[NEWS]
October 1st, 2007
v1.04 patch released!
This patch offers big performance and speed increases across the board, and people with both multi-core as well as single core processors as well as ATI and nVidia video cards should now be getting much better framerates. In addition to these highly anticipated technical improvements we have also included substantial AI improvements in key areas like pathfinding, spotting, line of sight/line of fire, soldier responsiveness and behavior. Other tweaks and fixes have been applied to various game elements and players will also notice some improved terrain textures and better visual representation of elevations and distant objects.
View the full Patch Notes Here and download the patch from our Demo and Patches page.
August 30th, 2007
v1.03 patch released!
Hot on the heels of the v1.02 patch we are happy to release the all new v1.03 Combat Mission: Shock Force Patch. This patch features improved unit pathfinding, ATGM behavior enhancements, AI updates, game data changes and much more. View the full Patch Notes Here and download the patch from our Demo and Patches page.
August 10th, 2007
v1.02 patch released!
We are happy to release the v1.02 Combat Mission: Shock Force Patch. This patch offers all new UI enhancements via the new hotkey functions, stability improvements for those with ATI video cards, various AI tweaks and more. View the full Patch Notes Here and download the patch from our Demo and Patches page.
July 30th, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force grab's its first Editors' Choice Award
The game has only been out for 4 days and its already garnered its first Editors' Choice award.
"If you care to take my word, I don't think I've enjoyed a wargame as much this one since I played the original Combat Mission game all those years ago. If you have an interest in simulating realistic modern warfare, and specifically seeing how the new Stryker concept would fare in battle, you can't go wrong with Combat Mission: Shock Force."
Be sure to check out the full WorthPlaying website review and read what others are saying from our Combat Mission: Shock Force Review Page
July 27th, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force Demo Released!
It's not just the full game which became available today but also the Demo! The Combat Mission: Shock Force demo includes two scenarios playable from either the US or Syrian side. The first is a a tutorial to help get your feet wet with the game system and the other is a combined arms battle with Stryker's, Abrams against some tough Syrian Mechanized infantry. All multiplayer modes are active (TCP-IP, PBEM, Hotseat) and you can even access and play with the full Game Editor, but the save function is disabled. In addition to all of that, the pdf version of the full 196 page manual is also included.
Grab the Demo for yourself right now from our Demo Download Page
July 27m 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force Released!
The long wait is over and the first Combat Mission game to be released in four years is now available! Featuring both our innovative turn-based WEGO system as well as all new Real-Time play, this modern tactical combat simulation is poised to raise the bar once more for computer wargames.
Choose from the Standard Edition version which includes the game and 200 page printed manual or a special Deluxe Collectors Edition which includes the game, printed manual plus a full color Combat Mission Mouse Pad with helpful game commands and interface info as well as a 14" x 14" inch color Operational Map of Syria detailing the hypothetical invasion of Syria featured in the game!
The downloads are now active but the CD, manuals, Maps and Mousepads will not ship until we have them in stock which should take approximately 2-3 weeks.
Place your order today for the newest Combat Mission game!
July 23rd, 2007
Two new Combat Mission: Shock Force Videos Released
It's less than a week before CMSF is released worldwide so to help ease the anticipation we have released two new gameplay videos. In 'MOUT Warfare' follow close behind a platoon of mechanized US infantry and they face a Syrian force firmly entrenched in an urban setting. the video 'Javelin Strike' showcases a US javelin missile team as they hold off an armored Syrian thrust.
Download them all or view them directly on Youtube by visiting our Combat Mission: Shock Force Video Gallery
July 18 , 2007
32 New Screenshots added
We have a batch of new screenshots posted today which show off some of the truly impressive vehicle models in the game. Pay attention to the details on the T-72, Bradley and Abrams models. Also check out some of the new explosion, missile, vehicle exhaust and special effects graphics recently added.
View the Combat Mission: Shock Force Screenshot Gallery's right here
July 17th, 2007
Additions to Combat Mission: Shock Force Website Launched
Today we have added two new areas to the Combat Mission: Shock Force website. The first addition is a new comprehensive unit, weapon and vehicle list. You can acquire that page right here: Combat Mission: Shock Force Weapons Page.
Next up we have added a dedicated Review page. Come on in to see what game reviewers are already saying about this landmark game: Combat Mission: Shock Force Review Page.
July 13th, 2007
New Combat Mission: Shock Force Preview on Worthplaying.com
The gaming website Worthplaying has recently posted a short, but informative game preview of Combat Mission: Shock Force.
