tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50477812024-03-20T04:42:43.001-07:00Ancient GamesSubsection of <a href="http://ancientimes.blogspot.com/">Roman Times</a>:
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News about current and upcoming games and entertainment based on Roman or ancient themes.Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-7124018895107165022012-06-18T14:22:00.000-07:002012-06-18T14:22:05.301-07:00Empress Theodora, Queen Dido, Boudicca and Attila the Hun wreak havoc in Civilization V: Gods and Kings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007C72F2U/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007C72F2U" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B007C72F2U&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=romtim-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007C72F2U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Tomorrow, the latest installment in <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilization_%28video_game%29" rel="wikipedia" title="Civilization (video game)">Sid Meier's Civilization</a> franchise, the expansion pack Civilization V: Gods and Kings, makes its appearance. A number of ancient personalities are incorporated into this full expansion pack including:<br />
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<ul style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; list-style: square outside url(http://1.mshcdn.com/wp-content/themes/v7/img/bullet_img.gif); margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Byzantium / <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodora_(wife_of_Justinian_I)">Theodora</a>:</strong> The 6th century empress rules the only civilization that can add an additional belief modifier to its founded religion. </li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.8530555556,10.3230555556&spn=0.1,0.1&q=36.8530555556,10.3230555556%20(Carthage)&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Carthage">Carthage</a> / Dido:</strong> The founder and queen of Carthage gets a free harbor in all coastal cities. The empire’s famous war elephants replace standard mounted units, and can cross mountains after the first Great General is born.</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Celts / <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudica" rel="wikipedia" title="Boudica">Boudicca</a>:</strong> Forest tiles give the tribal queen extra Faith points through the “<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druid" rel="wikipedia" title="Druid">Druidic</a> Lore” ability.</li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Huns / <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attila" rel="wikipedia" title="Attila">Attila</a>:</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">The ruler of the Asian warrior nomads can lay waste to opposing cities at twice the normal speed thanks to his “Scourge of God” ability. Bonus production points for pasture improvements.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Maya / <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K'inich_Janaab'_Pakal">Pacal</a>:</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">Pacal receives an extra Great Person at the end of every <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_calendar" rel="wikipedia" title="Maya calendar">Mayan calendar</a> cycle — that’s 394 years.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I thought the addition of Mayan ruler Pacal was particularly appropriate this year since we'll all have a chance to find out just how accurate Mayan soothsayers were on December 21.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://mashable.com/2012/06/18/civilization-5-gods-kings-review/">Matt Silverman</a> of Mashable Entertainment tells us that, much to the relief of disappointed Civ enthusiasts who found religion missing in the original release of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.civilization5.com/" rel="homepage" title="Civilization V">Civ V</a>, religion will be added back in this expansion pack.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Religion is not simply overlaid on the existing game," Silverman observes. "It seeps down deep into every other mechanic, which is why this expansion is so successful".</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Silverman also points out that espionage has returned with this expansion pack as well.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"The absence of spies in </span><i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">Civ V</i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> was also cause for concern at the initial release. Embedding stealth units behind enemy lines in </span><i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword</i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> remains a highlight of that expansion.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-top: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gods & Kings</i> brings espionage back, but completely re-imagines it. Spies are no longer units on the map, but agents tasked with missions in rival cities. You start with one spy the moment any civ reaches the Renaissance era, and earn an additional agent for each subsequent era. Spies improve their rank with each successful mission."<br />
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So, for Civilization fans that had been disillusioned with Civilization V, now's your chance to restore your faith!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007C72F2U/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007C72F2U"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B007C72F2U&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=romtim-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007C72F2U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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</div>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-66617711690107368682011-03-04T07:30:00.000-08:002011-03-04T07:30:37.057-08:00Slitherine releases Field of Glory Legions Triumphant Expansion Pack<div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Legions-Triumphant-Field-Glory-Imperial/dp/1846033489?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Legions Triumphant: Field of Glory Imperial Rome Army List" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1846033489&tag=romtim-20" /></a><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><strong style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><a href="http://slitherine.com/games/legionstriumphant_pc" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1846033489" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />Field of Glory Legions Triumphant</a></strong></span> (Field of Glory Expansion Pack) is now available to download from <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.slitherine.com/" rel="homepage" title="Slitherine Strategies">Slitherine</a></strong></div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Relive the glory years of Rome in this latest Field of Glory expansion. Developed by <strong>Hexwar</strong>, Legions Triumphant is the fifth installment in the Field of Glory series of add-ons, following on from Rise of Rome, Storm of Arrows, Swords and Scimitars, and Immortal Fire.</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">The expansion releases on both PC and Mac formats and comes with a huge number of changes incorporated in the latest <a href="http://www.slitherine.com/files/fog/FieldofGlory-Update-Comp-v150.exe" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">product update 1.5.0</a> which is launching alongside Legions Triumphant. Some new features coming in the 1.5.0 update include the release of the Digital Army Generator to all owners Field of Glory (including those who don’t own any expansions!), new D.A.G. army lists especially for owners of Rise of Rome, and a few more new things.</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">Field of Glory Legions Triumphant covers the armies of the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire" rel="wikipedia" title="Roman Empire">Roman Empire</a> and its opponents from 25 BC to 493 AD: From the first Emperor, Augustus, until the final demise of the Western Roman Empire. Legions Triumphant lets you relive the glory years of Rome, when the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army" rel="wikipedia" title="Roman army">Roman army</a> became a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut, spreading the Empire across the known world. This is an essential companion to the Field of Glory experience. Choose to play as the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_legion" rel="wikipedia" title="Roman legion">Roman Legions</a> and conquer the world, or try to change history by taking up the reins of one of Rome's enemies and defeating the greatest empire the world had ever seen.</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><strong><br />
</strong></div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><strong>New features include</strong>:</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">• A new map selections tool. The player winning the initiative can now select their preferred battlefield.<br />
• 14 new random maps to the D.A.G. battles system. There are now 41 small maps, 111 medium sized maps and 73 large maps in the D.A.G. system.<br />
• 22 Legions Triumphant D.A.G. lists in 47 variations from Principate Roman to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hephthalite" rel="wikipedia" title="Hephthalite">Hephthalite</a> Hunnic.<br />
• 15 new battles stretching from <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=46.9230555556,4.0375&spn=1.0,1.0&q=46.9230555556,4.0375%20(Bibracte)&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Bibracte">Bibracte</a> (58BC) to <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mons_Badonicus" rel="wikipedia" title="Battle of Mons Badonicus">Mons Badonicus</a> (517AD)</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #172f00; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">For a short time Slitherine is also offering a 20% discount on orders.</div><br />
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<br />
Gamers get to embark on an exciting journey along with Marcus as he makes his way to Rome in order to find the emperor’s valuable imperial relics and win his daughter’s hand in marriage. Merchants encountered along the way provide special items which are purchasable by gamers. <br />
<br />
Romance of Rome boasts of including 30 dazzling levels as well as 7 adventurous episodes. All these events are strewn across 17 stunning locations all over Rome. - <a href="http://bit.ly/gHNvPM"><i>G5 Entertainment</i></a></blockquote><br />
