Gangland, Crusader Kings

Virtual Programming today released two new games, which are now available for digital download and will be available shortly as boxed versions. , is a strategy game that focuses on the feudal kingdoms of medieval Europe in the time period of 1066 to 1453 A.D.: "Europe is in turmoil. The Viking raids have ended but the lands have been fragmented into petty fiefs. The Emperor is struggling with the Pope and rumour has it that another Scourge of God is rolling in over the Steppes of what would become Russia. Meanwhile the Pope has declared that those who go to the Holy Land to liberate it will be freed of all sins…"

Gangland

The company says the unique blend of real-time strategy, role-playing, and virtual simulation. It features a "living city" with over 800 citizens per a map and the ability to interact with over 500 non-player characters with individual behavoir; the game features 26 different map locations, 26 conquests/challenges, and a vast array of weapons and gadgets.

"All wannabe mobster bosses can look forward to a unique experience that'll blow your brains out! Setup extortion rackets, bribe, steal, kill, bootleg, seduce, put out contracts, make drive-by hits, blow up buildings, infiltrate opponents, setup gambling parlors, brothels, speak-easies, international connections, and much more..."

The title offers a single-player scenario: "There were five brothers Romano, Angelo, Sonny, Chico and Mario. As kids they were inseparable as they grew up on Sicily with their grandparents. As they grew older three of the brothers became more and more unsatisfied with the quiet life in the Mediterranean and one day they killed their own brother Chico in a fight whereafter they fled to the land of opportunity where they began each their own criminal career. That made grandpa very upset… He sent his fourth grandchild to America to track down and kill his malicious brothers and avenge the murder. First thing Mario should do when he arrives is to look up his uncle Vincente...

Meanwhile, in the multiplayer story uses "take on the role of one of the four Italian brothers, Mario, Angelo, Romano or Sonny. Born into Sicilian mafia, you must work your way up within the family and compete with other mobs and gangsters for supremacy in Paradise City."

It will run on Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later on any 800MHz G3-based Mac or faster. It is available immediately for £30.

Crusader Kings

In Crusader Kings users "take control of one of the Great Christian Dynasties of Europe and forge the bonds of your vassals from a circle of friends into a Nation. Play Dynasties as the Houses of Normandy, Gorm, Plantagenet, Rurik, Capet, Salian, Luxemburg, Navarre, Piast and the Ducas." The goal of the game is to become the most powerful dynasty of medieval Europe.

"Europe is in turmoil. The Viking raids have ended but the lands have been fragmented into petty fiefs. The Emperor is struggling with the Pope and rumour has it that another Scourge of God is rolling in over the Steppes of what would become Russia. Meanwhile the Pope has declared that those who go to the Holy Land to liberate it will be freed of all sins…

"Play as the leader of a glorious dynasty, amass prestige and piety and the world will whisper your name. Increase the greatness of your lands and your treasure coffins. Build Cathedrals and Castles. Appoint vassals and battle traitors. Introduce laws and set taxes, interact with hundreds of courtiers and nobles."

It runs on Mac OS X on any 500MHz G3-based Mac or faster (with 256MB of RAM). It is available immediately as a digital download for £30.

by MacNN Staff