War Of The Roses Getting Free Version, Brian Blessed

News by Nathan Grayson Contributor

Published on Feb. 2, 2013

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.