PC Gaming News: StarCraft II Beta, More

StarCraft II Beta Invites
Starcraft Wire is reporting that fans who register a Battle.net account can enter into the "beta opt-in" for the StarCraft II Beta. However, not everyone will get in, as the process will select random members to receive the golden invitation. Additionally, Blizzard re-launched the Battle.net website with a great new look, and implemented the ability to add games to the account, allowing fee client downloads whenever necessary. Fans who really want to get a sneak peak into StarCraft II should head over the Battle.net now, as beta invitations are already making rounds to random Battle.net members.

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Images: courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment

Official Wolfenstein Website Launched, Spike TV Special
Activision sent over a small reminder that the official Wolfenstein website goes live today, offering a huge batch of new screens, videos, and concept art to download... even IM icons for your chatting pleasure. Additionally, on Friday night, GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley will be on Spike TV, exposing a bit of exclusive footage from the highly anticipated shooter. "This half-hour special features the World Premiere of a brand new trailer, a first-look at one of the game's bosses, loads of exclusive gameplay footage, your first look at cut-scenes and interviews with members of id Software & Raven Software.  Check out GTTV, Friday night at 1 AM Eastern/Pacific on Spike TV (airs at 10 PM Pacific on DirecTV)."

Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack Soon
This morning, Activision said that Map Pack 1 for Call of Duty: World at War is now available to download for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. However, the company also revealed that, while there is a PC version in the works, it will not be available until a later, undisclosed date. However, for console owners, they'll receive three maps: Nightfire, Station, and Knee Deep. Map Pack 1 also adds Verruckt (Zombie Asylum) to the four-player co-op Nazi Zombie mode.

Zeno Clash 50 Percent Off for 34 Hours
ACE Team Software said that Zeno Clash will be available for 50 percent off its regular price for those who pre-purchase the game via Steam. The sale starts now and ends Friday, March 20th at 8 PM GMT. Zeno Clash is an action/fighting game set in a punk fantasy world, blending first person action with up close and brutal combat made popular in third person console classics. "The game's art style pushes the boundaries of the Source engine features (the same used to create Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress 2, etc) and represent a departure from the visuals seen in any of today's games," the company said.

The Path Horror Game Released
Tale of Tales said that its "original artistic" horror game The Path is now available to purchase and download from Direct2Drive, Steam and the official website. "The title refers to the path to grandmother's house in the story of Little Red Ridinghood that inspired our design," directors Auriea Harvey (US) & Michael Samyn (BE) explain, "the path that you're not supposed to stray from for fear of meeting the wolf. But it also has another meaning. While most videogame designs encourage you to achieve your goals quickly and efficiently, The Path allows you to focus entirely on what happens in between start and finish. Much like life, our game ends with death. But despite the gloomy and sometimes unsettling atmosphere, The Path contains a positive message: enjoy life to the fullest, no matter how short it may be!"
Empire in Arms Patched

Matrix Games said that a new patch for Empires in Arms is now available, updating the retail version of the game to v1.05.05. The update comes with several bug fixes including a fix for guard commitment, a fix for possible game looping in the naval phase, fixes for the Insurrection corps, foraging bug fixes, and more. "Take command of one of the many factions in early 19th century Europe! Empires in Arms is a grand strategy turn-based race to prove which nation is the greatest in Europe. In a bid for mastery over the continent, players can succeed where Napoleon failed or try to stop the military genius quicker than his historical enemies could!"

MLB Dugout Heroes goes Open Beta
The open beta for MLB Dugout Heroes kicked off earlier today, serving as North America's first fully licensed and online-based PC baseball game. Published by GameCampus, MLB Dugout Heroes features all Major League Baseball
players and stadiums from the past and present. "It's unique and realistic leveling system allows players to grow stronger and better as they continue through the game. In addition, special points are given to players as they complete baseball missions (quests) given daily or weekly, and these points can be used to purchase new players, uniforms, items, and more!"

Runes of Magic Launched
After a successful beta run, Frogster America has officially launched its fantasy-based free-to-play MMORPG, Runes of Magic. Starting today, fans will experience the first chapter of the overall saga, Rise of the Demon Lord, however previous players who participated in the beta program will still get to keep and play their characters in the official version. The fantasy world will soon been expanded with the addition of Ravenfell, a coastal area with a distinct pirate feel. The game world will be further complemented by regular updates following the release.

Far Cry 2: Fortunes Pack on Steam
Steam News reports that the new downloadable content pack for Far Cry 2--entitled Fortunes Pack--is now available on Steam. This pack includes three new weapons (silenced shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, crossbow), two new vehicles (big truck, Quad), and five new multiplayer maps (Cheap Labor, Last Resort, Lake Smear, Fort Fury, and Jungle Seizure). The Fortunes Pack costs $4.99.

More to come shortly...