I've actually found hidden object games a fun way to spend time waiting in lines or at doctor's offices. They're especially fun when the game developers use a historical setting as a backdrop. I purchased one that features a search of the Vatican and downloaded another that takes place in ancient Mesopotamia. I'll be setting a reminder to download this one on February 17!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rome-Total-Anthology-Alexander-Barbarian-Pc/dp/B001HL3Q70?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Rome Total War Anthology (Total War, Alexander & Barbarian)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001HL3Q70&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001HL3Q70" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CivCity-Rome-Pc/dp/B000FHE6EY?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="CivCity: Rome" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000FHE6EY&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000FHE6EY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Europa-Universalis-Rome-Gold-Pc/dp/B002ADD6WO?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Europa Universalis Rome Gold" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B002ADD6WO&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002ADD6WO" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002ADD6WO" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Viva-Media-507-Grand-Ages/dp/B001Q55D5K?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Grand Ages: Rome" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001Q55D5K&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001Q55D5K" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=140fa56d-6410-45ec-a168-131c93b3f9be" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-61837833687073372332010-12-22T08:02:00.000-08:002010-12-22T08:02:13.660-08:00Ministry of War online strategy game latest offering from Aeria Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OpENqqn6-LC1vEYzHeAapB-7t_3ZZTna4xX-7n8ZnBFrq4tZrzRHGzkMjVMI10FIMCHJsHPDygZHJz266u_NxlEJsZQ3JtIuQcNjb5hgRVdWQcjVFZEoBLqbonzVZvkH_qpu2g/s1600/MinistryofWar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OpENqqn6-LC1vEYzHeAapB-7t_3ZZTna4xX-7n8ZnBFrq4tZrzRHGzkMjVMI10FIMCHJsHPDygZHJz266u_NxlEJsZQ3JtIuQcNjb5hgRVdWQcjVFZEoBLqbonzVZvkH_qpu2g/s320/MinistryofWar.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.aeriagames.com/" rel="homepage" title="Aeria Games and Entertainment">Aeria Games</a> has launched its latest browser based game <em><a href="http://ministryofwar.aeriagames.com/playnow">Ministry of War</a>, </em><em></em>an empire-building strategy and tactical warfare game in which players have the option of choosing from four ancient civilizations such as Rome, China, Persia, and Egypt, with the ability to play through five different ages: Savage, Dark, Feudal, Castle and Empire. <br />
<br />
Features include:<br />
<ul><li>Eight different types of real-time combat, including PvE, PvP, city sieges, and NPC boss battles.</li>
<li>As each player's civilization expands, they can join guilds and partake in massive civilization vs. civilization (CvC) warfare.</li>
<li>Increase your cultural influence by building religious sites and dispatching missionaries to help your civilization grow.</li>
<li>No download or client required, <em>Ministry of War</em> can be played through a web browser</li>
</ul>Although the game is advertised as "free to play", like all of the Aeria games, the game environment includes in-game "malls" or advertising offering items for sale (for real money) to help you advance in the game, the game publisher's actual source of revenue (much like Second Life). <br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=aabeceaa-c71e-4e5d-a93e-cc81d0deed82" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-20981063098745004452010-12-01T15:39:00.000-08:002010-12-01T15:39:25.772-08:002008's Call of Atlantis rebooted for Nintendo DS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FosbIfTBeTWiQJvDwN2TjNdXudaSCnl7DwgBcaDPHKoycveH1TS5zeSV8mrrf9l0OropbswB6LXgRfnp8Helr3BHK0F84NK3V74Mgq_JoEC7Y3yjAkS_le4Yp3q8PPii98GsDA/s1600/CallofAtlantis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FosbIfTBeTWiQJvDwN2TjNdXudaSCnl7DwgBcaDPHKoycveH1TS5zeSV8mrrf9l0OropbswB6LXgRfnp8Helr3BHK0F84NK3V74Mgq_JoEC7Y3yjAkS_le4Yp3q8PPii98GsDA/s320/CallofAtlantis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This combo game that includes Match3, Hidden Object and Reverse Hidden Object challenges originally developed for the PC in 2008 is getting a chance for a new life in its incarnation for the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_DS" rel="wikipedia" title="Nintendo DS">Nintendo DS</a> released this month.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>A fascinating journey through the ancient lands of Rome, Greece, Troy, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia" rel="wikipedia" title="Phoenicia">Phoenicia</a>, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=32.5363888889,44.4208333333&spn=0.1,0.1&q=32.5363888889,44.4208333333%20%28Babylon%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Babylon">Babylon</a>, Egypt and <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.8530555556,10.3230555556&spn=0.1,0.1&q=36.8530555556,10.3230555556%20%28Carthage%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Carthage">Carthage</a> awaits you. Collect seven mysterious power crystals, cool the wrath of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poseidon" rel="wikipedia" title="Poseidon">Poseidon</a>, the god of Atlantis, and save the hidden continent of legend. <br />
<br />
Features: <br />
<br />
- The game where old mythical stories meet modern time game play. <br />
- The match 3 game that was enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people on the PC. <br />
- A unique mix of Match 3, Hidden Object and Adverture. <br />
- 66 enchanting levels, unlimited game play</blockquote><br />
I see that it is still available for PC download from Amazon too for only $6.99 and has garnered an average review rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. Not bad!!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0553592858" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Call-of-Atlantis-Game-Download/dp/B001MBU0AG?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Call of Atlantis [Game Download]" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001MBU0AG&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001MBU0AG" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Atlantis-Novel-Andy-McDermott/dp/0553592858?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Hunt for Atlantis: A Novel" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0553592858&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0553592858" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Mysteries-Atlantis-Lost-Civilization/dp/B000JBXHJQ?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Ancient Mysteries - Atlantis: The Lost Civilization" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000JBXHJQ&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000JBXHJQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=2af35a6c-fc23-4925-b65d-294c05f872b9" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-18949171960574343282010-07-06T10:00:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:39:52.097-07:00Caesary online MMORPG released by Aeria GamesAeria Games, an online gaming company based in Japan, has released a browser-based game entitled "Caesary" that resembles one of my old favorites, Caesar III. Apparently you can play the game online for free and does not require a download. I wondered how the company produces revenue so I did some research and found that, although they allow players to play the game for free, they have advertising "in world" and offer game-related items for sale in virtual malls that accept micropayments. This sounds like the type of malls you find throughout many environments created in Second Life.<br />
<br />
Here's the official game trailer from YouTube:<br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="370" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9ZXblWnEwLY&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9ZXblWnEwLY&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="370"></embed></object>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-56036464189248989972010-02-26T12:08:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:08:16.383-08:00Slitherine teams with History Channel to release History Egypt:: Engineering an Empire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkDfc35xutikB41ecz-ODfUKknt3O8LqHRJdsNQwC8q0uk952bJdLSEm1jXRxxnWWpmhyphenhyphen4rK0b57xcqV_PO-Ro7OKe-qpiIN1i0cLurnQ7RSn68wP_Hz7hig7JwvG5rLrTFwfuA/s1600-h/HistoryEgypt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkDfc35xutikB41ecz-ODfUKknt3O8LqHRJdsNQwC8q0uk952bJdLSEm1jXRxxnWWpmhyphenhyphen4rK0b57xcqV_PO-Ro7OKe-qpiIN1i0cLurnQ7RSn68wP_Hz7hig7JwvG5rLrTFwfuA/s320/HistoryEgypt.jpg" /></a></div>I see Slitherine, the company that released "Legion", "Gates of Troy" and "Field of Glory", has teamed up with the History Channel to produce "History Egypt: Engineering an Empire". <br />
<br />
<strong>"HISTORY™ Egypt Engineering an Empire</strong> allows players to build their own empire from its foundations to the height of its power. Acting as the leader of a territory from the Egyptian Empire, players manage all aspects of its rise, from economic growth to political power, the development of armies, and expansion into other regions by war and diplomacy. <br />
Empires are controlled from three main views: the Campaign Map shows the entire game world, including mountains, forests, coastlines, oceans, rivers, cites, and armies. The City Map gives players an overview of the structure and role of a city within the empire, and provides a basis for economic decisions. The Battle Map is to be used when diplomacy has run its course or when a city is being attacked, resulting in turn-based combat. <br />
All nations, cities and armies were carefully researched to ensure historical accuracy. The game is accessible for new users, while offering deeper gameplay for expert players." - Slitherine<br />
<br />
I noted with particular interest that they are releasing an iPhone version of the game. I checked out the graphics and they are rather modest so an iPhone version could be a worthwhile download. More and more I find I am turning to my iPhone to pass the time when I am waiting for doctors, airplanes or automotive services. The only thing that looks a little odd is when I am playing iFishing and I am either casting my line or setting the hook since both actions require the appropriate physical action with the iPhone to activate its accelerometer functions. The other day I was waiting to see a specialist and was happily fishing away on my iPhone when he finally walked in. He greeted me and asked me what was the problem and I replied " But..I've got a fish on!!"<br />
