GC 2007 - Day 3: Codemasters, Ubisoft and Jagged Alliance 3
UbisoftIt was already very late in the afternoon when we finally managed to meet Ubisoft. As the schedule was tight, we really didn't get to see that much. Ubisoft was showing Brothers in Arms: Hells Highway, but we missed the demonstration and had to settle for, well, Settlers.
The Settlers: Rise of an Empire was a big surprise to me. Blue Byte has kept refining the concept over the years in tiny increments, but this time they've ditched the numbering and truly reworked the visuals and gameplay. Cities now actually look like real medieval cities, and the attention to detail is very impressive. Seasons change and there are many different geographical areas to settle and dominate. The demo is already out, as mentioned here, and the game is set to be released September 2008. We'll get back to this in far more detail once we get our hands on a review copy. Other major Ubisoft titles on display included Far Cry 2 (check our earlier story on the world premier of the game) and Assassins Creed (demoed only to very limited number of press, and we weren't on that list. Doh!)
AkellaJagged Alliance 3As an old-time Jagged Alliance fanatic, I couldn't leave GC before I had scoured the place for the Akella's small booth and get to see Jagged Alliance 3. Developed by F3 Games and Akella, and based on the original JA and JA2, Jagged Alliance 3 really looks like it's now on the right track. I only had time for a short demo, and the game is still a year away, but what's important is that they have already made justice to the JA legacy. Yes, it's turn based (yay!) and the many of the old characters make a comeback, and the old chemistry and relationships between the mercs is faithfully included. The engine is obviously fully 3D, and it reminded me a lot of Silent Storm, except with more shiny, including realistic shadows.
Jagged Alliance 3 is currently scheduled for Q3 2008 in Russia, with western publishing deals still pending.
And that's your lot - Leipzig GC 2007 was over for us and my legs! We'll have a final report on the event very soon. Please head over to our discussion board to talk about this article (registration not required).
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