"First seen in Battlefront.com's Theatre of War, this floating icon makes unit identification and selection a straightforward affair. Having selected the unit and left-clicked on the destination or target, a structured command system allows players to issue a range of orders from a panel in the bottom left of the screen. Again, this differs slightly from previous games, where a menu of commands would appear above the unit. Commands are available for movement, combat, special orders (which are nestled in between move commands), and admin commands that are specific to the selected unit. Some of Combat Mission: Shock Force's unique commands include Mark Mines for engineers so that other units can move through a mine field; Target Light, which is the same as Target but at a reduced fire output; and Acquire, which allows infantry to pick up additional equipment, usually from an appropriately equipped APC."
Read the complete Preview right here...
July 2nd, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force now available for Pre-Order
Your not dreaming! You read that right! Combat Mission: Shock Force is now available for Pre-Order!
The Pre-Orders are being offered in two versions. A traditional Standard Edition, which includes the game and a 200 page printed manual and a new Deluxe Collectors Edition version which includes the game, 200 page manual as well as a full color Combat Mission: Shock Force Mouse Pad which features helpful game commands and interface info. The Deluxe Collectors Edition also comes packed with a beautiful color 14" x 14" Syrian Operational Map which details the units involved and the planned axis of advance for Task Group Lightning, which is featured in the hypothetical invasion of Syria that Combat Mission: Shock Force depicts.
All Pre-Orders give you not only the game CD and printed manual, but also access to download the game when it is released on July 27th. In addition to that, Pre-Orders will save you 10 bucks over the regular sale price.
It's been four years since the last Combat Mission game was released, but you don't have to wait another minute because you can Pre-Order Right Here, Right Now!
June 20th, 2007
Four new Combat Mission: Shock Force Videos Released
You can almost smell the cordite and hear the distant thunder as we get closer and closer to the release of Combat Mission: Shock Force. Today we have four brand new videos to share with you showcasing everything from an ATGM ambush to a M1 tank platoon assault, as well as an infantry firefight and a montage of choice game play moments.
Download them all or view them directly on Youtube by visiting our Combat Mission: Shock Force Video Gallery
June 18th, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force Game Previews Posted
More and more media outlets are getting some time with Combat Mission: Shock Force and several have begun posting their previews. Today, we have two new ones to share with you.
Tom's Hardware had this to say, "This extreme attention to detail, combined with a 3D battlefield and the innovative "WeGo" system of turn-based gameplay, has made Combat Mission the dynasty to beat in the wargaming genre." Read the full Preview Here...
Game Vortex made this prediction, "Look for this to be a widely discussed game in strategy circles." Read the full Preview Here...
June 12th, 2007
Updated CM:SF Vehicle Screenshots and Blog News
As we get closer to the release date more and more vehicles and models are now ready to be shown off. Check out the new 32 pictures detailing vehicles such as the BMP-1, BRDM-2, BRDM-2 ATGM and other variants of the main Stryker vehicle. View this new picture gallery and all the previous offerings here.
In addition to these exciting new pictures, we have also been updating the Combat Mission: Shock Force Blog with lots of updated game info. Recent blog posts included topics such as:
Overview of some of the Syrian Armored Vehicles
Overview of the various Stryker models
Overview of how Unconventional Warfare is modeled in CM:SF
May 29th, 2007
New Game Previews Posted
Looks like Combat Mission: Shock Force is starting to generate some much deserved buzz around the net. Here are just a few of the previews that are popping up daily.
Wargamer Preview
http://www.wargamer.com/reviews/cmsf_preview/default.asp
"Battlefront has taken a tried, tested and proven system, adapting it to the rigors and excitement of modern urban combat in a truly dangerous world...When released in July, I am confident that Battlefront will deliver us intense combat, with flexible and unrivaled replayability and potential for future add-ons and mods... I have truly not been this excited about an upcoming title in a very long time."
Armchair General Preview
http://www.armchairgeneral.com/articles.php?p=3376&page=1&cat=59
"There is a lot to like in this new game...It builds upon the core strengths of its predecessors, but at the same time the nature of modern combat gives it a feeling very different from any of those games."
Out of Eight Preview
http://jaguarusf.blogspot.com/2007/05/combat-mission-shock-force-preview.html
"Combat Mission: Shock Force sure has the look of a great game. The Syrian setting allows for both rural and urban combat, wide open tank skirmishes and intense close quarters battles. The graphics engine has been upgrades and unit design is amazing. The user interface is much improved, which allows for additions to the game, such as the unit commands and communications, to not be a burden. The mission editor is absolutely fantastic and the range of possibilities for mission design is beyond anything I’ve seen in any other strategy game."
