As the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings approaches (June 6th), players will no doubt be offered many chances to recreate aspects of the famous battle for themselves. Real-time strategy fans need look no further, however, because producer Monte Cristo, and developer Digital Reality are pleased to present the only game to be approved by the "Normandie Memoire" association, and offers the only official game that represents the complete experience of the famous confrontation.
Following on from the recent success of Desert Rats vs Afrika Korps, this all-new game boasts the same renowned but updated Walker 2 graphics engine, and executes an improved tactical combat system with historical accuracy.
Dynamic shadows and lighting, pixel- and vertex-shading technology and more detailed damage models all feature in D-Day. Even the grass is in 3D. As well as the obvious beauty provided by the stunning array of special effects, the implied tactical nuances of such realism are all present and correct. Mines become harder to spot in long grass, and incredible attention to detail ensures finer points like canon reloading times and targeting of specific locations on units all make a difference, whilst not restricting the flow of play.
All the events in D-Day will be historically accurate, though not at the expense of playability. This means that the rugged terrain, weapons, and missions briefings will all be true to the world during those war torn times. Testimonies from battle scarred veterans and previously archived video footage will enhance the sense of realism, as will the detailed descriptions of each vehicle's history that are included in the game.
Boasting more than 60 distinctly different units, both the single player campaign and extensive multiplayer mode promise a wide range of gaming experiences, ensuring both longevity and scope for individual playing styles.
"Fans were crying out for more, after the highly successful Desert Rats vs. Afrika Korps game. D-Day will provide fans and newcomers alike with a satisfying gaming experience, this time backed up by the welcome involvement of the Normandie Memoire association, ensuring a historically accurate battle," says Leo Zullo, marketing director, Digital Jesters. "Every effort has been made to create an enjoyable game that does justice to the bravery of the soldiers involved in one of the most famous battles in the history of mankind"
The game's Website – www.D-Daygame.com – has just gone live, and features, among the usual host of information, downloads and treats, and as from Sunday 6th June, there will be an exclusive Web video including interviews with real-life D-Day Veterans.
Digital Jesters will let D-Day loose in the UK in August 2004, at the all too reasonable price of £29.99.
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