World in Conflict in production

Today, PC gamers' 2007 shopping lists shortened by one, when Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures was pushed back to 2008. However, players of the most venerable gaming platform still have plenty of wallet-gutting purchases to look forward to this year, including: BioShock, Crysis, Guild Wars: Eye of the North, Stranglehold, Medal of Honor: Airborne, Universe at War: Earth Assault, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat--to name only a few.

Another highly anticipated PC release was locked down for a pre-fourth-quarter release today. Sierra Entertainment announced that the PC edition of World of Conflict has gone gold and will absolutely, positively be on store shelves on September 18. Developed by Massive Entertainment (Ground Control), the game is rated T for Teen and comes in two versions: a $49.99 standard edition and a $59.99 collector's edition, which includes an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall and a bonus DVD from The History Channel.

Why the Cold-War-themed goodies? Because World in Conflict is set in an alternate history, which saw the Cold War never end. As detailed by GameSpot's recent preview, the real-time strategy title will see World War III break out between the US and the Soviet Union during the present day. As a result, Europe becomes a fiery battlefield, and players will wage Red Storm Rising-style war on the continent using resource-based RTS in both a lengthy single-player campaign and in online multiplayer modes. World in Conflict will support both VOIP and DirectX 10 graphics.

Those without a PC rig that can do justice to DX10 graphics can take heart. Sierra reps confirmed to GameSpot that the recently announced Xbox 360 version of the game is still on track for a 2007 release.