Younger generation sadly unfamiliar with Cecil B. DeMille's epics

This week I trekked down to Circuit City to get a very inexpensive ($14.99) copy of the 3-disc 50th anniversary edition of Cecil B. DeMille's classic "The Ten Commandments". As I was signing the credit card receipt I thought about the movie and started to chuckle. I handed the signed receipt back to the store clerk and said "So let it be written, so let it be done!"

He looked at me with an expression that told me he thought dementia was just around the corner.

I called and told my son what happened (even though he is in his early thirties, he came to appreciate the historic epics from a young age - thanks to his mother) and he said he couldn't believe how many people from the bible belt (he lives in the Chicago area now) have never even seen "Ben Hur"! He was totally aghast!

Anyway, the new edition, much like the anniversary edition of Ben Hur, contains

• Cecil B. DeMille's original 1923 silent version
• Hand-tinted footage of the Exodus and Parting of the Red Sea Sequence from the 1923 version
• Commentary by Katherine Orrison, author of "Written in Stone: Making Cecil B. DeMille's Epic, The Ten Commandments," on both the 1956 and 1923 versions
• 6-part, 37-minute "making of" documentary, featuring interviews with Charlton Heston and composer Elmer Bernstein, among others
• Newsreel footage of the New York premiere
• 3 theatrical trailers: 1956 "Making of" trailer, 1966 re-release trailer, 1989 re-release trailer

Personally, I liked the first part of the movie best. Moses became irritatingly self-righteous after his encounter with the burning bush. Overall, however, a spectacle worthy of its place in cinematic history.

Sony Partners with Perpetual to co-publish "Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising"

WarCry? Network: "Sony Online Entertainment's Platform Publishing?, a cross-platform publishing, distribution and marketing label, today announced an agreement with San Francisco, CA-based online games developer Perpetual Entertainment to co-publish its online action role-playing game, Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising.?

Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising features an innovative style of combat not seen in other online multiplayer games, courtesy of Perpetual Entertainment Lead Designer Stieg Hedlund, lead designer of the best-selling RPG Diablo II. Reminiscent of an Action/RPG, combat moves can be linked together and even include 'finishing' moves to provide a more dynamic, dramatic and visceral feel to battles. Squad-based combat is another unique aspect of Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising; players will earn and command Non-Player Characters (NPCs) in a variety of strategic groupings to form individual squads, create unique formations and implement combat tactics for these squads to execute on command, maximizing their power in combat.

Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising brings the bold and dramatic world of ancient Rome online. As Rome grows into its role as a Republic, enemies from Carthage, Gaul and other nations seek their share of the treasures of this new empire. Furthermore, monstrous creatures of myth, such as Gorgons, Minotaurs and Furies roam the land and threaten the safety of Rome. As heroes of the republic, players will embark on epic quests to defend the empire, protect its interests and people, and serve one of the ancient Gods of Roman myth. This alliance with the gods will provide the player with incredible "god powers" that can be wielded in battle against monsters as well as against other players in Player vs. Player (PvP) combat.

Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising? is a subscription-based massively multiplayer game developed and operated by Perpetual using its proprietary Perpetual Entertainment Platform (PEP) technologies. Under the co-publishing partnership, Perpetual will host and operate the game, while SOE's Platform Publishing will be responsible for retail marketing and distribution of the game in North America."

Cult of Mithras adds fantasy elements to Legion Arena

I see Slitherine, producers of Legion and Legion Arena, are preparing to release an add-on that introduces such fantasy elements as demons and shadow warriors to their Roman strategy title Legion Arena. Although I am usually not that interested in fantasy titles, Cult of Mithras may contain enough ancient mythology to be worth taking a look at it.

From the official website:

"In this glorious year of 27 BC, Octavian has been crowned Emperor Augustus of Rome. His enemies lie defeated, his Empire basks in victory. Yet in one corner of the Empire, Spain still resists and troops are dispatched to subdue the region once and for all. You are picked to lead the men. This is your chance to prove yourself - this is your destiny.

But fate is a fickle master. On route to Spain, your men are ambushed. A tribe still loyal to Pompey's perhaps? There is no time to think, only fight! The enemy are many, you are unprepared. It is all you can do to fend them off as you yell orders to your men. A soldier is shouting at you "General! General, are you alright!"

Blood stains your clothing. By the Gods, I am wounded! And then there is only darkness...

Where am I? You are in the saddle. There are shouts. There is confusion... Men are preparing for battle. Another foe, so soon? What's happening? A soldier awaits your instructions "Sir, the Gauls are attacking. We are ready to fight."

Timendi causa est nescire - Ignorance is the cause of fear

The battle is over. You have defeated the enemy, but not your confusion. You summon two of your most loyal officers. Centurion Pollius reports "Sir, the men have been experiencing strange... very strange things. They arrived here by... they do not know how they arrived here. They cannot remember..."

You reply "Is this experience shared by all the men?"

Pollius confirms "Yes sir. All of us, sir."

"What are your thoughts on the matter my friends?"

Centurion Asivius offers "Sir, some of the men believe it is a curse."

"They are nervous, sir. And scared." Pollius agrees

"There is no curse! The Gods favour our venture. Tell them that." you say fiercely, as if to convince yourself

"Yes Sir!" they both shout as they salute.

...But do they? The Gods have never been predictable allies. You examine the eyes of your men. They do not look convinced, but they will do as you command.

"Is there anything else Asivius?"

"Yes sir, there is something. Groups of soldiers have been appearing from the wilderness. They are also... confused.."

"Feed them and employ them. Dismissed."

...Mystery and War do not make good bed-fellows, this much I know. But there is no time to think on it further. Scouts report more Celts approaching?"

Cura ut valeas - Take care

What If Alexander the Great had gone West and not East?

I stumbled across this archive of and interesting BBC Channel 4 radio show originally broadcast in 2003.

History - Radio 4: "Imagine if, one hundred and fifty years before Hannibal, Alexander moves his army around the North African coast of the Mediterranean, conquers Carthage, and crossing at Gibraltar takes Spain, crosses the Alps, and easily subdues what in the 3rd century BC was the relatively ineffectual army of the Republic of Rome, then still a mere city-state.

What kind of world would that have given rise to, a Europe with a Greek rather than a Roman legacy? What would its legacy have been?"

Wildfire Games continues to make progress on "0 A.D."

I see the interesting independent game developers' collaboration on a freeware strategy game entitled "0 A.D." continues at Wildfire Games. These passionate developers are also interested in historical articles to enhance their website. If I can find time, I hope to lend them a hand and encourage other ancient history enthusiasts to do the same!

• Unique Civilisations - In 0 A.D. each civilisation will be unique. They will have unique appearance, units, structures, and technology trees. You are not simply playing carbon copies with a few alterations when you play. Unique civilisations with unique characteristics.
• Powerful Editor - The Atlas Editor is a feature-complete tool used to design the 0 A.D. World. Atlas gives the end-user unprecedented power, the power to design, edit, and articulate every aspect of the game. Atlas allows you harness the full power of the game engine in every way imaginable.
• Accurate History - All our content is validated by our History Department to ensure that it is true to source wherever possible (unless it negatively affects gameplay).
• Citizen Soldiers - There will be no standard villager unit. Instead, regular infantry and cavalry have not only military capabilities, but also economic, making them substantially more versatile than in typical RTS games.
• Unit Auto Upgrading - Citizen Soldiers will gain experience and automatically gain promotions. With each rank, they become stronger, and don a unique appearance.
• Units on Structures - Some garrisoned units will be visible on the battlements of structures or the decks of ships, and capable of firing on opponents at range.
• Realistic Ships - Ship gameplay will include a variety of new features, from a much larger scale, to ship capture, to sea rams, to a modular design that allows catapults to be stationed on the decks, and units to fire from the bows.
• Excellent Moddability - Our aim is to make the game as data-driven as possible, and allow end-users to override that data, using custom independent mod packs, to have as much control over adding assets and editing existing content as our own scriptors. Savvy modders could potentially have all the necessary tools to program an entirely different game using our engine.
• More Multiplayer modes - The host will have a wide variety of game types and features to tweak when creating a game session, permitting the kind of gameplay that he and his opponents most enjoy.
• Seasons - Over time, the environment will cycle through Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Combined with the scenario's climate, rain and snow will fall with varying severity. Trees blaze into Autumn red or the fresh greenness of Spring, flowers bloom, and denuded husks of trees smother in the snow of Winter.
• Provinces and Territories - In some game types, the map is subdivided into Provinces that must be captured and annexed into a player's territory in order to reap their valuable resources and construct forward bases in these areas. If the host wishes, a player's starting Province can also be surrounded by attrition borders to reduce early rushes.
• Real World Map Realism - Random Maps based upon geographical regions where the civilisations of the ancient world lived and 'died'. These will be generated with biome specific-to-location features that replicate (as best we have researched) the look and feel of the world as it existed 2,000 years ago. This provides for further player immersion into the game.

