It’s time to reshape cold war history as Atari announce the forthcoming launch of Codename Panzers: Cold War, the latest PC real-time strategy title in the acclaimed Codename Panzers series from developers Stormregion and InnoGlow. The tense period in history when a word out of place could lead to all-out war provides a chilling backdrop for the real-time strategic action of Codename Panzers: Cold War, scheduled for release worldwide in February 2009 for Windows PC.

During the Cold War conflict the status quo between the occupying Allied and Soviet forces rests on a knife edge, when an aircraft accident over Tempelhof Airport during the Berlin Blockade threatens to tip the scales towards full-blown conflict. The tragic collision of an American cargo plane with a Russian fighter costs not only the lives of both crews, but proves to be all the encouragement Stalin and his Red Army needs to wage all out bloody war against the NATO forces.

“The intensely realistic scenarios of the cold war era make it one of the richest and dynamic periods in history to set a game,” said Phil Harrison, President, Infogrames Entertainment, the parent company of Atari. “With the added benefit of Stormregion’s online gameplay innovations, Codename Panzers: Cold War will continue the success of its predecessors.”

Codename Panzers: Cold War represents the pinnacle of Cold War era conventional warfare including real world post-war heavy armor battles between heavy tanks like the American M103 and the Russian Troyanov. To take the gameplay beyond build-and-rush tactics the game uses a Point of Interest system, with distinctive structures on the map that teams must occupy to gain additional Prestige Points. Depending on the location and type of structures you occupy, Prestige Points can then be used to call in special attacks like napalm or helicopter support, or to produce additional units. Infantry can employ special urban warfare tactics like building and taking cover, constructing fortifications or tunneling, while the dynamic weather conditions affect unit behaviour and limit sight range creating even more tactical gameplay depth.

Taking the Cold War online, Codename Panzers: Cold War features extensive multiplayer gameplay options including coop, deathmatch and domination modes. A high level of customization means that entire armies can bear their own unique livery and that every single unit including tanks can be customized with equipment including flamethrowers, amphibian devices, camouflage nets and more. The title is undergoing extensive fine tuning and balancing of the gameplay prior to launch to ensure the most satisfying RTS experience possible.

With highly detailed visuals generated by Stormregion’s next-generation engine and online multiplayer for up to 8 players, Codename Panzers: Cold War brings the full cold-blooded chill of war to RTS fans, scheduled for release in February 2009.