Last week yielded quite a healthy release of titles from varied platforms, spearheaded by the launch of one of the most anticipated handheld games, Square Enix's Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. This time around PC games take up the spotlight as several publishers churn out  titles of varied genres sure to satisfy most gaming palates, as well as a smattering of handheld gems on the side. Check out this week's games in the full article.

Tri Synergy have just announced that UFO: Extraterrestrials has finally reached gold status. No, that doesn't mean it's gotten more than a million units sold. Reaching gold status, in the context of the video games industry, means that the game has reached its final version and is now ready for mass production.

UFO: Extraterrestrial is a turn-based RTS game set on the distant planet Esperanza in 2025. There's no one correct way to approach any tactical situation, giving players a lot of leeway on how they decide to handle a particular situation.

Couple that level of freedom with weapon and technology advancement at the player's home base that allow for new and improved weapons, armor, and vehicles, and both tactical and strategy fans alike -- especially those who loved the original XCOM -- will be sure to find a great gaming experience in this title.

It's currently slated for digital distribution on May 1 through Matrix Games. A retail store release will follow on the second week of May.

Histories sure are intriguing, that's why we can never really get enough of modern renditions of events from the yesteryears. Just take a look at the World War II-themed games that abound PC games. Apparently, one ain't enough, and more definitely gives for more choices.

So, despite of the already numerous titles we have based on that epic history-making event spanning the globe, here's yet another title from that genre, Matrix Games' and Strategic Studies Group's own WWII battalion-level game, Battlefront. Here, you will have the opportunity to "wage historic operations like Saipan, Market Garden, Novorossisk, and Gazala the way you see it fit."

Here are some of the features included in the game:

• Advanced strategic AI enables a more flexible response to fast changing battlefields
• Steamlined user interface simplifies unit information
• Command and control system that rewards correct employment of military assets
• Close combat routines have special attack modes such as Banzai, Surprise, and Infiltration
• Indirect Fire from artillery and air assets can directly attack enemy units
• Direct fire from AFVs can attack enemy units at range
• Counter-battery fire can eliminate enemy artillery
• Eliminated units can be rebuilt as cadres and returned to battle
• Sighting, command, supply and danger zone rules encourage sensible use of artillery
• Complete Unit, Map and AI editor allows users to create scenarios from scratch

Game's been out since February 8th, so if you're interested to check it out, there's no need for you to wait any more. Anyhow, there are some more screenshots over at Full Article as well to help you decide if it's worthy of your time.

Talk about a blast from the past. Still remember Atomic Game' and Microsoft's Close Combat series, a.k.a. "Zerg-rushing = suicide"? In case you don't (young whippersnapper), it's a Real-Time Tactics (RTT) game you play from the squad-to-company level, where the units are historically researched and intricately modeled with morale, psychology, and endurance so you can't play it stupidly, i.e., rushing an infantry horde at a machine gun nest.

Well, Destineer purchased Atomic Games - and hence the series - and has partnered with Matrix Games to produce a remake of sorts, updated to current generation specs. Hey, it's been six years since the last one. Close Combat: Cross of Iron must be based on the third Close Combat game, as both are based on the same campaigns in World War II: the Russian campaigns between the Nazis and the Soviet Union. Screens from WorthPlaying abound.

More screens of Close Combat at the full article. The commissar also says that traitors and cowards will be shot.

Matrix Games has released a patch for its sci-fi FPS Starshatter: The Gathering Storm. Apparently, the game has a few bugs and needs some tweaking. The main "tweak" being the excessive fighter fuel usage. This patch makes fuel consumption more reasonable.

The patch also improves the AI related to recovery and queuing of inbound fighters. Plus it adds some additional realism to the game.

Download: [Starshatter: The Gathering Storm Patch]

We are anti-war unless its the make-believe kind. And we are definitely pro-bargain. If you are with us on this, then we have some good news. Matrix Games is offering a 30% off on War in the Pacific: The Struggle Against Japan 1941-1945 from December 18 and 20. During that period, War in the Pacific will be available for only US$ 48.95.