<br />
If you preorder the game, Slitherine will enter you in a drawing for a copy of the History Channel DVD "Egypt: Engineering an Empire". The drawing will be March 25, 2010.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Egypt-Engineering-Empire-Signature-Version/dp/B0035PQUEM?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Egypt: Engineering an Empire - Signature Series : 3 Disc Box Set Version" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0035PQUEM&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0035PQUEM" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strategy-First-SGATAR-627006901638-Legion/dp/B0000950S1?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Legion Gold" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0000950S1&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0000950S1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/History-Channel%253a-Great-Battles-Rome/dp/B000V98SZY?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="History Channel: Great Battles of Rome for PC" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000V98SZY&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000V98SZY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-44761758719564090012010-01-10T12:52:00.000-08:002010-01-10T12:53:45.009-08:00Mac Gamers can explore ancient Egypt in Mystery of CleopatraFor you Mac gamers out there, <a href="http://www.macgamesandmore.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mac Games and More</span></a> suggests a couple of games set in ancient Egypt The screenshot of the Mystery of Cleopatra game looks really beautiful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.macgamesandmore.com/screenshots/mysteryofcleopatra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.macgamesandmore.com/screenshots/mysteryofcleopatra.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><b>Mystery of Cleopatra</b> – Mystery of Cleopatra is Nat Geo Games’ second Mac game just following the success of the popular hidden objects game, <a href="http://www.macgamesandmore.com/new-mac-game-lost-city-of-z/" target="_self" title="Mac game lost city of z">Lost City of Z</a>. In Mystery of Cleopatra, you’re the queen’s trusted adviser who sets out to investigate the murder of a Roman soldier by piecing together hidden objects and mind twisting puzzles. During your meticulous review of the case, you will be immersed in the intricate culture of ancient Egypt, and as you investigate, the game shares enlightening and detailed information about the history of each place you visit, which will enhance the experience for gaming history buffs. <b><a href="http://www.macgames.org/downloads/natgeocleopatra.zip" target="_self" title="download Mystery of Cleopatra for mac">Download it </a></b><br />
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<b>Empire Builder Ancient Egypt</b> – It has been a while since the release of the popular <a href="http://www.macgamesandmore.com/build-a-lot-1-2-3/" target="_blank" title="build a lot for mac">Build a Lot series</a> for Mac, and some of those gamers have been looking for something new like it. Have no fear. Empire Builder Ancient Egypt is here. Head back in time to Ancient Egypt to construct an Empire deserving of the highest regal repute. Help powerful pharaohs build along the verdant Nile River and establish their life legacy. This detailed Strategy Sim game for Mac challenges you to protect your people from locust plagues and hideous mummies, while creating the most impressive Empire the world has ever seen. <b><a href="http://www.macgames.fm/empire-builder-ancient-egypt.html" target="_blank" title="download empire builder ancient egypt for mac">Download it</a></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;">Unfortunately, I no longer have access to a Mac now that I am retired. I checked the iTunes app store to see if they had a version for an iPhone since I do have one of those but no luck. I did find an interesting sounding hidden objects adventure game, though, called <b><i>Secrets of the Vatican</i></b> where you not only find different types of hidden objects but you search for the Spear of Longinus so you can prevent the Nazis from using it against the Allies in WWII. I see today it is now been released for free. Just my luck! I just bought it yesterday for 99 cents!!</b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"> <br />
</b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.gameloft.com/iphone-games/secrets-of-the-vatican/"><b>Secrets of the Vatican: The Holy Lance</b></a> - "</b>In this first title of a 3-game collection, investigate the Vatican’s secrets and reassemble the pieces of the Holy Lance of Longinus in this game of hidden objects designed exclusively for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Considered as one of the most desired relics, the Holy Lance brings victory and conquest to the men who possess it... Father Bellarmo Bagatti, art historian of the Church of Rome, is in charge of a mission of the highest importance: to retrieve the Holy Lance before the Germans seize it. The outcome of World War II depends on your success!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/PHARAOH-GOLD-CLEOPATRA-2CDS/dp/B000FMKT72?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="PHARAOH GOLD - (PHARAOH+CLEOPATRA, 2CDS)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000FMKT72&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000FMKT72" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rio-Grande-Games-121-Cleopatra/dp/B00005UN1V?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Caesar & Cleopatra Board Game" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00005UN1V&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00005UN1V" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Adventures-The-Forgotten-Ruins/dp/B001EQPDNS?ie=UTF8&tag=romtim-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Amazing Adventures: The Forgotten Ruins" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001EQPDNS&tag=romtim-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001EQPDNS" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=romtim-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001EQPDNS" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><b><a href="http://www.macgames.fm/empire-builder-ancient-egypt.html" target="_blank" title="download empire builder ancient egypt for mac"></a></b>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-62252145966553681352009-11-28T08:03:00.000-08:002009-11-28T08:28:38.575-08:00Strenth and Honor 2 plumbs the chaos of 292 BCE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdASIzsMKbdq7kjlqSHIxDu9CYuM8YPPLw91F_Bd4-jZQkNpzE2SQ_8Bfzx0bJJwqzO5KbNos1rrHrOG9oyftbOCM1-NugZULUnJPJcsiafiZr5R-2F91CDcrqaboTWnT0qAO7g/s1600/QingBu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdASIzsMKbdq7kjlqSHIxDu9CYuM8YPPLw91F_Bd4-jZQkNpzE2SQ_8Bfzx0bJJwqzO5KbNos1rrHrOG9oyftbOCM1-NugZULUnJPJcsiafiZr5R-2F91CDcrqaboTWnT0qAO7g/s320/QingBu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409189258540019554" border="0" /></a><br />This game spans most of the civilizations of the known world of the eastern hemisphere at a very interesting point in history. I recently wrote an article about the Han dynasty and the rise of Liu Bang, the dynasty's first emperor, for <a href="http://heritage-key.com/china/mad-bad-and-dangerous-women-han-shocking-story-lady-dai">Heritage Key</a>. I found the political and military maneuvers of <a href="http://heritage-key.com/china/han-gaozu">Liu Bang</a> to be fascinating and in many ways similar to the intrigues in the late Roman Republic. This game gives you the opportunity to explore both!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >[Image: Character Qing Bu, a former prisoner of the Qin who escaped and eventually became a key general of the Han. Image courtesy of game developer "Magitek".]</span><br /><br />"In 232BC, many great empires have risen to power on the world stage. In the West, the nations that once made up Alexander the Great's mighty empire are crumbling and conflicts and political differences are plaguing the region. Carthage and Rome are bitter rivals fighting to dominant and eliminate each other from the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. At the same time, the typically peaceful Egyptian Empire is at war with the Selecuid Empire as an act of revenge against a murder plot by the Selecuid king that secured his claim to the throne. In the Northeast, the Huns threaten the northern Chinese states as the Qin dynasty fights to unify China and in Southeast Asia, the death of the great ruler Ashoka has left the nation in a state of flux. The world is chaotic and full of heroes, dreamers and deceivers. What path will you choose to raise a mighty empire?"<br /><br />Characters:<br /><br />Each character in SNH2 has an archetype which will affect their personality attributes score ranges. These scores include such traits as a character's openness, intelligence, morals, charm and ambition. Depending on their attributes they may be loyal and effective warriors and negotiators for your cause or they may seek to rebel and bring an end to your reign. There are fourteen archetypes in the game which are:<br /> <div id="content"><li><b>Caregivers:</b> A Caregiver is always concerned for the well-being of others. Caregivers like to be in roles that give them a chance to nuture and help—often to the point of neglecting their own needs. On the flipside, less scrupulous Caregivers can be manipulative & demanding—using love as a weapon.</li> <li><b>Berserker:</b>The Berserker craves thrills and excitement, is always the first to charge into battle, the last to leave, and the first to get drunk afterward. A Berserker may meet a quick end, but will at least have the priviledge of a glorious death.</li> <li><b>Rogue:</b> The Rogue is the classic risk taker and scoundrel. In the constant quest for big wins and good times, the Rogue tends to get by on charm, preferring to improvise and not think too much about rules or morality.</li> <li><b>Curmudgeon:</b> The Curmudgeon is the eternal crotchety old fart. Deep down, this character is loyal, sensitive, and true, but also recognizes the dangers of trusting too easily. As a result, the character is skeptical, jaded, quick to find fault with things, and not afraid to speak up about it.