This week, Flight Simulator X fans will get an increased dosage of their pilot wings with a new expansion pack, ArenaNet’s not-quite-an-MMORPG, Guild Wars, will be getting its last expansion and a full-blown sequel, a new ship simulator from VSTEP, and a booster pack for Hearts of Iron II.
Microsoft announced Flight Simulator X: Adrenaline, the first expansion pack for Flight Simulator X. Expected for release this fall, the game will introduce new features like multiplayer air racing, new missions and all-new aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang. The expansion will be compatible with Windows Vista and will utilize several of its features including Game Explorer, DirectX 10, and Parental Controls. Microsoft is also working on Service Pack 1 (performance and content enhancements) and a DirectX 10 upgrade for Flight Simulator X. SP1 is slated for an April release, and the DirectX 10 upgrade should be released this fall.
Courtesy of The Inquirer, NCSoft and ArenaNet’s next expansion pack to its MMO Guild Wars has been revealed. Titled Eye of the North, the add-on will be released in Q3 of 2007. The storyline will pick-up where Guild Wars: Prophecies ended and will feature 18 new dungeons, 40 new armor sets, 10 new heroes, and 150 new skills. The price hasn’t been revealed, and unlike previous GW titles, players will need to own one of the already-released add-ons to play. Furthermore, the article states that this add-on will be the last for Guild Wars, because preliminary work on Guild Wars 2 is underway. The article predicts a 2009/10 release date and a public beta sometime next year.
Publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer VSTEP announced Ship Simulator 2007, sequel to Ship Simulator 2006. Aiming to improve a variety of things over its predecessor including visuals, day/night/weather system, multiplayer, visual damage, areas and ships, the sequel will be available this June. A work in-progress trailer can be viewed on YouTube.
Lastly, Paradox Interactive announced a booster pack for its WWII strategy game Hearts of Iron II: Doomsday. Titled Armageddon, the pack will include two new alternative historical scenarios with end dates, new attachments for naval units, tweaks for land units and brigades, an enhanced air naval combat system, and a modified damage system for the air combat system. The pack is expected to be released by the end of the month via digital download on GamersGate for $4.99.