5W!TS! of Boston Opens Tomb Adventure

It looks like I'm going to have to look for a conference next year in Boston! A new entertainment venue featuring a replica Egyptian Tomb environment has opened and it sounds really immersive! A physically interactive environment that offers real atmospherics, physical props and a teamwork challenge that should be exciting and educational!

"5W!TS premier show, TOMB, now at 5W!TS-Boston, is a 40-minute interactive adventure experience set in an incredibly realistic pharaoh?s tomb in an archaeological dig site in ancient Egypt.

Explore TOMB with your team, working together to overcome each of pharaoh?s challenges as you make your way through the intricate rooms toward the burial chamber.

Your journey is loaded with stunning special effects, from lasers and fog, to water and air, to dazzling computer-controlled lighting and booming stereo sound. It?s like being in the movies!

Success is by no means guaranteed. If your team fails you?ll learn how pharaoh deals with inferior performance. Be on the lookout, because there?s never a shortage of surprises in the TOMB!"

What fun!

Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War to be released despite closure of developer

Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War: "Though the original developer Stainless Steel Studios has been shut down, the game they were working on, Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War, will still be released by publisher Midway.

Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War is a detailed real-time strategy game that lets you completely command one of the four mightiest empires of the ancient world: Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Persia.

Rise & Fall allows you to fight alongside your troops as one of history's eight greatest heroes, and bring victory to their nation on the battlefield."

JoWood offers sequel to award winning "The Guild"

"Europe, 1400 A.D. - The last crusade, which started 6 years before, ended in a horrible defeat when the crusaders failed to conquer Nikopolis before being reached by the armies of osmans and serbs. The dream of conquering Jerusalem is forgotten, and European authorities are well aware that over the coming centuries, they will be submerged into defending themselves against the osman forces, which have several outposts in eastern Europe. The roman-catholic church is in a state of devestating dispute and intrigue, and uprisings are clearly just around the corner.

Meanwhile, the old barriers between citizens and noblemen are crumbling. With dignity, good luck and wealth, even merchants and craftsmen are able to join the realms of power. A time has come where kings and leaders depend on the gold of businessmen, and they are willing to pay the price...

This is the setting you will be faced with as you enter the medieval world in your struggle to build your very own dynasty!"

Imperivm: Great Battles of Rome

Developed together with Haemimont, the company behind the acknowledged AI of Celtic Kings (2002) and Worldwide success Tzar (2000), Imperivm GBR introduces RTC (Real Time Conquest), a novel gaming concept that combines three key ideas:

* Military conquest-oriented RTS.
* RPG features playing a key role in battles.
* Storyline based on historical facts, scenarios and characters.

Romans, Egyptians, Britons, Germans, Gauls, Iberians, Carthaginians... Command the Legions and relive the great victories of Rome or lead their enemies in their fight for freedom.

12 epic battles designed with the help of historians and where the main characters are some of the greatest strategists of all ages: Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Augustus, Queen Boudicca, Marcus Aurelius...

From their "key points" document:

1.1 - Military conquest-oriented RTS

Concentrate on military strategy and focus your efforts on commanding your troops:

? Forget about technologies, giving orders is much better.
Orders are powerful, for example, in situations of grave danger ?Call to arms?
changes your entire civilian population into an army.

? Don?t build structures, instead use your army to conquer them.
If you need gold, what better way is there to get it than by seizing it from your enemy?

? Don?t waste time producing resources, just take them.
Control as much territory as possible, levy taxes and protect the supply lines of your troops.

1.2 - RPG features playing a key role in battles

The battles become more realistic when RPG features come into play:

? The heroes, more decisive than ever.
Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Augustus, Queen Boudicca, Marcus Aurelius... Real heroes who transmit their charisma and experience to the troops under their command.
Their decisions make the difference between defeat and victory.

In Imperivm GBR each hero has five skills that are unique to them and their civilization. These improve not only their individual combat abilities but also that of their army.

The battle experience your units acquire makes them each time more lethal against enemy troops. In addition, your forces are most effective when they use their special skills; for example, the ?Charge? multiplies by eight the strike force of your mounted units.

The game includes five centuries of battles that built the greatest Empire of all time.

Imperivm GBR takes you to the third century B.C., when the Roman Republic took
its first steps towards expanding beyond the Italic Peninsula, all the way to the second century A.D., when the Empire was at its zenith. During this period you have the opportunity to command Rome?s legions and relive their greatest victories or, if you prefer, you can lead their enemies in their fight for freedom.

Each battle was designed with the input of historical experts. A video will show you
the key moments in the historical period and the battle you are about to relive.

Landing in Africa ? 204 B.C.
Each victory reaped by Hannibal in the heart of Italy is a further
blow to the pride of Rome. To force him to withdraw, the Senate entrusts Scipio with the task of attacking Carthage on its home territory. The Roman general, who defeated the Carthaginians in Hispania, disembarks in North Africa...

The Siege of Numantia ? 134 B.C.
The impregnable Numantia has become the refuge of the resistance forces confronting Rome on the Iberian Peninsula. After 20 years of failures, the Senate assigns Scipio Emilianus the task of subjugating the rebel city once and for all. The Roman general lays siege to the city.

The Battle of Alesia ? 52 B.C.
The Gallic War is at a crucial crossroads. Five legions, led by Julius Caesar, raise a palisade and surround the fortified hill town of Alesia. In order to defend itself from the Gallic army that is on its way to assist their besieged compatriots, they construct a second outer defence. Caesar?s military genius is put to the test against an army that outnumbers him tenfold...

Augustus at the Nile ? 31 B.C.
Mark Anthony, supported by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, yearns for the absolute power of Rome. An ambition that is dashed when his rival, Octavius Augustus, defeats the Egyptian fleet at the battle of Actium off the coasts of Greece.

After this victory, Augustus? legions prepare to disembark in the Nile delta and take possession of the land of the Pharaohs.

The Conquest of Britannia ? 77 A.D.
The noble tribune Gnaeus Iulius Agricola is appointed Governor of Britannia. By express desire of the emperor, he travels to the Island with a twofold mission - to pacify the southern regions and to hold back the threat of the Caledonians to the north, true experts in ambush tactics -.

Marcus Aurelius in Germany ? 167 A.D.
The Germanic hordes swarm across the Empire?s borders and sack the Roman city of Aquilea, in the gulf of Venice...

The emperor Marcus Aurelius is not prepared to tolerate such audacity and he takes command of the largest army ever seen.

The objective, to expel the invaders beyond the Danube and to end
the Barbarian threat once and for all.
Hannibal at the Gates of Rome ? 216 B.C.
Leading a force of 50,000 infantry, 9,000 horsemen and 37 elephants, Hannibal crosses the Alps and invades Italy.

He defeats the legions at Tesino, Trebia and Trasimene and culminates this series of feats with a tremendous victory at Cannae.

The Carthaginian army is at the gates of Rome itself...

Viriathus dominates Hispania ? 146 B.C.
Viriathus is elected leader of the Lusitanians, the most powerful tribe
in Hispania.

For eight long years he is the bane of Rome, thanks to his knowledge of the terrain and his command of guerrilla tactics.

At the height of his power, Viriathus dominates practically the whole
of the Iberian Peninsula.

Egypt in Arms ? 58 B.C.
In Egypt, the splendor of the Pharaohs is nothing but a memory.

While Rome maintains King Ptolemy XII in power, it demands abusive tributes from the Egyptian people.

Discontent spreads until the uprising breaks out. Egypt takes on
the might of Rome.