</li> <li><b>Lone Wolf:</b> The Lone Wolf is ruthless, detached, and cunning. A Lone Wolf always does what it takes to get the job done, but is guided by a sense of internal logic that often translates into a rigid code of personal honor. The Lone Wolf is the perfect scientist, assassin, or effective (if harsh) leader. </li> <li><b>Schemer:</b> A Schemer is sly and resourceful, but generally anxious. As a result, the Schemer prefers to stay in the background and manipulate a situation to gain power and position, rather than take what he wants by force.</li> <li><b>Dreamer:</b> The Dreamer is the classic visionary, explorer, artist, mystic, or philospher. A dreamer is intensely curious and imaginative, with a passion for exploration and making the world a better place.</li> <li><b>Pragmatist:</b> Pragmatists are the neighborly, down to earth sort. They like to get right to the point, do what they have to do, and go home. Pragmatists avoid complication—they can be thoughtful, but aren’t grandiose about it like Dreamers can often be.</li> <li><b>Tyrant:</b> The Tyrant craves nothing but power and control—the ability to shape the world in his or her own image. A Tyrant will stop at nothing—other people, nations, and philosophies are merely obstacles to be overcome.</li> <li><b>Champion:</b> The Champion is obsessed with justice, honour, and fighting evil (real or imagined). The Champion can be bossy, but always protects the innocent and those he or she is responsible for.</li> <li><b>Fanatic:</b> The Fanatic lives for the cause, and is loyal to beliefs and duty above all else. This person will stop at nothing—even if it means bending the rules. Fanatics make good career soldiers or religious zealots.</li> <li><b>Engineer:</b> The world is disordered, chaotic, and imperfect. The Engineer is determined to correct this—to establish a perfect and true order, even if it means taking the world apart in order to build it better than it was before. </li> <li><b>Peacock:</b> The Peacock is obsessed with being the center of attention. Highly concerned with status, a Peacock constantly demands rank, rewards, and accolades (whether these are deserved or not). </li> <li><b>Achiever:</b> Friendly, gregarious, and outgoing, the Achiever is always looking for a way to sweeten the deal in order to make the big score.</li><br /><b>Personality Attributes</b><br /><br />As stated above, a character's archetype impacts their personality attributes score. Here is a list of the attributes each character has which will change how they react to your commands and your rule and makes each character unique.<br /><br /><li><b>Ambition:</b> Ambition determines how easily a person will be satisfied or dis-satisfied about an issue. It also determines a person's level of interest in political parties.</li> <li><b>Charm:</b> Charm determines how easily the person gets approved for marriage and how easily the person corrupts a target. It also determines the likelihood they will promote the Pacifist party.</li> <li><b>Confidence</b>: Confidence determines the preference for self-governing and the likelihood of promoting the Warmonger party.</li> <li><b>Honour:</b> Honour determines how difficult it is for a person's loyalty to change. It also determines their likelihood of promoting the Warmonger Party.</li> <li><b>Intelligence:</b> Intelligence determines the succes rate of treaty signing and emissary jobs.</li> <li><b>Morality:</b> Morals determines how difficult it is lose loyalty to the Empire when governed citizens are not happy. This might lead the person to rebel when the city is rioting. It also determines the likelihood of not promoting the Warmonger party.</li> <li><b>Openness:</b> Openness determines the likelihood of not losing loyalty when a party agenda is not reached and how well the person gets along with people of different civilizations. It also determines the likelihood of promoting the Pacifist party</li></div><br /><br />Battle System:<br /><br /><div id="content"><li>3D terrains allow you to watch the battle from many angles.</li><br /><li>4 unit types with historical uniforms, weapons, flags, and accessories for each civilization to enrich the cultural backdrop. The unit types are Heavy Infantry, Light Infantry, Archers and Cavalry.</li><br /><li>Several unique city layouts and landcape backdrops including forests and deserts for variety and realism in battles that take place across the globe.</li><br /><li>Weather effects like fog, rain, and snow influence the outcome of the battle. Heavy fog can have a "fog of war" effect in battle mode, so that an army would have little or no intelligence about the enemy army’s numbers, strength, and position.</li><br /><li>Choose the attack time: Attacking at dawn increases the chance of fog, which can be used to cover your charging cavalry. Natural lighting changes corresponding to the time of day.</li><br /><li>Soldiers act human. Fear, fatigue, and morale affect their performance in battle.</li><br /><li>Chain of Command effect means the leader influences the performance of his subordinates.</li><br /><li>Battle replay allows the player to review their success or failure.</li><br /><li>Multiplayer option lets the player to compete against a friend.</li></div><br />A free download of a demo of the game is <a href="http://www.ezgame.com/SNH2/page_main_Downloads.html">available</a>.Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-84041843291495332732009-09-29T07:36:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:47:16.905-07:00Explore Egyptian Tombs in Sims 3: World Expansion PackI've played the original Sims Deluxe a little but found it a bit frustrating when my characters kept leaving messes in the kitchen and had to be directed to go to work. Maybe the whole scenario was just too much like real life!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Now, though, Electronic Arts is going to let you engage in a little adventure. You can explore ancient tombs in Egypt, engage in a little Kung Fu in China or visit palaces (I guess that's what they mean by famous landmarks) in France. This sounds a lot more right up my alley. I guess I'm going to have to upgrade to Sims 3 though first. </div><div></div><div><br />
</div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: 85%;"><b>The Adventure is Near…</b><br />
Take your Sims on the adventure of their lives with The Sims 3 World Adventures. Guide your Sims to acclaimed fortune—or potential doom. Take your Sims to exotic destinations to hunt for hidden treasures. Uncover new skills, experience new personality traits and garner rewards, if your Sims succeed. Explore ancient tombs in the pyramids of Egypt, master martial arts in the Far East, and discover rich culture and famous landmarks of France. Adventure is on the horizon — what will your Sims discover?<br />
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<b>FEATURES</b></span></span><br />
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">
<li><br />
<div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: 85%;">Accept challenges, find treasures, discover what’s lurking in hidden caves and more.</span></div></li>
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<div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: 85%;">Explore famous landmarks in China, Egypt, and France.</span></div></li>
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<div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: 85%;">Learn new skills like photography and pursue new opportunities.</span></div></li>
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<div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: 85%;">Meet new Sims from exotic locations and share their cultures.</span></div></li>
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<div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: 85%;">Customize your Sims homes with new styles & artifacts from their adventures.</span></div></li>
<li><br />
<div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: 85%;">Get $10 worth of free SimPoints for The Sims 3 Store, and additional online features to be announced.</span></div></li>
</span></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span></div><div><br />
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<object height="370" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ftbhjccFhqs&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ftbhjccFhqs&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="370"></embed></object>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-66601682789364765722009-07-07T16:35:00.000-07:002009-07-07T16:37:58.128-07:00"Rome" movie to offer decent series wrapup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.movieweb.com/news/2008/raystevensonrome.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 216px;" src="http://media.movieweb.com/news/2008/raystevensonrome.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I was browsing <a href="http://www.stevensaylor.com/StevensBookshopDVDNewMovies.html">Steven Saylor's website</a> today and saw a blurb about Bruno Heller working on a movie script for "Rome" to serve as a decent wrapup of the original HBO miniseries.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;">[Image: Ray Stevenson as Titus Pullo. Courtesy of HBO]</span><br /><br />I am ecstatic! Like many "Rome" fans, I couldn't believe HBO made such a monumental mistake when they canceled the series. I guess HBO has come to that realization as well:<br /><p> </p><blockquote><p>"The lavish period drama ran for two seasons on HBO, which co-produced the series with the BBC. With the final season of "The Sopranos" as its lead-in, the first season was solidly rated. But the show's hefty $100 million production cost presented the network with a tough call on the pickup. HBO opted for a second season to help get more value from its initial investment but not a third, effectively canceling the show in summer 2006 before the second season debuted the following January. The "Rome" sets were destroyed, and the actors were released from their contracts, making the network's decision all but irreversible. </p> <p> But season 2 of "Rome" was a surprise. Although slightly lower rated than the first, the show did much better than HBO expected without its "Sopranos" lead-in (averaging roughly 6.5 million viewers, nearly the same as "True Blood"). Plus it won awards, which is important to a pay network that attracts subscribers by offering premium programming: Post-cancellation, the first season received four Emmy Awards, and then another seven Emmys were heaped upon the final season. </p> <p> Suddenly "Rome" was a Greek tragedy: a successful show with no future. The broadcast nets quickly snatched up the show's leads for top fall pilots. </p> <p> HBO executives have since admitted that axing the show probably was a mistake. - <a href="http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/11/heller-looking.html"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;">More: The Live Feed</span></a></p></blockquote><p>Apparently, Heller is considering picking up the story some years later in Palestine.