Computer gamers will be able to dive to the Titanic, go on the offensive in the Caribbean or take a space adventure this summer, dpa reported.
Indeed, the pace of new releases is going to be fast and furious. Starcraft II, coming out in July, is one of the most eagerly anticipated of the pack. After all, fans have had to wait a decade for a sequel.
But there are other options, including Commander: Conquest of the Americas, a trading game; the unusual Titanic: the Diving Simulator; and the off-the-wall Plants vs Zombies.
It's no accident that Starcraft's name is so similar to Warcraft, as both were designed by Blizzard. Both titles have already been global successes.
The first Starcraft game appeared in 1998. It was one of the earliest efforts by Blizzard. The original version of the outer space real-time strategy game shows its age today, especially with its graphics. But the actual gameplay remains a high point of the era.
Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty is, on first look, a graphically enhanced version of the original. The two-dimensional outer space playing field has become 3D. The point of the game remains to help the various space races - Protoss, Terrans and Zerg - achieve victory.
That's accomplished, as in so many games, by building bases and creating battle-ready military units. Blizzard has said most of the action is linked to the Starcraft add-on Brood War, also published in 1998.
Along with single-player mode, there are options for multiple players to compete. Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty is slated for a July 27 release and should retail for about 50 euros (63 dollars).
Some people might find it strange to manage wars between alien species. For those people, Rondomedia has created Plants vs Zombies, a game that was, until now, only available as a download. Now released as a regular title, it costs about 15 euros.
Players are tasked with using plants to ward off a group of zombies trying to invade a house. That's because the only thing that works against the 26 different kinds of zombies is an arsenal of pea-shooters, cherry bombs and flesh-eating plants.
Also unusual is the game Astragon plans to release in mid-July: Titanic: The Diving Simulator. It is expected to cost about 20 euros.
The point of the game is to take the submarine Nephron down through a three-dimensional world to examine the submerged and faithfully recreated remains of the legendary luxury liner. Players are also expected to complete various tasks, such as taking pictures or gathering treasure.
Above the waterline, Koch Media plans to release Commander: Conquest of the Americas on July 30 for about 40 euros. Players take on the role of Caribbean traders during colonial times, controlling production and distribution of resources. Ships help to transport goods between the colonies or to Europe.
Diplomacy is another element of the game, whether for dealings with the competition or native populations. When negotiations don't go well, battles at sea are a fallback activity. Thus, those who don't like space fights, a la Starcraft, have other options.