The Battle of Gergovia - 52 B.C.
The nobleman Vercingetorix has proved capable of unifying the Gallic tribes and leading the resistance against Rome.

But fight for freedom demands sacrifice. The Gallic leader devastates his own villages, thus depriving the legions of food and supplies.

This scorched-earth strategy proves successful and turns Vercingetorix into a fearsome enemy. Caesar is forced to attack his capital...Gergovia.
Arminius, the Rebel General ? 9 A.D.
Rome?s dream is to extend its dominions beyond the Rhine, a territory where the Germanic tribes are wreaking havoc. The governor Publius Quinctilius Varus takes on the mission of securing a new border along the banks of the Elbe river.

Among their ranks is Arminius, a general of Germanic origin, ready and willing to renege on Rome to defend his own people.

Queen Boudicca?s Rebellion? 60 A.D.
Britannia is a hotbed of rebellions, rising up against the arrogance of Rome. While the governor Paulinus Suetonius smothers a revolt on the island of Anglesey, the queen of the Iceni, Boudicca, heads for the capital of the Roman province.

In the face of tenacious resistance by the imperial army, Boudicca wields her sword fiercely to slice through their ranks.

I urge you to click on the link to the full Key Points document to review the beautiful graphics and historical detail of this outstanding effort.

I see Slitherine Software is working on a sequel to Legion entitled Legion II: Civilizaton and Empire. It is scheduled for a 2007 release. The developers at Slitherine say you will be able to:

• Found new cities & improve existing ones with a choice of hundreds of different buildings.

• Explore the vast campaign map, discover continents, meet new tribes and locate rare resources.

• Use the random map generator for endless replay value.

• Research new technologies, build new structures and recruit new troops.

• Send diplomats to negotiate, spy, broker peace deals & provoke wars.

• Allocate workers & keep them happy to prevent riots and revolts.

• Withstand droughts, floods and religious unrest along with a wide range of external influences.

• Win by total domination or by completing missions.

• Recruit great leaders to command your troops.

• Build fortresses and besiege enemy strongholds.

• Undertake epic construction projects to impress your people and other civilizations, which bestow great benefits.

Sounds promising to me!

Cinecitta Studio plans Theme Park

Great News! I went up on Cinecitta Studios website today and was excited to read that Cinecitta is planning a "Universal Studios"-type theme park. I can't help but assume it is, at least partially, due to the success of HBO's "Rome" miniseries and the potential to capitalize on the elaborate sets that were produced for it.

"Cinecittà World intends to build a Park that, with a view on national and international accomplishments, but always acquainted of a European matrix and heritage, will "transport" visitors in the fanciest journeys of movie magic and entertainment. Located not far from Rome, the Park of Cinecittà World will cover a surface of 60 hectares. " - Cinecitta Studios

India's new export: video games

India's new export: video games: "With multiple limbs and each hand wielding a different weapon, the fearsome Indian warrior-goddess Kali is a natural video-game character. And next year, Kali will be coming to game consoles, PCs, and mobile phones around the globe.

Indiagames, a Mumbai-based company, is currently working the goddess into the first original, Indian-themed game for international audiences.

Kali is appearing in the forthcoming Emperor Ashoka (pronounced 'Ah-shoke,' with the 'a' silent), which recreates battles from the life of a legendary Indian king who lived in the third century B.C. The game allows players to engage in bloody historic battles based in ancient temples and other antique environments.

Some mythical creatures are also thrown in -- in addition to Kali, there are gargoyle-like interpretations of the voluptuous female statues that adorn sacred buildings in India, who come alive and fight. "We wanted to have an edge," says Indiagames CEO Vishal Gondal. "It's a storyline that hasn't been seen before."

Preorder keys now available for Roma Victor

Game News : "RedBedlam Ltd declares the pre-order phase open for its Roman Empire based MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) Roma Victor. The first 1, 500 account keys are available from the Roma Victor website. Pre-ordering will also ensure immediate access to the ongoing Commercial Test phase so participants will have the opportunity to join the ranks of current testers helping to balance the game.

Additionally, pre-order participants and the game's veteran testers will enjoy exclusive access to the post-launch game world on the Ides of March 2006 - a full 2-weeks in advance of the full launch."

"Roma Victor is based in the Roman Empire, circa 180AD. Most of Europe is in the clutches of the Roman Empire. Commodus has succeeded his father Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher Emperor and is exerting tyrannical influence. The Praetorians keep a strict and oppressive rule over the entire Empire, which is defended and (outside Rome) largely policed by the Legions. Many Barbarian outposts and enclaves exist peacefully outside Imperial rule particularly in Britannia, Gaul and Germania. These people however always live in fear of the Legions, which threaten their culture and their very existence. If they stand united, they may just hold them off.

Roma Victor® is the pilot project of RedBedlam Ltd., a Brighton-based development company set up with the express purpose of building compelling and exciting virtual worlds. Since it's inception back in May 2001, RedBedlam's ethos has been one of community involvement, with the belief that the best products are those that are built with the player in mind. To this end, each and every aspect of this game's development has taken place with direct participation from the online gaming community."

Titan Quest rather shallow RPG

Although "Titan Quest" is set in the ancient world and has impressive graphics, I couldn't see much of a narrative to the gameplay. I watched a video clip and it showed a character hacking and slashing a hoard of satyrs then, when the enemy was joined by a huge Cyclops, the character magically grew to "titan" size and crushed them all. The game was produced by a new company headed by a former founder of the company that released "Diablo". I realize Diablo was a hit in its time but for the more history-driven player, Diablo's relative is not going to offer much in the intellectually stimulating department. I think I'll pass on this one when it is released in 2006.

CDV Software Entertainment Strikes Deal with Enlight Software for "Glory of the Roman Empire"

CDV Software Entertainment AG: "CDV Software Entertainment AG ('CDV', Prime Standard, ISIN DE0005488126), one of the leading German publishers and distributors of computer and video games, today concluded an important agreement with Enlight Software Ltd. on the development and global marketing of three PC games with the working titles 'Glory of the Roman Empire', 'Hotel Empire' and 'Seven Kingdoms: Conquest'."

Prince of Persia The Two Thrones Now Available

Designtechnica: "Video game publisher Ubisoft last week announced they had made available the latest installment in the long standing Prince of Persia video game franchise. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones is available now for $49.99 and a ?M? for Mature rating for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and PC.

Prince of Persia The Two Thrones, said Ubisoft, finishes off the Sands of Time trilogy by creating a storyline which ends up making the Prince possessed by a dark spirit. This possession allows players to play as one of two distinct characters, engaging enemies in a free-style combat system which allows for a variety of different combat options. Other features in Prince of Persia The Two Thrones include running battles through ancient Babylon, a dramatic storyline, story drive puzzles and the ability to manipulate time to execute powerful attacks."

Nibiru: Age of Secrets

Martin Holan, a linguistics and archeology student, has been contacted by his uncle to examine a mysterious World War II tunnel unearthed while building a new highway in Bohemia.

A friend of Martin?s uncle is supposed to meet Martin upon his arrival to brief him on the mysterious discovery, however when he arrives in Prague he discovers she has been murdered.

What begins as a short expedition to Prague to examine an enigmatic tunnel turns into a dangerous and thrilling mystery.

Murder, deception, the deep dark secrets of the Nazis, and the demise of the Mayan civilization, have our hero reeling into the heart of an exhilarating adventure.

Great Invasions

"A breathtaking Adventure: GREAT INVASIONS covers 3 periods from AD 375 to 1066 with over 10 scenarios and a Grand Campaign. Dozens of races, realms and empires to choose from, play with more than 160 nations, tribes and states of all sizes and forms!

A clever mix of strategy and action, GREAT INVASIONS plunges you back into Europe of the Dark Ages, a time in history where hundreds of nations and barbarian tribes rush to assault the civilized world, from AD 375 (arrival of the Huns) to AD 1066 (conquest of England by the Normans).

# Designed in collaboration with historians including 150 historical events, many playable stratagems, and over 3700 of the most famous historical characters of the period. GREAT INVASIONS is historically accurate recreation of the politics, economy, diplomacy, religion and art of war of that turbulent era.

