Recent posts by isotx on Kongregate

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Players write the story in March of War

March of War is a game that is being written by you. Developments in the world, such as which faction conquers which region or who is the leader of a faction, are completely dependent on your actions. We provide a basic world with a backstory – a world that is in an everlasting state of war. We don’t know what that world is going to look like a year after the release.

However, playing the game isn’t the only way to contribute to March of War. You will also be able to vote on which content will appear in the game and of course you can contribute to the official library. So eventually the game is as much a product of you, the players, and us, ISOTX.

During the closed beta we have invited a few loyal players to act as war correspondents and to provide us with material for the wiki. One of our devoted contributors is coastwardchippy – he also wrote a lot of fan fiction for Iron Grip: Marauders and is now one of the first war correspondents. So far he has submitted two articles for the wiki – about Alliance Storm Troopers and Spies.
If you are interested in writing for us you can send an email to community@isotx.com.

The following piece of fiction is inspired by coastwardchippy’s description of the Storm Troopers:

“That’s my dad!” Erich nudged his friend Hans and pointed to one of the Storm Troopers marching by: “When I grow up I’m going to be a Storm Trooper as well!”

“No, you won’t – only the really strong soldiers can be a Storm Trooper and I’m way stronger than you are so you’ll never make it. You have to do like a million exams before they let you in.” Hans looked indignantly at Erich, who was a good head shorter than he was. Every boy in their class wanted to be a Storm Trooper. Except Klaus – he wanted to be an Engineer. Like that was any fun. The Storm Troopers got all the glory. They were the pride of the European Army, or so Erich’s dad said. Hans envied Erich, because his dad was a Storm Trooper, marching proudly in the victory parade on Unter Den Linde towards the Brandenburger Tor. Hans and Erich always watched together and even if Erich would never make it, they had an unspoken agreement to join the army when they were eighteen and become Storm Troopers.

Erich’s dad told him that he was part of the first regiment to be equipped solely with the MG 42s – the guns the Troopers are famous for. When the Soviets invaded Europe, Erich’s dad and his regiment, were accidently assigned nothing but the LMGs by mistake – despite a lack of widespread training with the weapons, they used them to devastating effect. Soon the MG 42 became a standard weapon, one of the symbols to show the Union that Europe is much stronger and that they would never be able to invade the old world with their backwards ideas. At least that’s what Erich’s dad said. Hans wasn’t so sure about that. He once saw in the newspaper that the Red Army has giant machines that kind of look like the robots in R.U.R., but much bigger and with huge cannons. It would be scary if he had to face that in battle, even with an MG 42.

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Scrap-metal demolition: the Demo Truck

When all the riches have been plucked from your land, you have to be inventive. The African Warlords surprised the world when they united to fight for a single cause; to reclaim their lands. But the tribes are poor and the continent, though rich in natural resources, has been depleted by European colonists. But Africa has junk. From the remains of the Alliance armies the Warlords constructed theirs own weapons, zeppelins and bombs. One of these is the Demo Truck. Pieced together from old tanks and cars, this truck is filled with dynamite.

A cold wind cut through the bunker. Commander Joseph Herzberg surveyed the beach through his binoculars. The beach grass bent from the relentless push of the ocean breeze, the sand gushing over the beach covered everything in hazy white gauze. The sea beat endlessly on the shore. And all was calm on this winter day in Normandy.

Satisfied with his observation Joseph returned to his desk. He turned his attention to a report about the defeat in the Alps; the Alliance was losing ground in Europe. Fearsome war elephants were thundering down the mountains and scrap-metal zeppelins were seen crashing into European troops. The Warlords they called themselves, or so the report said. A bunch of savages more like it. Wild, dark and utterly insane.

His grandfather had told him about the colonies in Africa. About the gold and the diamonds mine he had owned and how that had made the family rich. About how his grandmother tried to educate the savages in the ways of the Lord. But their dark eyes had rejected them fiercely, the white in stark contrast with the ebony skin.

A siren rudely disturbed his reminiscence. Perturbed he peeked out of the slit in the bunker. His eyes widened as a saw a shabby looking truck rush towards him, bits and pieces of metal falling of it in the sand. The truck gathered speed as it approached the bunker. What are they trying to do, Joseph thought. Before he could blink the truck rammed the bunker.

