Return of the classics in PC gaming

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Return of the classics in PC gaming

Dusseldorf, July 10 (DPA) Some people claim computer gaming has not produced any new ideas lately and they may be right. Offerings for the second half of 2006 include a lot of sequels to famous titles, which builds buzz, but could eventually lead to disappointment.

Anno 1701 is expected to be a big seller this autumn. Produced by Sunflowers of Heusenstamm, the game is an extension to Anno 1503 and Anno 1602. The goal remains to establish settlements on previously deserted islands and to find the raw materials necessary to keep the settlements going.

The biggest change is the new 3-D graphics. And a multi-player function that was promised for Anno 1503 but never materialised is expected in this version.

The Settlers series is returning to its roots. In its last outing, the society-planning simulation game had turned into a real-time strategy game. But this time, developers brought back the core of Settlers 2 combined with more modern graphics.

Ceasar IV from Sega updates the player's ability to construct ancient Roman cities with modern graphics capabilities. The creators of Civ City Rome tended to be a little more modern, even if they only actually blended the concepts of two classic games.

Gothic 3 also shares similarities with its predecessors. The nameless hero has his adventures in a much bigger world where orcs rule. The player has the choice of cooperating with the orcs or allying himself with a different fraction.

Other sequels include Neverwinter Nights 2 where the player has to free a fantasy world from evil with the help of companions, each with their own unique personality.

Medieval 2: Total War is a highlight for strategists, taking them to a land of knights. Once again, the game works on two levels. Players spend strategy rounds building up cities, but then fight invaders in real-time, tactical sessions.

However, there are a few new ideas. Sunflowers Paraworld is a real-time strategy game with an unusual background players head to a parallel world where three societies are warring. But instead of fighting with tanks, they use dinosaurs.

And gamers who do not focus on role-playing or strategy games also have some new options. GTR 2 will offer one of the most realistic automobile simulators to date. The regular update to soccer games is also coming.

Meanwhile, action lovers can look forward to Stranglehold. Its creators collaborated with director John Woo, who uses the game to start off his movie 'Hard Boiled'.

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Return of the classics in PC gaming