Black Cactus’s first foray into the games industry resulted in the award winning Warrior Kings, which received high acclaim from the leading PC magazines. PC Gamer stated that Warrior Kings was “One of the most atmospheric Real Time Strategy (RTS) titles” they had seen, while PC Zone added that it was “The way forward for the RTS genre” and “light years ahead” of the main competition. Warrior Kings: Battles promises to continue in this vein.

The new title maintains the excitement that made Warrior Kings a leading RTS, but now introduces the player to a proficiency of computer Artificial Intelligence (AI) not yet seen in an RTS product. Not only can AI Generals build a functioning economy, deploy offensive and defensive armies, and control potent formations, but they can intelligently probe your defenses to determine your weak points. AI Diplomacy, a major new feature, makes you think you are playing human opponents, giving new depth to single and multiplayer Internet gaming.

Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire said about the acquisition, “We are delighted to have signed such a strong franchise, one which we intend to build upon for many years to come. The original Warrior Kings is one of the most well respected games of it’s genre and a massive hit; We feel confident that Warrior Kings: Battles will do better.”

Ian Turnbull, Director, of Black Cactus added, “We are really looking forward in moving forward the Warrior Kings franchise with Empire. Empire have a professional, enthusiastic, committed team that are looking at developing and supporting brands in the long term; ideal for Warrior Kings fans and Black Cactus.”