The walls shook, but the bunker was still standing. The moment before an explosion the world is completely quiet. For a split second he stared into those wild, dark and utterly insane eyes. Then thunder filled the world and darkness rolled over the dunes of Normandy.

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Faction Friday: the African Warlords

Scrapyard metal and war animals, the African Warlords are the final faction of March of War. Have you been able to decide which faction you want to play? You can vote here on the blog.

“No-one saw us coming that day in the Sahara. The United Republic launched an attack to secure their holdings at the Suez Canal. I saw the white men tremble in their boots as we gathered to reclaim the lands that are ours.” – Hanifa

Listen to the music of the African Warlords
https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F90590471

The tribes of Africa united for the first time in history, to defeat an attack by Republican armies in 1935. The Suez Canal had been dug not fifty years before to enable easier trade between Europe and Asia. As the European Alliance had to withdraw most of their military forces from Africa, and following pirate activities in the now lawless area, the United Republic stepped in to claim the Canal. They didn’t count on the anger of tribal Africa, who saw the chance to rule their own lands without colonial interference.

The Republic were defeated utterly, but the truly wondrous thing happened after this bloody battle: the tribes stayed united under the flag of the African Warlords. Led by Hanifa, the diamond of the savannah, the Warlords started salvaging what was left on the battlefield. From the scrap metal of blown up tanks, howitzers and motor cycles, they started to fortify their war elephants and repair and improve their own vehicles. Hanifa had done the impossible; capturing the fury of Africa and giving it direction.

“Warlord, are you ready to mount your elephant and reclaim our lands?”

Watch the sneak peek here http://www.youtube.com/embed/UsyA97xcY1A

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Faction Friday: Viva la revolución! – the Latin Junta

I hope you enjoyed the first issue of World News, the March of War newspaper. Those of you who read the paper carefully know what the last two factions are. This week we travel to South and Central America, where the Latin Junta are masters of the jungle.

Secret labs where the Brigades Revolucionarias develop new weapons are scattered throughout the Amazon rainforest. In one of these, genetic engineer Santiago Cruz is working on his latest invention.

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/JuntaConceptArt_ROC.jpg

“The enemy will run for the hills when they see this swarm emerge from the jungle,” Santiago Cruz looked confidently at his comandante. He smiled at his tiny, yet perfect creations. Behind the glass the insects scurried through the vines, each bug more poisonous than the next.

Santiago is a quiet man, a man of science and a man who has grown up amidst the tangles and coils of the vines and snakes of the jungle. He might never fight on the front line as his comandante leads the chicos to war. The bugs are genetically engineered to spread malaria, or at least a hyper speed version thereof. His children will kill more enemies for the revolucion than any rifle or tank ever could.

Listen to the music https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F81349997

The Brigadas Revolucionarias harness the insects that crawl over the jungle floor, the venom that drips from the viper’s fangs and the poisonous fumes of the fungi growing on the trees. Turning the creatures and plants of the jungle into potent weapons, revolutionary guerrilla forces fight off the Red Army and the forces of the United Republic. Stories of the potency of their biochemical weapon even reached the divine ears of the Emperor. Hasta la victoria siempre, we battle until we are victorious! Comandante, viva la revolución!

Watch the video http://www.youtube.com/embed/MsxkBaC3aT8" frameborder=“0” width=“520” height="293

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Farlix, king of the marauders?

Farlix crowned himself king of the marauders. At first he wanted an annual holiday to commemorate the event – like the king of the Netherlands (aka dress in orange, drink beer and party hard) – but thought better of it. True marauders only party in battle. In the King’s Tournament, marauders from all over Kathos can prove their worth to the new king. Cinnamon obviously demanded to be the lady of honor at this most esteemed event.

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/iron_grip_marauders_isotx_winner_meme_competition.png

Typically, Farlix’s first decision as king was picking a funny internet meme. He declared this meme the winner of the competition that started last week. Poems for Lady Heresh are still welcome, and check out the black market this Friday if you want Lady to join you in your avatar screen.

Now on to the tournament:
- It starts on April 29
- All player of level 6 and higher can enter
- Players select their army from Baron and Atelian units
- Round time is 5 minutes
- Entrance fee is 3 Gems

Prizes
1st – King’s Box (1x Atelian Warlord, 1x Atelian Borthos, 1x Baron Artillery Walker, 1x Baron MBT)
2nd – Tournament Triplex (3x random unit)
3rd – Tournament Crate (1x random unit)

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Challenge: Save the Lady – get the gold

Our very own Mortty has sunk his teeth into Lady Heresh! Of course, as a true marauder you immediately come up with a rescue strategy to free the lady from the devious monster. But not without cracking a joke first! Are you up for the challenge?