May 23rd, 2007
14 New Beta Screenshots added
As a response to fan requests, we have released a series of screenshots today that are sure to please any Armchair General. The screens depict “Base Camp Training” and “Urban combat against Unconventional troops” in more detail.
In addition to these screens, we have also included a series of screenshots depicting an Unconventional fighter lobbing a hand grenade from the rooftop on the street below.
View the Combat Mission: Shock Force Screenshot Gallery's right here
May 18th, 2007
July 27th release date announced
We think some of you might be interested in this little news nugget... Combat Mission: Shock Force is now officially announced for release on July 27th, 2007.
May 16th, 2007
56 New Beta Screenshots added
Since it has been a few weeks since we posted any screenshots we figured you might like to see the sort of progress we have been making with Combat Mission: Shock Force. You will notice a lot of new flavor objects, many new buildings with ledges and balconies, the impressive Mosque model as well as, for the first time, glimpses of some of the Syrian Uncon (unconventional) troops including Uncon Fighters (better trained and equipped) and Uncon Combatants (more ad-hoc units with little training and less organization).
View the Combat Mission: Shock Force Screenshot Gallery's right here
April 25th, 2007
Two new Beta Combat Mission: Shock Force Videos
People have been demanding to see more of Combat Mission: Shock Force in action so today we have answered with two new beta videos.
The first video, Force Recon, shows a US unit run into heavy resistance during a House-to-House sweep on the outskirts of a Syrian town.
The second video shows off another innovation in Combat Mission: Shock Force, the Support Interface. Artillery and Air Support are two of the the most important factors in modern combat, yet no game has truly
captured them in a realistic way. CM:SF features a unique Support Panel which allows the player to call for Air and Artillery support using realistic procedures and options without having to go through months of Forward
Observer training.
Both videos were taken from a Beta version of the game so all models, textures and especially sound effects are still "works in progress" and do not represent finished product.
Check out the new vids, on the Combat Mission: Shock Force Video Page.
April 13th, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force Preview at IGN
We were excited to hear that IGN just posted a raving two page preview of Combat Mission: Shock Force. Seems IGN regular reporter Steve Butts had a great time with the preview build we sent him!
"All of these elements work together to create a very believable and interesting environment. Still, the action is what matters here and Shock Force delivers it with the authenticity and accuracy that the Combat Mission series is known for. We've had a blast playing through the small bit of content in our current build and are looking forward to the improvements that the designers are sure to make in the coming months."
Read the full IGN CMSF Preview Here
March 28th, 2007
Beta version in-game videos released
Anticipation for this game seems to build each and every day so to bump it up just a notch higher we are making available two new, "early and raw", videos taken while playing. Please note, these videos were taken from an early game beta, so there are many elements which are not yet complete but they still give a good impression of the overall detail you can expect.
First up, we see as a M1A1HC (Heavy Common) Abrams tank travels off-road. Watch the articulated suspension system in action (gun stabilization was not yet animated), self-shadowing, the randomized exterior equipment (individualized for each vehicle) and the advanced lighting effects such as sun glare reflecting off the various surfaces.
The second video shows a troop of US soldiers firing their M4 carbines, and displays the various firing animations from both standing and kneeling positions, as well as the reloading sequences. Since this is beta footage, there are various glitches still, but this video is meant to showcase the full 1 to 1 soldier modeling now featured in Combat Mission: Shock Force.
Download and play both videos from our new Combat Mission: Shock Force Videos Page
March 23rd, 2007
More Flavor Objects added
While most of the news this week is getting hogged up by Theatre of War, and rightly so, we decided to show off a little more of the color that's been going into Combat Mission: Shock Force as of late. The thing to notice are all the new "flavor objects" which we just added to the game. Some people would of course simply call this stuff junk.
After looking at previous screenshots, some people were saying that our Syrian streets were just a tad too clean. Well, not anymore. There are now dozens of "flavor objects" which can be placed on the map to dirty the place up, and the screens were taken to show some of them as might be encountered in a typical village setting. The flavor object selections include everything from street lights, crates, tires, to more elaborate stuff like ATM machines and Air Conditioning units for urban settings.
A few of the screenshot also show for the very first time the victory screen layout. We discussed more about Victory Conditions last week on the CMSF Blog.
Lastly, for those who look carefully you can see some of the new infantry animations we have added. We feel the new animations give a much better sense of urgency and are visually stronger.
