Savage 2: A Tortured Soul is the sequel to 'Savage: Battle for Newerth' for PC. Savage, the first, was a first-person strategy game made for multiplayer play. A unique hybrid, Savage had an extreme learning curve, but was generally well accepted by PC critics and community. S2 is looking to leap light-years ahead of Savage 1 with Savage 2: A Tortured Soul by improving the graphics and gameplay in relative extremes. For instance, now the game features full bump-mapping (which is getting more common these days) and real pixel shading. Take one look at the screenshots below and you'll, no doubt, have trouble comparing it to its predecessor. The game is simply gorgeous. Check out the teaser trailer here.

While Savage was a good game, it was only S2 Games' first foray into that territory. "Our goal at S2 Games has always been to create the most compelling and fun PC game out there ? the kind of game that we would never get tired of playing," said Marc DeForest, co-founder and lead designer of S2 Games. "Savage was our opening salvo into the PC game market and we're happy to have the opportunity to follow it up with an even greater game in Savage 2."

And so, in Savage 2, the core ideas behind the series have not changed much. You play as a Commander, and in standard RTS fare, can tell your loyal servants where to attack and when. But you can also opt for a first-person run-and-gun technique if you feel inclined. G2 Games has even coined a new genre of game: the RTSS (Real Time Strategy Shooter). Don't be surprised if, years later, you hear this used in casual gamer speech.

Savage 2: A Tortured Soul features:

Graphics:

  • Fully Dynamic Self Shadows

  • Higher Quality Models

  • Higher Quality Animations

  • Bump Mapping and Pixel Shaders

  • Realistic Reflective Water Effects

  • Point Lighting

  • Enhanced Spell Effect System

Gameplay:

  • More Control For Action Players

  • Improved Melee System

  • More Battlegroup Officer Based

  • FPS Fast Action Paced Gameplay for Certain characters

  • Third Person RPG Accessible GamePlay for others

  • Better Items With More RPG Element

  • Enhanced Spell Casting System