An Ode to Lady Heresh
There once was a girl called Lady
A seductive, sultry gypsy
yet say her name
she’ll end your game
And her smile, the last you’ll see
The HungerArtist (Lady’s latest victim)

The challenge
Make us roll on the floor laughing! Provide this empty meme with some funny text – the winner gets 40 Gems to buy the Lady Heresh avatar next week.

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MorttLadyHarash01.jpg

The rules
Post your meme on the Iron Grip: Marauders Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/irongripmarauders
Deadline is April 25 2013
The winner gets 40 Gems
Brownie points if you also write a poem for Lady Heresh!

Finally, this Friday you can get your hands on Mortty the mortt! Is your avatar ready to get eaten by Mortty?

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Freaky Friday: Join the war effort this monday!

The March of War closed beta test started this week. At the ISOTX office we’ve been testing like mad and we need your help! All able-bodied men and women are summoned to join the war effort. Starting this Monday you can subscribe for an invite to the closed beta. It’s first come, first served.

So why should you join SneakySoundz and MechanicalAngel in closed beta? Perhaps these inspiring words from a soldier’s wife will convince you.

Local widow gets medal for exceptional service
Micheal Donahue

Jeanette DuPrie received a medal for exceptional service to our country. The 33 year old widow has aided the war effort tirelessly since her husband was killed in action. The mayor called her work at the arms factory an inspiration for women all across the nation.

After your husband was found dead on the battlefield, you were left alone with three small children. How did you manage?
I just kept telling myself that my husband’s sacrifice hadn’t been in vain. When I heard that knock on the door I thought my world had ended at first. But to be honest I think women who crash and burn when they get this kind of horrible news are weak-minded. I basically kicked myself in the butt, excuse my language, and picked up where my husband left off. It is our duty to serve the country and aid in the war effort any way we can. My husband did this and now I follow in his footsteps, keeping his memory alive. I raise our children to do the same when their time comes.

A lot a women face the problem of combining a job and caring for their children after they experience a loss such as yours. You seem to have no problem doing this.
My mother always taught me that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I work at the factory nine hours a day. Schools these days provide excellent extracurricular activities that prepare your children for military service. Even preschools offer these programs, so there really is no excuse as to why you can’t work and take care of your family. Women who fail to recognize this either don’t care enough or, and I’m not sure which is worse, they are not strong enough.

Those are pretty harsh statements, Mrs. DuPrie.
That doesn’t make them untrue. The world is at war and our husbands and sons are dying for our country. We all need to be as strong and brave as the soldiers on the front-line. If we don’t do our part, how can the men hope to win this war? If our men die, we need to continue the fight. In fact we are the next line of defense and we need to stand tall.

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / The Champions League Tournament!

Honor and Duty might not be the first words that come to one’s mind when you think of Marauders. The truth, as usual in the Iron Grip World, is stranger than fiction. Marauders possess both qualities, but with a unique twist. They have the honor of being part of the strongest Alliances and the duty to convince everybody who doubts that, even if convincing includes mild to fatal injury. Prove that your alliance reigns supreme and fulfill your duty by making that painfully obvious to all other champions.

Rules:
Whitelisted tournament, which means guaranteed battles against hardened enemies who won’t back out of a fight.

Open field maps which foster combat and no camping

Turns and Timings adjusted to give you a comfortable amount of time to blast the enemies of your Alliance

Two players from each alliance fighting separately in two tournament trees with the only chance of them meeting being the Grand Final!

Fighting for the Honor and Pride of your alliance and some other sweet rewards.

Entry fee is an incredible 1 Iron.

Interested? Get in touch with SneakySoundz via PM or visit the Forum thread and fight for the honor of your house!

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Airship with thirty passengers crashed outside Anchorpoint

An airship with thirty passengers, including five children, crashed outside of Anchorpoint. None of the passengers survived the crash. Witnesses claim to have heard a loud noise and saw balls of fire falling from the sky. It is uncertain if anyone else was injured during the crash. Debris of the airship can be found across the mountains.

