Author: Donster

Gaijin Entertainment announces that an event dedicated to Soviet robotics has started in the online action game War Thunder that will completely change your perception of warfare principles. Unique combat machines from the world of the Atomic Heart game will meet in battle with conventional tanks, other ground vehicles and helicopters produced by the USSR and the U.S.A. during the Cold War times. The Atomic Thunder event is already available to players and will run until July 31st.

In Atomic Thunder, players are divided into two teams, which include the conventional military vehicles, such as tanks T-55A and M-60, helicopters AH-1 and Mi-24, and unique combat vehicles from Atomic Heart. The battle robot Hedgie can curl up into a ball and move swiftly around the location, jump up and attack enemies from above, as well as bombard them from afar with homing missiles with HEAT warheads. The Laser Pchela is a swift flying drone attacking with a laser. Finally, the Repair Pchela can repair allied vehicles and robots, as well as summon the Burav, a powerful fighting machine that attacks enemies from underground.

Watch the Atomic Thunder Trailer HERE.

For their success in combat, players receive unique decorations and Atomic Heart-style avatars. Learn more about the rewards and other features of the event on the official War Thunder website.

Today, Rebellion, one of the world’s most successful independent video game developers and publishers, is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated Kraken Awakes, the final content pack for Season Pass Two of Sniper Elite 5. Prepare to unleash chaos against Operation Kraken and prove your sniping prowess on all platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

You can watch our new trailer showcasing all the Kraken Awakes content HERE.

Intel gathered in previous missions has revealed that Operation Kraken is still a looming threat that demands your immediate action. Karl Fairburne, the legendary sniper, must utilise the cover of darkness and harness the power of shadows to sabotage an under-construction aircraft carrier, that is the new home of Operation Kraken, and ensure it never sets sail. The fate of the Allies hangs in the balance as you face off against Friedrich Vogel, former deputy to Abelard Möller and the new mastermind behind this diabolical scheme.

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you navigate an intricately designed military dock and unravel the mysteries hidden within the sprawling aircraft carrier. With an abundance of secrets waiting to be uncovered, take your time to gather valuable intel and gain the upper hand in your mission to save the world from impending doom.

Kraken Awakes not only delivers a gripping narrative and immersive gameplay but also introduces exciting additions to your arsenal. Immerse yourself in an all-American look for Karl with the new Patriot weapon skin and American Airborne character skin. Dominate the battlefield with the Mod.712 pistol, boasting detachable magazines and an unrivalled automatic fire rate, this is perfect for close-quarters combat.

In addition to the Kraken Awakes content pack, Rebellion is excited to release a thrilling new multiplayer map, the Abandoned Quarry. Engage in heart-pounding firefights as you explore the treacherous depths of the old mine. Seek out vantage points and hidden corners in the nearby coal processing centre, providing ideal sniping sightlines across the map. Whether you prefer the stealthy approach or all-out gunfire and action, the Abandoned Quarry offers an adrenaline-fueled experience for Snipers of all playstyles.

Lastly, as we conclude Season Pass Two, Rebellion would like to extend our gratitude to the Sniper Elite community for their unwavering support and dedication. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Karl’s world, we appreciate each and every one of you dropping into the action.

If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of Sniper Elite 5, seize the opportunity now on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC.

The Kraken Awakes DLC is available now, as part of Season Pass Two (priced £24.99/$29.99/€29.99), or as a separate purchase for £9.99/€10.99/$10.99.

To keep up to date with all the latest Sniper Elite 5 news please visit sniper.com.

Victura and Highwire Games has launched first-person tactical shooter Six Days in Fallujah in Steam’s Early Access, priced at USD 39.99. EUR 38.99 and GBP £32.99. Featuring four co-operative, four-player missions, Six Days in Fallujah’s urban maps are generated procedurally, simulating the uncertainty of combat, and offering unlimited replayability.

The most realistic simulation of urban combat to-date, Six Days in Fallujah is developed with help from more than 100 Marines and Soldiers who served in the Second Battle of Fallujah, as well as more than two dozen Iraqi civilians and soldiers. Based on true stories from the battle, Six Days requires players to overcome real-world scenarios with their fire team by using real-life military tactics.

In the coming months, additional features and content will be introduced, including:

Night-time Missions: Knowing what lies around the next corner is hard enough during daylight hours. Gameplay evolves with even more tension with the addition of night-time missions, as more are added throughout Early Access.

Weather variation: While night-time missions will add to the procedural architecture, weather variation will challenge players and add to the complexity of missions.

