News archive

28.12.2004 - We're glad to inform you that the official PT Boats forum is now back online. We apologize for possible inconvenience.

24.12.2004 - Sabotain's official forum
Today we have started Sabotain: Breaking the Rules! forum! Asking, commenting, discussing... Your opinion is very important for us.

22.12.2004 - Today we have started MetalHeart's forum! Asking, commenting, discussing... Your opinion is very important for us. On some questions Sergey Lahtin (producer of MH) will answer personally.

11.11.2004 - Akella announces the agreement with "DreamCatcher Interactive" on publishing Painkiller: Battle out of Hell expansion in Russia and the territories of the CIS and Baltic region.

3.11.2004 - The agreement on publishing Ford Racing 3 in Russia, The CIS and the Baltic region was recently arranged between Akella and Empire Interactive. You will find the details on Ford Racing 3 here.

3.11.2004 - Akella to distribute EverQuest II in Russia.
Akella today announced that it has reached an agreement with Ubisoft for the Russian distribution rights to EverQuest II. EverQuest II will be released in Russia soon after the North American and European launch of the game November 8, 2004 in North America and November 11, 2004, in most European countries.
See our dedicated section for details.

2.11.2004 - Akella has arranged the agreement with Ubisoft on publishing Prince of Persia: Warrior Within in Russia, the CIS and the Baltic region. This game is the sequel to one of the best action games of 2003. Please visit our dedicated section for details.

2.11.2004 - Official Refutation!!!

As we have just learned, a “demo” of Metalheart: Replicants Rampage appeared in the World Wide Web not so long ago. It’s our duty to inform you that “Akella” is not responsible for this illegal distribution at all. This is not an official demo-version and it appears to be an incomplete fragment of a 2003-year game build flooded with various errors.

This inconvenience has occurred due to frustrating misunderstanding between “Akella” and its partner that was mistakenly put the archive into the Web. The situation is being discussed and taken care of right now.

However, it won’t influence the date of release at all. It will happen in January 2005 as it was previously announced. Since this very “demo” is not a complete and tested product, we’d appreciate it very much if you do not mind its appearance. The final version will be completely different regarding the total conversion of RPG system and many other aspects directly influencing the general game concept itself.

We are especially addressing the masters of web sites that host this archive asking them insistently to remove it from their download sections immediately. We appreciate your cooperation.

At this very moment the official site of the game is under intensive construction. You will be able to find all the necessary information on Metalheart: Replicants Rampage there just a few days later.

26.10.2004 - Akella is proud to announce the agreement with "Central Partnership" on publishing "Shadow boxing" game being developed under license from "Shadow Boxing" movie creators. This movie is the largest project of Russian cinema industry ever, counting $3,500,000 of budjet. The director of "Shadow Boxing", Aleksey Sidoroff is the creator of well-known throughout Russia "Brigade" TV series. It's the movie sequel to the series telling about a common man, Artem Kolchin, brought up by The Brigade but having chosen his own destiny. The challenger wished to become a champion boxer, but former comrades never intended to let him go this easy…

The 3rd person action-fighting "Shadow Boxer" is based on the movie plot and lets gamers experience the most exciting moments of it. The player takes control of Artem Kolchin and sometimes of the villain assassin "Snake". The gameplay is based on constant fights in different scenes and environments with various number of opponents. The main character will be able to use many elements of environment as weapons. Consecutive punches and kicks will form exciting combos allowing to knock down several opponents at once. To complete the level, player will have to kick all enemies' butts. And there are powerful bosses, leaders of the gangs possessing their unique combat style, waiting in the end of some levels.

The game succeeds the best traditions of "beat'em up" actions from the critically acclaimed "Fighting Force". All game characters' animations are powered by the "motion capture" technology implemented by one of the Russian studios on boxers participating in the movie. It also includes cutscenes shown during level progress, mostly exclusive and not featuring in the cinema version, allowing player to learn unrevealed details of Kolchin's destiny.

The release of the game is scheduled to the movie premiere on 17th of March, 2005.