Image of the airship crashing down: http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/airshipCrashing01.jpg

City officials are questioning the safety of airships around the city. Detective Scott Reichard: “There is not a bone in my body that doubts that this crash was not an accident. We have ceded much of our streets to the marauders and now they terrorize our skies as well.” Concerned citizens have started a petition to urge local Barons around Anchorpoint into action.

While the populace may believe this crash to be an act of terrorism, the cause remains unknown. Airships, especially blimps and zeppelins, are notorious for their devastating accidents. Professor Heidelberg of the Mercos Institute of Technology explains that the danger of these balloon airships is the hydrogen used to levitate the ship: “this is an extremely explosive substance.” The gold value of damage caused by hydrogen and steam powered aircrafts counts into the millions. “As airship innovation is increasingly incorporating iron plating onto the ships, accidents will become more severe.”

Yet the question remains, if hydrogen is such a dangerous substance, why do we continue to use it? “The crux of the matter is that hydrogen is much cheaper and easier to produce than helium, the only other known substance that can lift our airships from solid ground. Even if our scientists are working on more powerful engines to propel the ships, we have yet to find alternatives for getting the ship into the air,” Professor Heidelberg.

The article was published in The Marauder Herald

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / The Sickle – first unit of the Soviet Union revealed

Comrade, after the education about the glories of the Soviet Union you received last week, it is time to show some of tool with which we spread the joy of communism. The Sickle is the pride of the Red Army. Wait, have I seen you before? Where are you from, Comrade? I cannot place your accent.

Let me tell you a story about a note from an Alliance spy I found:I hope this message will find you at some point. When it does, I’m probably dead. The Soviets are developing a monstrous gunship. I trust the pencil drawings I made have arrived safely at the bridge over the river.

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sickle_drawing01_small.jpg

The cell I’m in is too dark to give you a detailed drawing. Before I was caught I overheard a couple of engineers discussing the chopper. I think they work for the Don Polytechnical Institute in Novocherkassk. They have fitted so many weapons on this behemoth of an aircraft, they are having difficulty getting it up the air. But they won’t stop until this Sickle is airborne and reaping our troops like its namesake reaps grain.

We must not let this beast lose in the skies, we must sabotage it at all costs or we will all regret it. My location is, or rather was, since I’ve no idea where they’ve brought me, nine and five quarters in the mountains. I don’t know if they’ve moved on, but it seems a good place to start.

Perhaps it’s the endless and gruesome torture I’ve been submitted to, but the gunship won’t leave me alone. It haunts my dreams, and in my waking hours I can only imagine what the Hammer must look like.

M.

You do not need to worry about him anymore. The NKVD has dealt with the matter swiftly. We need to be very careful with anti-revolutionaries and spies – but you are a true revolutionary, aren’t you Comrade?

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sickle_drawingRendered01_small.jpg

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Faction Friday: the Soviet Union

Some of you already guessed it from our previous faction sneak peeks – the faction we’re revealing today is the Soviet Union. Don’t think it’s your standard, run of the mill Soviet Union. The Red forces that threaten the world of March of War are in fact the catalyst of the worldwide war that is raging when the game begins. Curious how glorious Mother Russia started this global conflict?

March of War is set in a reimagined 1940s dieselpunk world. This alternate history looks much like our own world, with the notable exception that one key event had a very different outcome, which set off a chain of cause and effect leading to a very different world.

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/union3Units_small.jpg

We chose to center on the rise of the Soviet Union as a world power. The left-wing terrorist movement Narodnaya Volya (The People’s Will) assassinated Tsar Alexander II in 1881. In our world this did not yet stir the communist revolution that would in 1922 lead to the formation of the Soviet Union.

In March of War this assassination was sponsored by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. Aided by European funds, The People’s Will succeeded in overthrowing the Romanov dynasty and the Soviet Union was born in the late nineteenth century. Marxists joined The People’s Will in their cause, despite some slight differences in their vision of socialism.

Listen to the music here: https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F84422356

With the radicals from The People’s Will in charge of the fledgling socialist nation it should come as no surprise that the Soviet Union is a more aggressive force in March of War. The glorious party leader decided to spread socialism through conquest, and in 1895 the Soviet Union declares war on Germany, forcing Europe into a makeshift alliance.

Many soldiers tremble before the seemingly endless men and machines of the Soviet armies, as the faction seeks to spread socialism across the world, betting on the farmers and workers joining their cause. There is only one truth in the Soviet Union and that is the truth of the Communist Party. Together the comrades serve Mother Russia, together they fall for the Soviet Union!

