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A new addition to the news section of the Basilisk Games website provides a status update on the development of Eschalon: Book II, the second game in the company's "old school" RPG series. Book II will continue the storyline from the previous game and feature more than 60 gameplay enhancements.

A quick update for all of you who stop by daily wanting just a morsel of new information:

- Book II is in full development over the holidays with plans to run some early alpha testing in January. Everyone always asks if we are still "on schedule" with development. The answer is yes, though with a lot of work still to do we have no solid estimates on a release date yet.
- We are working on several new articles that will run on a major website in the next few weeks, which will include brand new screenshots and fresh information about the storyline and gameplay of Book II.
- We have been working with a new artist to apply some additional polish to the next game. We'll try to show you a glimpse of his work in a future update. Some of his previous work has been with Daggerfall, Morrowind and Dark Age of Camelot.
- One of our forum members have translated the recently posted Monster Profile pages into French, which is the start of our goal to provide Book II in multiple languages. We will get these new French translations posted very soon.

Oh, and just for kicks, we updated the Book II logo for the holidays which also happens to reflect the new arctic zones of Book II.

Eschalon Book II Status Update

Basilisk Games

Eschalon: Book II

Buy Eschalon: Book II

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Game developer Guild Software and gaming site MMORPG.com have teamed up to offer a limited number of free one month trial keys for Guild's Vendetta Online sci-fi MMO. The 2,500 keys add 30 days to any single account which has not previously been subscribed, including already-existing trials. To be eligible participants must be registered at MMORPG.com.

MMORPG.com and Guild Software have teamed up to bring a very special trial offer to the MMORPG.com community! These special keys will add 30 days to any standard trial account. This offer is exclusive only to users of MMORPG.com so get your key while supplies last!

About Vendetta Online:
Vendetta Online is a 3D space combat MMORPG for Windows, Mac and Linux. This MMO permits thousands of players to interact as the pilots of spaceships in a vast universe. Users may build their characters in any direction they desire, becoming rich captains of industry, military heroes, or outlaws. A fast-paced, realtime "twitch" style combat model gives intense action, coupled with the backdrop of RPG gameplay in a massive online galaxy. Three major player factions form a delicate balance of power, with several NPC sub-factions creating situations of economic struggle, political intrigue and conflict. The completely persistent universe and detailed storyline add to the depth of immersion, resulting in a unique online experience. We recommend the Vendetta Introduction to learn more about this product.

Vendetta Online Extended Trial Offer

MMORPG.com

Guild Software

Strategy First

Vendetta Online

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Monte Boyd has announced the release of Slope Rider 1.5 which updates the game to a Universal Binary and features improved graphics, sound effects, and gameplay. The snowboarding title presents players with 13 different courses which include jumps, half-pipes, and rails, and offers the chance to rack up freestyle trick combos or go the high speed route of alpine racing.

More about the game:

Slope Rider, the wildly successful 3D snowboarding game for the Mac, is back as a Universal Binary.
Slope Rider is an adrenalin-pumping, high-speed ride that delivers an awesome extreme sports experience without the reality of broken bones, frozen fingers and hours of queuing.
Feel the thrill of carving up the powder-covered slopes as a freestyle trick master or a high-velocity alpine racer with endless hours of gameplay.
Conquer 13 different hair-raising courses packed with jumps, half-pipes, rails and breakneck high-Pull off hundreds of insane trick combos for ultimate points and power down the mountain to shave milliseconds off your fastest time.

Follow the links below for more information.

Slope Rider

Monte Boyd

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Apple Games has released two new feature articles covering the recently released Rayman Raving Rabbids and Asphalt 4: Elite Racing. Both articles include an overview of the features included in the games and a list of tips and tricks, while the Rayman article also offers a history of the franchise.

Raving Rabbids follows the plight of Rayman who has been enslaved by bunnies and must fight in gladiator style events to win his freedom. In Asphalt 4 players enter the world of high speed racing in a variety of locations around the world.

From the Rayman Raving Rabbids article:

Complete all four mini-games each day to unlock a song from a dancing game — such as Dick Dale’s surf guitar classic “Misirlou” — or a new costume that transforms Rayman’s look into anything from disco-themed to granny-inspired. While in his cell, Rayman can also sit on the toilet and think about the events from any previous day, so he can retry the ones he failed. Remember, the more success our hero enjoys, the more sympathy he’ll gain from the Rabbids who fill the coliseum.

When you’re done, enter Score mode to replay many of the mini-games solo or with up to three other players, or access Family mode to play cooperatively with someone else. In the former, you’ll aspire toward the grand total of 183,000 points, with special multi-mini-game challenges becoming unlocked once you reach certain scoring thresholds. In the latter, you’ll share the controls with a co-player; for example, one aims and the other shoots during the Bunny Hunt mini-games.

During races, scoop up nitro boosts to refill the meter, which also replenishes every time you make a sharp turn or commit an illegal act, such as smashing a civilian car. Don’t forget to drive through all those dollar signs you also see in the road and scoop up cash bonuses. In addition, you’ll earn extra money if a helicopter appears overhead, because that means your antics have attracted the attention of the local news media. Unfortunately, the police won’t be far behind, so pick up the badges that occasionally appear to clear your “WANTED” meter.

Complete races to access higher levels and unlock new cities. You’ll also get the chance to woo girlfriends who increase your top speed, fill your nitro meter at the start of each race, and more. With them at your side, you’ll become a racing VIP and finish your tour of the world.

Apple Games: Rayman Raving Rabbids

Apple Games: Asphalt 4 Elite Racing

TransGaming

Ubisoft

Rayman Raving Rabbids

iTunes Store: Asphalt 4 Elite Racing

Buy Rayman Raving Rabbids

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