Today, Encore made a lot of noise about Silent Storm going gold. After being delayed in October 2003, the Nival-developed hybrid of role-playing and tactical World War II strategy was ordered off to the factory. The M-rated game should arrive in stores by the end of January, and will retail for $49.99.

　　Developed by Russia-based Nival interactive, Silent Storm lets players strap on the boots of either an Axis or Allied soldier during World War II. According to GameSpot's preview, the story-driven gameplay will follow a party of six different soldier classes---Soldier, Engineer, Grenadier, Medic, Scout, and Sniper--through a lengthy campaign across Europe. Among the game's features are:

　　Over 75 authentic WWII weapons ranging from commando daggers to bazookas. Over 40 mercenaries of various sexes, nationalities, personalities, backgrounds. Two dozen non-linear Axis and Allied campaigns. Random mission generator and multi-function 3D map/scenario/campaign editor. Multiple paths to complete missions using either force or stealth. Over 50 additional abilities, such as pain resistance and sharphooting.