</p><p></p><blockquote>"Heller would not discuss plot ideas, but the original series outline for "Rome" next called for the hedonistic Roman leaders to deal with the rise of a certain problematic rabbi -- a story line that would have put a new Roman-perspective spin on the Greatest Story Ever Told and potentially bring "Rome" a larger audience." - - <a href="http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/11/heller-looking.html"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;">More: The Live Feed</span></a></blockquote><a href="http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/11/heller-looking.html"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;"></span></a><p></p>I'm not sure this tactic would attract any religious viewers (if that's what Heller means) unless Heller tones down the visceral reality factor in the series. I hope he doesn't do that, though, for the sake of broadening audience appeal. It's the gritty nature of the series that made it stand out from the syrupy visions of the ancient world of many previous sword and sandal flicks. Of course its outstanding production qualities certainly helped as well. It garnered emmys for art direction, cinematography, costumes, hair design (must have been all of those wonderfully outrageous styles and wigs worn by Atia!) and visual effects.<br /><br />I also found a brief interview on <a href="http://www.movieweb.com/news/NE7R0f7eRCvNac">MovieWeb</a> with actor Ray Stevenson who played Pullo in the HBO miniseries indicating the script is nearing completion:<br /><br /><b></b><blockquote><b>Is the Rome movie still moving ahead?</b><br /><br /><b>Ray Stevenson:</b> Apparently so. It is no longer a smoke and mirrors rumor. The script is in full development. As you are probably aware, this is a pretty strange process. We could go into production in a year, or it could be as quick as six months. Who knows? It will happen. At least it is no longer a rumor. From what I have heard, they are nearing the end of script development. We shall see. We shall see.<br /><br /><b>How excited are you to go back and play Titus all over again.</b><br /><br /><b>Ray Stevenson:</b> I can't wait to dust off the cobwebs of old Pullo. The guy is going to come in with a high body count. I love Pullo. I love him to pieces. I had such a great time playing him. And I got to do it in Italy and Rome. He is very special to me. He is a very special part of my history. I was very blessed to get that part. - <a href="http://www.movieweb.com/news/NE7R0f7eRCvNac"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;">More: MovieWeb</span></a></blockquote>I'll keep my fingers crossed and my eyes peeled! 2010 looks like its going to be my kind of year with a "Rome" movie sequel, "Agora", a movie about Hypatia starring Rachel Weisz and a Spartacus series on Starz!Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-90215958152648179702009-05-27T09:24:00.000-07:002009-05-27T09:58:18.929-07:00Gladiator AD brings "300" style graphics and Beal soundtrack to the Wii<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWFkmk9YI9m3yY4ME9IubdPh5fFkIIirPxWrZQX4qQcV5De_oeGEOZqMi3c8PEYvGblJkMuhP9u_EyO9P965nw1zuYPPLjNXZZBdqshZTCOi2SimZdWOi098CPXKtjPLfxGcyNA/s1600-h/GladiatorAD.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWFkmk9YI9m3yY4ME9IubdPh5fFkIIirPxWrZQX4qQcV5De_oeGEOZqMi3c8PEYvGblJkMuhP9u_EyO9P965nw1zuYPPLjNXZZBdqshZTCOi2SimZdWOi098CPXKtjPLfxGcyNA/s320/GladiatorAD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340548017506005154" border="0" /></a><br />Last Christmas when I bought Wii game systems for both of my children's families, I was sorely tempted to buy one for myself. I really like the idea of using your own body's motion as an intuitive game interface. I was surprised, though, when I visited a Gamespot shop with my grandson that when I asked about which Wii titles actually used the motion control feature of the game console, I was told relatively few titles actually did, with the exception of Wii Sports and Wii Fit. But now, game developer High-Voltage looks like its going to step up to the plate and introduce an action title, Gladiator A.D. , that will take full advantage of the new Wii MotionPlus firmware. The game title will also feature an original soundtrack by composer Jeff Beal, the musical talent behind the unique soundtrack for HBO's miniseries, "Rome".<br /><br />"Our goal is to make the controls intuitive while providing depth to the game mechanics. Customizable weapons, armor and moves give the player a lot of choices of the arsenal to bring into battle. There are quicker, lighter moves that are difficult to block or dodge and slower, heavier moves that will do more damage. A well-timed parry will briefly stun your opponent. There are brutality moves that the player can earn by increasing crowd favor, which plays a big role in a player's victory or defeat, " explained High-Voltage CEO Kerry Ganofsky.<br /><br />"Gladiator takes an over-the-should approach to bring the player right into the action. With the Wii-remotes representing the right and left hand, the player can accurately control his attacks, blocks, and dodges. The player has three directional attack; left slice, right slash, and overhead chop. As well as a slower, but devastating power attack for each direction. On the defense, the player can choose to dodge, parry, or block attacks. Holding block will soak a percentage of the incoming damage, but moving your shield or secondary weapon using the analog stick (while blocking) will allow the player to make perfect blocks, which soaks all damage, and causes his opponent to react, allowing for a retaliatory strike. We incorporate slow down of the larger power attacks, similar to the movie 300, to allow players a cinematic attempt to perfect block these attacks, " adds High-Voltage Chief Creative Officer Eric Nofsinger.<br /><br />"The controls use Wii motions with the Wii remote and nunchuck to initiate an attack. There are six basic attacks: Left, right or overhead, both light and heavy. The player can also block or dodge in any direction, " says Ganofsky.<br /><br />"The Wii MotionPlus will be used to add variance to the attacks to break up what could possibly be seen as mechanical attacks. For example, depending on the orientation of the player's wrist when a left slice is initiated, the gladiator will attack his opponents right side from one of three angles, making it slightly more difficult to perfect block player's using the Wii MotionPlus. We are also looking into other applications for optional game-play with this peripheral. " - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/qa4jzn"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >More: Wii.IGN.com</span></a><br /><br />You can listen to a couple of music clips from the game soundtrack <a href="http://wii.ign.com/articles/986/986261p4.html">here</a>. They certainly bear the stamp of Jeff Beal. I could imagine listening to "The Pit" as an alternative soundtrack to the scene where Pullo fights for his life in that squalid Republican-era arena, shouting "Thirteenth! The Thirteenth!".<br /><br />High-Voltage executives estimate the title will be released in the 1st quarter of 2010.Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-77105109074759473882009-05-22T07:59:00.000-07:002009-05-22T08:22:59.631-07:00Agora sounds like antithesis of Ben Hur<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionCDjuVJTH6_7sH-IpjkjhNcCBMTSW81J_MZjvH7wY8_IvUN6dsKzkw1ouuz-8DuCQClGKE3EIrzt6n_oruAATN6NjQD3eXqOaWZXFGvt7TAQEXW_F_1NCOwwzZnOd49HmWXzkw/s1600-h/Hypatiascenecropped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionCDjuVJTH6_7sH-IpjkjhNcCBMTSW81J_MZjvH7wY8_IvUN6dsKzkw1ouuz-8DuCQClGKE3EIrzt6n_oruAATN6NjQD3eXqOaWZXFGvt7TAQEXW_F_1NCOwwzZnOd49HmWXzkw/s320/Hypatiascenecropped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338666851814545122" border="0" /></a><br />The new film "Agora" starring Rachel Weisz as 4th century CE female scholar, Hypatia, sounds almost like the antithesis of Ben Hur.<br /><br />"The heart of the film is Hypatia (Rachel Weisz in an unfaltering performance), the fourth century AD philosopher and teacher who lived in Alexandria during the Roman Empire. Married only to her unquenchable intellect and passion for mathematics and astronomy, she is loved by two men: her slave, Davus (Max Minghella), and her student, Orestes (Oscar Isaac).<span id="midArticle_3"></span> <p>Politics in the film are weakest during the overtly political speeches and monologues, and best captured in the details. Like many, Davus seeks not spiritual salvation in the Christian uprising but freedom from slavery, despite the bloodshed. His first attempt at prayer is brilliant: Unable to remember the Lord's Prayer, he quickly falls into a mantra to God to keep Hypatia away from Orestes. For his part, Orestes will renounce paganism and convert to Christianity during his rise in Roman politics." - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/phryzw"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >More: Reuter</span></a></p><p><a href="http://tinyurl.com/phryzw">Hypatia was the daughter of </a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theon_of_Alexandria" title="Theon of Alexandria">Theon</a>, who was her teacher and the last known mathematician associated with the museum of Alexandria. She traveled to both <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens" title="Athens">Athens</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy" title="Italy">Italy</a> to study,<sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia_of_Alexandria#cite_note-11" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> before becoming head of the Platonist school at Alexandria in approximately 400 AD .<sup id="cite_ref-12" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia_of_Alexandria#cite_note-12" title=""><span></span></a></sup> According to the 10th century <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine" title="Byzantine" class="mw-redirect">Byzantine</a> encyclopedia the <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suda" title="Suda">Suda</a></i>, she worked as teacher of philosophy, teaching the works of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato" title="Plato">Plato</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle" title="Aristotle">Aristotle</a>. - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia_of_Alexandria"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >More: Wikipedia</span></a><br /></p><p>"Hypatia corresponded with and hosted scholars from others cities. Synesius, Bishop of Ptolemais, was one of her correspondents and he visited her frequently. Hypatia was a popular lecturer, drawing students from many parts of the empire. </p><p>From the little historical information about Hypatia that survives, it appears that she invented the plane astrolabe, the graduated brass hydrometer and the hydroscope, with Synesius of Greece, who was her student and later colleague. </p><p>Hypatia dressed in the clothing of a scholar or teacher, rather than in women's clothing. She moved about freely, driving her own chariot, contrary to the norm for women's public behavior. She exerted considerable political influence in the city."