Watch the faction video here: http://www.youtube.com/embed/Keylw46g0t0

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Unit sneak peek: United Republic

Hope the United Republic is making you excited about the prospect of getting your hands on our new strategy game! Last week we introduced the first unit of the European Alliance – the Siege Tank. Now you’re all curious about the firepower of the United Republic, I reckon.

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/RepublicHowitzer.jpg

Being the last faction to enter the global conflict, The United Republic’s economy thrived as the world spun into a devastating war. It should therefore come as no surprise that the United Republic’s army is the best money can buy.

The Republic Howitzer in particular strikes fear into the hearts of the men the United Republic claims to be liberating. Its long range, highly destructive blasts are infamous for annihilating masses of enemies who have no way of seeing the attack coming. When the United Republic attempted to drive forces sympathetic to the Soviets out of the South American jungles, this bad boy was responsible for the majority of enemy casualties, as well as the destruction of large parts of the rainforest, leaving the Red Threat nowhere to hide.

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Republic_Howitzer_screenshot01.jpg

Nicknamed Uncle Sam, the Republic Howitzer is the epitome of 20th century mobile artillery cannons. Research funded by some of the wealthiest people in the world has resulted in a mass producible cannon without equal. And with highly trained soldiers to operate this machine who would dare stand in the way of the Republic’s quest to spread freedom?

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Watch our artist at work!

Enjoy this speed painting video. Can you guess what this unit does?

http://www.youtube.com/embed/9YlTz71poyc

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Faction Friday: The United Republic – fight for freedom

The world is at war and the last bastion of peace and freedom, the United Republic, enters the battlefield armed with slick chrome air planes and war machines funded by the corporate world of banks and industry. This second faction of our new turn-based strategy game fights for freedom and has nearly unlimited monetary resources to fund its armies.

The president of the United Republic made a famous speech when the war reached Republican soil:

For sixteen years our nation has been inflicted by a see nothing, hear nothing, and do nothing government. Our United Republic has become rich as the worldwide war deprived men of freedom. All men are created equal, so it is our mission to liberate men to pursue their own happiness and dreams. Sixteen years it took our country to realize that we need to oppose the enemies of freedom and the enemies of peace. Will it take sixteen more before we fight back?

No. It is time to take a stand against our enemy in the west that so brutally attacked Pearl Harbour in a selfish conquest to expand their nation. It is time to stand up to the Red Threat, and to stop them spreading their deluded ideas. It is time to bring freedom to the world.

We saw nothing, we heard nothing and we did nothing. But now, you, my fellow Republicans, can make a difference. Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. Ask how you can help in the fight for freedom!

Men, I want you to join the Republican Air Force. I want you to take up arms in the name of liberty. I want you to strike fear into the hearts of all those who oppose the freedom of men.

Listen to the United Republic music here: https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F83363818

And watch the sneak peek here: http://www.youtube.com/embed/CZBrZOYOGlo

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / The Lock, Stock & Barrel Tournament

The voting has come to an end and you want to play with ALL the toys! Therefore, I arranged the Lock, Stock & Barrel Tournament. This is your chance to scare your enemies with all our units at your fingertips. You can enter the tournament via the PvP menu.

The Rules
- All players level 6 or above can enter
- Round time is 5 minutes
- Entrance fee is 5 gems
- You get a pool with one of each unit in the game
- The tournament starts on March 19th

Prizes
1st Lock, Stock & Barrel pack
2nd Tournament Triplex
3rd 100,000 Iron
4th 100,000 Gold

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Unit sneak peek: European Alliance

We hope you all enjoyed reading about the European Alliance – the first revealed faction from our brand new turn-based strategy! You know their story; you know what they are fighting for. Now it’s time to show you why the European armies should be rightfully feared! Mix Dieselpunk, European armies and superior engineering and what do you end up with? – The pride of the European tank armies!

When the Soviet Union invaded Europe, the European armies were hard pressed to respond to the threat of communism. The notion of war as a gentlemanly business evaporated in the first months of the conflict. This was a new type of war – a dieselpunk war!

