmish mode. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 3:23 PM | link

"Tale In The Desert" available for free download Feb 15       ( 3:22 PM ) Libitina  
Create a perfect society on a world based on ancient Egypt by mastering the "Seven Disciplines of Man" by succeeding in a total of 49 different tests designed to promote thought and teamwork rather than combat. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 3:22 PM | link

Slitherine to release "Chariots of War"       ( 3:12 PM ) Libitina  
Four thousand years ago in the Cradle of Civilization, mighty Empires fought for water, resources and the arable land in the Fertile Crescent. Play the Egyptians in chariots of war, Babylonians in bronze armour, screaming Nubian warriors, and the Assyrians behind their walls of stone. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 3:12 PM | link

"Imperator" begins its rise to power       ( 3:12 PM ) Libitina  
On an alternate earth where Rome never fell, the Respublica now spans many planets, each containing wildly different flora, fauna, creatures, culture, and climate. But, new threats to the Republic have sprung up internally and from beyond its borders, making the galaxy more dangerous and the Republic itself less stable.
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posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 3:12 PM | link

Rise of Nations       ( 3:11 PM ) Libitina  
This new title from Big Huge Games is said to be an intriguing mix of the real-time immediacy of Age of Empires with a Civilization-like depth and sophistication. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 3:11 PM | link

"Praetorians" offers stunning 3D graphics with pure strategic combat       ( 3:10 PM ) Libitina  
Employ the powerful war machines of Roman campaigns to either protect possessions or destroy enemy defenses and siege their fortresses. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 3:10 PM | link

"Rome Total War" the next generation in epic strategy gaming       ( 3:10 PM ) Libitina  
Conquer, rule and manipulate the Roman Empire in a time when the mighty Roman Empire emerged to conquer the known world against powerful enemies, when gladiators fought to a bloody death in the Coliseum; when Spartacus defied the might of the empire, Hannibal led his invincible army and his war elephants across the Alps to strike fear into the very heart of Rome itself; and when Julius Caesar finally smashed the Barbarian Gauls. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 3:10 PM | link

Roma Victor is a massively multiplayer online game based on the Roman Empire in the days of Marcus Aurelius       ( 3:09 PM ) Libitina  
Join the game practically anywhere as a Roman, a Gaul, a Goth, a Pict, a Briton, a Syrian, but you do so at the bottom of the social scale, and status does not come easy. What you aim for, and how you get there, is entirely up to you. Bribery, stealth, violence, strength, cunning - all of these will help you progress to your chosen goal, be it citizenship, gladiatorial prowess, barbarian chieftain, or perhaps you have your eye on the throne of Rome. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 3:09 PM | link

Changing seasons, authentic dialogue, and intelligent adversaries lend kick to Highland Warriors       ( 2:57 PM ) Libitina  
In 843 AD the first Scottish King Kenneth McAlpin unites the Pict and Scot empires to become the Kingdom of Alba. Four hundred years later Edward I, also known as the Hammer of the Scots, engulfed the land in a great feud. #


posted by Mary Harrsch mharrsch@uoregon.edu on 2:57 PM | link