<br /></p><p>"...[The local Christian bishop Cyril incited] a mob led by fanatical Christian monks in 415 to attack Hypatia as she drove her chariot through Alexandria. They dragged her from her chariot and, according to accounts from that time, stripped her, killed her, stripped her flesh from her bones, scattered her body parts through the streets, and burned some remaining parts of her body in the library of Caesareum." - <a href="http://womenshistory.about.com/od/hypati1/a/hypatia.htm"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >More: About.com</span></a></p><p><a href="http://womenshistory.about.com/od/hypati1/a/hypatia.htm"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span></a> </p><br /><br />So much for compassion and tolerance!Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-77923795206596910642009-05-18T06:16:00.000-07:002009-05-18T06:30:18.241-07:00Horrible Histories: Ruthless Romans Game premieres<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.slitherine.co.uk/screenshots/original/game_1321823745.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 213px;" src="http://www.slitherine.co.uk/screenshots/original/game_1321823745.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I see Slitherine, the company that brought us "Legions", is releasing a new game based on the popular children's history series "Horrible Histories: Ruthless Romans". It's described as a party/puzzle game (whatever that means). I sometimes find playing less intense children's games more relaxing if I'm tired and stressed out. This particular title is promoted as fun for the whole family so it must be set at a level even adults would at least find interesting. It's available for the Wii, PC and NDS in five languages. It will be available June 12.<br /><br /><p></p><blockquote><p>Horrible Histories™ Ruthless Romans is a fun packed party game where the plot that follows the struggle of young Rassimus to achieve glory as a gladiator and obtain his freedom. Rassimus, a slave and an ambitious gladiator-in-training, has been raised as a foundling by the great gladiator trainer Lucius Gladius, and spent nearly 12 years in his service. Lucius has now given him a chance to begin his training, and Rassimus hopes that he will be successful and one day become a citizen of Rome.</p> <p>• Over 30 mad mini-games<br />• Fight deadly duels against your friends in the arena<br />• Discover how ruthless Romans lived<br />• 4 player multiplayer</p> <p>Horrible Histories™ Ruthless Romans is a great game for all the family. </p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-13304443100519127022009-05-07T06:11:00.000-07:002009-05-07T06:21:43.289-07:00XIII Century: Death or Glory debut game for new developer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/bigboxshots/8/920458_121687_front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 364px;" src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/bigboxshots/8/920458_121687_front.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Game companies must be like Hollywood studios. They seem to latch onto the same topics at the same time. When I was researching JoWood's "The Golden Horde", I came across a title by new developer Unicorn Games named "XIII Century: Death or Glory". It, too, deals with warfare across Asia and Europe in the 13th century although, in addition to the Russians and the Mongols you get the English and the French as well.<br /><br />"XIII Century swaps the stereotypical grand campaign where you rule an empire for "campaign light" mission packs where you fight alongside the medieval armies of England, France, Germany, Russia, and the Mongolian hordes of Genghis Khan. Each of these collections features five separate historical battles that you unlock one by one. So the English start with Evesham then move on to Falkirk, Conwy, Lincoln, and Lewes. The Russians fight at Yaroslav, Torchev, Lake Peipus, Rakovor, and Lipitsa. The French take to the bloody fields of Taillebourg, Muret, Tagliarozzo, Benevento, and Bouvines. And so on. You get a pretty comprehensive tour of all the 13th-century hot spots by the time you work your way through all five nations and a set of bonus battles that open up as your rank grows through winning battles. <p>All this might seem a bit on the skimpy side to anyone coming off of an overwhelming epic like Medieval II: Total War. But since the battles here are so thoroughly depicted, it's hard to quibble with the warfare-centric focus. For starters, XIII Century is <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/094/reviews/920458_20080404_790screen010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 257px;" src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2008/094/reviews/920458_20080404_790screen010.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>tough. Battles are founded on a rigorous rock-paper-scissors formula, so you can't just lumber about and rush foes with no consideration as to their relative strengths and weaknesses. This isn't a simple formula, either. Although many basics are in play here (keep cavalry away from pikemen, keep archers on high ground, that sort of thing), unit statistics are heavily detailed. This gives you a lot to keep track of during battles, which tend to fly by even at regular speed, but at least the interface provides ready access to everything you need to know. Moving the mouse cursor over unit formations provides banks of numbers detailing morale, number of wounded, whether or not the flanks and rear are covered, and so forth. So you can get instant snapshots of how your troops are faring when things are going hot and heavy, which lets you keep pace and give the right commands at the right times." <a href="http://tinyurl.com/cvufat"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >- More: Gamespot</span></a><br /></p>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-61806959213182665032009-05-07T05:50:00.000-07:002009-05-07T06:11:05.950-07:00The Golden Horde offers strategy and beautiful imagery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://content.vcommerce.com/products/271/46651271/main-150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 107px; height: 150px;" src="http://content.vcommerce.com/products/271/46651271/main-150.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I enjoyed reading Conn Iggulden's "Genghis" novels so much that I couldn't pass this one up when GoGamer offered it for only $9.90 in one of their 48-hour Madness sales!<br /><br /><blockquote>Lead armored crusaders, flexible Mongolians or impregnable Russians into historic battles!<br /><br />The Scenario is based on a on the events which took place in Europe, central Asia and Russia at the beginning of the XIII century.<br /><br />The game will offer recreated versions of famous battles and political crises as well as an epic campaign which outcome is yours to determine.<br /><br />Thanks to sophisticated RPG elements, individual Heroes, fancy graphics and easy controls The Golden Horde offers a perfect access to the real-time strategy genre in the exotic setting of the early middle ages in Europe and Asia.<br /><br />Historic Basis<br />The game is based on true historic facts, conflicts and battles.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTAjUXU-rpuUyeNGzbxD58jL2QbMwDgAUB6j5hejVl5ko6-YjSE5w-C28lygI-1G5bHtSiGecLMJS2O9a0bQ9TcK0IRVw6qlboSnfd8e6oIyGcqGGswvrLyFiDL7QCWYc-iLuRg/s1600-h/GoldenHorde.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTAjUXU-rpuUyeNGzbxD58jL2QbMwDgAUB6j5hejVl5ko6-YjSE5w-C28lygI-1G5bHtSiGecLMJS2O9a0bQ9TcK0IRVw6qlboSnfd8e6oIyGcqGGswvrLyFiDL7QCWYc-iLuRg/s320/GoldenHorde.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333065861478567890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Three different Factions<br />Crusaders, Mongolians und Russians. They differ in types of military forces, buildings and combat as well as unique heroes with individual abilities.<br /><br />Takeover of Enemy Units and Weapons<br />Take control over neutral horses or their slain riders’ weapon.<br /><br />Equipment "on the fly"<br />Provide your warriors with new weapons or switch them directly on the battlefield.<br /><br />Weather is a Central Element<br />Wind affects the flight qualities of arrows. Rain greatly affects the visibility Snow slows down units, which may even break through the Ice of frozen lakes. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/cotjhq"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >- GoGamer</span></a><br /></blockquote>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-75634889141866776962009-04-29T09:29:00.000-07:002009-04-29T09:41:40.305-07:00Rise of the Argonauts gets 6.6 - 9.5 in critic reviews<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://content.vcommerce.com/products/97/48188097/main-150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 107px; height: 150px;" src="http://content.vcommerce.com/products/97/48188097/main-150.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I noticed this morning that GoGamer.com has "Rise of the Argonauts" on sale ($19.99) so I checked out what other reviewers thought of this role-playing title. One critic from Gamespot rated the game quite highly saying the atmosphere was quite authentic and voice acting was excellent - not always the case with some titles. I guess the biggest criticism was the game involves a lot of character interaction rather than combat. I personally would find that to be a positive feature. Perhaps as a female I prefer to develop relationships rather than fight at the drop of a hat. The critic did note that the combat sequences become more frequent as you get closure to your goal though.<br /><br />I have a stack of games still in the shrink wrap that I haven't had time to try out but I'm tempted to go ahead and order this one.<br /><br /><strong></strong><blockquote><strong>An Epic Scale Greek Mythology RPG</strong><br />As the King of Iolcus, Jason had everything – a prosperous kingdom, the respect of his peers and a beautiful fiance. But when she was assassinated on their wedding day, Jason vowed to take revenge on her killers – to do anything to restore her life and earn back the respect of his subjects. <p>To accomplish this heroic feat, Jason must seek out the Golden Fleece and with the help of Greek mythology’s greatest heroes, set sail on <em>the most epic voyage of all.