War in the Pacific: The Struggle Against Japan 1941-1945 is a war strategy game featuring the Uncommon Valor game engine. The gameplay area covers the vast Pacific Ocean and involves thousands of ships and aircraft. There are 15 campaigns playable against a computer opponent, hot seat, or by secure email. If you're on the look-out for a bargain military conflict, you have 72 hours to make your move.

Yep, you got that right, the most-awaited space combat game Starshatter: The Gathering Storm has spaceshipped to retail stores all over North America.

Brought to us by Matrix Games (same company who published Forge of Freedom) and indie dev company Destroyer Studios, Starshatter: The Gathering Storm is actually only the second major title developed by Destroyer but not to worry, as you'll see in the screens below, they've done a superb job in rendering the space visuals.

So anyway, for those who haven't heard of Starshatter prior to this post, allow us to put you up to speed. Starshatter: The Gathering Storm actually combines the space flight combat sim and real-time strategy genres by allowing users to take command of a battle by launching fighters and destroyers while at the same time, engaging in ship combat.

You start the game by choosing whether you wanna be a fighter pilot or the captain of a small Frigate-class starship then as you gain more experience and progress through the game, you'll be able to get promotions and awards that will up your position in the command chain.

So if you wanna skyrocket those space combat fighting fantasies of yours and you need a break from playing Space Empires or you can't wait for Galactic Command to come out, then why not check out Starshatter: The Gathering Storm, and send your rocket sky high, eh? Whaddya think?

  

If you're in the mood for some gaming-related bargains this Christmas (and honestly, who isn't?), then you'll be glad to know that Matrix Games is spreading some good old holiday cheer with this year’s Holiday Sale Event. They're offering a special 25% discount on over a dozen of the most popular titles available from Matrix Games all the way until January 6, 2007.

There's a little bit of everything for everybody in Matrix Games' gift bag, from casual gamers to the hardcore fighting-for-bragging-rights types. For sports fans, there will be delights aplenty when they find Maximum Football or PureSim Baseball wrapped and ready to play under their Christmas tree.

Thinking of having fun with friends and family through play by email gaming (PBEM)? Matrix Games offers a wide selection of titles that support PBEM which give players a convenient and easy way to communicate with distant family and old friends. Games like Korsun Pocket will have you catching up with that uncle or cousin who lives halfway across the country while royally pummeling him with your Panzers at the same time.

Check out the image up top for a list of the games that are covered by this Holiday special from Matrix Games.

About a week ago, we reported that the American Civil War video game, Forge of Freedom: The American Civil War has reached gold status and is soon to see the light of mass production. Recently, Matrix Games and Western Civilization Software announced that the game based on the Crown of Glory engine is finally released. At least, these two weren't lying when they said that they'll release it in early December.

In case the game sounds like a boring supplementary reading for your history class, you should know that it is a turn-based strategy game that will let the player command brigades at the tactical level in classic hex-based combat.

Not only will you be in-charge of the military maneuvers, but you'd also have to be on top of the economic and political developments.

And another PC game shall see the light of mass production. Matrix Games and Western Civilization software recently announced that the American Civil War game, Forge of Freedom has reached gold status and will be available soon. The strategy wargame will allow its future players to relive and refight the American Civil War from either side.

That's not all. Forge of Freedom provides players with a little extra as the game is not limited solely to military action. You would also be able to control the economic policy with governors and use your diplomacy skills to win the support of foreign nations - support that you'll be needing when you go into battle. Also, the game is based on the versatile Crown of Glory engine, that most players are already familiar with.

Over a thousand historical generals are included. Then, there's an option to know their abilities ahead of time, so as you would come in battle knowing your enemies weaknesses and strengths. Railroads, rivers and cities all play important roles, as do elections which occur at both state and national levels.

The game is slated for a late November to early December release.