# In addition to the usual border conflicts, you will have to deal with population migrations and religious heresies, as well as the almost inevitable collapse of some realms due to nomadic hordes, Viking raids or even natural ageing

# A revolutionary game approach, which allows the gamer for the first time to simultaneously rule from 5 to 10 realms and nations.

# Deep and rich gameplay: as a leading stateman, you must handle various aspects of government including diplomacy, administration/economy, religious and military."

Empires Collection: The Dynasties: 5PK (DVD)

I see PBS/Paramount has released a five-disk set of some of the Empires episodes.

The 5 disc collection include: The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization (2000), The Roman Empire in the First Century (2001), Egypt's Golden Empire (2002), Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004), The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance (2004)

"Within the history of civilization are great eras of struggle, triumph, and loss. These periods are reflective of the best and worst of humanity. Empires is a ground breaking series of historical films which present the people and passions that have changed the world. Empires Collection: The Dynasties is a compilation of five outstanding stories of some of histories greatest dynasties."

Although the regular retail price is $89 PBS.org, I got a brand new "in the shrinkwrap" set from an Amazon vendor for only $55. I enjoyed these presentations very much, particularly the Greek and the Medici programs.

Sparta: Ancient Wars

"The ancient time where the Spartans were the leading faction at the Mediterranean Sea was a famous time. The battles between mighty tribes were fought with such an intense power, that unknown soldiers became heroes on the battlefield. Sparta ? Ancient Wars will bring this mighty time to new life, where each player will have the opportunity to bring his own tribe to health, fame and wealth. It is the first real time strategy game that will deliver never before seen stunning graphics, high level of detail, complete 3D gameplay, rich economics, no unit limitation, an own developed physics engine and many never before seen features to this genre. So watch out ? a new age will rise with Sparta ? Ancient Wars!

The main emphasis is on large-scaled battles and complex tactical manoeuvres. Additional to this, a new method of army equipment is represented in the game. Warriors can be equipped with weapons, shields, put on horses or on chariots and they can be given special abilities. The player can collect abandoned weapons after battles or import powerful weapons from other cultures to build more powerful and different special units. The forces of nature are very important, because Fire, Wind etc. will effect the whole environment. The Economic part includes control of labour force, construction of cities and resources collection. Cities can be upgraded (e.g. turned to fortresses), so Sparta offers every aspect RTS gamers like.

Historical correct Timeline

Sparta is based on the history of the ancient ages and their main nations. Spartans, Persians and Egyptians are fighting for influence around Little Asia, Europe and North Africa. Historical correct timeline is 700-300 BC and the action takes place with different campaigns for all three races. Sparta represents 3D strategy in real time, where the player will have to use each nation's powers to be superior over other competitors and build up a driving and ruling faction."

Scheduled for release: 2006

Gods and Heroes - Rome Rising

Gods and Heroes - Game Information: "Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising? is set in the early days of Rome's eventual march to greatness - circa 300 B.C. Rome is a City State still developing its military and cultural strengths and beginning to feel its ambition for expansion and conquest. To fulfill its goals Rome will strive to extend her borders and influence - creating enemies both near and far.

Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising? offers vast persistent territory and hundreds of dynamically generated areas that span a wide variety of the known and Mythological worlds - offering a huge range of terrain types including cities, towns, farmland, forests, mountains, high-alpine artic regions, marshes, seashores, northern frontiers, islands, and Mythological Realms.

Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising? will offer a vast number and variety of quests - over 1,200 at launch.

Rome Quests are those offered by Senators, Officials, Generals, and citizens of Rome. As a Hero of Rome, all players will be asked to serve, expand, and protect their country.

God Quests are those offered by the gods - both allied and opposing. As a Favorite of the gods, all players will be asked to complete tasks both large and small in service of the god's wishes and demands...and whims.

Epics Quests: every Hero in Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising? is on a game-spanning Epic Quest path. On top of all that a Hero may choose to do for his country or god, he or she is destine to fulfill a path of challenges, trials, and tests that span across all levels and lead to that character's ultimate reward."

HEART OF EMPIRE: ROME

GamesIndustry.biz : "Set for launch FEBRUARY 2006, the masters of 'world building' TYCOON games, publisher Deep Silver and developer Deep Red, are using their combined creative talents to create, stone by stone, one of the greatest ancient cities of all time.

When asked to envisage what ancient Rome would have looked like, we instantly recall such memorable scenes, as seen in the classic movies 'Spartacus', 'Ben-Hur' and most recently 'Gladiator'. The grand architecture of the Imperial Palace, beautifully ornate gardens, bustling market places and the awe inspiring grandeur of the Coliseum, are all what makes ancient Rome so memorable.

Heart of Empire: Rome, allows players to recreate the ancient city, via a 'Tycoon' style of game play. In order to bring about the majesty of Rome, Deep Red's own proprietary graphics engine was used. Over 2 years in development, the Actuality Engine allows the team to recreate Rome's hilly topography, using a system of terraces. These create a realistic looking cityscape of buildings and roads, climbing through the hills and fora (market squares) filling the valleys below.

Hundreds of buildings are able to be created within the game world, across a variety of different types. Each building and construction is a highly detailed, hand-crafted and hand-textured 3D model, based on actual Roman structures; each fulfilling functions that were an authentic part of the Roman way of life. Players will be able to construct the most basic of structures, from simple living apartments and public toilets, to the instantly recognisable public baths and temples, all the way up to grand theatres and Basilica (ornate public halls for business and law).

The Actuality Engine truly demonstrates its immense graphics power, by giving the player a true sense of scale within the Roman capital. The fully 3D engine allows the player to look out upon a vast sea of terracotta roofs, high above amongst the clouds, from an almost God like perspective. Watch barges unload their cargoes at the warehouses alongside the Tiber, or view mighty Gladiators within the Coliseum. Then with one smooth movement, glide down to street level, mingling in the hustle and bustle of street life, as Roman citizens go about their daily lives. Join a Roman couple as they shop for 'bling' in the luxury market place (its not a new concept, the Roman's were very partial to their 'bling'), watch children play in the streets, or Roman Senators study scrolls in the library (often a phrase given to Senators wives, when in fact it was a trip to the brothel)."

ALEXANDER: The Hero's Hour

"Alexander is an action role-playing game featuring breathtakingly lavish 3D graphics. The player travels to historical Greece and further important locations contemporary with the great commander. Here, he partakes in Alexander's heroic deeds, even playing the Macedon king's part - as well as those of Alexander's most trusted friends. This elite special operations unit is regularly involved in particularly challenging or difficile warfare missions. Next to improving the heroes' special abilities a well- planned approach and skillful use of the element of surprise are equally important in order to prevail in battle and complete the varied missions."

An epic game of heroes, elite warriors, brave women and, of course, Alexander:
* Fantastic, varied and highly detailed 3D graphics
* Lead your heroes on a campaign including exciting special missions
* Action-packed, demanding battles at monumental historical locations
* Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of ancient Greece
* Do battle side-by-side with Alexander the Great and his closest friends

Spartan: Total Warrior Preview

GameSpot: "...typical of many [scenarios] that we saw during our time with Spartan: Total Warrior, one of the first level scenarios tasked us with dealing with multiple objectives simultaneously. Roman soldiers were scaling the walls of Sparta and threatening to breach a gate into the city, and while defending the gate was our top priority, we also needed to ensure the safety of the king, who had decided to enter the fray on the ramparts. To stand a chance of completing either of the objectives successfully, we had to make regular trips to a second gate where Spartan reinforcements would arrive at regular intervals. The action didn't let up for a second, and the number of soldiers onscreen simultaneously was easily in excess of a hundred at times. This might be a good time for us to point out that the bodies of your enemies don't mysteriously vanish in Spartan: Total Warrior, so after slaughtering an entire army, you'll have an opportunity to step back and admire your bloody handiwork littering the battlefield.

The first level concluded with a boss battle of sorts, when the Roman army summoned Talos--a giant bronze soldier from Greek mythology who stood taller than Sparta's defensive walls. As the statue advanced toward our position, we not only had to use catapults to fire at it whenever our comrades announced that the catapults were ready for use, but we also had to use a cauldron to pour something hot and nasty onto enemy engineers as they attempted to breach the city gates. Roman soldiers were still scaling the walls at this point, so any time we weren't needed to fire catapults or man the cauldron, there was plenty going on to keep us busy."