<br /></em><br /><strong>Engage in Brutal Combat Against Beasts and Enemies!</strong><br />An epic scale action RPG, Rise of the Argonauts immerses players in a gladiatorial adventure set in the vibrant and powerful world of Ancient Greece brought to life. Taking the role of Jason, players will <em>battle alongside Hercules, Achilles and other Argonauts</em> as they engage in brutal combat against formidable beasts and enemies, in a vast world alive with wondrous inhabitants and stunning panoramas.</p> <p>The search for the Golden Fleece is not only one of exploration but of transformation: from warrior king to exalted hero touched by the gods.</p> <p><strong>Streamlined RPG Experience<br /></strong>Gamers will spend more time playing and less time micro-managing inventory and resources through a streamlined HUD and inventory system. Players can earn unique powers and abilities, but avoid tedious record keeping by dedicating deeds to a god of choice.</p> <p>Characters become stronger with armor and weapons upgrades significant in scope, leaving enemies nearly helpless. Players must <em>learn to appease the Gods</em> and interact wisely with those they encounter , as decisions impact the story flow and available missions.<br /><br /><strong>Unleash Devastating Attacks<br /></strong>Players will assemble the most effective team of Argonauts for each mission to put the best battle plan forward. <em>Lethal combinations of weapons and powers</em> granted by the Gods, combined with the battle-tested loyalty of the Argonauts, make Jason a devastating force in combat.</p> <p>Players will change weapons on the fly to outmaneuver and inflict lethally devastating attacks on opponents, decapitating them with swords or cutting them in half with shields.<br /><br /><strong>Mythological Ancient Greece Brought to Life<br /></strong>Players will battle deadly foes, fearsome opponents and legendary monsters while experiencing a living, breathing and vivid ancient world taking players far beyond the generic broken statues and ruins that so often define the myth.</p> <p><strong><em>The thrill of battle and intensity of action</em></strong> is strengthened through Tyler Bates’ (300 composer) epic musical score. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/dznzjx"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >- Gamespot</span></a></p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-71048202678870988762009-04-25T07:12:00.000-07:002009-04-25T07:17:33.936-07:00Chariots of War on sale now at Gamespot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://content.vcommerce.com/products/679/5589679/main-150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 150px;" src="http://content.vcommerce.com/products/679/5589679/main-150.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Although this title is listed as on sale for the next 88 hours, it will probably be available in Gamespot's "Blow Out Deals" section after that so I am giving everyone a heads up notice about it.<br /><br /><blockquote>4000 years ago in the Cradle of Civilization, mighty Empires fought for water, resources and the arable land in the Fertile Crescent. <p>Play the Egyptians in chariots of war, Babylonians in bronze armour, screaming Nubian warriors, and the Assyrians behind their walls of stone. </p> <p>Develop your country by producing commodities and sell them to your neighbours. </p> <p>Raise glorious armies and wage wars of conquest. Roll over the plains in the childhood of Mankind with your Chariots of War!</p> <p><strong>Features </strong><br /> Play one of 58 different nations covering the entire Middle East. Build hundreds of buildings and city improvements.</p> <p>Recruit units from nearly 30 different troop types for your invincible armies. A Random Event System depicts the era in colourful detail.</p> <p>The happiness and welfare of your cities’ inhabitants will depend on overpopulation. Keep revolutionaries at bay by developing temples, entertainment and other buildings.</p> <p>Constant technological advances will increase the development of your tribe. Trade in your resources with other territories and send diplomats out to gather information.</p><p>- <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://tinyurl.com/d2depg">Gamespot</a></span><br /></p></blockquote><p></p>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-29884194893810639282009-04-02T11:05:00.000-07:002009-04-02T11:09:18.608-07:00Grand Ages Rome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gogamer-content.vcommerce.com/products/648/65363648/fullsize.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 397px;" src="http://gogamer-content.vcommerce.com/products/648/65363648/fullsize.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><em><strong>Raise massive armies and embark on epic campaigns</strong></em> to expand the Empire and take control of the known world! Engage in grand-scale city building and create magnificent cities with creativity and control like never before. Intuitive controls make it easy to launch bone-crushing combat missions and manage every aspect of your thriving civilization.<br /><br />After decades in exile, your family name has been all but forgotten in Rome.<br />But the departure of the tyrant Sulla has changed everything, and Rome stands on the brink of a new era. Sides must be chosen as Caesar and Pompey battle for control of the Republic.<br /><br />The stage is set for you to gain power and influence over one of the greatest civilizations in history.<br /><br />Build an Empire worth fighting for!<br /><br /><em><strong>Featuring 4X Real-Time Strategy:</strong></em><br /><br /><em><strong>Explore</strong></em> - Journey to ancient Gaul, Britannia, Egypt, and more to colonize barbarians and establish new trade routes.<br /><br /><em><strong>Expand</strong></em> - Stake your claim throughout the known world in the name of Rome! Help build the empire through military conquest and economic prowess.<br /><br /><em><strong>Exploit</strong></em> - Natural resources are yours for the taking as you establish farming, mining, and logging operations. Raze barbarian villages for riches, labor, and property.<br /><br /><em><strong>Exterminate</strong></em> - Destroy all who stand in the way of Rome's glory! Defend your territories by land and sea to secure peace and prosperity for the empire<br /><br /><em><strong>Set Your Sights on Domination!</strong></em><br /><br /><em><strong>Advanced Battle System</strong></em><br />Take command of 18 different military units, including naval command, elephant cavalry, and mercenary forces. Recruit citizens of Rome, draft captured enemy forces, and pay foreign squads for their special skills. Defend and expand the Empire by land and sea with exciting RTS gameplay.<br /><em><br /><strong>Intense Multiplayer</strong></em><br />Online multiplayer functionality with 6 different strategy modes - play competitively or cooperatively. Create buddy lists and challenge your friends to a battle, or use the matching system and take on an unknown foe with the same skill level. Advance your career and increase your rank from praetor to consul and beyond.<br /><em><br /><strong>Epic Campaigns</strong></em><br />Rub shoulders with Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Cleopatra and more in a non-linear historical campaign featuring over 40 missions. Choose your own fate as you create and destroy alliances with more than 20 different historical figures. Celebrate your victories by erecting legendary monuments such as the Coliseum, Circus Maximus, the Pantheon, and more.<br /><br /><em><strong>Complex Economy</strong></em><br />Flow resources eliminate tedious micromanagement, giving you the freedom to create thriving cities with multileveled economic systems. Information overlays visualize the city economy and satisfaction of the people on every location on the map.Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-71325681102473406852009-04-02T11:00:00.000-07:002009-04-02T11:03:26.169-07:00Empire: Total War<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gogamer-content.vcommerce.com/products/46/64920046/fullsize.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 294px;" src="http://gogamer-content.vcommerce.com/products/46/64920046/fullsize.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Prepare to claim a piece of history in Empire: Total War.</em></strong> Players will find themselves thrust into the turbulent 18th century, an era of unrivaled military advancement and political turmoil. Empire: Total War advances the Total War series through multiple enhancements, including groundbreaking 3D naval combat.<br /><br />Through streamlined and intuitive controls, players will command single vessels or massive fleets into battle across simulated oceans complete with dynamic weather effects.<br /><br /><em><strong>Open fire with powerful cannons</strong></em> and then board enemy ships for close-quarters combat. Empire: Total War also includes numerous advancements such as enhanced Trade, Diplomacy and Espionage.<br /><br />Players will also deploy new forces and troop types as cannons, muskets and new gunpowder advances change the way wars are fought. Empire: Total War uses an revolutionary graphics engine to render every conflict and victory in stunning detail.<br /><br /><em>Players will embark on a quest to bring down nations </em>and forge powerful empires in a way never before seen.<br /><ul><li><em><strong>New Era of Warfare</strong></em>: Set between 1700 and 1800, players will battle against a backdrop of technological advancement, social upheaval and political turmoil. Make your mark in history! </li><li>Revolutionary Naval Combat: New real-time battle system lets you control single vessels or massive armadas on the open sea. Use powerful cannons to splinter and sink enemy ships or use loyal troops to board and lay siege to vessels. </li><li>Legendary Battlefields - Massive landscapes and huge armies under your control change the course of history. Storm the fields of war with all new weapons such as the musket and artillery and unleash the thunderous cavalry. </li><li><em><strong>Historical Campaign:</strong></em> Take charge of history in a campaign spanning three continents and featuring newly designed systems for Trade, Diplomacy, Missions and Espionage. Command the forces of ten playable factions including Britain, France, Spain, America and the Ottoman Empire. </li><li>Dynamic Weather: On land or sea, real-time weather effects will play integral roles in your strategy as you command your forces. </li><li>Cutting Edge Graphics: A completely new graphics engine renders real-time seascapes and ground-based landscapes like never before, as well as populating the battlefield with flora systems and destructable buildings. </li><li><em>Enhanced Multiplayer: </em> The vastly improved multiplayer component features all-new player rankings, leagues and completely new gameplay modes. </li><li>Intuitive Battles: A compliment of interface enhancements and improvements let players dive in and focus on combat. Enjoy new tutorials and systems designed to let you command your forces with confidence! </li><li>Design the Conflict: A suit of all-new tools and editors make Empire: Total War the most customizable Total War game yet</li></ul>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-41047036286898088522009-02-18T04:58:00.000-08:002009-02-18T05:20:30.223-08:00Rise of the Argonauts looks exciting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gogamer-content.vcommerce.com/products/fullsize/97/48188097.