Game Features:

• The long-absent "Oni" and "Fighting Force" gameplay finally returns to PC!
• The game being developed under license of one of the most prominent Russian movie projects;
• Impressive visual effects and "motion capture" animation;
• Different types of missions full of intense fights;
• Movie episodes not included in cinema version of "Shadow Boxer".

12.10.2004 - Akella announces the agreement with French publisher and developer Monte Cristo Multimedia to publish life-simulation game 7 Sins for PC and PS2 in Russia and CIS.

7 Sins is fast-moving story-based life simulation game in which players are plunged into a city ruled by sex, wealth and fame. Through a single-player campaign of seven single missions the player will be confronted with an assortment of risque, funny and dangerous missions. His ability to build his character and perform in over 20 hysterical mini-games (from the "vodka race" to the "toilet's Mozart") will be the key ultimately becoming the boss of Apple City.

"We're very happy to start our partnership with Monte Cristo with such a promising title as 7 Sins", said Vladimir Koudr, Akella's Vice-President of Publishing. "Monte Cristo is a well-established company and they proven themselves as talented and professional developers".

7 Sins is tentatively scheduled for February 2005 release.

01.10.2004 - Akella has signed the agreement with Russian sci-fi icon Boris Strugatsky to develop new computer game based on cult novel “Hard to be God” by Strugatsky brothers. The game is set to be a complex PRG a-la Neverwinter Nights and is intended to reproduce the story and atmosphere of the novel.

More details will follow soon

23.07.2004 - Akella has acquired the publishing rights for 3D adventure game The Moment of Silence on Russia and ex-USSR territories.

The Moment of Silence from Germany’s development studio House of Tales is a classic point-and-click adventure game set in the near future where technological dependence has left the world in the hands of a few powerful men. The states of the earth are united under a world government. Communications designer Peter Wright doesn't give a heck about politics and politicians, about scandals and. In fact, since Peter's wife and his seven-year-old son died in an air catastrophe, he doesn't care about anything anymore. He hates his job, spends his nights drinking whisky, and only looks for human company in the anonymity of computer chat rooms. His life changes abruptly one night when a black van stops in front of his house and a heavily armed SWAT team bursts into the apartment of his neighbor.

"House of Tales is a good team of professionals and The Moment of Silence appears to be very interesting and promising game", said Vladimir Koudr, Akella's Vice President of Publishing. "So far we're very happy with our cooperation with House of Tales, and hope to continue to work together with them in the future".

"We are so pleased to be working with a proven and dedicated Publishing Company like Akella. Their reputation and experience gives us the right kick to enter the Russian Market” said House of Tales Managing Director Tobias Schachte.

02.07.2004 - Akella has signed the agreement with Wargaming.net to publish turn-based strategy game Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance in Russia and ex-USSR states.

Phantom Renaissance is the stand-alone expansion set for the highly acclaimed turn-based strategy game Massive Assault. Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance features a renewed global conflict between the Free Nations Union and Phantom League in distant space colonies. The game is based on the Massive Assault's original "Secret Allies" concept, acknowledged by the press and the players as innovative and "easy to learn and hard to master" one and in many respects rejuvenating turn-based genre.
"We know Wargaming.net as a team of first-class professionals and are very happy to be publishers of their games," said Vladimir Koudr, Akella's Vice President of Publishing. "Massive Assault was critically acclaimed by both Russian and worldwide press and gamers, and Phantom Renaissance will definitely be one of Akella's top titles".
Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance is tentatively set for release in late Fall 2004.

For additional information please visit
http://www.phantomrenaissance.com and
http://www.akella.com/pub-assault-en.shtml

07.06.2004 - New trailer of PT Boats: Knights of the Sea invades the web.

