QUAKE IV - FIRST INTELLIGENCE REPORTS

Amazing details on the new Stroggish threat

11:11 With both PC Zone UK and PC Gamer US mags hitting the streets, word has inevitably snuck out and spread like wildfire across the net on the forthcoming monster that is Quake IV.

All we' ve known previously about Quake IV is that it was under development at FPS specialists Raven Software, which has made a habit of taking id-engined games and extending them to the next level (see Hexen, Heretic and Soldier of Fortune II).

However now amazing new details have emerged, which confirm that Quake IV will not only live up to fans' expectations but could massively exceed them.

Quake IV will actually form a direct sequel to Quake II and you' ll renew combat against the cybernetic Strogg just moments after the original game ended with the defeat of the Makron. However this time you won' t be fighting alone and you' ll be battling alongside fellow marines who Raven are certain will prove more than just Strogg-fodder this time around.

The battle is set to commence on both interior and exterior levels across the Strogg homeworld and of course there' ll be the classic weapons load out, featuring returning favourites like the blaster, machinegun, nailgun and shotgun. Most intriguingly of all, Quake IV is set to feature vehicular combat for the very first time.

What else could we tell you? Well absolutely tons, but we' d recommend you rush out and secure yourself a copy of our sister mag PC Zone, which has a massive eight page feature on the game, with sensational in-game pics and art, interviews with Raven team members, insider info and hot word on QIV' s multiplayer credentials.

It really is the definitive word on the game and includes a Quake IV secret so terrible, that we can barely even whisper it.

What could that be? Well you' ll just have to grab a copy of this month' s most excellent PC Zone to find out.


John Houlihan


KNIGHTS OF HONOR
PC
Black Sea Studios
EA Games
Sim / Strategy

14 Sep 04 You know globalisation has got out of hand when a developer from Bulgaria drops the ' u' in honour, US-style. And while America has nothing to do with this European-set medieval empire-builder, at least the goal of having to achieve domination over the known world will ring true the other side of the pond. For as regent of one of Europe' s feudal kingdoms, your task in Knights Of Honor is to bring the entire continent under your sway.
The game plays in real-time and revolves around territories, each of which are controlled by a town run by one of your princes or a knight. To emerge triumphant, most of your time is spent tinkering with your vassals (ooh, missus!) to get the right man in the right job at the right place. Of course, sooner or later, some maggot is going to challenge your power, at which point you can slip into the tactical battle engine and direct your metal-clad forces to a well-earned victory.

While it' s true that it' s old-school fixed-view isometrics all the way, the look of Knights is fairly charming. The pottering peasants, streaming banners and massive game map are perfect for the genre, even if the battles themselves are a tad lacklustre. Generally either ambushes of armies at camp, attacks on castles or straight meeting engagements, these slightly rudimentary clashes certainly won' t be threatening Medieval: Total War.


BUSH IS A KNAVE
Which is fine, as the real meat of this game is what happens between the fighting. Your progress as a leader is measured by a power bar. Representing both the strength of your realm and the support of your populace, it lowers when you do unpopular stuff like launching unprovoked wars or raising taxes, and any leader would find it hard to do both of these at the same time. When low, corruption is rife and your income suffers, while at the same time peasant revolts are more likely. To raise the bar, you must take decisions that please your serfs, such as winning wars and expanding your empire, by fair means or foul.

After all, as any proto-Machiavelli will tell you, there' s more than one way to skin a cat. You could grasp it in your mailed fist before hacking away its mangy hide with a crude dagger (that' s a metaphor for using force, by the way). Alternatively, you could get the cat to marry your daughter, (which is where the feline allegory starts going awry), or even place one of your spies in its court, hoping that one day your agent rises to become heir to the moggy' s litter (throne).

We like the way this is shaping up - a sedate, cerebral foray into the Dark Ages - and if you like a little more kingdom-making and a little less tank-rushing, keep your eyes firmly on it.

PC Zone staff



PAINKILLER EDITOR UNLEASHED

DreamCatcher and People Can Fly give the modding crowd the tools they require, along with a new patch and a server update.
Fans of DreamCatcher' s Painkiller now have the tools they need to go mod-mad. Today, People Can Fly released the editor and mod toolkit for the well-reviewed shooter. Accompanied with start-up tutorials, the pair will let players make new maps and mods for Painkiller, as well as edit the existing game. The editor and mod toolkit are available as a single download on GameSpot DLX.

DreamCather also released the v1.35 patch for Painkiller, which users must install before they can use the editor and toolkit. Also available is the v1.3.5 dedicated server, which can also be downloaded from GameSpot DLX.

By Tor Thorsen -- GameSpot


EVERQUEST EXPANDS WITH OMENS OF WAR

The expansion pack for the ever-popular MMORPG is now available at stores or via digital download.

EverQuesters who' ve thoroughly explored the existing realms of Norrath can now venture into uncharted territory. Today, Sony Online Entertainment launched EverQuest: Omens of War, the latest expansion pack for its long-running and ever-popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Priced at $29.99, the expansion is available both at retail outlets and via digital download from the official SOE store.

Omens of War opens up several new areas to EverQuest players. All are set in the region of Discord, where players can explore the war-torn Bloodfields and the Nobles' Causeway. Also featured will be the ancient Muramite Empire, which contains many arcane secrets. Players can venture into Discord on solo missions or as part of a group. The expansion will also feature new levels, items, and spells, as well as a faster-paced task system.

Players will likely be more impressed with Omens of War' s new graphics engine. According to SOE, the new engine will give " a whole new look to the game," with better lighting and improved weather and particle effects. " The EQ team has done an exceptional job with Omens by taking advantage of new technology to make our game look better than ever before while the new gameplay elements add fun for both new and longtime players," said Michael Lustenberger, SOE vice president of marketing.

GameSpot recently took a brief tour of the new areas of EverQuest: Omens of War. Read our preview to learn more.

By Tor Thorsen -- GameSpot