First released in 2001, Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis was certainly a sleeper hit. Part FPS and part War Time Sim, Operation Flashpoint allowed realistic immersion into a war that could have been.

It took place on fictional islands kilometres in scale, with battles raging across. It never hit the big time but it was still a great game.

Come soon is it's sequel - Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising.

According to Manowar anyway, because I can't find a source.

If its true... who's with me?! I think Mano said a few of his buddies have a good size guild ready to go and that sounds good to me.

Check it out: I just made a new Heroes of Might and Magic Kingdoms fan site, The Kingdom at hommk.3deified.net.

I'd love some feedback as I still very much consider the site under construction. I've noted some of the known bugs I have to squash in the Feedback forum.

For a good an quick intro to Heroes of Might and Magic Kingdoms, definitely check out their flash tutorial.

Browser-based strategy gaming seems a lot bigger in Europe and Asia generally, where games like Ikariam, Travian and the total rip-off title Heroes of War and Money enjoy a steady stream of 100's of simultaneous users. But as the quality of these games slowly drags their appeal and accessibility above the level of being an early 1990's text-based pseudo-MUD, I think the genre is set to explode. Just look at how I can now play Ikariam anywhere I get a cell phone signal through my iPhone. That level of pervasive gaming is addictive. And since there are no other real dedicated HMM:K fansites, I thought I'd make one while the market is wide-open.

For it's part, I think HOMM:K will basically amount to a nice-looking version of "Civ Lite". It'll be Civ in the sense that the game is very much predicated on the old turn-based strategy classics of controlling territory and resources to wield a mighty army. And indeed in HOMM:K the player will be able to siege castles, assassinate heroes, flag resources, and collect treasure and artifacts. But what makes it "Lite" is that the game will be playable in small 5 to 15 minute increments. You login, set events in motion, and logout. Innovatively, HOMM:K will also let players manipulate their build and unit recruitment timelines to match their actual real-life schedule.

The focus is also very much on social interaction. This is quite primitive to non-existent in other leading browser-based strategy games because players are spread out and working together can take *days* to coordinate. In HOMM:K however, players will be able to form Alliances that control continuous territories, and will be able to chose their starting location so as to better work together. Players can also go it alone as a mercenary army for hire, doing the dirty work of Alliances who don't want to start a full-blown war.

The developer has also stated that "real money transactions" will not directly affect the game. This is a big problem in Ikariam and Travian where the kids with money to burn can effectively just buy in-game resources and get ahead of their opponents. That isn't gaming in my book. What HOMM:K will do instead for those who pay is provide additional functionality outside of the core game, such as access to the leaderboard, tournaments, and so on.

Holy Shit.
The Dark Knight, is certainly a must see.

I don't know about you but I'm sick of that facebook shit. I deleted my account, and I feel better emotionally... !

Anyway, my point is, I found a web-app called Pownce. Developed in part by the guy from Digg. When you sign up you get "page" of your own, yadda yadda. A couple cool features are the ability to send/share files with friends, contacts, and the public; also you can download a desktop application (OS X/Windows) and use it as a chat program.

The way I see it, if I can use Pownce as a way to get rid of Facebook and MSN Messenger in one shot - I can dig it. (pun intended).

LINKS:
http://www.pownce.com
http://www.digg.com
http://www.eatmorevegetables.com

As of today current subscribers (even non-active accounts) can log into their account and push the "opt-in" button to get their name on the list to join the 'Wrath of the Lich King" beta.

It doesn't actually let you join the beta yet - it just let's blizzard know you are interested and will put you on the list to select names from.

Still cool? More cool would be our own private WotLK server :p

Happy Canada Day Dudes

Jumpgate Evolution is getting good press as the next great space-faring MMO that doesn't put you to sleep (unlike EVE). Today they are allowing closed beta sign-ups. Check it out.