Akella, the developer of Sea Dogs and Pirates of the Caribbean, has updated the “Files” section of PT Boats: Knights of the Sea website with latest screenshots and newest trailer. The video is available in high-resolution (48 Mb) and low-resolution (17 Mb). Visit the official PT Boats page at http://www.pt-boats.net. PT Boats is the first simulator of the Mosquito-fleet, created with the use of technologies of a level never seen before in naval combat simulator games. The key features are: astonishingly beautiful dynamic sea, historically authentic World War II ships and weapons, possibility to control any member of the crew and a multiplayer game. The game is scheduled for a Q4 2004 release.

04.05.2004 - Akella has signed the agreement with CDV Software to publish the tactical strategy game Codename: Panzers. Game offers real-time combat rampages with awesome 3D graphics. Create your combat force from over 100 finely detailed units, from a flame-throwing squad to a Soviet Stalin organ rocket launcher to a German Konigstiger battle tank. Be the commander - demolish the enemy with clever tactical maneuvers. Experience the nerve-jangling thrill of strategic gaming - in Codename: Panzers! For more info about the game check out http://www.akella.com/pub-panzers-en.shtml

03.26.2004 - Akella launches official website for PT Boats: Knights of the Sea

     Akella, the developer of Sea Dogs and Pirates of the Caribbean, launches the official website for PT Boats: Knights of the Sea project.
     PT Boats is the first simulator of the Mosquito-fleet, created with the use of technologies of a level never seen before in naval combat simulator games. The key features are: astonishingly beautiful dynamic sea, historically authentic World War II ships and weapons, possibility to control any member of the crew and a multiplayer game. The website (http://www.pt-boats.net) contains in-depth information on Mosquito-fleet, which will be updated weekly. The forum section gives an opportunity to all the naval combat simulation fans to take part in creating PT Boats by interacting with the development team, asking questions, and giving suggestions and corrections.
     The game is scheduled for a Q4 2004 release.

     For additional information, interviews etc. please contact Dmitry Rakitsky, PR-manager, phone: +7 (095) 363-4612, email: rakitsky@akella.com

03.16.2004 - Akella relaunches official website for Sabotain: Break the Rules

     Akella, the developer of Pirates of the Caribbean and Sea Dogs, is relaunching the official website for the Sabotain: Break the Rules. Check all the latest information on http://www.akella.com/sabotain.
     As previously reported, Akella acquired all the rights previously owned by CDV Software Entertainment AG for long awaited Sabotain: Break the Rules (developed by Avalon Style Entertainment). The game is scheduled for Q2 2004 release.
     Sabotain: Break the Rules is the first-person role-playing game set in the futuristic world. Combining the sophisticated RPG system with adventure and hovercar racing elements, and strong first-person shooting action, Sabotain offers unique gaming experience with rich nonlinear storyline and involving gameplay

01.28.2004 - Akella aquires publishing rights for Sabotain: Break the Rules

     Akella announces the agreement with CDV Software Entertainment AG that Akella aquires publishing rights for Avalon Style’s role-playing first-person shooter Sabotain: Break the Rules.
     The long awaited Sabotain: Break the Rules is a futuristic FPS/RPG based on the idea of mission-oriented adventure with varied interactions with people and places as well as varied mission types, including sabotage, infiltration, rescue, intelligence-gathering, thievery, reconnaissance, assassination, and all-out combat. Role-playing system allows characters to develop themselves by gaining experience and spending it to improve skills and attributes.
     For more information check http://www.akella.com/pub-sabotain-en.shtml. The official website will be relaunched soon. Sabotain: Break the Rules is scheduled for a Spring 2004 release.

01.19.2004 - Akella is launching a new website for the Metalheart: Replicants Rampage project.
     Metalheart: Replicants Rampage is a tactical role-playing game set on a deserted planet where the main characters find themselves after the spaceship crash. The game follows the paths of the old-school tactics/RPG classics, but adds new unique features to the traditional gameplay. Metalheart: Replicants Rampage provides a strong sci-fi story with intriguing cyberpunk influences, sophisticated turn-based combat, random quest generator with the unbelievable tasks variations, a complex character parameter system, and plenty of other wonders to make hardcore RPG fans amazed.
     The game is published by Akella in Russia. The publisher outside Russia will be announced later. Metalheart: Replicants Rampage is scheduled for a Spring 2004 release.
     More information can be found on http://www.metalheart.ru.