“Go” Command: Later this year, take control of your AI teammates with unique tactical control, drawing inspiration from real-life tactics.

Single Player Missions: Specific moments from the second battle of Fallujah from those who were there, including Special Operations Missions, Civilians and more.

Expected to remain in Early Access for one year, Six Days in Fallujah will expand its tense, and challenging tactical shooter, with a full release for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

More information about Six Days in Fallujah is available at www.sixdays.com.

Highly anticipated RTS to feature incredible wealth of content – multiple single player epic campaigns, tons of multiplayer modes, robust mod support, and more at launch

Fulqrum Publishing and Ukrainian studio Best Way are today thrilled to announce that the highly-anticipated next instalment in the beloved strategy franchise, Men of War II is coming to PC on September 20th, 2023 via Steam, Epic Games Store and other digital store fronts. Along with the release date, a new trailer unveils a plethora of never before disclosed content; even more, including gameplay features highly requested by fans of the previous Men of War games, will be showcased soon.

Watch the Men of War II Release Date Trailer HERE.

Epic Narrative Campaigns

At launch, the game will feature three huge single-player narrative campaigns, which will guide the player through explosive fictional stories set against a historically accurate background. Featuring plotlines from three global powers – the Americans, Soviets and Germans – players will utilise military strategy to lay waste to their adversaries and fulfil various tactical objectives.

The American campaign, ‘The Falaise Pocket’, sees players taking on the role of Allied troops facing the task of eliminating German forces west of the Seine.

‘Thwarted Blitzkrieg’ is the Soviet campaign, and follows an almost hopeless situation for the USSR, as they struggle to slow the encroaching German tank forces.

In the German campaign, ‘On Their Own Soil’, players act as an old soldier amidst the collapse of the Third Reich, following the difficult road of retreat and loss, in a war that was never truly his own.

Each story chronicles the breadth of struggle and conflict from the historical backdrops that they are set upon, giving the player a realistic experience with intense real-time battle action.

Alongside these heart-stopping narrative battles, six further bonus standalone missions provide players with even more heart-stopping action.

More game information is available on the Men of War II webpage or via Steam.

The latest update brings the first Indian tank to the game, new missile flight physics and more

Gaijin Entertainment announces the release of a major update La Royale for the military online game War Thunder. It begins the closed testing of the French fleet, which even in modern times has retained its traditional nickname La Royale (“royal”). In addition, the update adds dozens of other models of ground, air and naval vehicles – for example, the French SPG Au F1, the first Indian tank in the game; the Vijayanta and the American F-14B fighter jet. Players will also get updated flight physics and visual effects of missile flight, new maps and other content.

Watch the War Thunder ‘La Royale’ Gameplay trailer HERE.

Quite powerful at the beginning of World War II, the French fleet suffered a sad fate. France was defeated on land and capitulated, after which some of its ships were destroyed right in the ports by the British or scuttled by their captains. The former allies feared that French battleships and cruisers would be captured by Germany and used against them. In the La Royale update players will find ships of very different fates – from the cruiser Colbert, which was killed in Toulon by British shells, to the destroyer La Malin, which became part of the Free French Navy. To be among the first to take part in a closed test of France’s blue-water navy lineup and receive exclusive bonuses, players can purchase early access packages with premium ships bundled with them.

The Indian Vijayanta tank is an export version of the British Vickers Mk.1, which received an infrared spotlight, side shields, and HEATFS rounds for its accurate and rapid-fire Royal Ordnance L7A1 cannon. The powerful-looking French SPG Au F.1 on the chassis of the AMX-30 tank is equipped with a 155 mm caliber gun with an autoloader and mechanized ammo rack for 36 rounds. Such self-propelled guns are still in service with the armies of France, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The F-14B is an improved version of the formidable F-14A with a significantly increased arsenal of weapons and improved rate of climb. In addition to more advanced air-to-air missiles, the fighter received a sighting container as part of the LANTIRN system, and Paveway II guided bombs, as well as a new type of weapon – bombs with a stopping parachute for low-altitude attacks without the risk of damaging your own plane with splinters.

The new map “Iberian Fortress”, designed for mixed ground and air combat, takes players to a touristic town on the eastern coast of the Balearic Sea. And the new “Franz Josef Land” nautical map introduces new mechanics – destructible coastal fortifications with guns firing at players’ ships.

Learn more about the new content in the La Royale update in the development blogs on the War Thunder website.

