New Fantasy Strategy PC Game From Stardock

The Plymouth software and game developer Stardock Corp. this week released its PC fantasy strategy game "Elemental: War of Magic."

The game opens a world of magic and ancient lore as players begin the game as one of the few beings in the world still able to channel power from shards of magic -- a series of mystical artifacts left over from a great cataclysm.

You must decide how much of your power to imbue into your heroes as you build cities, explore dungeons, learn spells of ever-increasing power and negotiate with friends and foes.

"Elemental: War of Magic" is available at retail stores throughout North America starting today. The Limited Edition ($69.95) and the standard edition ($49.95) are also available via Stardock's digital distribution platform, Impulse, at www.impulsedriven.com, or via the game's Web site, www.elementalgame.com.

This latest title from Stardock is heavily inspired by classic games from the golden age of PC gaming. The game's lead designer and CEO of Stardock Brad Wardell said, "The main idea behind Elemental was that we wanted to create gameplay that was both an advancement of the genre and a throwback to old-school gaming on the PC. Elemental: War of Magic accomplishes that and more."

Included with the game are a series of integrated modding tools allowing fans to create their own fantasy maps, monsters, tiles, effects and much more. The game's story-driven campaign, written by Random House's writing team, was made exclusively with the built-in modding tools.

Added Wardell: "The game allows players to strategize, customize and mod in depth while also providing straight-forward accessibility for those who just want to jump in and get in the game as quickly as possible."

Besides including the sand box game and campaign, Elemental also includes a multiplayer mode in which up to 16 players can play online while taking simultaneous turns. Players can save their multiplayer games online and return to them to continue in order to support players who wish to play more epic-sized games.

Also launching today is the companion novel to the PC title, "Elemental: Destiny's Embers," written by "Elemental: War of Magic" executive producer Brad Wardell. The novel weaves a captivating tale that takes place in the land of Elemental, giving readers and players alike a unique perspective on the land in which they seek to rule in the game. The novel is available at bookstores nationwide from Random House's Del Rey publishing division.

Customers who purchase a copy of the book will be able to download the additional, exclusive video game campaign, "Elemental: Destiny's Embers." The campaign will release in four stages, with the first component being released in September.

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