Civilization IV to premiere October 24

"From the opening menu, the first thing you realize about Civ IV is that this is a much more colorful and livelier Civ than its predecessors, as you're greeted with a cheery melody that feels like it could have been lifted from The Lion King. That's just a hint of what you're in store for, though. You're next launched into the familiar options from previous Civ games. Select a single-player game and you must choose the various parameters of the game, from map style and size, to climate and sea level, to the civilization that you play.

More importantly, you probably want to know what civilizations made the cut. So, without further ado, you can play as the Americans, the Arabians, the Aztecs, the Chinese, the Egyptians, the English, the French, the Germans, the Greeks, the Incans, the Indians, the Japanese, the Malinese, the Mongolians, the Persians, the Romans, the Russians, or the Spanish. Approximately half these civilizations have two possible leaders, which will mainly affect the opposition you encounter, as computer-controlled civilizations will behave differently depending on which leader they get. For example, if you like to play a peaceful, defensive game of Civ, then you'd better worry if Napoleon shows up next door leading the French, because you know he's going to be eyeing your borders like a hungry wolf. Have fun!"

Some new features listed that I found particularly interesting was the addition of civic attributes such as the existence of slavery or freedom and the expanded influence of religion. Sounds like a fascinating game. Now if I only had time to play it!

The Shadow od Aten

Silicon Garage The Shadow of Aten is a 3D Action/Adventure multiplatform game in which the player assume the role of a new hero, Allan Scott, an attractive and enigmatic adventurer who will go deep into the fascinating and mysterious world of Ancient Egypt.

The Shadow of Aten is settled in the attractive and ambiguous environment of Egypt in the 30s decade, full of mysteries, dazzling treasures, half-lights and hidden dangers.
An elaborate plot based on real facts about the worship of the god Aten, the first monotheism of mankind. "

This new title by developer Silicon Garage Arts is planned for release in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Superscape brings Gladiator Game to the Cell Phone

"Gladiator, modeled after the Ridley Scott-directed movie, allows gamers to slip into the scandals of disgraced Roman general Maximus as his rises again as a gladiator in the most vicious bloodsport of ancient times.

The game begins in the heart of the barbarian battle that opens the movie. Gladiator is not a straight forward action game -- it is more of a tactics game where you must move the general around the map square by square, balancing the amount of time and energy expended on movement with that used for fighting. For example, the reviewer spied a barbarian across the forest landscape, but to walk all the way to him would have put the player in harm's way without any time to attack.

After finishing up the forest battle, the game moves into Maximus' fall. Soon, you find yourself cast into battles in the great arenas of Italy, including the Coliseum in Rome. Maximus must battle both human gladiators and animals, using a variety of weapons like maces, spears, swords, and hammers.

According to Superscape, the game also measures the love of the crowd. The better you perform in the arena, the more extras you can unlock. It stands to give this game some replay value, which is already looking like a lengthy play."

Slitherine announces Gold release of Legion: Arena

Recruit and train your troops
* Buy equipment and choose their skills. Over 100 skills to choose from!
* Personalise the appearance of each squad by selecting their textures
* Command vast armies in epic 3D battles
* Earn experience and denari for your victories
* Two campaign paths - play as Romans or Gauls. Get drawn into the story of the rise of Rome.
* Over 100 scenarios
* Over 20 unique unit types including Legionaries, Praetorians, Elephants and Naked Fanatics.
* Special effects including water, particles, lighting & night battles, weather and grass
* Detailed combat model designed by a double world wargaming champion.
* Deploy your troops and issue orders before battle.
* Real time control in battle using the innovative order time system
* Every unit has strengths and weaknesses. Learn how to use your strengths and exploit your enemies weaknesses.
* Real terrain effects - cavalry are weaker in woods, light infantry are weaker in the open.
* Easy to learn, hard to master.

4-disc 'Ben-Hur' DVD Epic a 4-Star Experience

BY TERRY LAWSON

"Though nothing can match the thrill of seeing William Wyler's Biblical-era epic on screen, in the wide-screen process the studio modestly dubbed 'M-G-M 65,' the 1959 film had been lovingly restored, and the two-sided disc came with very good extras, including the 1993 documentary 'The Making of an Epic,' screen tests and commentary by star Charlton Heston.

But in DVD time, four years is a generation. So now comes 'Ben-Hur: Collector's Edition' (FOUR STARS out of four stars, Warner, $39.92), a four-disc set that improves on the earlier release in every way. The new Dolby 5.1 Surround remix improves substantially on the earlier one.

And it adds even more related material, including the entire 1925 adaptation of Lew Wallace's novel, with silent screen stars Ramon Novarro as Judah Ben-Hur and Francis X. Bushman as Messala, the childhood friend who becomes his bitter enemy and chariot-race-cheating competitor.

The 1993 doc is still here, but is now the companion to the newly produced hour-long 'The Epic That Changed Hollywood,' which focuses on the film's impact on the movie business. Contributors include Ridley Scott, whose 'Gladiator' owes 'Ben-Hur' an enormous debt, and George Lucas, who modeled his 'Phantom Menace' pod race after the chariot race."

Rome Total War: Barbarian Invasion

"The campaign in Barbarian Invasion starts in AD 363, several centuries after the campaign in Rome: Total War. Rome has been divided into eastern and western empires, with the east ruled from Constantinople (now Istanbul) and the west still centered in Rome itself. Meanwhile, many of the old tribes seen in Rome: Total War have faded into history, and new tribes, such as the Vandals and the Goths, have emerged in the wilderness beyond Rome's borders. Your mission in Barbarian Invasion is to take control of one of the 10 major factions of the era and survive and expand your empire, mainly through conquest.

All factions are available to play immediately at the start of the game--you don't have to unlock them like you had to do in Total War. In addition to the aforementioned factions, you can also play as the Samartians, the Germanic Frankish tribes, the Saxons, the Sassanids, the Alemanni, and the dread Huns. Of course, each faction has its own specialties and bonuses. The Huns are superb cavalrymen, capable of shattering mass formations of infantry. The Franks, on the other hand, have superior warriors; the Saxons are excellent seamen, and so on. And, once again, some factions are easier to play than others, thanks to the benefit of starting position. Western Rome still controls a large swath of Europe, while the Franks find themselves hemmed in on all sides by hostile neighbors at the start.

As expected, the campaign itself is relatively unchanged in terms of the basic gameplay mechanics. You once again must conquer provinces by capturing cities. Then, you manage the growth of the province by constructing improvements, such as temples, barracks, stables, and more. You can then raise armies and go campaigning to conquer more provinces, or defend your territory from attacks by your enemies. If you played Rome: Total War, then you'll feel completely at home with Barbarian Invasion. There are some minor differences in Barbarian Invasions to note, though.

The tribal factions in Barbarian Invasion feel a lot more fleshed out than the tribes seen in Rome: Total War, and they have more building and unit options than their predecessors. We suspect this is largely because they're meant to be played on a near-equal footing with the Roman factions, but also because the barbarian tribes themselves were more sophisticated by this time. So in addition to building sacred groves to various pagan gods, you also begin to see Roman concepts such as sanitation creep into the barbarian's technology, allowing the barbarians to build larger cities.

Religion is a notable new addition to Barbarian Invasion. Rome's adoption of Christianity helped propel that religion to the forefront, and this is reflected in the game as well. You're continually notified which religion (ranging from paganism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and more) has the most adherents."

Rome Total War: Barbarian Invasion is scheduled for a 9/27/05 release.

Caesar IV scheduled for Fall 2006 Release

Build, govern and manage an ancient Roman city in Caesar? IV, an up-to-date take on the most successful series of historical city-building games ever made.

Stationed in a newly established Roman province, your job as governor is to bring the region into the Roman fold by developing a thriving capital city, extensive trade networks, and of course a secure environment through the creation of a powerful military. You'll also need to funnel some of the city's wealth back to Rome.

If you are successful, you'll advance up the empire's political ladder, and continue to take on new assignments in other locations spread throughout the ancient world, such as Sicily, Spain, Britain, Germany, Romania, Greece, Asia Minor, Judea, and Egypt.

Realized in full 3d, with a straightforward and easy to use interface, simple and intuitive gameplay, and dozens of buildings and people to play with, Caesar IV offers many hours of fun to both casual and core gamers alike.