Community Chosen Wards & Wardens Pack Tapped for August

In a dynastic system, it is very important to leave the throne in the right hands. In most cases, you can’t choose your children, so it is crucial that you instruct them in the lessons of life and leadership while they are still willing to listen. In Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens, the rough road of royal childhood is yours to experience.

Wards & Wardens is a new event pack for Crusader Kings III, chosen by the Crusader Kings community in a vote last winter. This event pack focuses on the perils and potentials of being a child ruler, educating the children at court and furthering your learning in adulthood. This event pack is scheduled for release on 22 August 2023, and is included as a part of Crusader Kings III’s Chapter II content pass.

Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens includes:

Childhood Education Events
Visiting Universities for adult characters
More Childhood Personality Events
Hostage Events for foreign children placed at your court
Child-rearing events with courtiers, including a new court position, the Wet-Nurse.
Child Regency Events for the training or usurping of rulers who have not reached adulthood.
Four New Music Tracks

This pack also includes a free update for all Crusader Kings III players, with a new hostage system, the new Eccentric character trait, new event art and new animations.

Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens will be available on 22 August 2023 for the suggested retail price of $4.99/£4.29/€4.99.

More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III: Wards & Wardens webpage.

Arms Against Tyranny Focuses on Northern Europe and New Arms Developments

In times of crisis, it is important to be nimble, especially when you are the weaker party. Pay attention to the swiftly changing winds of diplomacy, build an army that can take advantage of weather and terrain to outfox a superior foe, and find alternate paths to prosperity and security. Sometimes, Winter is your only ally. Even if you can’t retreat into the cold forests, there are tactics and techniques available to anyone who would take Arms Against Tyranny.

Arms Against Tyranny is the latest immersion pack for Hearts of Iron IV, Paradox Interactive’s best-selling grand strategy wargame about the years around World War II. In Arms Against Tyranny, players will encounter new alternate histories and National Focus Trees for the nations of Scandinavia and Finland, with a heavy emphasis on the Winter War and Finland’s struggle against Soviet invasion.

This pack also includes new ways to develop your armament industries, and sell weapons designs to warring nations.

Features of Hearts of Iron IV: Arms Against Tyranny include:

New Finnish National Focus Tree: Walk the diplomatic tightrope of a democratic nation trapped between threats, develop a capable defensive army, or pursue alternate historical paths of collaboration with the neighboring tyrants.

New Swedish National Focus Tree: Resource rich and fiercely independent, Sweden can be the center of a unified Scandinavian resistance, or a game-changing ally in the ongoing battle of ideologies.

New Danish and Norwegian Focus Trees: With the benefit of hindsight, can you prepare these small nations for the storm of war that is about to wash upon their shores?

Military Industrial Organizations: Customize your armaments industry by encouraging national corporations to specialize in the types of weapons and technology you desire for your armed forces.

International Arms Market: Become the quartermaster of the world by selling arms and equipment to the warring nations, receiving civilian factory capacity in return.

And more: New unit art, 10 new songs, customization of Special Forces units and greater divisional specialization.

Hearts of Iron VI: Arms Against Tyranny will be accompanied by a major free update available to all Hearts of Iron IV players.

Watch the Hearts of Iron IV: Arms Against Tyranny Official Announcement Trailer HERE.

For more game information please visit the official Hearts of Iron IV website.

Modern War Through the Eyes of Those Who Were There

Victura and Highwire Games today announced their upcoming first-person tactical shooter Six Days in Fallujah will release on June 22, 2023, through Steam’s Early Access program. The game will launch with four co-operative four-player missions. These missions are set in urban maps that are generated procedurally every time the game is played to recreate the uncertainty of combat along with unlimited replayability.

Six Days in Fallujah is a highly realistic first-person tactical shooter developed with help from more than 100 Marines and Soldiers who served in the Second Battle of Fallujah, as well as more than two dozen Iraqi civilians and soldiers. Based on true stories from the battle, Six Days requires players to overcome real-world scenarios with their fire team by using real-life military tactics.

Watch the Six Days in Fallujah Early Access Announcement Trailer HERE.

“The way we play video games right now is not how people fight in real life,” says Sgt. Eddie Garcia, a Marine who was wounded during the Second Battle of Fallujah. “Six Days in Fallujah requires tactics and teamwork that are more like real combat than any other game I’ve played.”

Six Days introduces many new technologies that make combat more realistic:

Procedural Architecture re-shapes the inside and outside of every building each time the game is played. Just like the real battle, players never know what to expect.