12.19.2003 - Akella and Step Creative Group announce that a new 3D tactical strategy/action game DEactivation was released. Players will control one of the antiterrorist units of droids to neutralize acts of terrorism. Destroy the hostile robots-kamikazes and set the hostages free! Please visit this page to read more details.

12.11.2003 - Akella announces that it has signed an agreement with Enlight Software to publish a third-person 3D epic saga with Real-Time Strategy gameplay Joan of Arc. Can you muster the strength, courage and vision to become Joan of Arc, to vanquish the enemy forces? Can you develop your army into a force to be reckoned with? Do you have what it takes to transform your ensemble of soldiers to become the greatest European military power of the 100 years war? In Joan of Arc, destiny is in your hands. For more info read the press-release.

12.11.2003 -      Akella reveals new intriguing details of Axle Rage.

     Akella, the developer of critically acclaimed Pirates of the Caribbean, Sea Dogs, and Age of Sail II, announces new details of the dreaded-doom-laden action game Axle Rage.
     Axle Rage combines third-person action with motorcycle mayhem and hand-to-hand combat. Set in the dark megapolis of Nailsdale, the game puts you under the skin of Axle, biker and member of the ‘No Dice’ gang thrown into a whirlwind of edgy events connected with the widespread, yet mysterious drug ‘miro’ and its origin.
     One of the key features of Axle Rage is the unique system of motorcycle combat. The system allows players to participate in cinematographic high-octane action, which offers a gasoline flavored top speed brawl, without any controls overcomplication. The lock-on system and smart speed synchronization create a solid platform for smooth and intuitive motorcycle fights with a strong impact on artistic duels. More information on the subject is available on the official Axle Rage website (http://www.axlerage.com), as well as the latest screenshots and motorcycle combat system illustrations.
     The game is published by 1C in Russia and developed by Akella. Axle Rage is scheduled for Q4 2004 release.

     For additional information, interviews etc. please contact Dmitry Rakitsky, PR-manager, phone: +7 (095) 363-4612, email: rakitsky@akella.com

11.26.2003 - Akella and Step Creative Group signed an agreement that Akella is the worldwide exclusive owner of the IP rights for the Step Creative Group’s upcoming 3d tactical strategy/action game DEactivation. For more info read the press-release.

11.18.2003 - Under the agreement with GMX Akella will distribute a WWII Grand Strategy at its best “Strategic Command - European Theater”. Shape the fates of the nations at war during the Second World War in Europe. The ultimate glory is in your hands! For more info read the press-release.

11.13.2003 - Akella announces today that it has signed the agreement with Empire Interactive to publish an intense and reckless racing simulator «Ford Racing 2». Standard racing around tracks and ovals will be there for you to tear around; off road courses to test your Rally skills and even some more diverse inner city chases and curvy country lanes to test your driving skills. And of course, there'll be plenty of two player challenges to pit you against too. For more info read the press-release.

11.04.2003 - Akella announces the launch of the official web site for “Alice’s Space Adventure”. This arcade game narrates the adventures of one amazing girl, Alice, and her friends as they travel to different planets of our galaxy. On the site you’ll find screenshots, character descriptions, info, art and more.

10.29.2003 - Akella announces today that it has signed an agreement with Ascaron, the developer of well-known PTS-games Port Poyale, Patrician II, III to publish a new strategy Tortuga.
     The release date is autumn, 2003. Click here for more info

10.27.2003 - Under the agreement with Ubi Soft, Akella will distribute a promising action adventure “Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time” on the territory of Russia and CIS. We are proud to distribute the next game of the cult series ‘Prince Persia’, developed by Broderbund, the developer of the original version of the game. It narrates about smart, skilful and young Prince that returns to reveal the secrets of majestic legends of Antique East and dip you into the Thousand and One tales. For more info read the press-release.

