March 15, 2004

By: John Matteucci
Website: http://www.1st-in-games.com

Major Upgrade For Spiritwars Online Strategy Game

Kellogg Creek Software, Inc. announced today that it released a major upgrade this week for the online strategy game, SpiritWars. According to designer Randy Chase, this release marks the single most ambitious upgrade for the game since its original release in 1998.

Besides adding over 40 new spirits, 125 new maps and over 15 new tournament rule sets, this release also included a major review of all existing pieces and a variety of adjustments and modifications recommended by the players, Chase explained.

Coinciding with the release of this Version upgrade, Kellogg Creek also announced the availability of the long-awaited optional Art CD. This CD-ROM contains the optional large image files of the fine art associated with the game’s playing pieces. The art CD may be purchased through the game’s web site.

Chase explained that this major release was important to show the supportive player base that the game is continuing to grow and evolve in spite of the prolonged legal battle with Wizards of the Coast and parent company Hasbro over the infringement of Kellogg Creek Software’s registered trademark for SpiritWars. Obviously, having to fight a huge corporation over our legally registered and established trademark is a huge obstacle for a small company, but we remain confident that the legal system will provide us with protection and a fair resolution of this matter. It was important, however, to release a significant upgrade to show our appreciation for the on-going support we receive from our player base during this difficult time.

SpiritWars is an online-only strategy game that blends the mystique of trading card games with the traditional strategy of a board game. SpiritWars was first launched for public play on Dec. 20, 1998. According to Chase, since the release, over 350,000 games of SpiritWars have been played online. The game is available in two versions: an unlimited free-play version and an enhanced subscription version.

SpiritWars draws freely from a variety of traditional design concepts, but blends them into a unique playing experience that represents a refreshing alternative to the current action-oriented theme of Internet gaming. The game’s low bandwidth requirements deliver a satisfying playing experience for players with slower Internet connections and international players.

With a heavy reliance on traditional mythology and folklore, SpiritWars appeals to strategy, fantasy and war gamers. Because of the familiar board game design and stylish look, complete with an art gallery representing history’s greatest painters and colorful literary prose, SpiritWars appeals to casual gamers as well.

The game’s fundamentals are easy to learn - players battle to destroy their opponent’s castle. A varied population of game pieces and magical spells create infinite opportunities as players define a unique playing style and philosophy. The playing pieces, called Spirits, combine familiar features of traditional board games with design elements previously found only in collectable trading card games.

Also see: battleship board game.

About The Author:

John Matteucci is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-games.com.  Great games for the entire family for hours of fun or competition. We feature all your favorites.