Things And Stuff: Thursday News Roundup

The 1.05 patch for Hidden & Dangerous 2 is now available for download, and the 25MB patch makes several additions including an updated Normandy multiplayer map, a new Normandy2B multiplayer map, and several other minor tweaks. An expansion pack with the much missed co-op mode is also on the way.

EA has confirmed today that is has signed the European distribution rights to Sunflower's "empire-conquering simulation title" Knight Of Honor. Developed by Bulgarian-based Black Sea Studios the game apparently "represents a new type of strategy game... it sets players in the warring realms of mediaeval Europe, where they are challenged to become rulers of the whole continent." Previous Sunflowers title Anno 1503 went down a storm in Germany. It tanked here. Will this one do any better under EA's continued stewardship?

Garage Games has launched its first 'hardcore' title, Dark Horizons: Lore, and is offering a time limited trial version for download to PC and Mac owners from the official website, with those sufficiently impressed expected to cough up $24.95. According to the official blurb game it's developed by Max Gaming Technologies, and is "Crammed with fast-paced, extreme action, and puts you in command of the 22nd century's finest achievement, the Mechanized Assault Vehicle (MAV)... these giant war machines [possess] more individual firepower than an entire battalion". If it's any good, give us a shout.

Codemasters today released two more promotional movies of Soliders: Heroes Of World War II, the Best Way-developed PC-only third person combat title that "makes the Guns of Navarone look like a walk in the park" and is "an exciting mix of third-person, action-packed missions set in realistic, fully-destructible environments". Weighing in at 9 and 10 MB the promotional trailer can be grabbed here and the actual gameplay movie here.