BETA SCHEDULE

The second expansion pack to Galactic Civilizations II is about to go into beta. For Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor, we're going to try something different. Something that we think will be particularly fun.

The biggest single feature of the expansion pack isn't the Terror Stars, which are admittedly pretty cool. And it's not the map editor, campaign editor or scenario editor which do add a lot of new possibilities. And it's not even the Metaverse tournaments, which will probably be pretty popular. Nor is it the updated graphics which do bring Galactic Civilizations II up to a whole new level. No, it's the unique technology trees per player.

Let me emphasize this: The fact that each of the 12 major races will have their own technology trees we think is a major milestone for this type of game. The implications of it are far-reaching since technology trees are from whence ship components, planetary improvements, etc. come from.

Let me further add that these technology trees are not just cosmetic changes. Let me give you a couple of examples: The Arceans don't get Warp Drive or any other higher level propulsion techs. Instead, they have special factories unique to them that allow them to make their own ships faster. The Yor don't have factories but instead have collectives that produce based on their population. And, did we mention...these techs are tradeable back and forth. But thanks to a new AI enhancement (a willingness to trade a particular tech variable) tech trading will become vastly more intelligent.

So for the beta, to reward the users who are pre-ordering the beta (and hence funding this project) we are doing something special: The betas will introduce the unique technology trees in small groups so that players can really see the impact of them and have a chance at being introduced to them and be able to make suggestions on how they can be tweaked.

Below is the tentative schedule: UPDATED

• Beta 1: October 25th - Terran Alliance, Drengin, Arcean technology trees

• Beta 2: November 8 - Yor, Torian, Korath technology trees added

• Beta 3: November 20 - Korx, Drath, Iconians trees added

• Beta 4: November 29 - Thalan, Altarian, Krynn technology trees added

• Release Date: December 12.

As much as we've enjoyed Dark Avatar as an expansion pack, I am certain that Twilight of the Arnor will be liked even more by players.

To pre-order Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor visit here.