The European generals and officers were desperate need of a weapon that, upon its introduction to the battlefield, could bring immense firepower and turn the tide of battle unconditionally in favor of the European armies. The brightest scientific minds that Europe had to offer gathered in the French military academy, L’École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, to engineer the weapon that would change the war. The massive foundries of Krupp Stahl industries manufactured what would become the ultimate extension of European diplomacy – the Siege Tank! The tests were carried out in Switzerland by Dutch and British crews and the revolutionary weapon passed with flying colors.

When it was manufactured and shipped to the front lines, its impact was felt immediately. Entire Soviet armored divisions were reduced to burning scrap metal and European armies managed to push the red tide back. The Soviets referred to the Siege Tank as the “Earth Shaker”; whenever a shell from the Siege Tank would hit their positions, the earth would shake.

The Siege Tank is the defining image of European armies as perceived by the rest of the world – superior, heavily armored, mechanized forces that use tanks and heavy weaponry to pound their enemies into submission.

Sir! Are you ready to crush your enemies under the Siege Tank’s iron tracks?

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / First faction of our new game revealed – The European Alliance!

The moment has come for us to give you something you can really sink your teeth into! As you already know, our new game is taking place in an alternative 1940s dieselpunk setting. You align yourself with one of the unique factions and set out on a path of world domination. Now it’s time for us to reveal our first faction – The European Alliance!

“Sir, you alone can carry forth the beacon of civilization and reclaim that which is ours by birthright”
- The nameless soldier

The European Alliance sees itself as a beacon of light and civilization in the world. The Europeans believe themselves to be bringers of culture, technology and order to the less-fortunate in the far-flung corners of their colonial empires. They credit themselves with uplifting the world from the dark ages and bringing it to the lights of industry, unity and power.

However, their supreme arrogance and the belief that the world is theirs alone, has earned the European Alliance many enemies. To the east, a monster of their own creation, the Soviet Union, is zealous in its pursuit of spreading the glory of socialism. The fanatical socialists invaded Europe in 1895, sparking the Great European War. The European nations were forced to unite as one to fight the common enemy. In the struggle to protect their own countries, the Europeans had no choice but to abandon their colonies and this shattered their empires.

Thus the European Alliance was born out of desperation and distress. Make no mistake, the Europeans might not have an empire anymore, but the belief in their own superiority is still ingrained in their bones. The legacy of Nelson, Napoleon, Bismarck and other hallowed names is still alive and united to a single purpose – restoring the Alliance to its rightful ruling position in the world and to exact vengeance on all those who threatened and abandoned them in their time of greatest peril.

The commander of a European army will face many enemies and fight on many fronts. He can be confident that the martial prowess and superior technology of the European military will prevail, and the rightful supremacy of European civilization will be restored to former glory!

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Get ready for the fight!

Tournaments are the surest way for a captain to prove his worth for the world to see. That’s why we’ve decided that the current system needs a bit of improvement. Nobody likes it when the other player is just camping and you don’t stand a chance against his defenses.

Therefore, we will avoid certain maps that are particularly suited for this strategy, giving both players an equal chance to build up defenses. We will also be experimenting with round and turn times to see which set up works best.

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uplo…theunits01.jpg

Finally, I’d like to ask everybody to play like a gentleman and if for some reason you believe your opponent is misusing the rules, provide us with proof and we’ll take appropriate action. I know the idea of being a gentleman is alien to marauders, but ratting each other out is proper thuggish behavior!

Now for the fun part! I have decided to let you all vote for the unit pool of our next public tournament! You can vote here http://forums.isotx.com/showthread.php?5962-Get-ready-for-the-fight!
and below are your options:

1)I want to play with ALL the toys! One unit of everything at the highest level.

2)Atelians vs. Barons – take your pick from all available Atelian and Baron units to crush your enemy.
Atelian Borthos
Atelian Firebombers
Atelian Hunters
Atelian Nomad Riders
Atelian Shotgun Trooper
Atelian War Borthos
Atelian Warlord
Baron Artillery Tower
Baron Battle Walker
Baron Bazooka
Baron MTB
Baron Rocket Tank
Baron Terror Walker
Baron Trooper

3)Player’s choice – Deeriak provided us with a list of units he’d like to play with. Here’s your chance to try them out!
Nomad
Dragoon
Grenadiers
Avatar
Baron Troopers
Bombardiers
Elite Destroyer
Devastator
Ironclad Tank
Mortar Team
GRAV
Command Destroyer
Elite Ironclad Walker

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / New Turn-Based Strategy game

I’ve been teasing you with pretty pictures and a puzzle. As most of you already know, we are soon releasing a new game. Today I can divulge a bit more!

