We'll actually have the demo in our hot little hands tomorrow and will most assuredly bring you impressions of it on Friday. But because I have so much love for all of our readers, we can tell you now what this demo will hold for you.
This is what I would call a teaser demo. Included will be a couple of things. First, the tutorial. Here's your chance to get acquainted with the battle interface before the game is even released to cut down on any slow time to getting started when that finally happens. When last we saw the tutorial, it was still being worked on, but all signs point to a good and exciting learning session ending up with a nice sized battle. The tutorial puts you in control of the House of Julii, one of the Roman factions.
Secondly, those looking for a real battle will be able to step into the shoes of the Carthaginans in the battle of Trebia. Here's a little discrprition we were provided about the battle:
As Rome secured control of the Italian peninsular, Carthage was establishing an empire in Spain and North Africa. It was inevitable that these two rising powers would clash violently for control of the Western Mediterranean. Carthage needed space for its trade and maritime empire, and the Romans simply saw Carthage as another threat. War was bound to come, sooner or later.
Fortunately for the Carthaginians, they had the services of Hannibal Barca, one of the greatest generals of all time. Marching from Spain, he slipped past one Roman army and into northern Italy over the Alps, even managing to bring a contingent of elephants with the army. His bold strategy was to march on Rome and break Roman power at its heart. He also hoped to gain allies as he advanced, among peoples disenchanted with the domination of Rome.
After two months of campaigning he was met by a Roman force at the River Trebia. Hannibal used a feigned cavalry retreat to lure the Romans across the freezing river. True to form, and despite the winter floods, the Romans crossed the river and made straight for Hannibal's army. Historically, Hannibal was ready and crushed the Roman army. The few Romans who escaped were the ones who broke through the Carthaginian line as it closed around them and then kept running!
In the full game, you'll be able to test out your skills from both sides of the battle, but for now you'll have to be content with being on the winning side of the Cartheginians. The good thing about that is that you'll have elephants to control. Let the trampling begin!
So keep your eyes locked onto IGNPC this Friday for our impressions of the demo and then look for the whole thing come next Monday. We will, of course, tell you how and where to find it then.
E andiamo!! COSI!! Un altro passo per lasciare bianca la sessione di settembre!!
