14 DAY TRIAL // You're not going to like this, but you had to find out sooner or later. Sorry we're the ones to break it to you but, Paradox Interactive has announced today that Combat Mission: Shock Force will be slightly delayed in reaching retail shelves in North America. OK, don't... scream and stuff. The report says "slightly delayed," jeez. Apparently, USA and Canada stores will be seeing it on August 6th.
But in case you didn't know, the game's developer has rolled out a free downloadable demo, which, fortunately, you can download right HERE. There you go, I knew that'd make you feel better. Here's what the demo includes, in terms of key features.
￭Two scenarios which can be played from either side ￭One of the scenarios is designed as a tutorial to familiarize players with the game system ￭The second scenario involves a mix of a US Stryker/Tank force encountering a Syrian Mechanized Infantry force showcasing battles set in a open, rural environment ￭All multiplayer modes are active (TCP-IP, PBEM, Hotseat) ￭You can access the full Game Editor, but the save function is disabled. ￭The full game manual is included
Rest assured though, even though the game has been slightly delayed, the wait is worth it, as Combat Mission: Shock Force uses a new graphics engine as well. Here's what it improves, as Battlefront themselves put it: "This new engine will also support "dark mapping." This new feature allows the developers to darken or tint certain areas of the map. This can be used to create shadows or simulate ground that's wet from rains or flooding. It may also speed up map design by allowing the designers to substitute dark-mapped dirt for mud. The feature may also be useful in defining objective areas -- rather than posting flags all over the battlefield, the designers may simply lay out tinted areas that mark key goals."
OK, so remember, the full version of Combat Mission: Shock Force launches August 6, 2007. Let's hope it's the final announcement regarding the game's release date.