PC Gaming Roundup - January 27, 2009

Today's roundup includes a chat session with the designer and developer of War Plan Pacific, and whatever else pops up throughout the day.

War Plan Pacific Chat Tonight
There's a chat session with War Plan Pacific's designer and developer John Hawkins over on the Shrapnel Games forums tonight, taking place at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST. War Plan Pacific is a computer wargame for Windows of grand strategic air and naval warfare in the Pacific during the Second World War. Players relive the conflict from the initial day of infamy until the surrender of Imperial Japan, commanding individual ships, amphibious forces, and air groups. Forum registration is required in order to participate in the chat.

Celebrity Cast Invades C&C Red Alert 3: Uprising
While EA basks in a great depression along with its rivals, the loss of revenue hasn't stopped the mammoth game publisher from signing on an all-star cast for the upcoming downloadable expansion pack. Here's the list of actors: Jamie Chung, (Dragonball Evolution), Ric Flair (16-time world heavyweight wrestling champion), Malcolm McDowell (Heroes, Clockwork Orange, Wing Commander), Jodi Lyn O'Keefe (Prison Break), Holly Valance (Neighbours) along with returning fan-favorites Gemma Atkinson and Ivana Milicevic. Command&Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising will be available for digital download this March for $19.99.

Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage Now Available
As reported yesterday, the first of three DLC expansions for Bethesda's apocalyptic action/RPG is now available to purchase and download through Games for Windows and Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Through a virtual military simulator within the game, the DLC thrusts players back into time during the battle to liberate Anchorage, Alaska from the Chinese Communist invaders. The DLC comes packed with 100 achievement points, and will cost gamers 800 MS Points.

MLB Front Office Manager Now Available
2K Sports announced this morning that its MLB-licensed manager title for Microsoft's Games for Windows platform is now available at retail outlets near you. Developed by Blue Castle Games, MLB Front Office Manager allows players to manager their favorite Major League team with the help of the infamous GM, Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics. As quoted by the PR, players can do anything a manager does, like "make the tough decisions like replacing aging veterans with rookies, scout the Minor Leagues, select new players in the Amateur and Rule 5 drafts, offer arbitration to free agents, make blockbuster trades, and participate in bidding wars for posted players from Japan." The game is also available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Painkiller, Panzer Elite Special Edition and More on DRM-Free Site
Everyone likes a DRM-free product, free of all the limitations and system invasions caused by those beloved copyright protection programs. GOG.com now features a few classic titles without all the DRM baggage, including Painkiller Black Edition and Panzer Elite Special Edition, both available for a measly $9.99 each. Other JoWood games will hit the site sometime in the future. "Adding JoWood Productions' games is another exciting step toward becoming the ultimate place for fans of classic PC games," said Adam Oldakowski, Managing Director of GOG.com. "All of these games have found large fanbases around the world, and we hope that we can show off these great titles to even more people."

Blood Frontier Next Friday
A post over on Slashdot reports that Blood Frontier's open-source FPS "shows promise," utilizing an enhanced Cube 2 engine with original artwork and new gameplay. According to the writer, the development teams listens to user feedback and provides the entire code for end-user modification. "It's nice to see these talented guys showing a true free software attitude," the writer states.

Blood Bowl Video Series Begins
By hitting this link, gamers can check out a new video series highlighting the upcoming game Blood Bowl published by Focus Home Interactive. Blood Bowl is an ultra-violent mix of American football and other team sports, taking place in the popular Warhammer universe. Developed by Cyanide Studio for the PC, Xbox 360, Sony PSP and Nintendo DS, the game is expected to hit retail shelves in Q2 2009. In the meantime, check the link daily for new video releases.

Official Far Cry 2 Map Editing Guide This Spring
Ubisoft announced that the official Far Cry 2 Map Editing Guide will hit book shelves this spring, written by gamers for the gamers. Far Cry 2 map-makers who are interested in contributing to the book can learn more at the book's website - www.farcrybook.com - where they can submit Far Cry 2 map reviews, map editing quick tips, tactical analyses, and feature articles. The book will be written and edited by David Hutchison, author of "Playing to Learn: Video Games in the Classroom."

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin Golden!
As the heading states, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's upcoming spooky FPS F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin has officially gone gold for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. According to the company, the game has the green light for a February 10 ship date. In the meantime, players can download the demo from the official website (PC) and each console's respective network.

Empire: Total War Ships March 3rd
SEGA's latest installment of the Total War franchise will hit store shelves at the beginning of March, either through normal retail outlets of as a digital download. According to the company, both versions require activation through Valve's STEAM service, however copies purchased through STEAM will start preloading 48 hours before physical release. Empire: Total War is set in the 18th century, a turbulent era that is the most requested by Total War’s loyal fan base and a period alive with global conflict, revolutionary fervor and technological advances.

Runes of Magic Valentine's Day Event Begins
Frogster's MMORPG Runes of Magic launched its Valentine's Day event, kicking off today and continuing until February 14th. As stated by the company, fans with a sweet tooth are invited to produce in-game chocolate to strengthen their in-game characters. Players can also obtain rose seeds that eventually grow to offer a strong buff to characters; the roses can also be exchanged for gift boxes. "With a bit of luck and perseverance, gardeners will find one of two time-limited mounts designed exclusively for this event: a Pegasus or Unicorn. Those who collect 30 roses during the event will be awarded a special title as a reward as well."

More to come.