First of all I can confirm that the new game is a turn-based strategy game, set in an alternative 1940s dieselpunk war setting. You pick one of the factions (the first one will be revealed this Friday) and fight online for world domination.

Personally, I’m very excited about the fact that you can start the new game on your PC and continue playing on your tablet. It’s a browser game that will work on four different platforms; PC, MAC, Android and iOS. So don’t hesitate to challenge your friends and enemies to a PvP of co-op battle, they will work flawlessly across all platforms!

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Sai's Kiss Tournament Winners! - LordZombie and GhostZombie

Anchorpoint is a lively town, always has been. The evenings are bright, the buildings colorful, the pubs filled with music and drunk marauders. It had its charms and its way of making you feel at home. It is a town that offers a particular type of romance. The sky pirate romance!

The captain was looking down at the city like the weary traveler looks at his home.
His airship was hovering close above the town – high enough to catch a gentle breeze and close enough to see and hear the pirates singing their drunken songs on the streets, or the young man sneaking into his lovers house, without knowing that her father is prepared and waiting with his stick. It all amounted to a strangely endearing picture.

The captain’s thoughts were interrupted when Sai approached. She looked absolutely stunning. The mere sight of her made him feel like the battles were too small of a price to pay. He offered her a seat and a glass of the finest “Chateau de Rais” – involuntarily courtesy of the baron de Rais.
“You look lovely, m’dear”, smiled the captain: “I can see why all the other captains fought with such fervor”
“Thank you, captain. I must say you outshone them all,” responded Sai: “I am looking forward to this evening after such an interesting day.”

“The pleasure is all mine, love. Indeed it was a very interesting day,” The captain raised her hand and kissed it.

He had seen many strange things during this tournament, but every combatant had faced tough challenges. All is fair in love and war. The Marauders really fought with a passion. No doubt their commanders were eager to win, knowing the prize that awaited them. A prize that he had won! In the first round he faced a bear cavalry charge! Who brings a bear to a gun fight!? In the second round he had to real trouble dealing with a curious use for scrapped tanks! He had to confess that he was surprised and slightly troubled when he saw the first hulk flying towards him! He made a mental note to look into its uses. But his crew had won the Anchorpoint tournament! Despite all the strong, cunning, and in some cases downright crazy opponents! All he had to do now was impress Sai enough for her to choose to go on a second date with him. He was confident; he was a gentleman – a word too complex for that other thug to even pronounce.
Raising his glass the captain said: “I am certain this evening will be one to remember, m’dear”
“I hope so, captain” – Sai’s eyes were filled with a playful twinkle as she took a sip of her champagne.

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Freaky Friday: behind the scenes with Tim

As you have seen, the artwork and screenshots of the new game are both familiar and refreshing. So far we’ve seen fantastic looking jungle footage, and an apocalyptic version of a European city. Tim van Geel, Producer at ISOTX, unveils the inspiration that fueled this project.

Looking at the screens of the developer at the office, I’ve seen quite a lot of sexy female units. Crowd-pleaser or artistic choice?

Both actually. One of the big inspirations of this universe is the pulp genre. In these novels and artwork, you often see powerful sexy ladies fighting off Nazi secret war machines, corrupt soldiers, monsters etc. These novels were often intended for young men; hence the skimpy clothed women, but later on became something very iconic for the genre. It’s a known fact that war-games are enjoyed predominantly by men, so it was a logical choice for us to do something with that. That’s not to say we feel women should be always portrayed as eye candy. In fact, in our universe, we’ve given women a much more powerful and equal role than in our world.

The universe of Iron Grip: Marauder is very steampunk and dieselpunk. Are we going to see that in the new game as well?

Yes, but there are some important changes. We’ve moved more away from the Victorian-esque steampunk elements and gave the universe a much darker, World War 2 dieselpunk feel. The flamboyant dresses the people wore in Marauders are gone for example.

You have also been working on the soundscape. Can you tell a bit about the choice of music?

We’ve gone for a different approach with the music. Since we’re basing the universe on our own planet and history, we’ve made the scores for each faction much more fitting with the culture. We combined these different music styles with a dieselpunk industrial feel however.

Listen to some music from the game here: https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F81349997

What do you think will be the most surprising artistic feature?