Game Description
In Caesar IV you govern a province (and most importantly its capital city) in the Roman Empire. Success yields political advancement, allowing you to take on a new challenge in another province, as you climb the ladder of power in ancient Rome.

As city planner, you design and layout each city in detail, creating road networks to facilitate the distribution of resources, and to provide homes access to entertainment venues, healthcare facilities, fire protection services, and so on. Of course, you must in turn develop these industries and services to meet the needs of your growing population.

You control your city's finances, and must quickly turn a profit in your new endeavor or face the wrath of the emperor. You must build a military force and direct the defense of the province against barbarian threats. You must establish far flung trade networks so the exotic wealth of the empire can flow into your province, bringing it fully under the Roman fold.

As the city grows from a simple village to a bustling cosmopolitan city, so too do your challenges and responsibilities increase. To achieve your goals as provincial governor in Caesar IV you must consistently provide for your citizens' needs, keep them healthy, happy and safe? and on top of that satisfy the demands of the empire. Your ultimate goal is to rise among the political ranks of the empire, and become Caesar yourself.

Features List

* State of the art city-building gameplay, feedback and visuals, including:
o More than 100 unique buildings, diagonal roads, and a set of decorative items
o More than 30 resources for trade and other uses
o More than an hour of the music of favored composer Keith Zizza
o Advisors to help you with your goals and extensive map overlays for detailed feedback on activities and problems in the city.
o More than 75 unique characters, who go and get what they want and interact with their environment in detail. Select them and they tell you what they think of your city.
o Rich, 3d environment with unlimited draw distances and immersive contextual audio
* Over 100 hours of play in a variety of modes, including:
o Career mode (campaign play) where you strive to become Caesar
o Standalone competitive scenarios
o Sandbox play in which you can build at your own pace
* Empire level trade and diplomacy with Roman and foreign provinces
* Combat

Rome Pt 1 breathes life into Falco's Rome

Like many of you I was glued to the television Sunday night watching the premiere of HBO's new miniseries. Having just finished reading my second Lindsey Davis Falco mystery, "Shadows In Bronze", it delighted me to see ancient Rome depicted as a seething mass of humanity, especially the scene where a sedan chair winds its way through haggling merchants and bustling slaves. It made me recall not only Falco's Rome but Gordianus the Finder's Rome as well.

Like some of you I was a little confused by the punishments administered to the legionaries and the lack of punishment of Pullo when he fell asleep on watch and allowed Gallic children to steal their horses. Falling asleep on watch was considered a capital offense so I find it unlikely that it would have occurred and been so casually overlooked.

I'm also curious about Octavian's mother Atia being portrayed as a manipulative schemer in both this production and the earlier miniseries "Empire", produced by ABC. I have not found any significant references indicating Atia played much of a role in any political maneuverings involving her son. Maybe it is for this reason that the production companies decided to develop her character along those lines. There isn't much in the classical sources to confirm or refute this type of portrayal. While researching this aspect of the production I did find an article that pointed out several interesting facts about Caesar and Octavian's relationship that I was unaware of:

"In 46 BC, Octavian took part in Caesar?s triumphal parades in Rome, earning himself some military award, despite taking no part in the effort. Clearly this shows that Caesar at least had some design on his great nephew?s future. The following year Octavian followed Caesar to Spain, where the dictator conducted the last battle of his career against the sons of Pompey at Munda. Though Octavian himself took little part in the actual military aspect of this campaign, his journey to join Caesar seems a significant development in the relationship. While en route, Octavian was faced with difficulties in avoiding enemy resistance, including a shipwreck which could?ve been disastrous. When the two finally crossed paths, Caesar was apparently very pleased with his nephew?s daring determination and courage. Other than Caesar?s short triumphal visit to Rome, this period in Spain was likely the first time the two were truly able to foster a serious relationship. If at any time, this was the chance for Octavian to impress Caesar, and for Caesar to bring the young man under his wing. While there is little historical documentation, Octavian likely learned a great deal about provincial administration, warfare and political manipulation while a part of his uncle?s entourage. Nicolaus of Damascus, though his account is unreliable at best, indicates that Octavian was so firmly entrenched with Caesar that he was able to have considerable influence. In one example, Nicolaus states that Octavian begged a pardon for the brother of his great boyhood friend, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, who had served under Cato in Africa. Despite beginning to retract on the number of pardons issued by this time in the civil war (as many who were pardoned would continue to fight), Caesar relented, and may have helped cement a lifetime friendship with the two future leaders of Rome.

By the end of the campaign in Spain, Octavian was sent to Apollonia in Illyricum to further his studies, along with his friend Agrippa. Here he was to continue his education, while waiting to accompany Caesar on a campaign against the Dacians and the Parthians. Octavian was still a very minor player in the politics of Rome at this point, but his star was certainly on the rise. Caesar, having selected various political offices years in advance (one of many slights against Republican tradition), had slotted his nephew to serve as his right hand man, or master of horse, in the year 43 or 42 BC. At the age of 20 or 21, Octavian was expected to occupy the second most powerful position in the Roman world, but fate, and the Ides of March would have a different plan."

http://www.unrv.com/fall-republic/octavian.php

I knew Octavian had gone to Spain when Caesar was there but did not know about his intervention on Aggripa's behalf to secure a pardon for Aggripa's brother. I also did not know that Caesar had planned to make Octavian "Master of Horse" at only 20 or 21 years of age. (I bet this really irked Marc Antony).

At least the Octavian character in HBO's "Rome" is far more calculating and politically astute than the spoiled rich boy portrayed in ABC's "Empire". I am definitely looking forward to the next installment!

Class warfare, sex and death -- HBO charges boldly into 'Rome'

One critic's first take on the first six episodes:

"...we follow two extremely different men of the 13th Legion: Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd), a man of loyalty, honor and duty to the Empire. And Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), an enormous fighting machine, a goon who thinks with his genitals, has an extremely short temper and a very quick sword (which often, and with precision, guts someone's throat from front to back).

Vorenus is torn between his loyalty to the 13th and his belief that the Empire is crumbling from years of corruption and greed. He knows that Caesar is likely to speed the decline. Pullo, though dim-witted, is more enlightened about changing times. Rome, and the world, has changed, he tells Vorenus. Don't get hung up on history -- there's no going back.

Into their world -- from senators to slaves -- comes a brilliantly nuanced group of other characters. This is where HBO really shines. A great drama goes beyond two leads and opens up and explores the lives of auxiliary characters, each making the series in question resonate much more powerfully.

That's also true in "Rome" which more than excuses the languid, complicated pace of the first two episodes. And it will be mighty handy, once you get hooked, to have access to the HBO Web site, which has set the standard for character identification, family trees, lines of power, etc.

As the episodes unfold, there are wonderful performances from Polly Walker as Atia of the Julii, James Purefoy as Mark Antony, and Max Pirkis as Atia's son, Gaius Octavian.

This is in addition to four riveting performances from McKidd, Stevenson, Cranham and Hinds. Credit must also go to series writer, co-creator and executive producer Br">Class warfare, sex and death -- HBO charges boldly into 'Rome': "we follow two extremely different men of the 13th Legion: Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd), a man of loyalty, honor and duty to the Empire. And Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), an enormous fighting machine, a goon who thinks with his genitals, has an extremely short temper and a very quick sword (which often, and with precision, guts someone's throat from front to back).

Vorenus is torn between his loyalty to the 13th and his belief that the Empire is crumbling from years of corruption and greed. He knows that Caesar is likely to speed the decline. Pullo, though dim-witted, is more enlightened about changing times. Rome, and the world, has changed, he tells Vorenus. Don't get hung up on history -- there's no going back.

Into their world -- from senators to slaves -- comes a brilliantly nuanced group of other characters. This is where HBO really shines. A great drama goes beyond two leads and opens up and explores the lives of auxiliary characters, each making the series in question resonate much more powerfully. When television is done extremely well, you get maybe four additional characters of merit. In HBO gems such as 'The Sopranos,' 'The Wire,' and 'Deadwood,' truly fleshed-out characters often number in double digits -- a grand dramatic achievement.