10.17.2003 - Akella announces today that it has signed an agreement with Cinemaware to distribute a RPG-strategy-action “Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown”. The evil Prince shackled the country under his unjust rule. Take on the role of the legendary outlaw, lead the people of England to freedom and experience a gameplay unlike any other. For more info read the press-release.

10.10.2003 - Akella announces that it has signed an agreement with Ubi Soft to publish a unique comic-style FPS XIII on the territory of Russia and the CIS. He sets off in search of his past. His only clues are the number 13 tattooed on his collarbone and the key to a safety-deposit box in one of New York's most prestigious banks. For more info read the press-release.

10.07.2003 - Under the agreement with Cinemax, Akella will publish a unique humorous quest wonderfully handpainted in watercolor style “In the Shadow of the Raven”. A young monk Severin jumped out of the window and having awakened he decided to fathom the sense of life. How he will keep track of the question and what the result will be, you will experience in this adventure game.

09.25.2003 - Akella announces today that it has signed an agreement with InterActive Vision to publish an arcade-style flight simulator Pacific Warriors 2 that puts you in the seat of a fighter plane during the action-filled Pacific conflict between the Americans and the Japanese during World War 2. For more info read the press-release.

09.15.2003 - Postal 2 the most scandalous game of the century is to become the most scandalous game of the century with multiplayer!
      Postal 2 with Multiplayer gives gamers a chance to battle against everything from a small army of Gary Colemans to a terrorist towel convention to a redneck weenie roast gone bad - all in addition to the standard single-player carnage.
      "I've personally slain and/or pissed on just about all of the NPC's in Postal 2 myself," said Chris Warrender, Publishing Director for Whiptail Interactive, the game's publisher in Europe and North America, "but now it's time for some 'big boy' action in the multiplayer version, and from what I've seen it'll be the most fun one can have outside of the bedroom or a very fast car. Bring it on, if you dare!".

09.09.2003 - Akella announces today that it has signed an agreement with Iridon Interactive to publish a combined off-road and stadium track racer that puts you in control of some of the baddest and most powerful trucks in the world Monster Truck Fury. For more info read the press-release.

08.28.2003 - Akella announces today that it has signed an agreement with Yawthrust Software Labs to publish 2D Arcade Space Tanks. Suns, black holes, asteroid rings, atmospheric resistance, aliens, astro zombies, space creatures and other horrors are waiting just for you!! For more info read the press-release.

08.25.2003 - Akella announces the development of a new game, “Alice’s Space Adventure”. Akella, well known as the leading naval games developer, is pushing its own boundaries by working in an entirely different genre. Alice’s Space Adventures is an all new arcade game for children in a classic animation style. For more info read the press-release.

08.18.2003 - Akella and Numlock Software signed an agreement that Akella is the worldwide exclusive owner of the IP rights for the Numlock's upcoming tactical game with realtime/stepwise modes "Planet Prison". In Planet Prison a player navigates the protagonist through a 2.5D isometric world, solving randomly created tasks and main story line objectives. The release date of the game is 1Q, 2004.

08.11.2003 - Akella and 1C Company announce a new project called PT Boats: Knights of the Sea. The game is being developed using the modified version of Akella’s STORM 2 engine and offers a new level of realism and top notch graphic technology. PT Boats is a unique blend featuring Akella’s cutting edge 3D sea technologies and naval simulation experience. For more info visit the official web page of the game.

07.25.2003 - Under the agreement with Ascaron, Akella will publish a unique fantasy RPG adventure “Sacred” on the territory of Russia, the CIS and the Baltics. Banished to the deserts of the south, after the years of wandering, Shaddar, "Wanderer of the Shadows", returnes and Sakkara Demon with him. They bring Death, Evil and Darkness… The press-release you'll find here.

07.23.2003 - Akella and Empire Interactive announce a publishing agreement for a new title. Under the agreement, Akella will localize and publish the fifth disk from the popular eJay series - “Dance eJay 5”. Those who want to become the real DJ may click here to read the full version of the press-release.