Between islands and orcs: New PC games for October

Gaming News

By Heiko Haupt Oct 8, 2006, 11:40 GMT

Munich- There are months when it seems PC gamers would prefer to mess around with older titles than not buy themselves any. October is a different matter altogether, presenting a choice of long awaited newcomers. Anno 1701 and Gothic 3 are successors to two of the most popular games ever. Then there is also the high-carat, role-playing game Neverwinter Nights 2 and the continuation of the Runaway adventure. Anno 1602 and its successor Anno 1503 were two of the best-selling games ever to come from a German software maker. Anno 1701 aims at extending the streak. The basic principle is the same as ever: players must build up a thriving settlement - huts should grow to houses and the handicrafts should continuously improve. Yet there are also new elements. The most eye-catching are the highly detailed 3D graphics. The cityscape seen by the player now reflects the degree to which his subjects support him. If they are unhappy, then buildings start going up in flames. Anno 1701 will be released on October 19 for just under 50 dollars. Roughly a week before the Anno builders take their places, fans of the Gothic role-playing series will have a chance to storm the stores. Gothic 3 was originally slated to appear for Christmas 2005. It centres on a nameless hero who in the first part escapes from a penal colony and in the second defends the island of Khorinis. It is now his task to save the world from the orcs that have enslaved it. Players can choose which side they join, and will meet old acquaintances along the way. The game's publisher, Jowood, claims that there is a great deal of graphical upgrading, meaning that a relatively new computer is needed. Gothic 3 can be had for roughly 50 dollars. The adventure game Runaway 2: The Dream of the Turtle is also long overdue. As before, the hero Brian Basco and his companion Gina Timmins are at the centre of the action, with the action driven by solving tricky puzzles. Runaway differs from other adventures as it contains comic-book optics and odd-ball humour. This second part begins with a crash landing in Hawaii's island world. The two heroes visit various places and encounter odd characters in the hope of emerging at the end still unscathed. The new Runaway will also hit the stores for around 64 dollars. One of the most popular role-playing games in the world is Neverwinter Nights. The new second title in the series is based on the paper-and-pencil role playing game universe of Dungeons & Dragons. As is typical of such games, Neverwinter Nights 2 revolves around building up a hero and using him to conquer evil. Along the way the player is joined by helpers whose tasks he must coordinate. According to Atari, the secrets of Neverwinter will reveal themselves starting on October 19 for around 50 dollars. © 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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