Check out this new batch of 14 pics located on our Screenshot Gallery Page.
March 6th, 2007
97 Screenshots added
We thought you might like to look at some more screenshots of Combat Mission: Shock Force, so we prepared a second gallery of nearly 100 all new screenshots. Enjoy!
View the Combat Mission: Shock Force Screenshot Gallery's right here
February 14th, 2007
Developer Interview with Steve Grammont posted on Gamespot
The gaming website GameSpot recently conducted an in depth interview with Combat Mission: Shock Force designer and Battlefront.com Vice President Steve Grammont. Here is just a sample:
GameSpot: Tell us about some of the technical enhancements that are being made to Shock Force. What will the enhanced terrain, lighting, and environmental details add to the game?
Steve Grammont: There is no aspect of the game that has not been significantly improved on. That's the benefit of rewriting the entire game from the ground up. (The downside is the three-year development time!) Each human figure in the game now represents a single soldier with his own unique behavior weapons, ammo, and so on. Vehicle detail is greatly increased, including detailed damage modeling. As for the vehicle models, they often have as many as 30 times the amount of polygons as an original Combat Mission vehicle and come complete with fully simulated suspension, hatches, individual weapons stations, and more. The terrain is now simulated in 8m-by-8m sections instead of 20m-by-20m sections of the original game, and within each of these smaller sections the terrain mesh is 1m by 1m. This means far more varied and realistic-looking maps.
Read the entire interview right here
February 14th, 2007
Paradox Interactive signs worldwide deal with Battlefront.com
New York, USA – Recognized global publisher Paradox Interactive announced today that it has signed a worldwide deal with developer Battlefront.com to publish their upcoming PC title Combat Mission: Shock Force.
The computer games series "Combat Mission" has received much acclaim from the gaming community for its simulations of tactical battles. Its fans span the globe and Combat Mission: Shock Force is described as the pinnacle of the series where the developers have poured years of experience into the game and its entirely new engine.
This tactical military simulation depicts a hypothetical near future conflict between NATO and Syrian forces in Syria. A highly story driven semi-dynamic Campaign, from the US perspective, offers a completely new experience for "Combat Mission" fans. Each battle include a detailed Mission Briefing outlining specific Objectives, which can range from taking a particular spot on the map to retaining force cohesion. The Objectives for each side can be different, allowing each side to fight according to its own goals rather than a single set common to both.
"'Battlefront.com' has carved a very special niche for themselves in the tactical battles simulations arena, much like Paradox Interactive has in the area of strategy games", said Executive Vice President Fredrik Wester. "Both companies are highly committed to bringing quality games with much replayability to fans of war and strategy games and we are thrilled to be publishing their flagship title "Combat Mission: Shock Force" worldwide".
Combat Mission: Shock Force is the culmination of 9 years of experience in developing and publishing the award-winning Combat Mission series. It goes without saying that we wanted the best partner to bring this game to a worldwide audience, and when Paradox Interactive signaled their interest, we did not need to look any further", said Martin van Balkom, President of Battlefront.com. "Paradox' track record and incredible team is giving us exactly what we've been looking for in a publisher, and those who are familiar with Battlefront's past, will know just how much that means. Combat Mission: Shock Force is going to be a new revolution as genuine tactical combat simulation for the PC, and we're excited to call Paradox our partner to finalize and then release it to gamers worldwide!"
February 13th, 2007
Combat Mission: Shock Force Bibliography page now up
Since the announcement of this game we have gotten a lot of requests in email and the forum for our "Best Picks" of books that we think will help gain a deeper appreciation for both modern combat and the types of operations that we will be modeling in Combat Mission: Shock Force. It took us a little while to compile such a list, and get links to purchase them, but we have just posted a brand new Bibliography Page which lists 18 essential reads. My personal recommendation, Thunder Run, by David Zucchino. I can't say enough good things about this one! Every page is packed full of exciting combat between men and machines and presented in a very mature and in-depth way.
Click here to view the CM:SF Bibliography Page
February 9th, 2007
CM:SF Website opens up
We are happy to open the Combat Mission Shock Force website to the public today. Browse through the site and read up on the game overview, details, vehicle and features list. Be sure to view the all new screenshots, wallpapers and participate in lively forum discussions.
In the coming weeks and months please check back frequently as we will be providing news updates, game previews, After Action Reports and much much more. Combat Mission: Shock Force is poised to become the new benchmark in realistic tactical combat simulations and it all starts today!
