Mythos, the developer of the X-Com series, has announced its next title, Duel: The Mage Wars. The title is set for release through publisher Virgin Interactive before the end of the year.

　　Players will find themselves armed with a book of spells and a box that allows them to command mana - those are the tools they must use to battle the wizard overlords of 30 regions based on Celtic, Greek, and Medieval themes. Players will call upon creatures such as unicorns, elves, griffins, heroes, and zombies and cast spells such as Pestilence, Circle of Doubt, Lucifer's Farewell, and everyone's favorite, Gooey Blob.

　　"But the player should beware," Mythos warns. "All spells cast affect the universal balance. Cast too many Chaos spells and the whole realm is plunged into Chaos. Too many Law spells, and the realm will become bleak and oppressive."

　　The game will feature support for up to 36 players over the Internet and a soundtrack by the Afro Celt Sound System, which will offer "distinct themes for each realm using a symphony of ancient instruments against a modern background."