That's also true in 'Rome,' which more than excuses the languid, complicated pace of the first two episodes. And it will be mighty handy, once you get hooked, to have access to the HBO Web site, which has set the standard for character identification, family trees, lines of power, etc.

As the episodes unfold, there are wonderful performances from Polly Walker as Atia of the Julii, James Purefoy as Mark Antony, and Max Pirkis as Atia's son, Gaius Octavian.

This is in addition to four riveting performances from McKidd, Stevenson, Cranham and Hinds. Credit must also go to series writer, co-creator and executive producer Bruno Heller, who has turned "Rome" into an addictive, open- ended, page-turner of sorts. Each episode is like a chapter in a book, and you don't want to wait another seven days to move forward." - Tim Goodman, SFgate.com

Great Scott: `Gladiator' worth Crowe-ing about

BostonHerald.com: "Russell Crowe, Academy Award winner for the 2000 blockbuster ``Gladiator,'' is ready to strap on a sword again for a sequel - or maybe 10 more - if he can convince director Ridley Scott. Crowe is quite proud of the film that made him a worldwide star, and, interestingly, is keenly aware of how fans on the Internet have responded. Among the dirt he and Scott share here - Crowe performed most of his stunts, despite Scott's attempts to stop him; Joaquin Phoenix was horribly nervous about filming and tried to quit the first day; and co-star Connie Nielsen knew more about the historical period than just about anyone involved with the production."

Like many other Gladiator fans, I rushed down to Circuit City last night to get my copy of the new Extended Edition. After dinner I settled down for an insightful discussion of the filmmaker's craft between my favorite director and my favorite actor. I was surprised by the apparent spontaneity of the creative process that hallmarked this production. I was always under the impression that you began production with a relatively completed script and that storyboards were used not only during production but to initially sell the concept to the production studio. So I found it quite eye-opening to learn that quite a bit of filming had already taken place before various character's fates were even determined. In fact at one point Scott and Crowe discussed how Maximus' page, played by Tommy Flanagan, was not scheduled for a reappearance in the film until much later when it was decided he would become the messenger between Maximus and his supporters. They mentioned how it was lucky Flanagan was available later on to resume his role and still had the haircut.

There was a similar indecision about the fates of Proximo and the African gladiator played by Djimon Hounsou. Apparently at one point the Hounsou character, Juba, was going to be killed and Proximo would bury his wooden sword in the arena. Of course that had to be changed when Oliver Reed suffered his fatal heart attack.

I was a bit disappointed that neither Scott nor Crowe apparently got along with Oliver Reed that well. I think, at least with Crowe, it may have been a case of two alpha males trying to coexist in the same environment. They commented that Reed apparently got on quite well with Connie Nielsen and Joaquin Phoenix. Crowe said that Reed was much more gentle with them than he was with him. Scott and Crowe did not express an opinion about Reed's performance. I thought Oliver Reed's last performance was excellent and a real tribute to his career, despite his off camera difficulties.

I was pleased that both men thought quite highly of Connie Nielsen's talents. Scott said she should have been cast as Helen of Troy. In fact, he said, there were quite a few roles that have come up since Gladiator that would have been perfect for her but Crowe added that Hollywood seems to be intimidated by a highly intelligent woman that can speak something like seven or nine languages. (She sounds a lot like the real historical Cleopatra!)

They were also both very complimentary about Joaquin Phoenix. I would hope so since I think his scene with Richard Harris, where Commodus bemoans the fact that he never measured up to his father's hopes, was one of the most outstanding scenes in the film. They relate how nervous Phoenix was about playing such an imperious role. He seemed to calm down quite a bit after having a long talk with epic veteran Richard Harris.

Russell Crowe and Richard Harris apparently became pretty close. Crowe related how he received the news of Richard Harris' death just thirty minutes before Crowe was to perform the burial at sea scene where he read the Lord's Prayer in Master and Commander.

HBO's Rome premieres Aug 28

Rome Premieres Sunday, August 28

When two soldiers of Caesar's 13th Legion are ordered into the wilds of Gaul to retrieve their legion's stolen standard -- the unifying symbol of Caesar's legion -- they set off a chain of circumstances that will entwine them in the pivotal events of the world's greatest civilization. Don't miss the intimate drama of love and betrayal, masters and slaves, and husbands and wives that critics are calling the biggest television event of the year! Rome debuts Sunday, August 28 at 9PM.

Now this is worth subscribing to HBO! I took their Pantheon Personality quiz and found my patron Roman god to be Mars the god of war. Oh, my!

Thermopylae's 300 gain a Phantom for a King

GerardButler.Net : "Gerard Butler will star in Warner Bros? adaptation of 300, a graphic novel by Frank Miller (Sin City) that recounts one of ancient Greece?s best-known military battles.

Warner, returning to the sword-and-sandal action-adventure genre that yielded blockbuster results at the global box office with Troy but more mixed fortunes with Alexander, plans to begin principal photography in Montreal on Oct 17. The studio will distribute 300 worldwide.

Zack Snyder, who recently remade George A Romero?s seminal zombie picture Dawn Of The Dead, will direct.

300 is the true story of how an elite unit of Spartan warriors thwarted the massive Persian army at the battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. Butler will play the Spartan king Leonidas as he takes on the Persian ?god-king? Xerxes.

In Miller?s blood-spattered interpretation the story culminates with Leonidas, riddled with arrows, exacting revenge on Xerxes with his final dying breath."

I became quite entranced with Gerard Butler when he played the starring role in the USA miniseries "Atilla". I also liked his turn as the time-traveling archaeologist in "Timeline". I just wish the story had been centered on him rather than the weaker character played by Paul Walker. I'm a little skeptical about the studio's statement that the production will feature "hyper-realistic sets" as depicted in the graphic novel but I'm still hopeful about the result.

Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War

Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War Q&A - Introduction - Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War Previews for PC at GameSpot: "Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War is set in the ancient world, and you'll assume the role of some of the greatest leaders in history as you attempt to carve out an empire. Rise & Fall is by no means a traditional real-time strategy game, and it will introduce several innovative new features to the genre.

The truly innovative thing about Rise & Fall is hero command, which will be the key to your civilization's success. A powerful, heroic leader like Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, or Ramses the Great will perform incredible feats on the battlefield. At key, strategic moments in the game, you will leap into action and take personal control of your hero and cut a swath of destruction across the battlefield.

Rise & Fall's single-player game is divided into two full-length, story-driven adventures that take you all over the ancient world. The first chronicles Alexander the Great as he ascends to the Macedonian throne and wages war against his bitter enemies, the Persians. His campaign begins in Greece and then moves to Asia Minor, where you will relive some of Alexander's most famous battles, such as the Battle at Gaugamela and the Siege of Tyre.

The second campaign follows Cleopatra as she struggles to defeat Roman invaders, led by Octavian, who have conquered the northern regions of Egypt. Accompanied by Mark Antony, Cleopatra must fight her way down the Nile and retake Memphis, Cairo, and Alexandria. Although the two campaigns appear to be unrelated, Cleopatra was a direct descendant of Alexander through her Ptolemaic lineage, so there is a direct connection between the two characters and campaigns.

In multiplayer, there will be four playable civilizations--Persia, Greece, Rome, and Egypt. We are carefully balancing each civilization so that it will have its own strengths and weaknesses. The Persians, for example, will be able to field a large army, but their units are a little weaker than the other civilizations."

Empire's Tyrannus was also Riverworld's Nero

One more interesting tidbit about Empire's Tyrannus. I didn't realize it but Jonathan Cake who played Tyrannus played Nero in the Sci-Fi Channel's original production of 'Riverworld'. Now I'm going to have to watch Riverworld again with renewed interest. For those of you who have never heard of Riverworld, it is a production based on a book by Philip Jose Farmer entitled 'To Your Scattered Bodies Go'.

'This novel introduces the setting of 'Riverworld,' a mysterious
planet where the entire human race from all time periods is suddenly a inexplicably `resurrected.' Constructs known as grails provide food and other items for the billions of humans. Who or what created the Riverworld, and why did it reconstruct the whole of the human race? That question hangs over the entire story, as our hero, the legendary Victorian adventurer, Orientalist, anthropoligist, writer, and swordsman Richard Francis Burton, sets out on a quest to locate the masters of Riverworld. He has some interesting companions: a 20th century American, an alien visitor from the last days of Earth, a Neanderthal, the woman who inspired the character of Alice in Wonderland, and...well, Nazi leader Hermann Goering. Burton wants to uncover the secrets of Riverworld, but the entities responsible for it want to find him as well, for he holds a secret that they desperately need.'

