March 23^rd, 2006 (7:16pm) - The sequel to the fantasy strategy title Dominions 2: The Ascension Wars, Dominions 3: The Awakening, is now available for pre-order from Shrapnel Games. The game is projected to go Gold in June.

Developed by Sweden-based Illwinter Game Design, Dominions 3: The Awakening is a multi-OS turn-based fantasy strategy game.

Officially announced in October 2004, and recently hailed in Computer Games Magazine as one of the most anticipated titles of 2006, Dominions 3: The Awakening will be available for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems and features the gameplay that strategy gamers have become familiar with in the Dominions series.

Gamers can expect the ability to play with up to twenty-one players in a single game, either controlled by the tough AI or humans. Gameplay has been streamlined to make the game more accessible. There is a lot less micromanagement to worry about, allowing players to spend more time on the bigger picture. A comprehensive manual written by veteran computer game scribe Bruce Geryk will also ease players into
the third installment.

Dominions 3: The Awakening boasts three ages to play in and fifty different nations. Some are brand new, others have been revised from earlier games. Some of these new nations include:

Marverni: Inspired by the Gallic tribes described by Caesar, Maeverni is a semi-civilized nation consisting of several tribes sharing common traits. Vergobrets, their village magistrates serve as priests for their armies, and the Marverni druids are looked upon to show the way for the tribes.

Patala: Inspired by Indian and Hindu myths, it is a nation of apes ruled by serpent creatures called nagas. A strict hierarchical caste system governs the apes, while the nagas oversees all. The nagas are divine beings from the nether realm of Patala, where all rivers spring.

Jomon: Ancient Japan influences this nation. Enslaved by the evil bakemono, the humans of Jomon rebelled and cast off their yokes of bondage. A feudal society
emerged, organized around daimyos and their band of warriors. Warfare is now a very ritualized affair.

Right now you can pre-order the game for the discounted price of $47.50 at the Shrapnel Games e-store, the Gamers Front ( www.gamersfront.com/xcart/home.php ) . After May 20, 2006, the price will be $54.95.

For more information on Dominions 3: The Awakening, visit www.shrapnelgames.com .