JoWooD, one of the most reputable developer/publishers in the German speaking territories of Europe, and also creator of such hit titles as Gothic 2, had a strong showing at this year's E3. Known for making games on all platforms and for every type of gamer, their strategy is to provide fun to the players. Thankfully, it seems they are not messing with our emotions, and their lineup this year proves that point well.
Out of all the games they had to show, few of them fell into duplicate genres. Take, for example, Neighbors From Hell, which is dubbed as a virtual TV show. It takes a clandestine approach to harassing your irritating neighbor, and the more hell you rain down on them, the better the viewer's support. It's kind of like The Sims meets Ultimate Revenge. Equally as different is Railroad Pioneer, a game that lets you forge an empire of iron tracks across the entire country of America. Expand across the land as you build your industry, explore new and dangerous terrain, and research new technology that will allow you to dominate the market.
On the strategic side of things are Spell Force and Against Rome. Spell Force: The Order of Dawn, is best described as WarCraft meets Dungeon Siege, as you are able to take control of a hero and lead an army into a real time 3D battle. Against Rome takes a more historical approach to things, but with the same type of flare seen in other JoWooD games. As one of 3 barbaric factions scrapping against other rival tribes, you lead your people and build your hero against the mighty empire of Rome.
Taking a more modern approach comes Silent Storm. This WWII turn based tactical game takes you and an elite squad of multinational soldiers behind enemy lines to uncover and thwart a mysterious new rising power whose intentions have yet to be rivaled on scales of devilry. On the same military vein is Soldner: Secret Wars, an online tactical shooter that resembles Battlefield 1942. However, this title is more modern and the arsenal is something that would make any militia man salivate.
As far as pure action goes, Chaser, Aquanox 2, and Legend of Ka'y have it covered. Chaser weaves the tried but true plot of a man with amnesia on a quest for identity and freedom in a futuristic FPS world. Aquanox 2: Revelation puts the player in a group of 8 mercenaries on a quest for loot and adventure. This underwater game has the graphical power to drop most anyone's jaw. Tying up the action genre is Legend of Ka'y, a third person Action/Adventure title set in a fantastic world of personified animals. Plenty of close quarter's battles and a lush 3D environment are sure to make this a fun game for months to come.
As JoWooD continues to grow, so will its list of titles. This year seems to be bigger and better than the last for this company, and all we as consumers can do is thank them for their continuing excellence in game development. Watch out for these titles around the holidays.