In the original book, Hermann Goering is the villain of the piece but in the Sci Fi Channel version, Nero takes center stage - played by Jonathan Cake. It had been a while since I watched the Sci Fi piece so I didn't recognize Jonathan Cake when I watched 'Empire'. I just knew that I liked his performance.

If the Sci Fi Channel people had studied their Roman history, they would have selected Commodus rather than Nero. Nero is portrayed as a skilled swordsman and gladiator-type fighter - not the poet, actor, and lyre player.

Riverworld is also available on DVD.

Spartan: Total Warrior to debut on PS2

GameSpot: "Unlike previous "Total War" titles, this new offshoot will cast you as a lone Spartan warrior fighting alongside Greek forces against the advances of the power-hungry Roman Empire.

Your objective will rarely be a version of 'kill all the enemies to proceed'--rather, each mission will present you with a progression of specific tasks to complete as you cut down the Roman throng. You may be asked to eliminate a series of enemy commanders, then escort a couple of sappers to place explosives at the bases of guard towers, then ignite those explosives to take out the towers and secure the area. Later you juggle several objectives at once, such as preventing Roman troops from breaching the gate , while at the same time firing a series of catapults to take down a massive an approaching walking statue. The game will purportedly be unafraid to make you face multiple objectives at once, which should help to heighten the already frantic pace of the battles."

New Gladiator "Directors Cut" offers spirited Crowe Commentary

Entertainment News Article | Reuters.co.uk: "Crowe makes his debut as a DVD commentator, looking back at the globe-trotting production with his pal and director Ridley Scott. Their talk is spirited and informative, light on Roman history and heavy on location war stories. The men seem to be having a great time, especially when busting on co-star 'Joaq' Phoenix, a nervous Nellie during filming.

Crowe rides Scott about his late-in-the-game decision to have the hero Maximus killed off: 'It's cost us hundreds of millions of dollars. Great idea, mate! We could have been on 'Gladiator 10' by now.'

Scott points out some of the new footage, which adds 17 minutes to the film. 'People who have enjoyed this movie in its short form, they're going to like the hell out of this.'

The new-to-DVD extras sprawl across discs 2 and 3. Among the best is a new documentary that somehow manages not to drag over its three-hour running time. A must-see chapter is 'The Heat of the Battle,' about staging the warfare. It captures Scott making battlefield decisions: 'I need something really brutal. Chop his fucking head off.'

A 25-minute segment covers the curious tale of Oliver Reed, who died three weeks before the end of production. The visual effects team shows how their digital resurrection of the actor averted $26 million in reshoots.

This "extended edition" DVD will be available August 23.

Empire (mini-series)to be released November 29 on DVD

Empire (mini-series): I see that Touchtone has announced the release of the Empire miniseries DVD is slated for November 29.

"The epic TV mini-series EMPIRE, a captivating story set in ancient Rome, is available on DVD for the first time ever on November 29 from Buena Vista Home Entertainment and Touchstone Television. In the tradition of Gladiator and Troy, EMPIRE is a sweeping epic with a thrilling storyline of politics and intrigue. Beginning with the assassination of Julius Caesar, which sends Rome into chaos, this exciting story is filled with the infinite power, greed, action and lust that defined the Roman Empire.

EMPIRE'S powerful and dynamic cast includes James Frain (24) as Brutus, Jonathan Cake (TV's Inconceivable) as Tyrannus, Santiago Cabrera (Haven) as Octavius, Colm Feore Chicago, Pearl Harbor) as Caesar and Vincent Regan (TV's Rescue Me) as Marc Anthony. Dennis Haysbert (24) is Magonius, Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) is Fulvia, Michael Byrne (Gangs of New York) is Cicero, Trudie Styler (Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) is Servilia, and Emily Blunt (My Summer of Love) is Camane.

On DVD, EMPIRE will include never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes bonus material for a closer look at this epic production. Available on 2-disc DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.)."

Explore Babylon in Prince of Persia III

In the last installment of the "Sands" trilogy, the Prince will evolve in the city of Babylon, his hometown. Our goal is to make Babylon feel like a rich, vibrant city?but plagued by conflict. That is a huge challenge for our team!

To make this legendary city feel credible and realistic, our team took inspiration from real Middle Eastern cities: Cairo in Egypt and the medinas of Marrakech and Casablanca in Morocco all inspired the color palette, textures, and architecture for POP3. The preproduction of the game was done by Ubisoft's studio in Casablanca, allowing us to draw on the daily life of the team to lend authenticity to the environment.

Babylon, like most ancient Middle Eastern cities, features a succession of rooftops that, altogether, form a real "city above the city." The rooftops are the player's kingdom. Being a powerful acrobatic warrior, here the Prince reigns as a predator. High on the rooftops, the player will see foes and objectives from a distance. Massive jumps and amazing heights will give players a great sense of vertigo. Conversely, when the Prince is in the streets, the claustrophobic environment will serve to reinforce the feeling of being hunted.

We've created a city full of contrasts: everything from the mighty palace to the lowly sewers, from the lighter "high city" of wealth and prosperity to the darker "low city," home to the poor and decrepit. Our ambition is to deliver the organic feeling of a Middle Eastern city to players, with its intricate networks of streets and its typical "living" elements such as the interiors of homes complete with everyday necessities--vases, plates, carpets, etc.

The mythical Tower of Babel is omnipresent in the game. The player will see it from afar when he's perilously leaping across Babylon's rooftops or even driving a chariot at full speed through its narrow alleys!

We wanted to break from the traditional image of the Tower of Babel established by 16th-century European painters. We aimed to create an original tower, both in terms of its shape and internal structure. In POP3, the tower serves as the Royal Palace. It is divided into two parts. The first part is inspired by the bark of a tree--a defensive layer that protects the palace from enemy projectiles or sandstorms. The second part--the Royal Palace--is much more open, with terraces, apartments, the throne room, and the famous Hanging Gardens. All of this splendor overlooks the whole city of Babylon.

Colosseum: Road to Freedom for PS2

GameSpot: "Currently scheduled for release in July, Colosseum: Road to Freedom is an action role-playing game in which you assume the role of a gladiator in ancient Rome. Colosseum: Road to Freedom will feature both cooperative and competitive play for two players when it ships in July, but for the purpose of this preview we've been exploring the single-player mode exclusively. Shortly after you start playing the game's story-driven single-player mode, you'll be sold as a slave and told that the only way you can win back your freedom is to repay your new owner the 1 million silver that you cost him. Your only income, predictably, will be the winnings that you earn in gladiatorial arenas, the vast majority of which goes straight into his pocket before you get a chance to spend it.

Colosseum: Road to Freedomscreenshot
The tutorials do a good job of familiarizing you with the game's unconventional controls.

Colosseum: Road to Freedom does a good job of easing you into your new life via a series of quick and easy tutorials at the same training camp where you'll be working out via a series of simple minigames in between arena days. The tutorials cover just about everything you'll need to know to survive as a gladiator, including multiple attack styles, dodging and parrying enemy attacks, sliding and rolling, crouching and jumping, picking up and throwing equipment, and managing your adrenaline meter. The controls are unconventional for a fighting game, but they're pretty intuitive, and it won't be long before you've decided on your favorite weapon combination and start to build an entire fighting style around it."

This title will be released in the PS2 format only.

Civilization IV to introduce religion management

(Gamespot)"How does religion work, exactly? Do you have to research an individual religion before you can convert to it, much like you had to research different government types in earlier Civ games? And once you have religion, how do you defend against encroaching religions so they don't convert your cities?"

(Barry Caudill, Civ IV's senior producer) "The first person to discover certain technologies will find the religion associated with that technology, so you don't have to have the technology to convert. The easiest way to keep other people's missionaries out of your territory is by eliminating any open border treaties you might have. That would mean that the missionary unit could not cross your border without its owner declaring war first. Keeping your religion strong by aggressively building religious buildings and being aggressive in pushing your own religion with missionaries will also help."