War Of The Roses Getting Free Version, Brian Blessed

War. War never changes.

OK, actually, no. Now look here, ominous Fallout guy: I know what you're trying to say, but I don't think you're accounting for any sort of subtlety or nuance. Sure, we're still talking about people killing each other, and that's a nice, grim sentiment, but small changes make ripples in the blood-soaked killing fields too. I'm talking, of course, about thunder-voiced narrators. Case in point: Brian Blessed's involvement with Paradox's War of the Roses. As part of an upcoming DLC pack, these things will happen: "Blessed’s booming voice will inspire knights by announcing in-game events and warnings, giving new meaning to the iconic command to 'Kill the enemy!'" That'll cost money. But a stripped down version of the game? That, my friends, is completely free.

The free version's launching February 6th (next week!), and - while it won't be loaded with as many glittering prizes as the paid edition - it won't be a time-limited demo, either.

"The trial version will include access to all online battles, enabling aspiring warriors to fight alongside all existing players – paid or trial. The trial version will limit players by disallowing any unlocks, giving access only to the game’s base classes and weapons, giving trial players a chance to live true knighthood."

So it'll make for a nice taster, if nothing else. Meanwhile, a new complete edition, known as War of the Roses: Kingmaker, is inbound for the latter half of 2013. It'll serve as the fattest shark under Fatshark's medieval battle banner, bundling together all previously released content and adding two new attack/defend based modes, Assault and Assault Castle. Why that's going to take nearly an entire year, I haven't the foggiest, but new modes are definitely appreciated. Hopefully there'll still be people around to enjoy them by the time they arrive.

Lastly, a free update called "Outside the Law" is on the way, bringing with it a new forest map and some armor "Robin of Loxley would be proud of." I think first he'd be like "WHAT ARE THESE WITCHCRAFT MACHINES, YOU SPAWNS OF A GODLESS EARTH," but I get Paradox's meaning.

Regardless, more War of the Roses! More of the Roses. Wait, Alec already used that one. Hm. Uhhhh. OK, just imagine me sliding off a stage, doing this.