Ministry of War online strategy game latest offering from Aeria Games

Aeria Games has launched its latest browser based game Ministry of War, 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. 

Features include:

• Eight different types of real-time combat, including PvE, PvP, city sieges, and NPC boss battles.
• As each player's civilization expands, they can join guilds and partake in massive civilization vs. civilization (CvC) warfare.
• Increase your cultural influence by building religious sites and dispatching missionaries to help your civilization grow.
• No download or client required, Ministry of War can be played through a web browser

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).

2008's Call of Atlantis rebooted for Nintendo DS

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 Nintendo DS released this month.

A fascinating journey through the ancient lands of Rome, Greece, Troy, Phoenicia, Babylon, Egypt and Carthage awaits you. Collect seven mysterious power crystals, cool the wrath of Poseidon, the god of Atlantis, and save the hidden continent of legend.

Features:

- The game where old mythical stories meet modern time game play.
- The match 3 game that was enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people on the PC.
- A unique mix of Match 3, Hidden Object and Adverture.
- 66 enchanting levels, unlimited game play

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!!

     

Caesary online MMORPG released by Aeria Games

Aeria 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.

Here's the official game trailer from YouTube:

Slitherine teams with History Channel to release History Egypt:: Engineering an Empire

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".  

"HISTORY™ Egypt Engineering an Empire 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.
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.
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

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!!"

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.

     

Mac Gamers can explore ancient Egypt in Mystery of Cleopatra

For you Mac gamers out there, Mac Games and More suggests a couple of games set in ancient Egypt  The screenshot of the Mystery of Cleopatra game looks really beautiful!

Mystery of Cleopatra – Mystery of Cleopatra is Nat Geo Games’ second Mac game just following the success of the popular hidden objects game, Lost City of Z. 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. Download it 

Empire Builder Ancient Egypt – It has been a while since the release of the popular Build a Lot series 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. Download it

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 Secrets of the Vatican 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!!
 

Secrets of the Vatican: The Holy Lance - "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!"