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 341px;" src="http://gogamer-content.vcommerce.com/products/fullsize/97/48188097.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="font-family: arial;">This game looks interesting and is even on sale now at Gogamer.com! The story synopsis does not appear to follow the classic myth, though. Apparently, this is one of those "inspired by" titles.<br /></p><p style="font-family: arial;">Ed Del Castillo, president of Liquid Entertainment says, "we use these great myths and legends as our inspiration--our starting point--but we're making our own take on it where it serves gameplay, the story, and the player experience. The Jason myth is one of the only places in Greek myth that you get such a confluence of great heroes, so we're kind of assembling the X-Men of mythology. There's a rich backstory, there's incredible characters, but we're also using artistic license to take it to the next level--we couldn't pass up that opportunity."</p><p><strong> </strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>An Epic Scale Greek Mythology RPG</strong><br />As the King of Iolcus, Jason had everything – a prosperous kingdom, the respect of his peers and a beautiful fiance. But when she was assassinated on their wedding day, Jason vowed to take revenge on her killers – to do anything to restore her life and earn back the respect of his subjects.</p> <p>To accomplish this heroic feat, Jason must seek out the Golden Fleece and with the help of Greek mythology’s greatest heroes, set sail on <em>the most epic voyage of all.<br /></em><br /><strong>Engage in Brutal Combat Against Beasts and Enemies!</strong><br />An epic scale action RPG, Rise of the Argonauts immerses players in a gladiatorial adventure set in the vibrant and powerful world of Ancient Greece brought to life. Taking the role of Jason, players will <em>battle alongside Hercules, Achilles and other Argonauts</em> as they engage in brutal combat against formidable beasts and enemies, in a vast world alive with wondrous inhabitants and stunning panoramas.</p> <p>The search for the Golden Fleece is not only one of exploration but of transformation: from warrior king to exalted hero touched by the gods.</p> <p><strong>Streamlined RPG Experience<br /></strong>Gamers will spend more time playing and less time micro-managing inventory and resources through a streamlined HUD and inventory system. Players can earn unique powers and abilities, but avoid tedious record keeping by dedicating deeds to a god of choice.</p> <p>Characters become stronger with armor and weapons upgrades significant in scope, leaving enemies nearly helpless. Players must <em>learn to appease the Gods</em> and interact wisely with those they encounter , as decisions impact the story flow and available missions.<br /><br /><strong>Unleash Devastating Attacks<br /></strong>Players will assemble the most effective team of Argonauts for each mission to put the best battle plan forward. <em>Lethal combinations of weapons and powers</em> granted by the Gods, combined with the battle-tested loyalty of the Argonauts, make Jason a devastating force in combat.</p> <p>Players will change weapons on the fly to outmaneuver and inflict lethally devastating attacks on opponents, decapitating them with swords or cutting them in half with shields.<br /><br /><strong>Mythological Ancient Greece Brought to Life<br /></strong>Players will battle deadly foes, fearsome opponents and legendary monsters while experiencing a living, breathing and vivid ancient world taking players far beyond the generic broken statues and ruins that so often define the myth.</p> <strong><em>The thrill of battle and intensity of action</em></strong> is strengthened through Tyler Bates’ (300 composer) epic musical score. </blockquote><br /><br />Here's a game trailer that introduces the characters:<br /><br /><br /><br /><embed id="mymovie" flashvars="playerMode=embedded&movieAspect=4.3&flavor=EmbeddedPlayerVersion&skin=http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/cne_flash/production/media_player/proteus/one/skins/gamespot.png&paramsURI=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Fpages%2Fvideo_player%2Fxml.php%3Fid%3D6202379%26mode%3Dembedded%26width%3D432%26height%3D362%2F" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" name="mymovie" style="" src="http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/cne_flash/production/media_player/proteus/one/proteus2.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="432" height="362"></embed>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-15519558051535529042009-02-08T05:10:00.000-08:002009-02-08T05:17:40.926-08:00Amazon offers inexpensive (with free trials) game downloads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31wa076X4JL._SL500_AA200_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31wa076X4JL._SL500_AA200_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Amazon just announced a new game download service. Games can be tried out for free for 30 days or purchased outright for $9.99 or less. Naturally this game caught my attention. It sounds a lot like Caesar III but may be more level/episodic based. I love Caesar III but often I would like to play a game that does not take up so much time. I have found that games I can play in short snippets can be stress-relieving without adding guilt for spending so much time playing them!<br /><br /><blockquote>"The fabulous lands of Caesar open their gates in front of you in this new puzzle game: Cradle of Rome! You are given the chance to build Ancient Rome, the most legendary city of all time! Play and conquer more than 100 addictive and intuitively designed levels, collecting and unlocking 8 original bonuses and many surprise features along the way. As you play more and earn enough money and supplies to buy larger buildings, you'll see your city grow into a vast and magnificent center of life, the heart of the antiquity!"</blockquote>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-71265925521744626122008-12-18T16:40:00.001-08:002008-12-18T16:46:26.188-08:00Prince of Persia 2008 wows game reviewer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gamecyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/pop-run.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 205px;" src="http://www.gamecyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/pop-run.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sure glad this game reviewer clarified that the latest Prince of Persia is a new release and not just a rehash of the 1989 original. The graphics are obviously outstanding and he praises the dialogue and character interactions as well.<br /><br />A snippet of a very extensive review:<br /><br /><blockquote>Prince of Persia is a delight to behold. The game’s scenes cover the full spectrum of classic “desert epic” settings, carrying the player through deep caverns, sprawling wastelands, grand and towering palaces, and ancient cities of stone. Given the series’ reliance on platforming and acrobatic movement, of course, all of these areas have extremely vertical layouts: Players can expect to scale impossibly tall towers, climb and run on massive walls, and even reach the sky atop a series of dirigible-carried platforms. They may not be as crisp and shiny as the tall rooftops of <a href="http://www.gamecyte.com/review-mirrors-edge-ps3">Mirror’s Edge</a>, but they’re extremely colorful and pretty to look at — and thanks to the unlikely and perilous ways in which one must navigate these areas, there are still plenty of vertigo-inducing moments. <p>The characters, too, are rendered quite nicely, using an effect akin to cel-shading to let them stand out against the scenery while still providing a high level of detail to their costumes and faces. Their animation is suitably fluid and spirited, and during cut-scenes, their faces exude an appreciable range of emotion, infusing each character with charm, confidence, vulnerability, or menace, as appropriate. More than anything, though, the characters are brought to life through the game’s spectacular writing and voice acting. - <a href="http://www.gamecyte.com/prince-of-persia-review-360"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">More</span></span></a><br /></p></blockquote>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047781.post-63499784094366924122008-12-07T07:28:00.001-08:002008-12-07T07:28:07.080-08:00Immortal Fire: Field of Glory Greek, Persian and Macedonian Army List for the Wargamer<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a onclick='return amz_js_PopWin(this.href,'AmazonHelp','width=700,height=600,resizable=1,scrollbars=1,toolbar=0,status=1');' target='AmazonHelp' href='http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1846033462/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books'><img width='181' height='181' border='0' alt='Immortal Fire: Field of Glory Greek, Persian and Macedonian Army List (Field Of GLory)' id='prodImage' src='http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Gixlew-pL._SL500_AA240_.jpg' onload='if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }' style='float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;'/></a>I see Osprey Publishing has released a line of manuals to inform wargaming enthusiasts.<br/><br/>"Providing accessible and informative coverage of the Greek, Persian and Macedonian armies, <i>Immortal Fire</i><br />details conflicts such as the Spartan stand at Thermopylae, Alexander's<br />victory at Gaugamela, and his fight for the Granicus river.<br />Well-designed, visually stunning and with detailed historical overviews<br />of each army, these comprehensive army listings, with supporting maps<br />and artwork allow gamers to recreate some of the most legendary battles<br />in history. Take on the role of the world's greatest tacticians and<br />soldiers and change history."</div>Mary Harrschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812961655356354800noreply@blogger.com0