Tactical Indoor/Outdoor Sandbox. Players — and their AI enemies — are free to approach challenges from any direction in Six Days in Fallujah. Rather than breaching a house through a front door, for example, players might choose to climb to a rooftop, or cross rooftops on wooden planks, to attack from the top down.
In Early Access, Six Days in Fallujah will focus initially on the experiences of US Marine fireteams on the first day of the battle. As Early Access develops, players can also choose to play cooperatively as special operations or Iraqi soldiers fighting alongside coalition forces, and players will begin to encounter civilians as the battle progresses. Victura also plans to release additional co-operative missions, as well as story campaign missions recreating real stories from the Second Battle of Fallujah from the perspective of both coalition forces and Iraqi civilians.

The Second Battle of Fallujah began in November 2004 after Al Qaeda in Iraq seized control of the city of Fallujah. Six months later, Iraq’s prime minister ordered a military operation in which Iraqi soldiers fought alongside American and British forces to re-take the city. Within a few days it had become one of the world’s bloodiest battles in half a century.

Six Days in Fallujah began development 18 years ago, just months after the battle ended. Conceived by a Marine who was wounded during the battle, more than 100 Marines and Soldiers, along with more than two dozen Iraqis, have helped with its development. The game was canceled in 2009 by the game’s original publisher, Konami. Development restarted in 2017 when publisher, Victura, partnered with developer Highwire Games, a studio founded by many of the original Halo and Destiny leadership.

The PC version of Six Days in Fallujah will launch into Early Access on the Steam store on June 22, 2023 at a price of US$39.99. The full release of the game is expected to be available for both console and PC in 2024. More information about Six Days in Fallujah is available at www.sixdays.com.

Saboteur pack includes the TERA rifle, Grease Gun and a Liberator character skin

Rebellion, one of the world’s most successful independent video games developers and publishers, has today launched the Saboteur pack, the latest content drop for Sniper Elite 5’s Season Pass Two. Saboteur gives you access to the TERA rifle, Grease Gun and a Liberator character skin for Karl to complete the Resistance look. Additionally, Rebellion has also launched a new No Cross map called Rhine Crossing which is available now for free in multiplayer. The Saboteur Weapon and Skin Pack is now available on Steam.

You can see a new trailer showcasing the Saboteur content and the Rhine Crossing map HERE.

Available now, as part of Season Pass Two (priced £24.99/$29.99/€29.99), or as a separate purchase for £8.99/€9.99/$9.99, Saboteur includes the Type 1 TERA, which provides a rapid rate of fire with good accuracy thanks to its low levels of recoil. Featuring a folding stock for improved portability, the TERA is incredibly fast to equip and aim down the sight.

Players will also receive the Grease Gun, an SMG with great mobility that is very easy to control, even under sustained firing, thanks to its low rate of fire and recoil. Despite its low muzzle velocity, the stability and control on offer make it a solid choice for slightly longer ranged combat encounters.

Finally, the Liberator Skin celebrates the liberation of Paris. Karl can now sport a classic French Resistance appearance complete with signature armband.

The new Rhine Crossing No Cross is available now and is free to all players. Based on the battle of Remagen at the Ludendorff Bridge in Germany, the new map is set at night and the iconic towers on the collapsed bridge offer the highest vantage points on either side of the no cross zone. With diagonal sightlines across the corners of the map and cover offered by the remains of the bridge, players will have to be at their stealthy best and make use of the dark to prevail.

To keep up to date with all the latest Sniper Elite 5 news please visit sniper.com.

It is a big and exciting world, full of big and exciting events. Great tournaments. Royal weddings. Grand tours through the countryside. There is too much to see out there to spend your life hidden behind castle walls. So saddle up and ride forth in Tours & Tournaments, a new expansion for Crusader Kings III.

Paradox Interactive’s award-winning medieval history game expands its unique blend of strategy and role-playing with a host of new events that make the map more than a list of places to conquer. In Tours & Tournaments, you can travel through your realm to check on your vassals. Attend royal weddings to demonstrate your loyalty to a distant lord. Or, if you are brave enough, enter competitions of body or mind in tournaments. Each activity opens new scope for intrigue, while also allowing new strategic paths with a chance of improving characters’ skills or traits.There are no guarantees, and danger still lurks around every corner. But with great risk, comes great renown.

Watch the Crusader Kings III: Tours & Tournaments Release Trailer HERE.

Crusader Kings III: Tours & Tournaments is available for the suggested retail price of $29.99/£24.99/€29.99 and launches with a major free update to Crusader Kings III for all players.

More information is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.