The cool war gear each faction has! We’ve gone for a unique blend of World War 2 technology and dieselpunk/ISOTX styled huge machines, walkers and other technological wonders.

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Sneak peek: a war-torn world

This image is one of the mood boards for our new strategy game. Do you like it? When I look at this I imagine what Berlin must have looked like right after the war.
Tomorrow I will get you an interview with our art director and he can explain a bit more about the style of the new game!

http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uplo…/moodshot3.jpg
Can you imagine you armies marching through this city?

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Sai’s dark past part 2

Sai is very pleased with all the attention she got this weekend! The tournament for her kiss is still running and she told me that the competing marauders look promising. Today we dive deeper into Sai’s obscure past.

Sai found herself in quite a predicamentafter her airship crashed and she was kidnapped by Alesta and her band of marauders. Alesta told her that she worked with Sai’s father to fight against the Emperor of Rahmos. However, marauders are only loyal for a price. Alesta demanded one of his daughters and he chose Sai.

In the days after her kidnapping, Alesta brought Sai to Anchorpoint, the biggest pirate town in Kathos. At first Sai thought about escaping and going home. Her nights were filled with visions of her mother and her sisters. But whenever she saw Alesta, she was reminded of how her father had betrayed her. She wasn’t being kidnapped; her father knew exactly where she was.

When did she stop being a prisoner? One day, just after they reached Anchorpoint, Sai woke up and realized going home wasn’t among her options. Suddenly she fully understood what Alesta’s loyalty meant for her family. If Sai tried to go home, Alesta would sell the family out to the Emperor. And the Emperor didn’t deal lightly with traitors. Exile or imprisonment would be the best outcomes. However, traitors of the Emperor were mostly sent to the quarries in the North. Sai and her family would become slaves, chipping away stone for the rest of their days.

Sai decided that morning that a pirates’ life was all that was left for her. First order of business; commandeering her own air ship.

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Freaky Friday: Sai’s dark past part 1

A pirates’ life for me! This saying might be famous, but no-one chooses this life. That is not to say the sky pirates of Kathos are an unhappy bunch, after all they’ve got the lovely Sai looking after them. Makes you wonder how she ended up in Anchorpoint, though, doesn’t it? I mean, she didn’t choose this life, so what led her to it?

Sai grew up as the middle child in a Rahmosian military family. All children were expected to join the army and fight for the glory of Rahmos. At age five her parents sent her to a military academy to be properly trained in the art of war. At the age of twelve, when the children get their first flying lesson, it turned out she had a knack for airships. As the ace pilot of her class, it was expected she would rapidly rise through the ranks in the air force of the Rahmos army.

Fate, however, had a different plan. Or should I say a certain pirate had a different plan. One day, when Sai and her two sisters were on the ship back home for their spring break, their airship was shot down and crashed. The girls thought at first that the pirates only wanted to rob the ship, but when Sai disappeared in the chaos it turned out that the situation was much more dire than that.

The shaking of the truck woke Sai up. It was dark, and she could barely make out any details. A narrow strip of light peeked through the back of the truck. She tried to remember what happened. She knew the ship had crashed. There had been fire, smoke and explosions? She was bit fuzzy on the details. At one point the world had turned black. The next thing she knew was this truck.

In her reminiscence she failed the feel the truck slowing down. Someone opened the back of the truck. “Get out,” he grunted.
“Who are you?” Sai demanded, refusing to move even an inch.
“None of your business, princess,” the man grabbed her arm and dragged her out.
The sun blinded Sai for a moment, but when her vision cleared she found herself surrounded by a band of thuggish looking men and a pretty looking blond-haired girl. The girl smiled at her and extended her hand: “Hi, my name is Alesta. I’m really sorry we had to drag you out here, but I need some insurance from your dear papa.”
Sai’s eyes widened as she realized what was going on. “I see you’re catching on,” Alesta twirled a strand of Sai’s dark hair around her finger: “Not all families in Rahmos support the Emperor. Your daddy got in a little over his head with his plan against his sovereign. Without my support, his betrayal will reach the Emperor. And well… you can guess what happens next. So I proposed a deal to him. One of his daughters for my loyalty.”

To be continued… (A little angel told be the next episode is on Tuesday)

FYI: This weekend we have a limited offer in on the Black Market; Sai’s avatar item!!! Don’t miss it!

Topic: Iron Grip: Marauders / Harlem Shake @ISOTX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtRYNWkNhz8