Strategy

Matrix Games has announced a comprehensive update for the space strategy game, Armada 2526. The v1.3.0.2 update includes a number of balance changes, gameplay tweaks, bug fixes, and new a new custom battle feature.

In an announcement that is sure to please expectant fans of Stardock’s forthcoming 4X fantasy title, Elemental: War of Magic, Brad Wardell today announced that Betas 2 & 3 would be merged into a single beta:

“After a lengthy meeting with the Network team, it was concluded that it would require a considerable amount of effort (read: expensive) to release beta 2 with it crippled (like beta 1 is) for the public.

“Therefore, Beta 2 and 3 are being combined so that from here on out, all builds will be the “full beta” (minus the Workshop mod options and campaign). This way, the network team doesn’t have to put a bunch of code in to turn off certain parts for the public build versus what we use internally.

“This means that starting with Beta 2 (rather than 3) you will be able to give all the feedback you want on both single player and multiplayer in terms of what you would like in the game (either before release or as a post release update).

It also means that Beta 2 (rather than 3) should start being (I dare say) fun-ish.”

A few months back I reviewed Gratuitous Space Battles.  The creation of sci-fi afficionado Cliff Harris, GSB proved to be a very pretty and remarkably addictive game all about…well, gratuitous space battles.  As I commented in my review, in its initial form GSB made for a fine tower defense type of game, but it seemed to me that it could be so much more.  My most ardent desire was to see a full fledged campaign included in the game at some point, as adding some context to the thrilling battles would make the game even more compelling. 

Well, at long last, it appears I might have my wish come true!  I found this interesting entry on Mr. Harris blog:

“Just a quick screenshot showing the state of the current campaign game UI [see the header graphic - ed.]. This is zoomed in on a planet to show the fleets there, the UI for building new ships and the list of facilities there. It’s all very coder-art and work-in-progress. I’ll likely not do the icons myself.

It is getting there though…”

Awesome!

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and AGEOD (www.ageod.com) have announced the release of a much improved and streamlined new sequel to World War One: La Grande Guerre, entitled World War One Gold Edition! Now gamers can experience the challenging strategy and detailed history surrounding the “War to End all Wars”, but without the trenchfoot! For generals new to the World War One system, be sure to check out the in depth After Action Report for a good feel of how the game plays.

Customers who own World War One can also download a free 1.07 update which includes all the bug fixes, AI, gameplay improvements and non-graphical improvements of World War One: Gold Edition.

It was a grueling fight, but after a seventeen day struggle, India’s Viswanathan Anand emerged victorious over Bulgaria’s Veselin Topalov in a battle than came down to the very last game of a twelve game match.  The final score:  6 ½ - 5 ½.